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-OF- 



STEUBEN COUNTY, 



NEW YORK, 



■^^=>WITHi^-J 



|[lliistrations anil ||iogra^liical ^kelclte^ 



<_€==OF^=^_J 



SOME OF ITS PROMINENT MEN AND PIONEERS. 




By Prof. W. W. CLAYTON. 



7 



PHILADELPHIA: 



1879. 




\i 



b 



^^%g7J;^^^g^j^j- ^,:.jU^i,|l,l,|.^,, ^ 




PRESS OF J. B. LIPPINCOTT & CO., PHILADELPHIA. 



.5? c& 



PREFACE. 



The History of Steuben County is made up chiefly of local annals. There is little 
in it which reaches back to the Colonial or even to the Revolutionary period. In the 
preparation of the following pages, everything known to the writer as furnishing any 
information respecting the state of this locality in the time of the Colonies and during the 
Revolution, has been cai'efuUy sought out and embodied in a few preliminary chapters. 

For our earliest geographical knowledge of this portion of the State of New York, 
we are indebted to the French military authorities at Fort Niagara, who, during the old 
contest with the English for supremacy over a large portion of this country, built and 
occupied that important garrison. Cajjtain Pouchot, a French engineer at Fort Niagara, 
made the first map in which the principal streams of this county are indicated, deriving 
his information of the topography of the country from the Indians, whose knowledge 
appears to have been remarkably accurate. This map is found in the " Paris Documents," 
and was published in Paris in 1758. 

The history which we have given of the aboriginal inhabitants of this county has 
not been confined to the fragments of tribes who inhabited it at the time of its first 
discovery by Europeans, but has taken a wider range, embracing a general account of 
the Indian nations from which they sprang, and, especially, of the Iroquois, who were 
the dominant race throughout this region of country. The rivalry and mutual conflicts 
between these and the Andastes and Delawares, leading to the final conquest of the latter 
and the colonization of a mixed remnant of the broken tribes within the territory of 
Steuben County, have also been brought to view, and the general subject, thus presented, 
has been sujiplemented by a chapter on the Indian occupancy of this county pi'ior to and 
during the period of the Revolution. This has been followed by an account of the general 
"condition of the Indians subsequent to the Revolution, and the extinguishment of their 
title to lands in the State of New York. 

The various documents, journals, and reports of the campaign of General Sullivan 
in 1779, and the histories and reminiscences of the Wyoming massacre, furnish us with 
the only knowledge we have of this locality during the struggle of the Colonies for 
independence. Happily, for our later history, the pre-emption i-ight of the State of Mas- 
sachusetts, the purchase of these lands by Phelps and Gorham, and the transmission of their 
title to tlie present inhabitants, are matters of public record. We have largely in this 
department availed ourselves of the excellent work of Mr. Turner, entitled " Phelps and 
Goi'ham's Purchase," and, in the later pha.ses of the Pulteney Estate, of the researches and 
conclusions of some of the most eminent legal minds in the county. It is unnecessary 
here to enumerate the authors we have consulted in the preparation of this volume, as they 
are generally referred to in the foot-notes or in the text of the work. 



a. 



PREFACE. 



Steuben County has had an organic existence of eighty-three years. It was settled 
originally by a hardy and enterprising class of jaeople. It would be strange if such a 
peojile, and their intelligent and progressive descendants, during a period of nearly a 
century, had not made history enough to fill one volume, to say nothing of the doings of 
their savage predecessors, or of the discoveries and military expeditions which prepared the 
way for their advent to these hills and valleys. The history made by the settlers and their 
descendants, the local annals of town and village, with which the work chiefly abounds, 
the recital of thrilling incidents of border life, the privations and hardships of the pio- 
neers, the rehearsal of the rude and quaint manners and customs of the " olden times," 
will have much more of interest for the general reader than the most profound and labored 
discussion of antiquities remote from actual life. 

The history contained in the present volume has been compiled with a great deal of 
labor; yet, it has been a pleasure to the writer. The citizens of the county, in every 
locality, have manifested an interest in the work, and many have freely and cheerfully 
aided in the collection of materials. The arrangement of the work is such as is deemed, 
upon the whole, best adapted to the orderly classification of the large amount of matter 
which such a coulity must necessarily furnish, the plan being, first, a general history of the 
county at large, and then a history of each separate town and village. The biographies, 
for the most part, with their accompanying portraits and views of residences, are placed in 
the several towns to which they belong, and the whole is carefully indexed, so as to facili- 
tate reference. We have deemed it most in harmony with common usage, as well as best 
adapted to give general satisfaction, to arrange the towns in alphabetical order. 

Among those whom the writer and joublishers desire especially to thank for valuable 
assistance rendered in the compilation of the work, are Hon. Guy H. McMaster, Ansel J. 
McCall, Esq., Hon. David Rumsey, R E. Robie, Esq.. Rev. James M. Piatt, and Rev. 

0. R. Howard, D.D., of Bath; Charles H. Erwin, of Painted Post; Wm. H. Bonham, 

1. W. Near, and Miles W. Hawley, Esqs., of Hornellsville ; C. H. Thomson, Esq., Hon. 
George T. Spencer, Dr. G. W. Pratt, Gen. J. H. Lansing, and C. D. Baker, Esq., of 
Corning; Ij. D. Hastings, T. M. Youuglove, and G. W. Nichols, Esqs., of Hammondsport ; 
Hon Jeremiah Baker and Joshua C. Stei)liens, of Canisteo ; Thos. S. Crosby, Valentine 
Van Wornier, and Thomas Warner, Esqs , of Cohocton ; William B. Pratt, Paul C. 
Howe, and J. H. Hotchkin, Esqs., of Prattsburgh. Besides these, many other gentle- 
men have aided us in procuring matter for our local histories of towns and villages, whose 
names are too numerous to mention in this connection. We are indebted to the editors 
of the county press, to the county clerk and his assistants, to the town clerks of the various 
towns, to many clergymen and church oificials, who have courteously and freely rendei-ed 
assistance in various ways. 

That the work we have compiled is perfect in eveiy respect we do not pretend. But 
we have aimed to make it as complete as possible under the circumstances, and such as it 
is we submit it to the candid judgment of our readers. 

w. w. c. 

April 1, 1879. 



CONTENTS. 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY. 

AFTER 

I. — Baron Steuben ..... 

II. — The Indians 

III. — Indians of the Susquehanna Valley . 
IV. — Indian Occupancy of Steuben County 
V. — Period of the Revolution . 
VI. — E.xtinguishment of the Indian Title 
VII. — Treaty of Oliver Phelps with the Seneca Indians 
Vin. — The Phelps and Gorham Purchase . 
IX.— The Pulteney Estate .... 

X. — Early Settlement of the County 
XI. — Ontario County ..... 
XII. — Organization of Steuben County 
XIII. — Geography, Topography, and Geology 
XIV.— Steuben County Civil List . 
XV. — Bench and Bar of Steuben County . 
XVI.— The County Press .... 
XVII. — The Land Controversy 

XVIII.— Societies 

XIX. — New York State Soldiers' and Sailors' Home . 

XX. — Grape-Growing and AVine-iVlaking . 
XXI. — Statistics of Population, Agriculture, Churches 
XXII.— Military History— War of 1812— Mexican War 
XXIII.— Military History Continued— War of the Rebellion— 
2'Jd New York Infantry- Battery E, 1st N. Y. Light 
Artillery — .'i4th Regiment Infantry 
XXIV. — Military History Continued — S6th Regiment . 
XXV.— Military History Continued — 107th Regiment . 
XXVI.— Military History Continued— 141st and 161st Regi- 
ments ......... 

XXVII.— Military History Continued— lS9th Regiment . 
Statistical Directorv of Steubkn Cocntv . . . . 



PAGE 

9 
15 
19 
22 
25 
30 
37 
40 
44 
46 
50 
52 
54. 
59 
64 
76 
81 
86 
91 
95 



103 



105 
110 

120 

127 
134 
452 ' 



TOWNS AND VILLAGES OF STEUBEN COUNTS 



Addison 

Avoca 

Bath -. 

Bradford 

Cameron 

Campbell 

Cauisteo 

Caton . 

Cohocton 

Corning 

Dansville 

Erwin 

Fremont 

Greenwood 

Hartsville 

Hornby 

Iloi-nellsville 

Howard 

Jasper 

Lindley 

Prattsburj 

Pulteney 

Rathbone 

Thurston 

Troupsburgh 

Tuscarura 

Urbana 

Wayland 

Wayne 

Weiit Union 

Wheeler 

Wood hull 



ILIliT7STE.-A.TI03SrS. 



Portrait of Baron Steuben .... 
Map of Steuben County .... 
Pencil Sketch of Ravine at Hammondsport 
Portrait (steel) of Hon. Thos. A. Johnson 
Portrait (steel) of Hon. David Ruuisey 
Portrait of Hon. David McMaster 
Portrait of Hon. George T. Spencer . 
Portrait of Hon. W. M. Hawley 
Portrait (steel) of Hon. Harlo Hakes 
New Y'ork State Soldiers' and Sailors' Home 
Portrait of Gen. J. II. Lansing . 
Portrait (steel) of Gen. N. M. Crane. 

ADDISON. 

Portrait of William Wombougli . 
Portrait of J. H. Miles 
Portrait of Joel D. Gillet . 
Portrait of Dr. Bradley Blakslee 
Portrait of Dr. Reuben P. Brown 

AVOCA. 

Portraits of Thomas Cotton and Wife 
Residence of Thomas Cotton 
Portrait of Oscar S. Smith . . . 



PAOE 

facing 9 

" 54 

. AS 



facing Os 

70 

. 72 

ijCtween 72, 73 

" 72, ,3 

facing 74 

. 91 

facing 110 

119 



facing 141 

. 150 

. 151 

. 152 

. 153 



facing 154 

154 

" 156 



Portrait of David Robords 

Portrait of N. B. Chase 

Portrait of Christopher Patterson, M.D. 

Portrait of Alexander Arnold 

Portrait of H. H. Bouton . 



PA< 

between 156, IJ 

facing li 

1 



BATH 

Village of Bath in 1804 . 
Views in Bath, New York . 
Portraits of John L. Smith and Wife 
Residence of .John L. Smith 
Portrait of Lay Noble 
Portraits of George S. Haverling and Wife 
Residence of George S. Haverling 
Portrait of Hon. L. N. Rider . 
Portrait of Lansing D. Ilodgman 
Portrait of William B. Ruggles . 
Portrait of Addison F. Ellas 
Portrait of Monroe lirundage 
Portrait (steel) of Col. Ira Davenport 
Davenport Home for Orphan Girls (steel) 
Portrait of Hon. John Magee (steel) . 
Portrait (steel) of Hon. Constant Cook 
Portrait of John A. Bowlby and Wife 
Residence of John A. Bowlby . 



iicing 


1( 


ti' 


1( 


belwcfn 162 


1 


162 


!■ 


iicing 


16 


between 168 


16 


" 168 


16 


facing 


17 


" 


17 


" 


17 


n 


IS 


it 


18 


jetween 186, 


18 


' 186, 


IS 


facing 


18 


" 


18! 


'■ 


13' 




19 



CONTENTS. 



XXjXjJJSTIEbJ^TXOJSrS. 



BRADFOKD. 

'ortraits of John Eisbpaugb and Wife 
'ortraits of B, B. Switzer and Wife . 
'ortrait (steel) of Jesse Munson 
'ortrait of William Hedges 



facini 



Wifi 



his 



CAMPBELL 

Residence of J. D. Hamilton 
Portrait of Geo. W. Campbell . 
Portraits of Jonas Stevens and Wife , 
Portraits of l)eacon Jacob Woodward and 
Portraits of W. W. Bartlett and Wife 
Portraits of Abram llollenbeck and Wife 
Portraits of John P. Knox and AVife . 
Residence of I). B. Curtis . 
Portrait (steel) of J. D. Hamiltcm 
Portrait (steel) of Daniel B. Curtis . 

CANISTEO. 

Residence of A. J. Carter . 

Canisteo House, Canisteo, N. Y. 

Portraits of George H. Stephens and Wife 

Portraits of Nathan Crosby and Wife 

Portrait of Mrs. Rhoda Stephens 

Portrait of George J. and Elizabeth Stephi 

P-^Ttraits of M. H. Stephens and Wife 

Portrait of Hon. Jeremiah Baker 

Portrait of Lyman A. Cook 

Portraits of Thomas Hallett and Wife 

Residence of Thomas Hallett 

H. O'arter and Sons, Canisteo Iron-AVorks 

Biy.ik Block, Canisteo, \. Y. , 

3gish-, Boor-, and Blind-Factory, A. B. Vor 

■^'ortraits of C. B. Travis and Wife 

*ortrait of Nathan Stephens 

ortrait of Joshua C. Stephens . 
irtrait of John Carter and Wife 
'sidence of John Carter . 

CATON. 

Portraits of Philip Hubbard and Wife 
Residence of Philip Hubbard 
Portrait of John Gillett .... 
Portrait of William D. Gilbert . 
'*ortraits of Lucius J. and Benoni Johnson 
ortraits of Deacon Titus Smith and Wife 
rtraits of Col. Frederick Barnard and Wife 

COHOCTON. 

jrtraits of V. V'.u 'vVormer anu Wife 
Portraits of Lewis and Smith Clayson 
Portrn'A (steel) of George W. Drake . 
Poi trait of Thomas C. Armstrong 
Portraits "f David S. Wait and Wife 



CORNING. 

Pincwood Cure, Dr. A. J. Ingcrsoll . 

Portraits of Rev. B. F. Balcom and Wife 

Portrait of John McBurney 

Residence of John McBumey 

Portraits of Hiram Pritchard and Wife 

Portrait of H. W. Bostnick 

Portrait (steel) of Henry B. Noyes . 

"Evergreens," Residence of H. B. Noyes 

Portrait of Stephen T. Hayt 
■ Corning Glass-Works .... 
'Stea-n Granite- and Marble-Works 

Portrait (ste;ll of Q. W. Wellington . 



PAOG 

192 
198 
200 
201 





facing 


207 


" 


208 


between 208, 


209 


facing 


209 


between 210, 


211 


•' 210, 


211 


facing 


21.'i 


it 


214 


between 21 B 


217 


" 216 


217 


facing 


217 


. 


217 


•f 


218 


between 218, 


219 


" 218, 


219 


. " 218, 


219 


facing 


219 


" 


220 


. 


221 


between-222. 


223 


" 222 


223 


" 224 


225 


" 224, 


225 


" 224, 


225 


facing 


226 






228 






228 




facing 


229 




" 


229 



K 



Portrait of William Walker 
-•Corning Free Academy .... 

Portrait of W. W. Wormley 
-Residence of W. W. Wormley . 

Portrait of Joshua B. Graves, M.D. . 

Portrait of Chas. H. Thomson . 

Portrait of Alonzo H. Gorton 

Portrait (steel) of Hon. John N. Hungerford 

Portrait (steel) of Hon. 0. C. B. Walker . 

Portrait (steel) of Hon. George B. Bradley 

Portrait (steel) of Franklin N. Drake 

Portrait (steel) of Ellsworth D. Mills 

Portrait (steel) of Austin Lathrop, Jr. 

Portrait of Henry Goft" .... 

Portraits of John Storms and Wife . 
-•Residence of John Storms .... 



facing 230 
230 

" 232 

" 234 

" 235 

" 235 

" 235 



240 





lacuig itu 




244 




249 




. 250 




. 251 


facing 252 




between 252, 253 




" 252, 253 




" 252, 253 




facing 254 




" 255 




between 250, 257 




" 256, 257 




facing 259 




260 




260 




261 



DANSVILLE 

Portraits of John P. Faulkner and Wife 
'Residence of Joshua Healey 

Portraits of Jarvis P. Case and Wife . 

Portraits of Morgan H. Carney and Wife 
, Portraits of Philetus Allen and Wife. . 
\5'ortraits of J. A. and Spencer B. Jones^ 

Portraits of Michael Weber and Wife 
'"Residence of Michael Weber 

Portraits of Isaac Shipman and Wife 
.> Residence of Isaae Shipman 

ERWIN. 

Portrait of Edward Townscnd . 
Portraits of John JI. Patterson and Wife 
Portraits of Lyman Balcom and Wife 
"Residence of Lyman Balcom 
Portraits of Calvin Lovell and Wife . 
Portrait of Willis J. Savory 
Portrait of W. S. Hodgman 
Portraits of Peter Covenhoven and Wife 
Portraits of Isaac P. Goodsell and Wife 
Portraits of Philo Campbell and Wife 
Portrait (steel) of Gen. Francis E. Erwin 
Portrait (steel) of Arthur H. Erwin . 

FREMONT. 

Portrait of Elisha G. Stephens . 
Portraits of Henry Cotton and Wife . 

GREENWOOD. 

Portrait of Jesse T. Atkins 

Portrait of Alexander H. Stephens 

Portrait of Asa H. Stepucns 

Povlrait of Levi Davis .... 



HORNBY. 

Portraits of Deacon John Si. John and Wife 
Portraits of Col. N. B. Stanton and Wife 
Portraits of Daniel Goodsell and Wife 
Portraits of George Goodsell and Wife 
Portraits of Samuel Lilly and Wife . 
Portraits of J. B. Wasson and Wife . 
-Residence of J. B. Wasson 
Portraits of Theodore Hendrick and Wife 

HORNELLSVILLE. 

Portrait of Hon. Asa McConncll 
Portrait of Christopher Uurlbut 
Portraits of Francis Colgrove and Wife 
Portrait of John S. Sharp . 
Portrait of William Woolcvcr . 



PAGE 

between 276, 277 

. 262 

between 264, 265 

264, 265 

facing 267 

268 

269 

" 272 

" 273 

between 274, 275 

" 274, 275 

facing 275 

" 276 

between 276, 277 

facing 277 

277 



facing 278 

279 

between 280, 281 

280, 281 

" 282, 283 

" 282, 283 

facing 284 

" 284 

•' 285 

" 285 



facing 2S6 

287 

between 288, 289 

" 288, 289 

" 290, 291 

" 290, 291- 

" 290, 291 

290, 291 

292, 293 

292. 293 

290, 297 

296, 297 



facing 298 
" 300 



facing 304 

. 306 

. 307 

. 308 



facing 



313 

" 314 

between 314, 315 

" 314, 315 

facing 316 

" 317 

" 317 

. 317 



facing 318 

" 320 

between 320, 321 

" 320, 321 

facing 322 



CONTENTS. 



iXjXjTJSTK.^Tionsrs. 



Portraits of George Davenport and Wife 
-•Residence of Gteorge Davenport 

Portrait of Walter G. Rose 

Portrait of James Alley 

Portrait of D. K. Belknap . 

Portrait of N. B. Haskell . 
_ Residence of N. B. Haskell 

Portrait of Alanson Stephens 

Portrait of Dr. John S. Jameson 

Portrait of Dr. S. E. Shattuck . 

Portrait of Dr. L. A. Ward 

Portrait of Rufus Tuttle . 

Portrait of Martin Adsit . 

Portrait of Charles N. Hurt 

Portrait of George W. Terry 

Portrait of Charles Hartshorn . 

Portrait of Hiram C. Orcutt 

Portrait of iMichacI Crotty 
-Residence of Mrs. Michael Crotty 

Portrait of W. L. Sutton . 

Portrait of Dr. C. D. Robinson . 

Portrait of Dr. J. W. Robinson . 

HOWARD. 

Portrait of Dr. Abijah B. Case . 
Portrait of Seth H. Rice . 
Portraits of Joel Russel anrl Wife 
Portraits of Joel Bullard and Wife . 

JASPER. 

Portraits of Amos F. Woodbury and Wife 
Portraits of Allen Drake and Wife . 
Portrait of Dr. Solomon Deck . 
Portraits of Henry Stearns and Wife 
Portrait of Deacon Thomas Whiting . 

PRATTSBURGH. 

Portrait of Dr. Philo K. Stoddard 
Portraits of Charles Waldo and Wife 
Portraits of Lucius Waldo and Wife 
Portraits of Luther Graves and Wife . 
^ Farm Residence of Luther Graves 
Portrait of Joseph G. Sturdevant 
Portraits of E. A. Hubbard and Wife. 
Portraits of Harry Godfrey and Wife 
Portraits of Ira C. Williams and Wife 
Portraits of Benjamin Cook and Wife 







PAQB 


between 322, 


323 




" 322, 


323 




facing 

n 


324 
325 
325 


between 326, 


327 




" 326 


327 




facing 


327 

328 


jeti 


veen 328, 


329 


' 


328 


329 




328, 


329 




facing 


329 


between 330, 


331 


' 


330 


331 




facing 


333 
333 


between 334, 


335 


' 


334, 


335 
336 




facing 


337 
337 




facing 


338 




tt 


339 


bet 


xeen 340 


341 




340 


341 




facing 


342 
343 
346 
349 
349 




facing 


356 


bet 


veen 356 


357 




356 


357 




358 


359 




338 


359 




facing 


360 



362 
364 
366 
369 



Portrait (steel) of G. R. R. Ainsworth 

Portrait of Hon. Charles G. Higby 

Portraits of Aaron Pinney and AVife 
-Residence of Wm. B. Pratt 

Portrait of Wm. B. Pratt . 

Portraits of Otis Waldo and Wife 
'Residence of J. A. Waldo . 

Portrait of J. M. Hopkins 
^Residence of J. M. Hopkins 

Portraits of John Van Housen and Wife 



PAOK 

facing 371 

. 371 

. 372 

facing 373 

. 373 

facing 374 

" 374 

375 

" 375 

. .376 



PULTENEY. 

Portrait of John Coryell .... 

THURSTON. 

Portraits of Judge L. H. Phillips and Wife 

TROUPSBURGH. 

Portraits of Hon. Samuel (iriggs and Wife . 
Portrait of Dr. N. M. Perry 
Portrait of James Carpenter 



facing 378 



391 



facing 392 

396 

. 401 



URBAN A. 

Portrait of D ■. M. T. Babcook . 

Portrait of John W. Taggart 
-Residence of John W. Taggart . 

Portrait of William Hastings 

Portrait of L. D. Hastings 

Portraits of Benjamin Myrtle and Wife 

Portraits of David Bailey and Wife . 

Residence of Adsit Bailey 

Portraits of Charles L. Bailey and Wife 
. Residence of Charles L. Bailey . 

WAYNE. 

Portraits of Joel Wixson and Wife 

- Residence of Joel Wixson 
Portraits of M. V. Knapp and Wife 

- Residence of M. V. Knapp 
Portrait of P-ancis M. McDowell 
Portraits of Lewis V. Houck and Wife 
Portrait (steel) of Samuel Hallett 

WEST UNION. 

Portraits of David Sherman and Wife 

WHEELER. 

Portrait of 6cn. 0. F. Marshal . 



facing 408 

between 408, 409 

" 408, 409 

. 412 

. 412 

facing 412 

414 

" 414 

419 

" 419 



facing 425 

" 425 

" 426 

" 426 

428 

430 

433 



439 



441 



biogi^^i='I3:io^Ij- 



NAME. 




PAGE 


Hon. A^incent Matthews 




64 


Gen. Daniel Cruger 




65 


Judge Welles 




67 


Hon. Thomas A. .Tohnson . 




(-.8 


John Baldwin 




09 


Hon. David Rumscv . 




70 


li^n. Edward Howell . 




71 


William Howell, Esq. . 




71 


llo'i. Robert Campbell 




71 


Hon. William Woods . 




72 


Hon. William B. Rochester 




72 


Hon. David McMastor ' 




72 


Hon. George T. S])encer 


between 


72,73 


Hon. W. M. Hawley . 


•' 


72, 73 


Hon. Joseph G. Masten 




73 


Henry AV. Rogers, Esq. 




73 


Vincent M. Coryell 




73 


Schuyler S. Strong, Esq. 


. 


73 



NAME. 

Hon. S. n. Hammond 
Hon. Washington Barnes 
Hon. Guy H. McMiister 
Ausel J. McCall, Esq. . 
Alfred P. Ferris, Esq. . 
Charles F. Kingsley, Esq. 
lion. William E, Bonham 
Hon. L. H. Read 
Hon. Ziba A. Leiand . 
Hon. .Andrew G. ChatticM 
Hon. Ilarlo Hakes 
R. L. Brundage, Esq. . 
Hon. John K. Hale 
Thomas J. Reynold.-^ . 
Hon. Horace Bemis 
Jaiues H. Stephens, Esq. 
I. W. Near, Esq. . 
Hon. William Irvine . 




NAME. PAQB 

Joseph Herron, John Maynard . . 75 
Henry G. Cotton, Henry Sherwood . 75 
(icn. J. II. Lansing . . facing 110 

Gen. Nirom M. Crane .... 119 



ADDISON. 

William Wombough 

.1. 11. Miles. 

Major Rufus Baldwin 

.Jc.el D. Gillet 

Dr. Bradley Blakslee 

Dr. Reuben P. Brown 



fiicing 141 
149 
150 
151 
152 
153 



AVOCA. 

Oscar S. Smith . . . facing 156 
David L. Robords . between 156, 157 
XiithanicI B. Chase . . facing 157 
Christopher Patterson, M.D. " 158 



' 8 



CONTENTS. 



B I O G- K/ JL 1= H: I O J^ Xj. 



NAMK. 




FAOB 


NAME. 




PAOS 


NAHE. 


PAOE 


Alexander Arnold 


facing 


159 


Alonzo H. Gorton 


. facing 269 


Rufus Tuttle . between 328 


,329 


Hon. H. H. Bouton . 




159 


Hon. John N. Ilungerford . 


. 272 


Martin Adsit 


329 


Thomas Cotton . 




159 


Hon. C. C. B. Walker 




. 273 


Charles N. Hart . . between 330 


,331 


BATH. 






Hon. George B. Bradley 


. 275 


George W. Terry . " 330 


331 






Franklin N. Drake 




. 275 


Charles Hartshorn . . facing 


333 


John L. Smith 


between 162, 


163 


Ellsworth D. Mills 




. 275 


Hiram C. Orcott, M.D. 


333 


Lay Noble . 


facing 


107 


Austin Lathrop, Jr. 




. 276 


Michael Crotty . . between 334 


,335 


George S. Haverling . 


between 168, 


169 


Quincy W. Wellington 




. 276 


William L. Sutton .... 


336 


Hon. L. N. Rider 


facing 


173 


Henry Goff . 


between 276, 277 


C. D. Robinson, M.D. . . facing 


337 


Lansing D. Hodgman . 


*' 


175 


William Walker . 


" 276, 277 






William B. Ruggles 


•' 


176 


John Storms 


. 277 


HOWARD. 




Addison F. Ellas . 


" 


182 






Abijah B. Case, M.D. . . facing 


338 


Monroe Brundage 


" 


183 


DANSVILLE. 


Seth H. Rice ... " 


339 


? '-. Ira Davenport 


. 


186 


John P. Faulkner 


. facing 278 


Joel Russcl . . . between 340 


,341 


Hon. John Mageo 




187 


Jarvis P. Case 


between 280, 281 


Joel BuUard . " 340 


,341 


Hon. Constant Cook 


. 


189 


Morgan H. Carney 


280, 281 






John A. Bowlby . 




190 


Philetus Allen . 


. " 282, 283 


JASPER. 










J. A. and Spencer B. i 
Michael Weber . 


ones " 282, 283 


Amos F. Woodbury . facing 


342 


BRADFORD. 




. 284 


Allen Drake ... *• 


343 


John Kishpaugh . 


facing 


192 • 


Isaac Shipman 


. 285 


Solomon Deck, M.D. . . " 


346 


B. B. Switzer 


" 


198 






Henry Stearns ... " 


349 


Jesse Munson 




200 


ERWIN. 


Deacon Thomas Whiting 


349 


William Hedges . 


• 


201 


Edward Townscnd 
John M. Patterson 


facing 286 

" 287 


PRATTSBURGH. 




CAMPBELIi. 




Hon. Lj'man Balcom . 


between 288, 289 


Philo K. Stoddard, M.D. . facing 


356 


Geo. W. Campbell 


facing 


208 


Calvin Lovell 


290, 291 


Charles Waldo . . between 356 


357 


Jonas Stevens 


between 208 


209 


Willis J. Savory . 


290, 291 


Lucius-Waldo . . " 356 


337 


Deacon Jacob Woodward 


facing 


209 


Warren S. Hodgman . 


" 290, 291 


Luther Gi aves . . " 358 


359 


W. W. Bartlett . 


between 210 


211 


Peter Covcnhoven 


290, 291 


Joseph G. Sturdevant . facing 


360 


.\bram HoUenbeck 


'' 210 


211 


Isaac P. Goodsell 


292, 293 


E. A. Hubbard ... 


362 


John P. Kdox 


facing 


213 


Philo Campbell . 


292, 293 


Harry Godfrey ... " 


364 


John D. Hamilton 




216 


Col. Arthur Erwin 


. 296 


Ira C. Williams ... " 


366 


Daniel B. Curtis . 




216 


Capt. Samuel Erwin 


. 296 


Benjamin Cook ... " 


369 








Gen. Francis E. Erwin 


. 297 


Hon. Robert Porter .... 


369 


CANISTEO. 




Arthur II. Erwiii 


. 297 


G. R. R. Ainsworth . . facing 


371 


---{reorge H. Stephens . 


facing 


218 






Hon. Charles G. Higby 


371 


Nathan Crosby . 


between 218 


219 


FREM 


ONT. 


Aaron Pinney 


372 


Joshua Stephens 


218 


219 


Elisha G. Stephens 


facing 298 


Wm. B. Pratt 


373 


M. H. Stephens . 


facing 


91Q 


Henry Cotton 


300 


Otis Waldo 


374 


Hon. Jeremiah Baker 


(( • 


220 






Joseph M. Hopkins .... 


374 


Lyman A. Cook . 


" 


221 


GREENE 


kVOOD. 


John Van Housen .... 


375 


Thomas Hallett . 
C. B. Travis 


between 222 
facing 


223 
226 


Jesse T. Atkins . 
Hon. Alexander H. St 


facing 304 
sphens . . 306 


PULTENEY. 




Nathan Stephens 




227 


Asa U. Stephens 


. 307 


John Coryell . . . facing 


378 


John Carter 




229 


Levi Davis . 


. 308 


THURSTON. 




CATON 


. 




HORI 


JBY. 


Judge L. H. Phillips .... 


391 


John Gillett 
William D. Gilbert 


facing 

n 


232 
234 


Deacon John St. John 
Col. N. B. Stanton 


facing 313 
314 


TROUPSBURGH. 




Philip Hubbard . 


. 


235 


Daniel Goodsell . 


between 314, 315 


Hon. Samuel Griggs . . facing 


392 


Benoni and Lucius Johnson 


235 


George Goodsell . 


314, 315 


N. M. Perry, M.D. . . " 


396 


Deacon Titus Smith . 


. 


236 


Samuel Lilly 


facing 316 


James Carpenter ..... 


400 


Col. Frederick Barnard 




236 


Theodore Ilendrick 


. 317 


URBANA. 




COHOCTON. 




John B. Wasson . 


. 317 


M. T. Babcock, M.D. . . facing 


408 


Valentino Van Wormer 


facing 


240 


HORNEIil 


..SVILLE. 


John W. Taggart . between 408, 


409 


Lewis and Smith Clayson 
George W. Drake 


it 


244 
249 


Hon. Asa McConnell 
Christopher Hurlbut 


facing 318 
320 


Benjamin Myrtle . . facing 
Charles L. Bailey .... 


412 
419 


Thomas C. Armstrong 




250 


Francis Colgrovc 


between 320, 321 


WAYNE. 




David S. Wait . 




251 


John S. Sharp . 


320, 321 


Francis M. McDowell . . facing 


428 


CORNING. 




William Woolever 
George Davenport 


facing 322 
between 322, 323 


Lewis V. Houck ... " 

M. V. Knapp 

Joel AVixson ..... 


430 
432 


Rev. Benjamin F. Balcom 


between 252, 253 


Walter G. Rose . 


facing 324 


432 
433 


John McBurney . 


. •' 252 


,253 


James Alley 


" 325 


Samuel Hallett 


Hiram Pritchard 


. facing 254 


Daniel K. Belknap 


. 325 






Hiram W. Bostwick . 


" 


255 


N. B. Haskell 


between 326, 327 


WEST UNION. 




Hon. Stephen T. Hayt 


•' 


259 


Alanson Stephens 


facing 327 


David Sherman 


439 


W. W. Wormley . 


between 264 


,265 


John S. Jameson, M.I 


" 328 






Joshua B. Graves, M.D, 


. facin 


;267 


S. E. Shattuck, M.D. 


. between 328, 829 


WHEELER. 




Chas. n. Thomson 


it 


2G8 


Luman A. Ward, M.D. 


" 328, 329 


Gen. Otto F. Marshal .... 


441 




liaiaoKi iiraiyBSiM. 



HISTORY 



OF 



STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



CHAPTER I. 

BARON STEUBEN. 
His Early Life and Military Services in Europe. 

This county derives its name from Frederic William 
Augustus, Baron Steuben. The baron never had the honor 
of living within its borders. He was one of those distin- 
guished foreigners, like Lafiiyette, De Kalb, and Kosci- 
usko, who came to this country to aid the cause of liberty 
in the American Revolution. Unlike those other distin- 
guished foreigners, however, who first became conspicuously 
known on this side of the ocean, Steuben had acquired a 
high military reputation in the Prussian service, where he 
had attained the rank of aide-de-camp to Frederic the Great, 
and was particularly connected with the quartermaster- 
general's department. 

Frederic William Augustus, Baron Stkuben, was 
born about 1730, in some part of Germany, probably in 
Suabia, as he possessed a small estate in that province. 
That he was not a Prussian by birth is shown by a remark 
of his on one occasion, that if he had been a native subject 
the gi'eat Frederic would certainly have dispatched him as 
a prisoner to Spandau for daring to request a dismission 
from his service. The fiither of Baron Steuben in 1779 
wrote a letter to Dr. Franklin, making inquiry about his 
son. It is dated Custrin, Prussia, Oct. 8, 1779, and is 
signed " W. K. von Steuben, Major and Chevalier of the 
Order of Merit." In this letter the father says he is eighty- 
one years old, and his wife seventy-three. 

Steuben was fortunate enough to engage the friendship 
and confidence of Prince Henry, the king's brother, to 
whose family he was for some time attached. In an un- 
fortunate campaign, the prince incurred tlie displeasure of 
his inexorable brother. He was ordered to retire from the 
field, and his suite were placed in situations intended to make 
them feel the misfortune of being friends to a man who 
had dared to displease the king. Steuben was sent into 
Silesia, with orders to recruit, equip, and discipline, within 
a certain period, a regiment broken down by long and hard 
service. The pecuniary allowance was wholly insufficient 
for the end proposed ; but in such a service no intrinsic 
difficulties could excuse a failure in executing the king's 
commands. The baron repaired to the appointed spot, and 
by his unwearied exertions the regiment was maruhcd com- 



plete to headquartei-s within the prescribed time. This 
service was performed at an early period, and probably pro- 
cured the appointment which he subsequently held, of aide- 
de-camp to Frederic himself. 

An arbitrary exertion of the royal authority, consequent 
upon the peace of Hubertsburg, in 1763, induced him to 
withdraw from the Prussian army, which he did without 
forfeiting the favor of the king. He seems ever after to 
have retained a strong attachment for his stern old master, 
and was observed to be much affected on receiving news of 
that monarch's death in America. 

That his military talents were highly esteemed in Prussia 
is shown by a fact of more recent date. When, in the 
course of the Revolutionary war in this country. Congress 
applied to the several European courts for a transcript of 
their military codes, the prime minister of Prussia replied 
that their military instructions had never been published, 
nor even transcribed, except for the use of the generals. 
He added that he was surprised at the request, for he un- 
derstood that Baron Steuben was employed in the American 
service, and that no one was better able to give accurate 
information respecting the minutest details of the Prussian 
system. 

Upon leaving the array, Steuben repaired to his estate of 
Weilheim, in southea.stern Bavaria. In 1764, Prince Ho- 
henzoUern-Heehingen made him manshal of the court, 
with a salary of twelve hundred florins. He was at the 
same period appointed colonel in the Circle of Suabia, an 
office more honorable than lucrative. The troops of the 
Circle were chiefly militia, and the duty couisisted in little 
else than attending a periodical review. In 1767, Prince 
Margrave, of Baden, made him a Knight of the Order 
of Fidelity, and soon after gave him the chief command 
of the troops, with the rank and title of general, and yearly 
emoluments to the amount of two thousand florins. Thus 
situated, he refused two liberal profliirs from the prime 
minister of Austria to induce him to enter the service o 
the emperor. 

Steuben retained through life the pride and bearing of 
an old soldier. He always wore the insignia of his order, 
a star ornamented with gold and diamonds, suspended at the 
bi'east of his coat. His military subordinates were obliged 
to conform strictly to the rules of etiquette in rendering the 
outward testimonials of respect due to his office. A little 
incident, which occurred near the close of the American 

9 



10 



HISTOKY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



war, affords an amusing illustration of this amiable weak- 
ness. 

One day, while at dinner at headquarters, the baron 
happened to express himself with much feeling and energy 
on some important subject. Gouverneur Morris, who sat 
at his right hand, was peculiarly struck with the remark, 
and, in his frank way, slapped Steuben somewhat roughly 
on the back, and cried out with an oath, " Well done, 
general, well done !" Much irritated at the insult, as he 
deemed it, the old baron abruptly quitted the table, and re- 
tired to his marquee, exclaiming, with great warmth, " Con- 
found the fellow ! with his old wooden leg he will govern 
the whole country!" 

The circumstances which induced Baron Steuben to take 
an active part in the American struggle for independence 
are briefly as follows : 

In April, 1777, he visited Paris, with the intention of 
repairing to London about the end of June, whither ho 
had been invited by Lords Spencer and Warwick, whose 
acquaintance he had previously formed in Germany. As 
good fortune would have it, he was induced by Count de 
St. Germain, the French minister of war, to postpone his 
visit to England, and finally to abandon it ; otherwise, he 
might never have joined the American army. 

There was much interest at that time in France respect- 
ing the difficulties between England and the colonies, and 
the French ministers wished to aid the revolutionists as far 
as they could without openly compromising themselves with 
England. 

On his arrival in Paris, Steuben sent a note to St. Ger- 
main, testifying a desire to visit him at Versailles. The 
same evening Col. Pagenstecher, a gentleman attached to 
the court, waited upon Steuben to inform him that St. 
Germain desired him not to come to Versailles, but to be 
at tlie arsenal in Paris in the course of a few days, where 
the count wished to converse with him on business of im- 
portance. As Steuben had no project to execute, nor any 
favor to ask of the count, there was a mystery in this pro- 
ceeding which he could not fathom. At the interview, 
however, which soon occurred, all was explained. 

St. Germain laid the American cause before the baron 
in as flattering colors as possible. The Spanish minister. 
Count d'Aranda. the Prince de Montbarrey, and, finally, 
Vergennes himself, added the weight of their authority to 
the propcsal of St. Germain. As the French ministers 
had no authority to settle upon terms, they referred the 
matter to the American envoys then in Paris. At the 
house of M. de Beaumarchais, Steuben was introduced to 
Dr. Franklin and Silas Deane. At the same place he 
became acquainted with Peter S. du Ponceau, then a 
young man only seventeen years of age, whose services as 
an interpreter (for he spoke English fluently) were pecu- 
liarly valuable. The envoys showed a desire to enlist the 
baron in the American cause, but when the terms were 
mentioned a difficulty immediately arose. Mr. Deane was 
willing to enter into any proper engagement, but Dr. 
Franklin demurred, and urged that he had no authority 
from Congress to form any contract whatever with any 
foreign officer, still less to make the required advance of 
funds to defray the expenses of the voyage. On the con- 



trary, Congress had already refused to ratify the conditions 
upon which he had engaged M. Ducoudray and the officers 
of his suite to embark for America. 

To the baron this answer was decisive, and he soon af\er 
left Paris and returned to Germany. But St. Germain 
and others were unwilling to let the matter rest. They 
wrote to Steuben that a ship was all ready to sail for 
America, and induced him to return early in August, and 
embark without any stipulations from the American min- 
isters, but with letters of introduction to Washington and 
the President of Congress. On the failure of any other 
chance, he was to rely on the French court for remunera- 
tion, and Beaumarchais advanced the money to defray 
immediate expenses. 

The French ship, UHeureitx, of twenty-eight guns, 
commanded by Capt. Landais, who had served under Bou- 
gainville in his voyage round the world, was appointed for 
the expedition. Her name was changed to Le Flamand, 
and she was ostensibly freighted by private individuals for 
a voyage to Martinique. But her lading really consisted 
of arms and munitions of war for the American service, 
and the captain had secret orders to proceed to the United 
States. 

Baron Steuben embarked at Marseilles, on the 26th of 
September, 1777, under the assumed name of Monsieur de 
Frank. His suite consisted of M. du Ponceau, who acted 
as private secretary, and three French officers, — Romanai, 
L'Enfant, and Ponthierre. After a rough voyage the ship 
arrived at Portsmouth, New Hampshire, on the 1st of De- 
cember. On their first communication with the shore, they 
received the news of the capture of Burgoyne, an event of 
happy omen to Steuben, as it assured him that he had not 
embarked in a desperate cause. 

He immediately wrote to Gen. Washington, inclosing 
Dr. Franklin's letter, and requesting permission to enter 
the American service, if no other arrangement could im- 
mediately be made, in the capacity of a volunteer. '' I 
could .say, moreover," he added, " were it not for the fear 
of oifending your modesty, that your Excellency is the only 
person under whom, after having served under the King of 
Prussia, I could wish to pursue an art to which I have 
wholly given up myself. I intend to go to Boston in a few 
days, where I shall present my letters to Mr. Hancock, 
member of Congress, and there I shall wait for your Excel- 
lency's orders, according to which I shall take convenient 
measures." 

Washington replied on the 9th of January, 1778, refer- 
ring the baron to Congress, then in session at Yorktown, 
Pa. On the day after his arrival at that place, Congress 
appointed a committee of five members to confer with him. 
The famous Dr. Witherspoon was chairman, and the only 
one to whom Steuben could explain him.self in French. 
Steuben said, in answer to the questions of the committee, 
that he had come to serve as a volunteer in the army, and 
in order to do this he had resigned offices in Europe which 
gave him an income of six hundred pounds sterling. If 
his services should not prove acceptable, or if the United 
States should fail in establishing their independence, he 
would hold them quit of any obligation to him, either for 
indemnity or reward. But if the value of his services 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



11 



should be acknowledged by the cotninander-in-chief, and the 
war sliould have a prosperous issue, ho hoped that Congress 
would restore the money he had advanced, would render 
him an equivalent for the oflSces he liad resigned, and give 
him such further compensation as they might deem he had 
deserved. In the mean time he expected that the officers 
of his suite should receive employment suitable to their ex- 
perience and rank These modest and reasonable proposi- 
tions were immediately accepted by Congress, with a vote 
of thanks to Steuben for his patriotic offer, and an order for 
him to join the army at once, which was then in winter 
quarters at Valley Forge. His reputation had preceded 
him, and all ranks were eager to see and greet the distin- 
guished foreigner, who had come to devote his military skill 
to the cause of American freedom. 

BARON STEUBEN IN THE AMERICAN ARMY. 

The condition of the Continental troops during the 
<;loomy winter at Valley Forge is too well known to need 
description. It was wretched in the extreme. Reduced 
to a mere handful in point of numbers, half-clothed, and 
ill-sheltered from the inclemency of the weather, they owed 
their preservation to the supineness or ignorance of the 
enemy. The baron frequently declared that no European 
army could be kept together under such dreadful privations. 
Discipline was relaxed, and the performance of military du- 
ties frequently postponed, from the necessity of employing 
the soldiers in excursions to procure daily subsistence, or of 
keeping them housed because they were too poorly clad to 
endure the open air. As he passed through the canton- 
ment, says his aide-de-camp, the baron was obliged to see 
through the half closed doors of the huts the wretched fig- 
ures of the soldiers, with only a blanket thrown over them, 
and to hear, at every turn, their complaints for the want of 
pay, clothes, and provisions. 

The want of economy and order in the army at that time 
was fearful, and needed just such a regulating hand as 
Baron Steuben's. Richard Peters, who then belonged to 
the war department, affirmed that it was customary in the 
estimates of that office to allow five thousand muskets be- 
yond the actual number of the muster of the whole army. 
Yet this allowance was never sufficient to guard against the 
waste and misapplication that occurred. We have the 
same authority for the assertion that, in the last inspection 
return of the army, before he left the war department. 
Baron Steuben being then inspector-general, only three 
muskets were deficient, and those were accounted for. 

When the spring opened partial supplies were received, 
and the new levies arrived iu considerable numbers. To 
bring order out of the general confusion, to reduce the raw 
recruits to a homogeneous mass with the old troops, to ac- 
custom the whole to the utmost precision of movement and 
management of arms, and to yield punctilious obedience 
to orders, was the hard task assigned to Baron Steuben. 
He was obliged to instruct equally the officers and men — 
the former to lead and the latter to follow — in intricate evo- 
lutions, with which all were alike unacquainted. His diffi- 
culties were increased by his ignorance of the English lan- 
guage. His secretary, Du Ponceau, who might have aided 
him in this point, was sick and absent from the army. At 



the first parade, the troops, neither understanding the com- 
mand nor being able to follow in movements to which they 
had not been accustomed, were getting fast into confusion. 
At that moment Captain Walker, then of the 4th New 
York Regiment, advanced from the line and offered his as- 
sistance to translate the orders and give them out to the 
troops. " If I had seen an angel from heaven," said the 
baron, many years after, " I should not have been more re- 
joiced. Perhaps there was not another officer in the army 
(unless Hamilton be excepted) who could speak French 
and English so as to be well understood in both.' Walker 
became his aide de-camp, and in future was hardly ever 
from his side. Still, as the baron slowly acquired our lan- 
guage, his eagerness and warmth of temper would fre- 
quently involve him in difficulties. On such occasions, 
after exhausting all the execrations ho could think of in 
German and French, he would call upon his faithful aide for 
assistance. " Venez, Walker, nion ami ! Sacre, de gauche- 
rie of des badauts, je ne puis plus. I can curse dem no 
more !" 

A temporary department of inspection was organized, 
and the baron placed at its head. He was efficient and in- 
defatigable in the discharge of his duties, and iinder his 
training the raw and heterogeneous mass of recruits and 
veterans soon began to assume the solidity and discipline of 
an army. Every fair day, when the troops were to manoeu- 
vre, the baron rose at three o'clock in the morning, and 
while the servant dre.ssed his' hair he smoked and drank 
one cup of strong coffee. At sunrise he was on his horse, 
and, with or without suite, galloped to the parade-ground. 
There was no waiting for a tardy aide, and one who came 
late was sufficiently punished by a reproachful look for the 
neglect of duty. 

Dr. Thacher, in his " Military Journal," describes a scene 
on the parade-ground, showing how the baron attended to 
the minutest details : " The troops were paraded in a single 
line, with shouldered arms, every officer in his particular 
station. The baron first reviewed the line in this position, 
passing in front with a scrutinizing eye ; after which he 
took into his hand the musket and accoutrements of every 
soldier, examining them with particular accuracy, applauding 
or condemning according as he found them. Ho required 
that the musket and bayonet should exhibit the brightest 
polish ; not a .spot of rust or defect in any part could elude 
his vigilance. He inquired also into the conduct of the 
officers towards their men, censuring every fault, and ap- 
plauding every meritorious action. Next he required of me, 
as surgeon, a list of the sick, with a particular statement of 
their accommodations, mode of treatment, and even visited 
some of the sick in their cabins."* 

The value of Steuben's services was soon apparent. On 
the 30th of April, 1778, Washington wrote to Congress, 
"I should do injustice if I were to be longer silent with 
regard to the merits of Baron Steuben. His knowledge of 
his profession, added to the zeal which he has discovered 
since he began upon the functions of his office, leads me to 
consider him as an acquisition to the service, and to recom- 
mend him to the attention of Congress.'' Congress, on the 

* Thaoher's Military jQiirm^l, sesoo J elition, p. 160. 



12 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



5th of May, appointed him inspector-general of the army, 
with the rank of major-general. 

The department of inspection was now organized on a 
permanent basis. Two ranks of inspectors were appointed. 
The lowest were charged with the inspection of brigades, 
and were chosen by the field-oificers of the body to which 
they belonged. Over these were placed, as sub-inspectors, 
five other ofiScers, with the rank of lieutenant-colonel. 
Among these wore two French gentlemen, Ternant and 
Fleury, whose knowledge of both French and English made 
them necessary assistants of Baron Steuben. The duty of 
the inspectors was to superintend the exercise and discipline 
of the troops, and to assist in the execution of all field 
manoeuvres, especially in time of action. They reviewed 
and inspected the number and condition of the men, and 
the state of the arms and accoutrements, and reported to 
the commander-in-chief any loss or damage, and by what 
means it had occurred. The various means for the accom- 
plishment of this very essential part of the service were 
projected and matured with great labor by Steuben himself, 
and they were productive of the happiest results. Bluch 
unnecessary expense was avoided, and habits of order and 
carefulness introduced throughout the army. 

Baron Steuben, while engaged in the active duties of his 
office as inspector-general of the army, produced the first 
military manual or book of tactics and discipline ever pub- 
lished in this country. This book was undertaken in the 
autumn of 1778, to supply a demand which at that period 
became an urgent necessity. Hitherto the system intro- 
duced by the baron had been extended to the troops in 
separate and remote sections of the country by means of 
officers dispatched for the purpose, who had previously 
learned and practiced the rules under the eye of Steuben 
himself. Ternant had been sent upon this errand to the 
Southern army, and Neuville to the department in com- 
mand of Gates. But differences of practice still existed, 
which were perplexing when large bodies of troops were 
brought together, and in order to insure more perfect har- 
mony it was deemed advisable that a manual should be 
prepared and printed for distribution among the proper 
officers. 

Baron Steuben engaged in the work at the request of 
Washington and the board of war. The difficulties in the 
way of executing the project were great. From his im- 
perfect acquaintance with the English language the work 
was originally composed in Frencli, and the manuscript 
then translated into English by his aides, or persons con- 
nected with the war department, who were not well ac- 
quainted with military phrases and duties. No treatise on 
military science could be obtained to serve as a basis for 
the work. Everything had to be drawn from the baron's 
recollections of the Prussian system, and then modified to 
suit the peculiar condition of the American troops. 

It is no small praise of a work executed under such cir- 
cumstances that it was immediately approved by Wa.shing- 
ton, relied upon for direction during the remainder of the 
war, and continued to be in use as the only authority for 
disciplining the militia of the several States for nearly half 
a century. For this purpose the work was republished in 
many of the States. The completed manuscript was sub- 



mitted to the perusal of Washington Feb. 26, 1779. Con- 
gress adopted it by a resolution dated on the 29th of March. 
Col. Pickering, who superintended the passage of the work 
through the press, wrote to Steuben announcing its publi- 
cation on the 19th of June. 

The peculiar duties of Steuben during the war required 
his services in different parts of the country. In August, 
1779, he left the main army on a visit to Providence, in 
order to introduce among the troops under Gen. Gates the 
rules which had been adopted in the main body. He re- 
mained in Providence but a short time, being ordered to 
Boston to receive and accompany to headquarters the Che- 
valier de la Luzerne, who had just landed as minister from 
France to Congress. 

Steuben, although ardently desiring to take charge of a 
.separate command and to engage in more active service, re- 
mained in the discharge of the duties of his office as in- 
spector-general until the autumn of 1780. Circumstances 
then occurred which were destined soon to gratify his long- 
cherished wish. The defeat of Gen. Gates at Camden, on 
the 16th of August, had entirely exposed the southern 
country to the operations of the army under Cornwallis. 
In October, Gen. Greene was appointed to the command of 
the South, with all the troops raised in the Southern States 
destined for his support. Baron Steuben was ordered to 
accompany him, to aid in recruiting and disciplining the 
raw troops which were to form the bulk of his army. 

On arriving at Richmond, about the middle of November, 
Geu. Greene decided that Virginia could only be defended 
from the Carolinas : that unless the British forces in those 
States could be kept actively engaged there, the whole 
country up the Potomac must fall into their power. There- 
fore he proceeded to his chosen field of operations, leaving 
Steuben in command in Virginia, with instructions to re- 
cruit and discipline troops as rapidly as possible, and for- 
ward them, together with stores and provisions, to his 
support in North Carolina. 

An odious task was thus imposed upon Steuben ; for the 
people of Virginia, in the exposed condition of their own 
State, with Portsmouth still occupied by the British Gen. 
Leslie, would be unwilling to surrender so large a portion 
of their scanty resources to augment an army whose opera- 
tions at best afforded them but a doubtful protection. 

Gen. Greene, in a letter, laid his plans before Gov. Jeffer- 
son, recommended the baron in strong terms, and invoked 
for him the aid and co-operation of the State executive. 

The quota of troops fixed by Congi'ess to complete the 
Virginia line amounted to nearly six thousand. The As- 
sembly, under the circumstances, with apparent reluctance, 
and after much debate, voted to raise three thousand by a 
drafl, which was appointed to be held on the 10th of Feb- 
ruary, 1781. All the troops Steuben had been able to 
send to Gen. Greene up to this time was a force of about 
four hundred (out of a destitute squad of nine hundred, 
who had been left at liberty by the withdrawal of Leslie 
from Portsmouth, on the 24th of November), for whom 
only, with great labor, he could find equipments. The 
others had been ordered to Chesterfield Court-House, and 
the baron had made strenuous exertions to procure for 
them tjie necessary articles of equipment. 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



13 



Wc mention these particulars to show how limited were 
the resources of Steuben, eitlier to comply with the urgent 
calls of Greene for " more trooj)s and supplies," or in ease of 
an invasion by a naval expedition, to which their situation 
peculiarly exposed them, to be in readiness promptly to 
defend the State. 

While the draft was pending, such a naval expedition 
suddenly surprised the country. The traitor, Benedict 
Arnold, with a flotilla of twenty-seven sail and sixteen 
hundred effective men, entered the James River, and 
crowded rapidly up to the capital of the State. On the 4th 
they landed at Westover, twenty miles below Richmond, 
which now appeared to be the object of attack. No force 
had yet been collected. Seeing that Richmond was likely 
to fall into the hands of the enemy, great exertions were 
made to remove the archives, arms, and military stores to 
the south side of the river, which object was in a great 
measure accomplished. Most of the stores were sent to 
Westham, seven miles from Richmond, where they were 
ferried across the river, and guarded by a small body of 
Continentals. 

Arnold landed nine hundred of his men at Westover, 
and commenced his march on the afternoon of the 4th on 
Richmond, which place he reached at noon the next day. 
Baron Steuben dispatched one or two hundred militia, all 
that could be collected, to harass the British on the march, but 
the service was ill-performed, and they entered the capital 
without the loss of a man. Arnold with five hundred men re- 
maining in the town, Col. Simcoe with the remainder pushed 
forward to Westham, where lie burned a valuable foundry, 
boring-mill, laboratory, and some smaller buildings.* Five 
brass four-pounders, which had been sunk in the river, were 
discovered, raised, and carried off, and six tons of powder 
were thrown into the water. But, as they had no means 
of crossing the river, the major part of the stores were out 
of their reach, and Simcoe returned immediately to Rich- 
mond. Arnold sent a flag to Steuben, offering not to burn 
the town if the ships should be allowed to pass up un- 
molested and carry off the tobacco which was there de- 
posited. This proposition was rejected, and the enemy 
concluding to leave the tobacco, after burning the public 
buildings and plundering many private hou.ses, commenced 
their retreat to Westover, where they arrived on the 7th. 
In forty-eight hours they had passed thirty miles into the 
country, occupied the capital of the State, destroyed much 
public property, and returned to their shipping without the 
loss of a man. 

Deeply .sen.siblc of the insult they had received, Steuben 
strained every nerve to collect troops and harass the British 
on their way down the river. Rightly judging that Arn- 
old's force would land at Hood's, the baron ordered Col. 
Clarke to form an ambuscade, with two hundred militia, at 
a short distance from the landing-place. On the 10th the 
shipping anchored, as was expected, and a party of five 
hundred men drove in the American picket. When they 
came within forty paces, the militia poured in a general 
fire, which killed seven men and wounded twenty-three 
others. The British returned the fire without effect, and 



-There was here nn armory during the Revolution. 



then pushed forward with fixed bayonets, when the militia 
immediately fled. On the 20th the fleet reached Ports- 
mouth, which Arnold proceeded to fortify, in order to estab- 
lish it as a permanent post. 

We need not follow the account further, the details of 
which are familiar to the readers of Revolutionary history. 
Gov. Jefferson wrote, on the 10th of January, to the Pres- 
ident of Congress, — 



" Baron Steuben haj^ descended from the dignity of his proper oom- 
mnnd to direct our smallc.'.t niovemcnt.s. Hi.s vigilance has in a great 
measure supplied the want of force, in preventing the enemy from 
crossing the river, the consequences of which iniglit have been very 
fatal. He has been assiduously employed in preparing equij)mcnts 
for the militia, as they assembled, pointing them to a proper object, 
and in other offices of a good commander." 



The action of Steuben in the defense of Petersburg was 
gallant and courageous. This was on the 24lh of April, 
1780. Arnold, at Portsmouth, had baffled all attempts to 
dislodge or capture him on the part of a large force of 
infantry under Lafiiyette and a French fleet sent from 
Newport under command of Destouehes, and had been 
reinforced by Gen. Phillips, witli two thousand English 
troops. The combined forces, amounting to two thou.sand 
five hundred men, under the command of Gen. Phillips, 
sailed up the James River on the 18lh, with the view 
of attacking Petersburg and Richmond. Simcoe, with a 
small party, entered Williamsburg, and destroyed some 
stores. The main body, on the 24th, landed at the conflu- 
ence of the Appomattox and James Rivers, and marched 
up the banks of the former towards Petersburg. 

Baron Steuben was there with one thousand militia, to 
defend the city against two thousand three hundred regular 
troops; but his measures were so well taken that he was able 
to dispute the ground more than two hours, during which 
time the enemy gained but one mile. Their lines were 
twice broken before their superiority of numbers compelled 
the brave baron to retreat and assume a new position about 
twelve miles up the river. The loss was equal, amounting 
to sixty killed and wounded on each side. 

Lafayette, by forced marches, had arrived at Richmond 
in time to prevent an attack on that city. The British 
burned the tobacco and warehouses in Petersburg and 
vicinity. By the 1st of May Lafayette and Steuben 
had collected such a considerable force that Phillips dared 
not cross to the north side of the river, and soon abandoned 
the campaign and returned again to Portsmouth. 

When Cornwallis entered the State of Virginia Steuben 
had charge of the State arsenal at the Point of Fork, on 
the James River, above Richmond, and of the military 
stores which had been collected there. The post was 
guarded by Steuben with six hundred newly-levied troops. 
Cornwallis, learning his situation, detached Simcoe against 
him with five hundred regulars. Tarleton, with two hun- 
dred and fifty horse, was also ordered to proceed to Char- 
lotteville, and thence to join Simcoe at the Point of Fork. 
This double movement rendered Steuben's situation very 
perilous. It was useless to attempt to defend the place 
against such odds, and even the utmost dispatch could 
hardly promise a successful retreat. Still the baron set to 



14 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



work with his accustomed energy. lie transported the 
stores to the soutli side of the river witii such celerity 
that, when Simcoe appeared on the 3d of June, only thirty 
of the rear-guard remained, who were captured. The river 
was deep and unfordable, and as Steuben had taken the 
precaution to secure all the boats, the main object of the 
British was defeated. 

The autumn of this year was signalized by the march 
of the combined French and American armies to Virginia, 
and the measures which led to the capitulation of Corn- 
wallis on the 18th of October. In the operations before 
Yorktown Baron Steuben had a full and lioiioi'able share. 
Washington respected his indefatigable exertions, and 
soothed him under the disappointments he had suffered 
by conferring upon him a command in the regular line. 
It was during the baron's tour of duty in the trenches that 
the negotiations for surrender commenced. At the reliev- 
ing hour next morning Lafixyette approached with his 
division. The baron refused to be relieved, itssigiiing as a 
reason the etiquette in Europe, where the officer who re- 
ceives the overtures remains on his post till the capitula- 
tion is signed or broken. The uiarquis applied to the com- 
mander-in-chief, but Steuben with his troops remained in 
the trenches till the British flag was struck. He returned 
with the main army to the North, and continued at head- 
quarters till the close of the war, occupied in the discharge 
of his duties as inspector-general. 

On the day that Washington resigned his commission as 
commander-in-chief, he wrote to Steuben the following 
letter : 

"Annapolis, 2.3d December, 17S2. 
" Mv Dear Barox. 

"Although I have taken frequent opportunitiM, in public ami in 
private, of acknowledging your great zeal, attention, and abilities in 
performing the duties of your office, yet I wish to make use of this 
last moment of my public life to signify, in the strongest terms, my 
entire approbation of your conduct, and to express my sense of the ob- 
ligations the public is under to you for your faithful and meritorious 
services. 

"I beg ynu will be convinced, my dear sir, that I should rejoice if 
it should ever be in my power to serve you more essentially than by 
expressions of regard and affection ; but, in the mean time, I am 
persuaded you will not be displeased with this farewell token of my 
sincere friendship and esteem for you. 

" This is the last letter I shall write while I continue in the service 
of my country. The hour of my resignation is fixed at twelve to-day, 
after which I shall become a private citizen on the banks of the Poto- 
mac, where I shall be glad to embrace you, and testify the esteem and 
consideration with which 

" I am, my dear Baron, etc., 

"Geurgk \Vasii£.noto.n." 

PRIVATE LIFE AND LAST DAYS OF STEUBEN. 

Gen. Lincoln having resigned his place at the head of the 
war department. Baron Steuben and Gen. Knox were the 
prominent candidates for the office of secretary of war. 
The objection to the former, and it proved to be a deci.sive 
one, rested in the fact that he was a foreigner. Of his 
qualifications for the oflSce there can be no reasonable doubt. 
In March, 1784, he submitted to Washington a plan for 
establishing a Continental legion, and training the militia in 
time of peace, which the latter returned with his entire 
approval. 



For seven years after the close of the war Baron Steu- 
ben was occupied i[i ineffectual attempts to obtain from 
Congress the promised recompense for his services. Con- 
gress never ex])rcssly denied the justice of liis claim, but 
the poverty of the country at first induced delay, and in 
succeeding sessions the matter was crowded out by a nmlii- 
plicity of other duties and responsibilities. He at hist col- 
lected a number of papers and documents bearing u])(m his 
claim, and submitted his statements and accompanying 
proofs to Mr. Jay, Mr. Livingston, Col. Hamilton, and 
others, all of whom declared the evidence to be satisfactory 
and the demand just. It was not until after the settlc'incnt 
of the Federal Constitution that the urgent recommendation 
of the President and the exertions of Hamilton procured for 
him tardy and iinperfoct justice. On the4th of Juik', 17!M), 
Congress pa.ssed an act granting to the veteran a life-annuity 
of two thousand five hundred dollars. Individual Slates 
had already shown their sense of his ill-rei(uited services by 
complimentary resolutions and gifts of land. Virginia and 
New Jersey had each given him a small tract, and the As- 
sembly of New York, by a vote datiid May 5, 1786, made 
over to him one-quarter of a township, equal to sixteen 
thousand acres, out of the territory recently purchased of 
the Oneida Indians. The site .selected was in the immedi- 
ate vicinity of Utica, where he cau.sed a log house to be 
erected as the home of his declining years. This was his 
baronial estate and castle, in the midst of a wilderness 
stretching far away in unbroken solitude on every hand. 
He had no kindred in this country, and his family consisted 
only of dependents and friends, whom his various acts of 
kindness had caused to cling to him with all the affection 
of children for an aged parent. He distributed nearly a 
tenth part of the tract to his aides and servants, and the rest 
of the land was let on easy terras to twenty or thirty ten- 
ants. About sixty acres were cleared in front of the house, 
and afforded him wheat and nourishment for a small stock 
of cattle. 

As the surrounding country was but thinly settled, the 
want of society led him to pass a portion of each winter in 
the city of New York. He was never perfectly a master 
of the English language, though he made few mistakes in 
speaking, except as a matter of jest. Once, when dining 
with the commander-in-chief, Mrs. Washington asked him 
what amusements he had now that the business of his office 
was less pressing. " I read and play chess, my lady," said 
the baron, "and yesterday I was invited to go a-fishing. 
It was understood to be a very fine amu.sement. I sat in 
the boat two hours, though it was very warm, and caught 
two fish." 

" Of what kind, baron ?" asked the lady. 

" Indeed, I do not recollect perfectly, but one of them 
was a whale." 

" A whale, baron, in the North River !" 

" Yes, on my word, a very fine whale, as that gentleman ' 
informed me," .said the baron, turning to the gentleman 
who had been his companion in fishing. '■ Did you not tell 
me it was a whale, major ?" 

" An eel, baron," replied the major, courteously. 

" I beg your pardon, my lady," returned the baron ; 
" but the geotleman certainly called it a whale. It is, how- 



HISTORY OV STKUHKN COUNTY, NKW YORK. 



ir. 



ovor, nfliltlo (•(in.scqncnco. T sliiiU iiliiimldii llu^ liiidr, iiol- 
witlisliiiiiliii^' i\n' lino iiiiiiisi'iiu'iil. it allonlM." 

At liisi liiiusc, iiciir lUicii, llw^ hiuvn liiiil litllc sdiiioty, 
cxc(^|)t fViiiTi tlio iiii,ssiiii4 vi.sit (if :i slraiiL;(M- or u IVioiicl. A 
young iiii\n naincil Miillipin, wlioso litcniiy jxiwors mid 
destitute situation, wlnn a boy, liad attrnetod \m notice, 
rosidod witli liirn, and read lo liiiii in his solitary iiours. 
His I'avoriti- aidc's-di'-cani|i, Waliicr and North, also spent 
much time at his liouse, and their alleetionate attention 
eontinued to eheer him till the elosu of lii'e. His Tarm and 
garden all'Drih'd him some pastime, but it was chiefly IVom 
a well-stored library that he derived relief from the weari- 
ness of a situation that harmonized ill with the active duties 
of his former life. The comlbrls of religion and the pmiisal 
of the iSeriplures ]ire|)ared liini to nieel his enil with eoni- 
poHuro and humble trust. 

Tliough tile .sedentary lile ]){■ I'ollowid was unfavorable 
to his health, no failure of mind lu- body was apparent till 
November, 17IM. On ihe^ritb of (bat nionlli, berelnrncd 
in tlio evening to his (diainbcr in bis usnai b<'allh, but was 
shortly after struek with paralysis, and partly deprived of 
s|ieecli. Th(' nearest physieian was called, t bough the ease 
was imuii'dialcly seen to bc^ bopcli'ss. lie die<l on (he 'iStb. 

Agreeably to former direct ioiis, bis bo<ly was wrappi^d in 
a military cloak, ornatnentcd with llu^ star he had always 
worn, and interred in iIk! nrigbboring forest. A few noigh- 
Ixu's, his s(U'VJints, and the young man, liis laid eompanion, 
followed bis remains to the grave. A public highway was 
liiid out some years afterwards, wbirb passed directly over 
th(! hallow(Ml spot. Walker (taused his body to be removiul 
to a little dislane(<, where a monument was creeled and iu- 
olo.sed with an iron paling, lie also gave nn adjoining lot 
as a site for u uhurcli, on condition timt its members and 
their successors should preserve tiio r(!maiiiH from any 
further violation. 

(/ol. North caused a tablet, with the following in.scrip- 
tion, to be placed in the Lutheran church in Nassau 
Street, Ni^w York, w1iim'<! the baron used in worship when 
residing in that city : 

SikjiumI to thd Mt)m(n\v of 

FIIKDEIUC \VII,I,IAM AIHIIISTIIS, HARON STKIIIIHN, 

A (j(!rinnn Kiii^lit of ilio Older of I«'i(loli(,y, 

Aido-(lo-('iLiii|) to j^'<t<l<n'ic ihn tli-ctit, Iviii); of IM-uhhiii, 

Miijor <t(]ii<n'iil anil InHpcctor-thnioral 

In the Il(5V()liitionHry Wiir. 

Eftt»oinu(l, i"cf*i)«eto<I, ami su|i[iortoil t)_v WaHliiiij^toti, 

Ho j^avo Military SItill and liiHcipliiio 

To tlm Citizen Soldiers, wiio 

(l''nUillinj{ tlio DeereeH of Heaven) 

Acliiovud the lndu|iendorK-o of the United StaluH. 

Tlio hif(llly-|)oliHlied Mannoi'H of tht! Itaron were graced 

Ity the inoKl nohle I'^etHin^N of the Heart; 

Hid Hand, open aH Day to niellin;^ (jluirity, 

CloHtid only in the (Jranp of llealli. 

Tills Memorial ir* insoribed by tin Anierieaii, 

Who had Honor to bo hif Aide-ile-Oainp. 

The HappinuMM to be hU Friend. 

Ob. I71IS.* 



('II A I'TKIl I I. 



THE INDIANS. 



* Jurud Kparka, in hin biography of Mloubcn, decldeH that thin date 
in an error, and given, an wo have given it elHcwhoru, Nov. 28, 17(tl. 



liOftguo of the ImqnoiB— Their Hxtent and I'owor— Fiirniatioii of the 
Confodernoy — I'eOHllaritien of their (lovernnieiit— Tribal Helationii 
iind Charaeter. 

Till'-. Indians who inhabited this loealily prior to the 
advent of the wliili! man wme the d/hn's id' once-powerl'ul 
tribes, broken anil scattered by long series id' revolutions. 
Like the modern remnants ol' some of lln^ old wealthy and 
powerful lOastern nations, silling in si|Ualid poverty amidst 
the old scenes of liLvury and niagiiilieetiei^, these broken 
tril)es dwelt amidst the symbols and lukens of a I'oriner 
Indian em|)iie, wbo.se glory bad departed and whose 
slreiigtli bad been Wiisted in desolating wars. 

The iminediale territory of (bis coiiii(y was included in 
the (lonniiii of the Senceas, the most western nation cd' that 
once-powerful Confederiicy known as the League of the 
Iroipiois, or l<'ive Nations. 

At om^ time the domain of these Confederated Nations 
extended fnuii the Sorrel iliver .south, by ihi^ (ireat Lakes 
lo the Mississip]ii on (be west, thence east to the Santee, 
and coast-wise back (o tbi^ Ilud.son. 

The tcrrilory of (be irotpiois embraced more ferlile land, 
(^unbilled wilb a leinpcrale and beallby climate, than tiny 
other tract of cipial extent on the globe. And their power 
and iloininioti extmided far beyond these geograjiliical boun- 
daries. All bough they oceupitid, as tliiMr propcu' home, 
what they nietaphorieidly termed the " Ijong Mouse,"- - 
that is, the territory of Now York (extending from the 
Ilud.son to liiike Krie, -yet they (•xtended (heir power and 
infliUinee liir beyond (liese limits, and lu^ld the tribes bulb 
of tiie Kast and the West in snbji^idion. 

Says Smith, in his history of New York, " When the 
J)uteli began the settlement of this country, ail the Indians 
on Long Lslaiid and the northern slioic of (be Sound, on 
the banks id' the Connecticut, Ilud.son, l>claware, and Sus- 
(|uehanna Rivers, were in subjection to the Kive Nations, 
and ncknowledged it by paying them tiilmte.' The l''rencli 
bislm-ians of ('anada, both ancient and modern, agree that 
the more nortbern Iniliiins W(tre driven fiir back lo the West 
and Northwest by the nnirlial prowess of the confederates. 
"The [lo-de-no-san iK^e oecu|iied our precise territory, and 
their (iouiieil-lin'S burned continually from thi! llnilson to 
the Niagara. Our old fnrests have rung witli their war- 
sliouts, and bei^n enlivc'iicd with their festivals of peace. 
In their pidgressive course tlii^ had stretched round half 
the republic, and rt^ndered tJieir names a terror nearly from 
ocean to ocean, when the advent ol" the Saxtui race arrested 
their cartMU-, and pn'pared the way for the final extinguish- 
ment of tlie lirt;s id' the (;onfcderacy."|- 

The Five Nations have bi^i'ii calliMl by some the " Romans 
of tlio W(!stcrn World." 'I'heir warriors, in tlio prime of 
the Confederacy, were noted for their valiu' and their far- 
extended cotKjucsts. " At one period," says Schoolcraft, 
" wo hear the sound of their war-cry along tlio Straits of 
St. Mary's and at th(! foot of Lako Superior ; at anotht^r, 



"(■ LetterH on I he 1 101(11 



N'oilh Aliierieiin liev lew. 



16 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



under the walls of Quebec, where they finally defeat the 
Hurons under the eyes of the French. They put out the 
fires of the Gahkas and Eries. They eradicated the Sus- 
quehannocks. They placed the Lanappcs, the Nanticokes, 
and Muncees under the }'oke of subjection. They put the 
Metoacs and Manhattans under tribute. They spread the 
terror of their name all over New England. They trav- 
ersed the whole length of the Appalachian chain, and 
dascended like the enraged yagisho and megalonyx on the 
Cherokees and Catawbas. Smith encountered their war- 
riors in the settlement of Virginia and La Salle on the dis- 
covery of the Illinois."* 

Such had become the Iroquois — the conquerors and 
terror of all the surrounding tribes — b}' the force of their 
energy and by the principle of confederation. The French 
computed the number of their warriors, in 1660, at between 
two and three thousand, and a later census, taken by an 
Engli.sh agent, confirmed the statement. Their geographi- 
cal position made them the umpires in the contest of the 
French for dominion in the West. Their political impor- 
tance was enhanced by their conquests. " Not only did 
they claim some supremacy in northern New England, as 
far as the Kennabeck, and in the south, as far as New 
Haven, and were acknowledged as ab.solute lords over the 
conquered Lanappe ; the peninsula of Upper Canada was 
their hunting-gi'ound by right of war ; they had extermi- 
nated the Eries and Andasties, both tribes of their own 
family, one dwelling on the soulheastern shore of Lake 
Erie, the other on the head-waters of the Ohio ; they had 
triumphantly invaded the tribes of the West as far as Illi- 
nois ; their warriors had reached the soil of Kentucky and 
Western Virginia; and England, to whose alliance they 
steadily inclined, availed herself of their treaties to encroach 
on the empire of France in America."")" 

Precisely at what period the confederacy between the 
tribes was formed is not known. Schoolcraft thinks it was 
at a comparatively recent date, probably early in the fifteenth 
century. Mr. Webster, the Onondaga interpreter, says this 
great league of confederation was arrived at about two gen- 
erations before the whites became traders with the Indians. 
Mr. Clark has a different opinion. From the permanency 
of their institutions, the intricacy of their civil affiiirs, the 
stability of their religious beliefs, and the uniformity of 
their pagan ceremonies, differing from other Indians in 
important particulars, he is inclined to the belief that their 
federative existence must have had a much longer duration. 
All their traditions agree that the union was effected on the 
banks of Onondaga Lake, where the village of Liverpool is 
now situated. 

It is well known that these tribes attributed the orisrin 

o 

of their confederacy, as well as most of their chief national 
blessings, to the supernatural interposition of Ta-oun-ya- 
wat-ha, the deity who presided over streams and fisheries. 
A long time ago this deity came down from his place in the 
clouds to teach them how to cultivate the soil, and to be 
united, happy, and pro.sperous. While he was living among 
them — having thrown aside his divine character and as- 

■» Schoolcraft's Notes. 

f Bancroft, History United Slates. 



sumed the name of Hi-a-wat-ha, a very wise man — there 
was an alarm caused by the sudden approach of a ferocious 
band of warriors from north of the great lakes. Many had 
been slain, and ultimate destruction seemed to be the con- 
sequence either of bold resistance or of quiet submission to 
the enemy. At this trying moment Hi-a-wat-ha was sought 
for advice, and no statesman of to-day could have given 
better counsel in as few words. ^-Become a united people 
and you will conquer your enemies. Dispatch runners in 
all directions and notify the chiefs of a grand council to be 
held on the banks of tlie Oh-nen-ta-ha (Onondaga Lake). 
I shall sit in council with you." The council-fires had been 
kindled three days, but the venerable Hi-a-wat-ha had not 
made his appearance. On approaching his cabin, he was 
found in a melancholy state of mind. The old man told 
them he had evil forebodings, and that he had concluded 
not to attend the Great Council. But the chiefs had de- 
termined not to deliberate in council without the presence 
of Hi-a-wat-ha, and he was finally prevailed upon to go, 
accompanied by his darling child, an only daughter, twelve 
years of age. On the approach of the venerable wise man, 
a general shout of joy resounded through the assembled 
host, and every demonstration of respect was paid to his 
presence. 

As he lauded and was passing up the steep bank towards 
the council ground, a loud sound was heard like a rushing, 
mighty wind. All eyes were instantly turned upwards, and 
a dark spot was seen rapidly descending from on high 
among the clouds. It grew larger and larger as it neared 
the earth, and was descending with fearful velocity into 
their midst. The utmost confusion prevailed throughout 
the assembled multitude, and all but the venerable Hi-a- 
wat-ha sought safety by flight. He gravely uncovered his 
silvered head, and besought his daughter to await the ap- 
proaching danger with becoming resignation, at the same 
time reminding her of the great folly and impropriety of 
attempting to prevent or obstruct the designs or wishes of 
the Great Spirit. No sooner had his resolution become 
fixed and his last words uttered, than an immense bird, 
with a long and pointed beak and widespread wings, came 
down with a mighty swoop and crushed the beautiful girl 
to the earth. His darling daughter has been killed before 
his eyes in a marvelous manner, and her destroyer has 
perished with her. It was found on examination that the 
creature in its descent had completely buried its beak and 
neck up to its body in the ground. It was covered with a 
beautiful plumage of snow white, and every warrior as he 
advanced plucked a plume from this singular bird, with 
which to adorn his crown, and from this incident the braves 
of the Confederate Nation forever after made choice of the 
plumes of the white heron as their most appropriate mili- 
tary ornament while on the war-path. 

In despair and dejection Hi-a-wat-ha remained three days 
and nights prostrated on his face on the ground, and while 
every one participated in his afflictions, no one seemed in- 
clined to approach or distract his entranced state, and the 
Indians, almost despairing of a council, were about to de- 
part ; but a few of the leading chiefs consulted together, 
and resolved that nothing should be attempted without the 
voice of the wise man, and a suitable person was thereupon 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTy, NEW YORK. 



17 



dispatched to see if lie breathed. Finding that lie lived, 
Ho-sec-noke was directed to arouse him by his merry heart, 
to whisper kind words in his ear, and call him from his 
reverie. After much ceremony and persuasion, he recovered 
so far as to converse, and after several messages had passed 
between the assembled chiefs and himself, he arose and 
desired food. He was afterwards conducted to the presence 
of the council, when all eyes were turned towards the ouly 
man who could with precision foretell their future destiny. 
Various schemes were proposed to repel the enemy. Hi-a- 
wat-ha listened in silence till the speeches of all were con- 
cluded. He then spoke. After briefly alluding to his own 
calamity, he referred to the threatened invasion, and pro- 
posed that they should reflect for a day on the speeches that 
had been made. After the expiration of the time, they 
again met, when the wise man thus addressed them : 

" Friends and Brothers : You have come, many of you, 
a great distance from your homes ; you have convened for 
one common purpose, to promote one common interest, and 
that is to provide for our common safety. To oppose these 
liordes of northern foes by tribes, singly and alone, would 
prove our certain destruction. We can make no progre.ss 
in that way ; we must unite ourselves into one common 
band of brothers. Our warriors united would surely repel 
these rude invaders, and drive them from our borders. Let 
tiiis be done and we are safe. 

" You, the Mohawks, sitting under the shadow of the 
'Great Tree,' whose roots sink deep into the earth, and 
whose branches spread over a vast country, shall be the first 
nation, because you are warlike and mighty. 

" You, Oneidas, a people who recline your bodies against 
the ' Everlasting Stone,' that cannot be moved, shall be the 
second nation, because you give wise counsel. 

" Y'ou, Onondagas, who have your habitation at the 
' Great jMountain,' and are overshadowed by its crags, 
shall be the third nation, because you are greatly gifled in 
speech and mighty in war. 

" You, Cayugas, a people whose habitation is the ' Dark 
Forest,' and whose liome is everywhere, shall be the fourth 
nation, because of your superior cunning in hunting. 

" And you, Senecas, a people who live in the open 
country, and possess much wisdom, .shall be the fifth nation, 
because you understand better the art of raising corn and 
beans, and making' cabins. 

" You five great and powerful nations must unite and 
have but one common interest, and no foe shall be able to 
disturb or subdue you." 

Immediately upon this was formed the celebrated league 
of the Five Nations. Such was the name given them by 
the English. The French called them the Iroquois, the 
Dutch name for them was Maquas, wliile they called them- 
selves Mingoes; all meaning "united people." They were 
known to the English as the Five Nations till the adoption 
of the Tuscaroras, in 1712, after which they were called 
the Six Nations. 

The Onondagas occupied the central position in the 
" Long House," — a term by which they denoted their pos- 
sessions from the Hudson to the Lakes. They kept the 
sacred council-fires at Onondaga, and the key of the council- 
house, where all the chief councils of the Five Nations were 
3 



held. The Mohawks held the east door, and the Senecas 
the west door. The confederacy was governed by heredi- 
tary chiefs, whose claims were subjected to the decisions of 
a national council. Thus the aristocratic principle was 
brought into subjection to the democratic. When the 
hereditary cliief demanded office, if found unworthy, he 
must give place to the next in order. In council they were 
a pure republic, the veto of one chief being suflicient to 
defeat a measure.* Cach canton or tribe was independent; 
its quota of men was freely voted in war, or refused, with- 
out complaint from other cantons. Thus was guaranteed 
to each tribe its independence and security, and to each 
warrior his equal lights, while general power was conceded 
to the confederacy in all national matters. Canassatcgo, 
one of the chiefs, said to the Commissioners of Pennsylvania, 
Virginia, and Maryland : " Our wise forefathers established 
union and amity between the Five Nations. This has 
made us formidable. This has given us great weight and 
authority with our neighboring nations. We arc a power- 
ful confederacy, and by observing the same methods our 
forefathers have taken you will acquire fresh strength and 
power ; therefore I counsel you, whatever befalls you, never 
fall out with one another." 

At the formation of the confederacy, the famous A-TO- 
TAR-HO presided : unequaled in war and arts, his fame had 
spread abroad and exalted the Onondaga tribe to a pre-em- 
inent position. His name was, "like that of King Arthur 
of the Round Table, or those of the Paladins of Charle- 
magne, used as an exemplar of glory and honor,"* and be- 
came the title of ofiico of the presiding chief. The right 
of the Onondagas to furnish a presiding oflicer for the league 
was conceded, and is still po.ssessed by them. To the Mo- 
hawks was awarded the Te-ka-ra-ho-ga, or chief war-captain. 
The great council has always consisted of six members, each 
nation having one except the Senecas, who were allowed two, 
in consideration of their great numerical strength. Its powers 
were merely advisory, aiming to arrive at harmonious results 
by interchange of opinion without formal vote. No penalties 
could be inflicted or power exerted beyond that of opinion. A 
unanimous decision was first required. This once obtained, 
its aufhority was absolute ; each tribe acting through its 
representative, who was first informed as to its views. 
These decisions were, in fact, clothed with all the power of 
the most popular expression of the whole confederacy. 

" A government like this gave to the orator, who by his 
eloquence could sway his people, a vast influence ; and we 
find that many men of note have appeared among them, 
since they came in contact with more learned races of men, 
who were abundantly qualified to conduct their negotia- 
tions, and have reflected as much renown on their nation 
as their bravest warriors."f De Witt Clinton says of the 
speech of Garangula to the French general, De la Barre, 
" I believe it impossible to find in all the effusions of an- 
cient or modern oratory a speech more appropriate or con- 
vincing. Under the veil of respectful profession it conveys 
the most biting irony, and while it abounds with rich and 
splendid imagery, it contains the most solid reasoning. I 
place it in the same rank with the celebrated speech of 
Logan." 



* Schoolcraft. 



f Hon. George Geddes. 



18 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



The unwritten law of this wonderful people had a power 
unequalcd by any statutes ever recorded in books. A single 
instance of its power will be sufficient. It is given by Hon. 
George Geddes, on the authority of Mr. Webster, who lived 
many years among the Onondagas, and had a woman of 
that tribe for a wife. 

A young man of the Cayugas came to the Onondagas 
and claimed their hospitality. He lived among them two 
years, attaching himself to Webster particularly. He ap- 
peared contented and happy, " always foremost in the chase , 
most active in the dance, and loudest in the song." Man- 
tinoah was his name. One morning ho said to his friend, 
" I have a vow to perform. My nation and my friends 
know that Mantinoah will be true. My friend, I wi.sh you 
to go with me." Webster consented. After a pleasant 
journey of a few days, enlivened with fishing and hunting, 
they came in the afternoon to a place that Mantinoah said 
was near his village, and where he wished to invoke the 
Great Spirit. After a repast, and a pipe had been smoked, 
Mantinoah said, " Two winters have gone since in my vil- 
lage, in the fury of anger, I slew my bosom friend and 
adopted brother. The chief declared me guilty of my 
brother's blood, and I must die. My execution was de- 
ferred for two full years, during whi;;h time I was con- 
demned to banishment. I vowed to return. It was then 
I sought your nation ; it was thus I won your friendship. 
The nearest in blood to him I slew, according to our cus- 
toms, is the avenger. The time expires when the sun 
sinks behind the topmost boughs of the trees. I am ready. 
My friend, we have had many a cheerful sport together ; 
our joys have been many ; our griefs have been few ; look 
not sad now. When you return to the Onondagas, tell 
them that Mantinoah died like a true brave of the Ca- 
yugas ; tell them that he trembled not at the approach of 
death, like the coward pale-face, nor shed tears like a 
woman. My friend, take my belt, my knife, my hunting- 
pouch, my horn, my rifle, as tokens of my friendship. 
Soon the avenger will come ; the Great Spirit calls ; Manti- 



noah fears not death ; farewe 



Vainly Webster urged 



him to escape. A .short period of silence, and a yell is 
heard. Mantinoah responds. The avenger appears and 
takes the hand of his former friend, now his victim. Mu- 
tual salutations follow, with expressions of regret made by 
the executioner, but none by the doomed. The tomahawk 
gleams in the air ; not a muscle moves, nor does the cheek 
of Mantinoah blanch ; folding his arms on his breast, he 
receives the blow. As if by magic a host appears, the 
song of death is sung, and the solemn dance or death-march 
is performed. Webster is invited to the village, where he 
is hospitably entertained, and when ready to return is 
accompanied by a party of Cayugas to his home. 

Thus powerful was the unwritten law of the Iroquois. 

It is not easy for us to understand this people, for we 
know but little of their peculiar springs of action. They had 
their religion, which the white people who came among 
them called their superstition. If superstition it be, it was 
nevertheless the principle that governed them. And did 
we but understand their ideas fully, we should know by 
what standard to judge them. Whoever has learned much 
of their history knows that, in their savage state, woman, 



made prisoner, was never indelicately approached by him 
who, without pity, would brain her infant child. He tor- 
tured and killed his prisoners, if he did not adopt them 
into his family, but he never enslaved or outraged women. 
What other nation can say this with truth ?* 

Mr. Schoolcraft says that, to understand the government 
of the Iroquois and learn how it acquired its power and 
fame, it is necessary to examine their law of descent. Each 
canton was divided into distinct clans, each of which was 
distinguished by the name and device of some quadruped, 
bird, or other object in the animal kingdom. The clans, 
or original families, were eight, distinguished respectively 
by the totems of the wolf, the bear, the turtle, the deer, the 
beaver, the falcon, the crane, and the plover. The law of 
marriage required them to marry into families or clans 
whose totem was different from their own. A wolf or tur- 
tle male could not marry a wolf or turtle female. This in- 
terdict of consanguinity preserved the purity of the blood, 
while it enlarged and strengthened the tie of relationship 
between the clans. Owing to the limitation of descent to 
the line of the female, a chieftain's son could not succeed 
him in office, but in case of his death he would be suc- 
ceeded by his brother, or failing this, by the son of his sis- 
ter, or by some direct or remote descendant of the maternal 
line. The man who, by inheritance, was entitled to the 
office of chieftainship was obliged, on arriving at the proper 
age, to submit his right to a council of the whole canton. 
Incapacity was always without exception recognized as a 
valid objection to approval. 

Each canton had its principal chiefs and various as.sistant 
chiefs, who were civil officers. The war-chiefs derived their 
consequence from their success in war ; they rose up as the 
exigencies of the nation demanded, and sustained their ca- 
pacity. All males were bound to render military services. 
Disgrace was the penalty of failure. Thus the ranks were 
always full, and all war-parties consisted of volunteers. 
Each warrior supplied and carried his own arms and pro- 
visions. The enlistment consisted in simply joining the 
war-dance. The government was in fact a pure democracy, 
controlled by its martial spirit. 

The Iroquois have been charged with making their 
women beasts of burden, while they lived lives of indo- 
lence. The division of labor between the sexes, it is true, 
differed widely from ours. To the warrior was assigned 
the duty of hunting food and protecting their hunting- 
grounds from the inroads of the enemy. His life was daily 
in his hands, and such were the hazards he encountered 
that there always were more women than men in the tribes. 
The men spent long, dreary seasons in hunting and taking 
furs, which, when brought home, became the property of 
their wives, who sold them to the traders, and with the 
avails made such provision for the rest of the family as they 
could, the men .standing silently by and not uttering a word. 
The old men. Women, and boys cultivated the little patch of 
corn and gathered the fuel. Both in the social and national 
systems, the women had great power and influence. The 
matrons sat in council, and had a right to propose a cessa- 
tion of arms. There was a male functionary, an acknowl- 
edged orator, whose duty it was to speak for the women. 
* Hon. George Geddes. 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



19 



Schoolcraft describes the social character of the Indian 
thus : " In the lodge he is a mild, considerate man, of the 
non-interfering and non-scolding species. He may, indeed, 
be looked upon rather as the guest of his wife, than what 
he is most unjustly represented to be, her tyrant, and he is 
often only known as the lord of the lodge by the attention 
and respect she shows to him. He is a man of few words. 
If her temper is ruffled, he smiles. If he is displeased he 
walks away. It is a province in which his actions acknowl- 
edge her right to rule, and it is one in which his pride and 
manliness have exalted him above the folly of altercation." 
The wife owned all the property ; arms only belonged to 
the husband. The family were hers, and when war or the 
chase had made the father a victim, she, who had always 
been at its head, kept it unbroken. With the Iroquois war 
was the business of life, and the pursuit of an enemy on 
the war-path, or hunting the wild beasts of the forests, 
were the only employments that men could engage in with- 
out subjecting themselves to the loss of rank, and the 
liability of being called women. 

The central tribe was the seat of government, and here 
all the general councils were held and the policy of the 
nation settled. The first we know of these people, they 
here swayed the sceptre of an empire twelve hundred miles 
long and eight hundred wide. The means of free and rapid 
transportation of armies was to these savages the same ad- 
vantage that it is to the most artificial state of society. 
Around the shores of Onondaga Lake the councils deliber- 
ated, and when once the plan of the campaign was arranged, 
the canoes were afloat, and soon, far down the St. Lawrence, 
the Adirondack heard the war-whoop of the " Men of the 
Mountains.'* Or on the banks of Georgian Bay the trem- 
bling Huron felt the weight of their power. Or, launching 
their barks on the waters of the Susquehanna, .soon on the 
shores of Chesapeake Bay they dictated terms to their ene- 
mies. Fort Hill, in South Carolina, afterwards the resi- 
dence of John C. Calhoun, was one of their stations, from 
which they waged inveterate war upon the Catawbas and 
Cherokees. The Iroquois nation could bring to battle more 
than two thousand warriors of their own blood, besides 
levies of the tribes they had subjected. Their policy in 
regard to conquered enemies was like that of ancient Home ; 
they were converted into allies rather than slaves, and having 
been fairly conquered in war after a brave resistance, they 
were counted as younger brothers, worthy to fight by the 
side of their conquerors and share their glory.f 

" They reduced war to a science, and all their movements 
were directed by system and policy. They never attacked 
a hostile country till they had sent out spies to explore and 
designate its vulnerable points, and when they encamped 
they ob.served the greatest circumspection to guard against 
surprise. Whatever superiority of force they might have, 
they never neglected the use of stratagem, employing all 
the crafty wiles of the Carthaginians. To produce death 
by the most protracted suffering was sanctioned among them 
by general immemorial usage."J 

The Europeans, instead of teaching mercy to these men, 
encouraged and fostered the worst points in their characters. 



*■ Meaning of the word "Onondaga." 
■j" Hun. George Geddes. 



t De Witt Clinton. 



and by every temptation they were led to become even more 
cruel, as they became demoralized and vicious by intercourse 
with the more learned but less principled " pale-face." Mas- 
sachusetts first gave twelve, then forty, and finally one hun- 
dred pounds for a scalp. The Colonial Legislature of New 
York, in 1745, passed an act for giving a reward for scalps. 
In 1716, a governor of the colony not only paid for two 
scalps of Frenchmen in money and fine clothes, but thanked 
the three Indians that brought them to Albany, and prom- 
ised " always to remember this act of friendship." Amer- 
ican scalps were received and paid for in English money by 
the ofiicer in command at Maiden, in the war of 1812. 



CHAPTER II L 

INDIANS OF THE SUSQUEHANNA VALLET. 

The Andastes — Conquest of the Andastes by the Iroquois — Tioga, the 
Southern Door to the Confederacy — The Iroquois Viceroy — Conquest 
of the Delawares — Colonization of Vagabond Indians. 

The Andastes as early as 1G20 were inhabitants of the 
Susquehanna Valley. Gallatin erroneously places them on 
the Allegany, and Bancroft and others have followed the 
error. But the later researches of Mr. Shea have shown 
the identity of the Andastes with the Susquehannocks of 
the English and the Minquas of the Dutch. § 

In the year 1750 a Cayuga chief informed David Zeis- 
berger that a strange tribe of Indians, whom he called 
Tehotaehse (so spelled in German), but which were neither 
Iroquois nor Delawares, formerly inhabited the valley of 
the Susquehanna, and were driven out by the Cayugas. In 
a letter written by Joseph Brant, the famous Mohawk chief, 
to Timothy Pickering, relative to the Iroquois claim to the 
northern part of Pennsylvania, dated at Niagara, Dec. 30, 
1791, he says, " The whole Five Nations have an equal 
right one with another, the country having been obtained 
by their joint exertions in war with a powerful nation for- 
merly living southward of Buffalo Creek, called Eries, and 
another na/ion then living at Tioga Point ; so that by our 
successes all the country between that and the ISIississippi 
became the joint property of the Five Nations. All other 
nations inhabiting this great tract of country were allowed 
to settle by the Five Nations." That the Andastes are 
referred to in both these quotations there can hardly be a 
doubt. This was one of the most populous and powerful 
of all the Algonquin tribes. Their villages were thickly 
planted from Tioga to Virginia. At Sheshequin and Wysox, 
at Wyalusing (Gohoutato) and at Melioopany (Onochasae), 
the names of their towns have been preserved. They 
appear to have been the most warlike of all the Eastern 
nations, having carried their conquests over the tribes of 
New Jersey, Maryland, and Virginia. For more than three- 
fourths of a century they waged almost an unceasing war 
with the Iroquois, by which the whole valley of the Sus- 
quehanna " was stained with blood." The following para- 
graphs from Dr. Egle's " History of Pennsylvania," give a 
full account of these conflicts : 

^ Parkman's Jesuits in North America, p. 46, note. 



20 



HISTOllY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



"Prior to l(iOO, Ra)'s the 'Relation de la Nouvelle 
France,' the Susquehannocks and the Mohawks came into 
collision, and the former nearly exterminated their enemy 
in a war which lasted ten years. In 1608, Captain Smith, 
in exploring the Chesapeake and its tribiitaties, met a party 
of these Susc|nehannocks, as he calls them, and he states 
that they are still at war with the Mohawks. 

"They were friendly to the Dutch, who were exploring 
the mouth of the Delaware. When the Swedes came, in 
1638, they renewed the friendly intercourse begun by the 
Dutch. Southward, also, they carried the terror of their 
arms, and from 163-4 to 1644 they waged war on the 
Yaomacoes, the Piscataways, and Panexents, and were so 
troublesome that in 1642 Governor Calvert, by proclamation, 
declared them public enemies. 

"When the Hurons, in 1647, began to sink under the 
fearful blows dealt by the Five Nations, the Susquehan- 
nas sent an embassy to offer them aid against the com- 
mon enemy. Nor was the offer one of little value, for the 
Susquehannas could put into the field thirteen hundred 
warriors, trained to the use of firearms and European modes 
of war by three Swedish soldiers whom they had obtained 
to instruct them." 

Speaking of this, tlie historian of Bradford Co., Pa., 
Rev. David Craft, says : " This is doubtless the era of the 
fortifications on Spanish Hill and at the mouth of Sugar 
Creek. These fortifications bear unmistakable evidence of 
having been constructed under the supervision of white 
people, and differ materially from the palisaded inclosures 
of Indian construction. The origin and objects of these 
defenses must always be in some measure matters of con- 
jecture ; but all the traditions relating to Spanish Hill at- 
tribute the defenses to white men long before the settlement 
of the whites, and their object to afford resistance to the 
Iroquois. And about this time the Andastcs were waging 
war in good earnest with the Five Nations, in which the 
Cayugas were so hard pressed that some of them retreated 
across Lake Ontario into Canada, and the Senecas were 
kept in snch alarm that they no longer ventured to carry 
their peltries to New York except in caravans guarded by 
an escort." 

Later, the power of the Susquehannas seems to have 
been on the wane, and they to have abandoned their towns 
above Wyoming about 1650. They were so hard pressed 
by their enemies that the Legislature of Maryland, in 1661, 
authorized the Governor to aid them with the provincial 
forces. In 1662, about eight hundred Iroquois set out to 
capture a fort of the Andastes, situated about fifty miles 
from the mouth of the Susquehanna. On reaching the 
fort it was found to be so well defended as to render an 
assault impracticable, when the Iroquois had recourse to a 
stratagem. They sent a party of twenty-five men to settle 
a peace and obtain provisions for their return. The Sus- 
quehannas admitted them, built high scaffolds visible from 
without, on which they tortured the Iroquois messengers 
to death in the .sight of their countrymen, who thereupon 
decamped in miserable discomfiture, pursued by the victo- 
rious Aj]dastos . The war between them at length degen- 
erated into one of mutual inroads, in which the Anda.«tes, 
greatly reduced by pestilence, gradually melted away before 



the superior numbers of their enemies, so that in 1672 they 
could number only three hundred warriors. 

In 1675, according to the "Relations In^dites" and 
Colden, the tribe was completely overthrown ; but unfor- 
tunately, say these authorities, we have no details whatever 
as to the forces which effected it or the time and manner 
of their defeat. It is evident from all that we know of the 
fierce war of extermination waged upon them by the Iro- 
quois, that this powerful enemy was their final destroyer. 
Too proud to submit as vassals to the Iroquois and too 
weak to contend against them, the remnant of them for- 
sook the Susquehanna and took up a position on the western 
borders of Maryland, where for many years they kept up a 
terrible border war with the whites. Some of them con- 
tinued to exist in the central part of the State under the 
name of Conestogas for nearly a century after, when they 
were utterly destroyed by the Paxton Boys in 1763. 

The Iroquois, who held the rule over the Susquehanna 
Valley for more than a century, were the only Indian na- 
tions who possessed anything approaching the form of civil 
government. By virtue of their superior civil and military 
organization, they soon became the dominant power among 
the aborigines, and, after the conquest of the Andastes, 
carried their arms in triumph on the south to the Gulf 
and on the west to the Mississippi. 

Tioga (present Athens, Pa.) was made the southern en- 
trance to the confederacy, at which a sachem was stationed, 
without whose con.sent no one, neither Indian nor white 
man, was allowed to enter the territory of the Iroquois. 
At Shamokin (present Sunbury) the great council had a 
viceroy, a Cayuga sachem, who ruled their dependencies in 
the South. 

Along the Delaware River, and extending across New 
Jersey, were the Lenni Lenape, or Delawares, divided into 
three tribes, — the Turtles, orUnamis, on the south, the Tur- 
keys, or Unalachtgos, in the centre, and the Wolves, or Min- 
sis, on the north. The latter had their villages in the Minisink 
country, on the head-waters of the Delaware, and were 
generally called by the English Mon.seys. By conquest, as 
was claimed by the Iroquois, by treachery, as was alleged 
bv the Delawares, the former had reduced the latter to the 
condition of va.ssals, deprived them of the right of warriors, 
and compelled them to bear the taunt and assume the garb 
of women. They were allowed neither to sell lands, engage 
in war, nor make treaties, unless by the consent of their 
domineering masters. Mr. Craft, with his usual discrimi- 
nation, has pointed out the fact that it was owing quite as 
much to this condition of complete subjugation of his In- 
dian neighbors as to the peaceable character of his Quaker 
policy, that the province of Penn was so long exempt from 
the bloody wars and massacres which form so dark a page 
in our colonial history.* 

The Indians instinctively withdraw from the presence of 
civilization. This peculiarity of Indian character completely 
frustrated the benevolent plan of William Penn, in which 
he designed that his white and red brethren should dwell 
together in the same community and be governed by the 
same laws. It was found to be equally necessary in the 

* History of Bradford County, p. 11. 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



21 



province, as it had been in tlie other colonics, that the In- 
dian must retire be_yond the white settlements, to whose laws 
and customs he could not conform and whose restraints he 
could not endure. As the Iroquois from time to time sold 
the land of their dependencies to the whites, they opened 
the vallej' of the Susquehanna as an asylum to which 
the people whom they had deprived of their ancestral homes, 
and over whom they exercised tlie right of protection as 
well as command, might resort. By this policy families 
of different nationalities were brought into the same village 
and not unfrequently were occupants of the same wigwam, 
so that it was no uncommon thing to find Nanticok cs, Mo- 
hicans, Mon.seys, and Wampanoags living together, without 
any tribal distinction whatever. This gave rise to the term 
" vagabond Indians," so appropriately applied to mixed and 
transient settlements of the fragments of different disinte- 
grated tribes in the Susquehanna valley, and particularly 
within the limits of the county of Steuben. Says Rev. 
Mr. Craft : " Tioga, or, as it is more frequently written in 
the Pennsylvania records, ' Diahoga,' from its important 
situation in the Iroquois territory, was probably occupied as 
a town immediately after the conquest; but from there to 
Shamokin the country was almost entirely unoccupied for a 
hundred years, when it was colonized by the refugees whose 
possessions had been sold to the whites.'' 

The Iroquois and Delawares have each a tradition of an 
early eastward emigration from regions west of the Missis- 
sippi to the places where they were fijund by the Europeans. 
The period of our later Indian history finds that wave re- 
turning towards the setting sun. It is, therefore, a period 
of commotion among tribes easily excited, of removal and 
change among a people who, in the most quiet times, 
abandoned the places of their habitation for the most 
trivial reasons. 

Mohicans and Wampanoags from Southeastern New 
York and New England, Delawares from New Jersey and 
Eastern Pennsylvania, Nanticoke s. Tuscaroras, and Shaw- 
nees from the South, pushed from their ancient homes by 
the rapacity of the white man, were seeking new homes 
and fresh hunting-grounds, where they would henceforth 
be free from encroachment. To the Iroquois the native 
fugitives looked for defense from the grasping policy of the 
whites, and for counsel and permission as to where they 
should fix their future seats. It happened, therefore, that 
during this period this tide of western emigration was 
pushing up both branches of the Susquehanna, in order to 
pour itself upon the great plains between the Alleghanies 
and the Mississippi, only to be forced still farther West by 
the advancing tide of civilization. During the later por- 
tion of this period the •' vagabond Indians" probably occu- 
pied the few town sites which have been discovered' within 
the limits of Steuben County. It will throw some light 
upon this subject to consider .some of the Indian settle- 
ments which are well known to have existed in the 
adjacent valleys near the period of settlement by the whites. 

In the spring of 1750, Cammerhoff, a bishop of the 
Moravian Church, in company with the intrepid Zeis- 
berger, passed up the Susquehanna from Wyoming to 
Tioga, en route for Onondaga, in order to negotiate with 
the Great Council for the establishment of missions among 



the Iroquois. They were accompanied by a Cayuga chief 
and his family. When they reached the vicinity of Wyalu- 
sing, the remains of an old town were .still visible, which 
the Cayuga said was called " Go-hon-to-to," inhabited by a 
tribe speaking a strange language, neither Delaware nor 
Iroquois, called by the latter " Te-ho-toch-se" (Andastes), 
upon whom the Five Nations made war and wholly exter- 
minated them. For nearly a century this " blood-stained 
field" seems to have been abandoned as a habitation ; 
althoughbeingat the junction of two important trails, it may 
have been the temporary residence of wandering parties. 

In 1752,* Papunhauk, a Mousey chief of some note, 
from the Minisink country, with a number of families, 
emigrated to Wyalusing, and built a new town a little below 
the site of the old Gohontoto. It was probably abandoned 
during the French war.f On the Wysaukin plains a party 
of Shawanes stopped for a time, built their huts and planted 
their corn, but the number of the party and the time of 
their settlement and removal are unknown. The settlement 
was located nearly opposite the mouth of Towanda Creek. 
Cammerhoff and Zeisberger encamped here, after a fa- 
tiguing journey of fifteen miles up the rapid current of the 
Susquehanna, swollen by recent rains, and named the spot 
the " Garden of Roses," on account of the profusion of wild 
roses which loaded the air with their fragrance. On the 
evening of Sept. 30, 1767, Zeisberger spent the night here 
in an empty Delaware hut, but, he adds, " no one lives 
here now." He calls the place the " Wisach." 

In August, 1748, the Nanticokes (tide-water people), 
almost the entire nation, abandoned their ancestral home on 
the eastern shore of Maryland, and moved northward, fol- 
lowing the course of the Susquehanna. They settled prin- 
cipally at "Shamunk" (Chemung) and " Zemuge" (Che- 
nango). In the course of this migration a party of them 
stopped for a time on the Towanda Flats. Opposite Tioga 
Point, on the west side of the river, was Queen Esther's 
town, which was probably built not far from 1770. It at- 
tracted attention during the Revolutionary war, because of 
the prominence acquired by the notorious woman whose 
name it bears. 

At the junction of the Chemung and Susquehanna 
Rivers was " Diahoga" (Tioga), the oldest, most populous 
and important Indian town in this whole region of country. 
It was the door into the territory proper of the Iroquois 
Confederacy. To it all the great trails centered. All persons 
who entered this territory except by this door or the Mohawk, 
were considered and treated as spies and enemies. Here 
was stationed a Cayuga sachem, who, in the figurative lan- 
guage of the nation, guarded this door of their Long 
House, and whoever entered their country must first ob- 
tain permission. It was the place of rendezvous for war- 
parties going out on their expeditions, and to this point 
prisoners were brought to be disposed of according to the 
customs of the League, either to be put to death with the 
most cruel tortures, or adopted into the family of some slain 
warrior, thenceforth to forget former home and kindred, 
and be received in all respects into the place of his former 

"■■■■ Pennsylvania Archives, iii. 7.3G. 

■f Juurual of Moses Tatcmy and Isaac Ilill. 



22 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



enemy. The population of this town was predominantly 
Iroquois, although in later times the inhabitants were con- 
siderably mixed. Weiser reached this town March 29, 
1737. In his journal he say.s : " There are many Indians 
living here, partly Gaiukers (^Cayugas), partly Mahikanders 
(Mohicans). We went into several huts to get meat, but 
they had nothing, as they said, for themselves. The men 
were mostly absent hunting ; some of the old mothers asked 
us for bread. We returned to our quarters with a Mahik- 
ander, who directed his old gray-headed mother to cook a 
soup of Indian corn. She hung a large kettle of it over 
the fire, and also a smaller one with potash, and made them 
both boil briskly. What she was to do with the potash 
was a mystery to me, for I soon saw it was not for the pur- 
pose of washing, as some of the Indians are in the prac- 
tice of doing, by making a lye and washing tlieir foul and 
dirty clothes. For the skin of her body was not unlike the 
bark of a tree, from the dirt which had not been washed 
off fur a long time, and was quite dried in and cracked, and 
her finger-nails were like eagle's claws. She finally took the 
ash-kettle off the fire and put it aside until it had settled, 
and loft a clear liquor on top, which she carefully poured 
into the kettle of corn. I inquired of my companions why 
this was done, and they told me it was the practice of these 
and the Shawanos, when they had neither meat nor grease, 
to mix their food with lye prepared in this manner, which 
made it slippery and pleasant to eat. When the soup was 
thus prepared, the larger portion was given to us, and out 
of hunger I quietly eat a portion which was not of bad 
taste. The dirty cook and unclean vessels were more re- 
pulsive. . . . The Indians cat so much of this soup that 
they became sick." 

In 1743, this Indian settlement was visited by John 
Bartram, the celebrated English botanist, in company with 
Lewis Evans, Conrad Weiser, and Indian guides. They 
were on their way from Philadelphia to Onondaga and Os- 
wego. The Indian house, or house of the viceroy, at which 
they were welcomed by the beating of drums, after the 
manner of the English, is de.sciibed " as about thirty feet 
long, and the finest of any among them." The Indians 
cut long grass and spread it on the floor for their guests to 
sit upon. Several of them sat down and smoked their 
pipes, " one of which was six feet long, the head of stone, 
and the stem of a reed." After this they brought victuals 
in the usual manner.* 

The town of " Diahoga" continued, until the French 
war, inhabited partly by Mohicans and partly by Cayugas. 
During the French war, in which both the Delawares and 
the Iroquois were involved, it was the place of rendezvous 
for the forces which laid waste the whole northern frontier 
of Pennsylvania. Here Tee-dy-as-cung plotted and planned 
those expeditions by which he exacted the price in blood 
for the land on the forks of the Delaware, from which he 
had been so haughtily driven a few years before. For a 
time the town was temporarily abandoned. In 1758 it is 
reported, "All the houses in this town are in ruins ; no 
Indian lives there." After the treaty of Easton it was re- 
built, and in 1760 is spoken of as a flourishing town. 

*■ Observations, etc , by John Bartram, Loudon, 1751. 



CHAPTER IV. 

INDIAN OCCUPANCr OF STEUBEN COUNTY. 

Pouchot'a Map of 1758 — Indian Trails and Vill.ages — The Scnecas — 
The Canisteo Castle — Expedition of Sir William Johnson — Mon- 
tour and Brant — Treaty with the King of Canisteo — Battle be- 
tween the Canisteos and Senecas. 

The French explored this region from the west, prob- 
ably from Fort Niagara, a post which, throughout the border 
wars which raged occasionally till the close of the Revolu- 
tion, was the headquarters in the West. Near the close 
of the French war, the Conhocton and Canisteo Rivers 
were first made known to geographers in a map known as 
Pouchot's map, found in the " Paris Documents," a collec- 
tion of reports, etc., made by the French officers and others 
during colonial times in this country. Capt. Pouchot was 
a veteran engineer officer of the French army, stationed at 
Fort Niagara. He prepared, in 1758, from information re- 
ceived chiefly from the Indians, a map of the English and 
French possessions in North America, and transmitted it to 
the war minister at Paris. In doing so he warned the 
latter, that " the outlets which the English possess by way 
of the Mohawk River and Canisteo, will tempt them always 
to come and settle on the south shore of Lake Ontario. 
The country being very fine and fit for cultivation, they 
will make large settlements. Placing the Five Nations and 
the Delawares in their rear, they would be masters of them, 
and would attract other nations by their commerce." 

The Canisteo on this map is made to extend clear to the 
Susquehanna, the true outlet of which is given in the 
Chesapeake Bay. The map shows a pretty good idea of 
the country, and how wide and generally accurate was the 
geographical knowledge of the Indians. The French, too, 
had a special reason for studying the geography of the 
country thoroughly, and seizing upon all its most import- 
ant strategical points in order to circumvent the plans of 
the English colonists, and confine them to a narrow strip 
of country on the Atlantic coast. All the principal rivers 
leading into the interior and opening an avenue into the 
rich valleys south of the lakes, were looked upon as avenues 
for their rivals, and their situations were well understood 
and jealously guarded in the establishment of most of their 
military and trading posts. 

The Kanestio was well known at Fort Niagara, and is 
frequently alluded to in ofEcial correspondence. One of the 
great trails which traversed the Iroquois Confederacy led 
from the Genesee River to the head of the Canisteo, thence 
down that valley to the Susquehanna and to the head of 
Seneca Lake. The map indicates an Indian village on the 
site of the present white settlement of Canisteo, and an- 
other where Painted Post now stands. ... At that time 
the Conhocton flowed through a trackless wilderness. One 
solitary Indian trail passed along its banks, and was inter- 
sected by a north and south trail from the head of Crooked 
Lake. The chief Indian paths at that time ran from 
Oneida through Onondaga to the Seneca River, at Cayuga, 
thence to Canandaigua, Gcnesco, and to Fort Schlosser, on 
the Niagara River. From Geneseo a path ran south to the 
Allegany River, and thence north to the Canisteo, at the 
confluence of Bennett's Creek. At that time the territory 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



23 



west of Crooked Lake was unexplored by the white man. 
In a map drawn by Guy Jolinson, in 1771, it is written, 
" Tliere are more lakes hereabouts, but they cannot be laid 
down with certainty." 

The Senecas were the original owners of these lands. 
Tiiey were looked upon in the confederacy as the " Western 
Door," through which all communications from the West 
must be made to the nation. Hence we find Sir William 
Jolinson addressing them as follows : " You have always 
been looked upon as the door of the Six Nations, where all 
news, especially from the westward and southward, must 
enter and go out." The principal village of the Senecas 
was near the Genesee River, about twenty miles from Iron- 
dequoit Bay. In 1770 the Senecas were the most numer- 
ous of the Six Nations ; they could number about one 
thousand fighting men. For a long time they resisted 
every application of the provincial governors for permission 
to build a fort at Irondequoit, in their country, but finally 
consented. In another chapter will be found the history 
of Gen. Sullivan's expedition into their country, in 1779, 
their disastrous defeat, and the destruction of their chief 
town, Little Beardstown, consisting of one hundred and 
fifty houses. This town was situated on the eastern side 
of the Genesee River, in a beautiful valley, which was 
covered with extensive corn-fields, which were all de.stroyed 
by the invading army. 

During the colonial period there was a noted settlement 
of Indians on the Canisteo, near the site of the present 
village of that name. At what time they settled there is 
uncertain, but it was many years before our Revolution and 
some time after the conquest of the Delawares by the 
Iroquois. The clan of Indians which lived there at the 
time when written history first alludes to them was of 
Delaware extraction, reduced to a low state of degradation. 
To them had joined themselves a few deserters from the 
British army, with a sprinkling of fugitive slaves, escaped 
convicts, and refugees from various Indian tribes, making 
altogether a class fitly designated by the great council at 
Onondaga as " stragglers from all nations." 

In 1762 two of these Canisteo brisrands murdered, some- 

where in the Seneca country, two Briti.sh subjects, Dutch 
traders from Albany, whose goods were confiscated by them, 
and probably carried to their village at Canisteo. Sir Wil- 
liam Johnson, the English governor on the Mohawk, made 
prompt requisition of the head men of the Iroquois league 
to have the murderers brought to justice. The chiefs made 
fair promi.ses, but the murderers managed to escape. Ne- 
gotiations on the subject continued through many months. 
Lieut. Guy Johnson, the aide to the English governor, who 
made formal complaint to the council at Onondaga, reported 
to his commander that, after stating the facts to the chiefs 
in solemn session, the chief sachem went through the cere- 
mony of plucking the thorn from their feet, and clearing 
their sight by wiping away the tears which must have been 
shed on the late melancholy occasion, which he declared 
gave their nation the ufmo.st concern. The matter was 
held under consideration for several days, Lieut. Johnson 
pressing his demand for the surrender of the murderers 
energetically. Finally, on the seventh day, an answer of 
the council was given by Teyawarunte, chief speaker of 



the Onondagas, to the effect that the confederacy ought not 
to be charged with a breach of I'riendly relations with the 
English on account of the acts of a pair of miscreants 
from a village like Canisteo, composed of stragglers from 
all nations. But as the murderers were under the jurisdic- 
tion of the Senecas he requested that Sir William Johnson 
should wait till they were heard from ; and if the Senecas, 
on due requisition, did not deliver up the offenders the 
other tribes would apprehend them. 

Lieut. Johnson accepted this reasonable answer, and the 
next day a Seneca Indian, then at Onondaga, was sent to 
convey to his nation the demand of the council for the sur- 
render of the murderers. We quote here the words of 
Judge McMaster, in his Centennial Address, delivered at 
Bath : " The upper nations received the summons of the 
chiefs and paid due outward respect to their demand, but 
after all the necks of our late fellow-citizens of the Second 
Assembly District did not with sufficient alacrity present 
themselves for the halter. The truth perhaps was, that the 
' Genesee uncles' thought it a superfluity of justice to send 
two healthy warriors to the gallows as an equivalent for a 
firm of Dutch peddlers from Albany. But there was, fur- 
ther, a political question of no little consequence involved. 
While the Six Nations, as a people, maintained for a long 
time preceding the final overthrow of the French a stead- 
fast allegiance with the English, the western clans of the 
Senecas, on account of the proximity of Fort Niagara and 
the means thus afforded for French agents to intrigue with 
them, were strongly inclined to favor the latter ; and it was 
with no little exertion on the part of their brethren that 
they were prevented from openly taking up arms against 
the English. The fall of Quebec in 1759 of course put 
an end to all fears on that score. But the Genesee Senecas, 
with sympathizing regret for their vanquished friends, felt 
but a languid interest in the search for the Canisteo cul- 
prits. A more serious matter at that time was the pro- 
jected hostilities of the Western Ottawas and other distant 
nations again.st the English, which resulted in the great 
enterprise of Poutiae, the attempt of a master mind to com- 
bine whatever there was of savage force in the shattered 
tribes of the forest for the outpouring of one overwhelm- 
ing vial of destruction upon the English posts. The loy- 
alty of the Senecas to their treaty obligations was trembling 
in the scale under these new influences, at the time when 
the murder of the traders occurred, and their dependents, 
the Delawares of the Su.squehanna and the Canisteo, were 
violently dissatisfied. The latter did, finally, quite gener- 
ally give adhesion to the enemy with many of the Senecas.* 
" Two years went by after the summons of the old people 
(the council) went forth, and we may be sure it was the sub- 
ject of much talk at the Canisteo Castle (as the ancient 
wilderness village over the hills was called), and perhaps 
was canvassed in some hunting-party on this very ground. 
In the mean time the conspiracy of Pontiac came to a head, 
and a fierce conflict raged along the Western lakes. The 
agitation of that contest was felt even upon the upper Sus- 
quehanna, though that region was removed far from the 
seat of war. 

* Parkman's Conspiracy of Pontiac. 



24 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



" In 1764, Sir William Johnson determined to be trifled 
with no longer in the matter of the two murderers and 
other causes of complaint against the Genesee Seuecas, and, 
accordingly, with the full approval of the other nations, 
fitted out a military expedition against the Canisteo Castle. 
A party of one hundred and forty Indians, with a few white 
men, under the command of Captain Montour, a half-breed 
war-chief, was dispatched to break up the nest. This ex- 
pedition started in April, 1764, from Oquago, a village on 
the Susquehanna, above Binghamton, and in a fortnight 
made thorough work. The inhabitants fled at Montour's 
approach, but he destroyed their villages and property. 
Kanhangton,* or Tioga Point, now Athens, Pennsylvania, 
was the first place destroyed. It consisted of thirty-six 
good houses, built of square logs and having stone chim- 
neys. The next point was a village on the Cayuga Branchf 
(the Chemung). Here thirty houses of the same kind 
were found and destroyed. Thence the party marched to 
Canisteo, which the report in the colonial records describes 
as ' the largest of the Delaware towns, consisting of sixty 
good houses with three or four fireplaces in each.' It ap- 
pears from this that the outlaws deserve at least the praise 
of introducing great improvements in architecture among 
the savages. Probably the white and black members of 
the colony were less inured to the intense severity of the 
weather than the red men, and had been accustomed to 
better lodgings. Hence these luxurious barracks of hewed 
logs and stone fireplaces. But the emissaries of justice 
spared nothing. The village was burned and the miscella- 
neous inhabitants plundered. They even found in the .se- 
cluded retreat horses, horned cattle, and swine, which, 
however, were in such a poor condition after the winter, 
that few were fit to be diiven away. It appears that no 
efibrt was made by the Canisteos to defend their town, 
although the defile, several leagues in length, through 
which the invading party passed before reaching the fine 
valley where, in an open meadow of several hundred acres, 
the village stood, offered ample opportunity for a ruinous 
attack upon them." 

The early settlers discovered here two forts, which, upon 
careful examination, exhibited considerable engineering 
skill. One was situated near the bank of the river, just 
in the neck of the defile as it opens into the valley on the 
east. It occupied about an acre of ground, with four square 
corners, and was inclosed by palisades or pickets. The 
embankment remaining when the early settlers came to the 
place was about two feet high. At the mouth of a similar 
opening into the valley from the south, on Col. Bill's 

'* Kan is the Iroquois name for town ; the other part of the name 
is froQi a word signifying the junction of two riverj:. A score or more 
of Indian villages in Western New York, at the time of the Sullivan 
campaign, began with this word Kan, — such as Kauadasaga, Kana- 
gasas, Kanadanga, etc. 

f This is the name given to the Chemung River in the colonial 
records and earlj' writings. Before it had any other name, the people 
down in Pennsylvania and travelers generally called it the Caynga 
Branch of the Susquehanna, because it extended off in the direction 
of the Cayuga country. The village referred to was on the Chemung, 
in the vicinity of Waverly. It was visited by Bartram, the English 
botanist, and Conrad Weiser, on their return from Onondaga in 1743, 
twenty-one years before this expedition, and was then a village of 
considerable importance. 



Creek, was another fort of about the same size and con- 
struction, which seems to have been designed as a place of 
retreat in case the first fort was taken by an enemy. The 
works were evidently constructed with reference to an 
attack from the east, and if we suppose them to have been 
built by the Canisteos at the time of their occupancy of 
the valley, there would be a manifest fitness in this, as the 
only invasion from white settlements at that time must 
necessarily come up the river from an eastern direction. 
The engineering skill, too, would be easily accounted for 
by the presence of the deserters from the British army and 
other Europeans who formed part of the mixed settlement. 
The word " castle" as applied to the ancient Canisteo town 
would seem to imply some sort of stronghold or fortifica- 
tion. Although no mention is made of a fort in the brief 
record of the expedition, and it is stated, or at least implied, 
that the Canisteos made no resistance, yet the forts or the 
main fort below the town may not have been garrisoned at 
the time of the invasion, and may have been passed by un- 
noticed, as it stood about fifteen rods from the bank of the 
river. At all events, these forts were here when the early 
settlers came to the country, and the most reasonable sup- 
position is that they were built by the band of outlaws de- 
stroyed by Sir William Johnson's expedition in the spring 
of 17G4. 

The foundation of a house of hewed timber was also dis- 
covered in 1818, east of the river fort and just below the 
mouth of Cold Stream, on the fiirm of Joshua C. Stephens. 
It was exposed in changing the bed of the river, and had 
every appearance of having been covered for a long time 
by the natural alluvial deposit of the valley. 

Judge McMaster has singled out two of the actors ia 
this expedition as noticeable men : " The leader, Montour, 
as there is strong grounds for believing, was the son of the 
famous Indian woman known as Queen Catharine, and the 
same warrior who, after a fatal encounter with the American 
troops in the war of the Revolution, was brought to the 
mouth of the Conhocton, there to die and be buried in a 
grave marked by the Painted Post, which has given an en- 
during name to that locality. The other was Jo.s enh Brant , 
as I shall venture to say on the authority of the records, 
which show that in this very month of April, 1764, he was 
engaged in an expedition against some hostile villages, and 
on the authority of Stone's ' Life of Sir William John- 
son,' where Canisteo is mentioned as the name of a village 
attacked at that time by the great Thayendanegea." 

The story is not yet finished. " The inhabitants of the 
destroyed village fled for protection to the Senecas of 
Genesee, who were in not much better odor than the suf- 
ferers themselves. Three months later we find that the 
refractory ' Chenu.ssio Indians and other Senecas' made a 
treaty of peace, in which it was provided ' that regarding 
the delivering up of the Kanestio murderers, one of them 
being dead, the other is pardoned, on their acceding to the 
additional article,' and also, ' that as the Delawares of the 
Susquehanna, who came for protection to Chenussio last 
spring, after their castles were destroyed by Sir William 
Johnson's Indian parties, are now suing for peace through 
the Chenussio mediation, the Chenussios agree to deliver 
up at Oswego within three weeks Atweetsera, the Delaware 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



25 



king, and Oiiusseraqueta, their chief warrior, and every 
prisoner, deserter, Frenchman and negro among them.' 

" The names of the King of Canisteo and the captain of 
his forces above given (if we may be allowed to infer from 
the meagre records of the affair, that the Canisteo clan is the 
party referred to in the report) are the only names preserved 
to us of the defendants in the English governor's very sum- 
mary proceeding. In 1765 we find our dethroned monarch 
and his lieutenant attending a conference of the Six Nations 
at Johnson Hall. Sir William Johnson soundly berated 
the Chenussios for their failure to deliver up the prisoners, 
desertei-s, etc., together with a pair of red guerrillas named 
Squa.sh-Cutter and Long-Coat. Onusseraqueta answered, 
saying among other things : ' Brother, it is a long time 
since you shook me by my head to bring me to my senses. 
I must confess we were out of our senses, but we are now 
resolved to act no more foolishly.' The Delawares sought 
to appease the governor with profuse apologies, but he was 
not to be put off by their palaver, and lectured them in 
cutting and peremptory terms, and refused to shake hands 
with them till the two reprobates, Squash-Cutter and Long- 
Coat, should be surrendered to him as hostages for the 
delivery of the prisoners, etc., according to the agreement. 
This was done, and affairs came to an adjustment in a 
treaty in May, 1765, which bears among other signatures 
the signs manual of Atweetsera and Onussaraqueta, that of 
the former being a loon, and that of the latter a heaver.^' 

Doty, in his history of Livingston County, refers to a 
battle between the Canisteo and Seneca Indians* as fol- 
lows: 

" In a battle which took place between the Canisteo Indians 
and Senecas, on a hill three miles to the northeast, a noted 
Seneca chief was killed. To mark the spot where he fell 
an excavation several rods in extent, shaped like a man 
with arms extended, was made by his tribesmen. An In- 
dian trail led by this novel memorial, and the natives, in 
passing, were in the habit of clearing therefrom with ten- 
der regard the leaves and brush which the wind had drifted 
into it. The chief's remains were brought to Ganosgago 
for burial, and singularly enough now lie under the altar 
of the Lutheran Church, a Christian memorial to a pagan 
warrior. A rude monument, consisting of a pile of small 
stones brought hither one by one by the Indians from a 
hill a mile distant, was worked by the white man's hands 
into the church foundation wall." 

At the time of the battle this village was the frontier 
post of the Senecas in a southward direction, and stood as 
a menace to the Canisteos on this side of the hills. The 
Indian trail which led from the Genesee to the Canisteo, 
and thence to Eastern Pennsylvania, may yet be traced in 
places, especially at a point half-way up Big Hill, where 
the path intersects the highway leading from Dansville to 
Hornellsville. For many miles below the latter place its 
deeply-worn course is yet plainly visible. 

Ganosgago, the village referred to, is laid down on Pou- 
chot's map as Kanouskegon ; it was established after De 
Nouville's invasion of IGSy.f 

* At Ganosgago, on the site of the present village of Dansville; a 
small Seneca town of comparatively modern date, 
t Boty's History of Livingston County. 



CHAPTER V. 

PEBIOD OF THE REVOLUTION. 

Massacre of Wyoming — Campaign of (jcneral Sullivan — Celebration 
at Newtown — Expeditions up the Chemung — Operations within this 
County. 

Two incidents of no little importance to our local history 
occurred within the limits of this county during the period 
of the Revolution : one was the fitting out of the expedi- 
tion to Wyoming in the summer of 1778; the other the 
movements of certain detachments of the Sullivan cam- 
paign the following year. 

The Indians and Tories who planned the attack upon 
Wyoming, acting under the authority of the British officers 
in command of the garrison at Fort Niagara, followed the 
well-trodden Indian trail across the Genesee Valley to the 
upper Canisteo, or place of putting in the canoes.\ Fol- 
lowing the course of the stream eastward to within a few 
miles of the present village of Hornellsville they there cut 
down large pine-trees, which grew upon its bank, and con- 
structed the canoes which carried them down the swift cur- 
rent into the Chemung, and thence to the scene of that 
bloody and ever-memorable tragedy of the 3d of July, 
1778. The valley of the Chemung from Painted Post to 
Tioga was at this time occupied by Indian settlements of 
more or less importance. Their lodges, villages, and corn- 
fields were scattered along the banks of the river for nearly 
the whole distance down which the expedition passed to 
their bloody work in the beautiful Wyoming Valley. How 
many of these Indians joined the party on their way down 
the river, or what aid and comfort they rendered the expe- 
dition, is not known, but it is certain that the massacre of 
Wyoming was the immediate cause of the planning and 
execution of the campaign intrusted to Gen. Sullivan dur- 
ing the following summer. 

It has been remarked by a late writ<?r on this subject, 
that " the terrible scenes and slaughter at Wyoming, July 
3, 1778, extorted a wail from every colony in the land, and 
roused a feeling of vengeance so deep and imperative that 
even the great and magnanimous heart of Washington, 
whose affections and desires were all enli.sted in the uplifts 
ing of the Indian, was cheeked in its generous impuLses, 
and he calmly and wisely drew the plan of the Sullivan 
campaign." It was no less than meeting the Indians on 
their own ground, and adopting their own desolating tac- 
tics, — to lay waste their country, destroy their villages, burn 
their crops, cut down their orchards, and thus break their 
power for future operations against the colonists. 

The chief command of the expedition was intrusted to 
Gen. Sullivan, though at first it was proposed to give it to 
Gen. Gates. The army was to march from their winter 
quarters on the Hudson to Wyoming, thence up the Sus- 
quehanna to Tioga, where another division under Gen. James 
Clinton, marching by the way of Otsego Lake, after a di- 
version into the country of the Onondagas, was to effect a 
junction, when the combined army, consisting of four 



t Meaning of the word Caiiisten, place of pnttlntj in the cajioe*, or 
head of uaviijatiim. The name which at first only meant the launch - 
ing-place in a little while came to be applied to the whole river. 



•^6 



HISTOllY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YOKK. 



brigades of infantry and riflemen and a park of artillery, 
was to proceed through the valley of the Chemung, thence 
northward to the Genesee River, destroying crops and 
houses, and everything of value to the Indians, as far as 
could be reached on either side of the trail of the army. 

The force under Gen. Sullivan arrived at Tioga from 
Wyoming, August 11, 1779, where it awaited the arrival 
of Gen. Clinton's brigade and artillery from Otsego. In the 
mean time a fortification was thrown up, running across the 
point of land between the two rivers, a distance of one hun- 
dred and ninety yards, behind which the army lay safe from 
attack. On the 11th scouts were sent out to discover the 
whereabouts of the enemy, and returned on the 12th, re- 
porting him at Old Chemung, twelve miles above. An ex- 
pedition was at once prepared and ordered forward for the 
capture of the place. The three brigades, with the excep- 
tion of two regiments, left to guard the works and supply- 
trains, all under the command of Gen. Sullivan, marched at 
eight P.M., on the 12th ; but, owing to the darkness of the 
night, the absence of roads, and tlie lack of proper guides, 
the command did not arrive at Chemung until after day- 
light. " Even then," says Col. Hubley, " our pilot, on our 
arrival, from some disagreeable emotions he felt, could not 
find the town. " However, another hour's march brought 
them to the main town, and the morning being a foggy one, 
disposition was made of the troops to surprise it ; but, on 
reaching it at five A.JI , it was found evacuated. Gen. Hand 
then pushed forward Capt. Bush, and his infantry company 
of Col. Hubley's regiment, for about a mile, when fires were 
discovered, and tlie balance of the regiment and two inde- 
pendent companies were brought up, and an advance of an- 
other mile was made, when the Indians, ambushed on a 
high hill, fired upon them. Capt. Bush immediately at- 
tempted to flank the savages, while the colonel led the rest 
of his regiment directly up the hill, the men pressing for- 
ward with great intrepidity under a severe fire. The Indians 
seeing the determination evinced by the troops, retreated 
before Capt. Bush could gain their rear, and carried oiF 
their dead and wounded. The ground beyond being un- 
favorable for pursuit, the retreating savages escaped. The 
loss in this action, with the exception of two, fell wholly on 
Col. Hubley's regiment. Two captains, — Walker and Car- 
berry, — Adjt. Huston, a guide, and eight privates were 
wounded, and one sergeant, one drummer, and four privates 
were killed. Gens. Poor and Maxwell's brigades were :Uso 
fired upon, and lost one man killed and several wounded. 
Maj. John Franklin, of Wyoming, was also seriously 
wounded. The town at this place consisted of about 
seventeen houses, which were destroyed, together with 
several fine fields of corn. The dead were brought back 
to Tioga on the 13th, the day of the battle, and on the 
1 4th were buried with full military honors. 

The 15th of August was Sunday. On Monday a column 
of seven hundred men, under Gen. Poor, marched up the Sus- 
quehanna to meet Gen. Clinton. On the 22d, Gen. Clinton, 
with a flotilla of two hundred and twenty boats and fifteen 
hundred men, accompanied by Gen. Poor and his column, 
arrived at Tioga, and were received with joyous demonstra- 
tions. Clinton had been delayed by his raid into the Onon- 
daga country, and had arrived at the outlet of Otsego Lake 



late in the season to find that the summer heats had dimin- 
ished the water therein to such an extent as to preclude 
the passage of his boats loaded with artillery and supplies. 
" But nothing daunted, this leader, fruitful in expedients 
and skillful in woodcraft, at once contrived a plan to increase 
the carrying power of the Susquehanna, as unique as it 
proved successful. He threw a dam across the outlet of 
the lake, cleared the stream of its drift-wood, launched his 
boats, and when the waters in the lake had gained as heavy 
a head as his dam would bear, he cut the latter, and on the 
flood of waters that rushed out floated to Tioga, the waters 
at that point setting back up the Chemung some distance. 
The sight of a freshet in the Susquehanna, when there had 
been no rain for many weeks, excited the superstitious awe 
of the Indians, and they fled from before the soldier favored, 
as they believed, by the Great Spirit and against them- 
selves." 

The 24th of August was spent by the army in making bags 
out of their tents to carry their flour in, and in preparing 
for the expedition northward into the Indian country. Col. 
Butler's regiment and Maj. Parr's riflemen joined the light 
corps which formed the advance. Col. Shreve was left in 
charge of Fort Sullivan, and the line of march was taken 
up at eleven a.m., August 26, in the following order: light 
corps, commanded by Gen. Hand, marched in six columns, 
the right held by Col. Butler and the left by Col. Hubley. 
Maj. Parr, with the riflemen, covered the entire front, a 
short distance in advance, and reconnoitered every suspi- 
cious-looking spot or point of concealment for the enemy, 
to prevent surprise or ambuscade. The pioneers followed 
next, preceding the artillery, and the main army followed in 
two columns, iti the centre of which moved the pack-horses 
and cattle, the whole flanked right and left by the divisions 
commanded by Cols. Dubois and Ogden. The rear was 
brought up by Gen. Clinton's brigade. The army moved 
three miles and encamped, and on the 27th marched in the 
same order six miles and encamped at the " lower end of 
Chemung," near the narrows, where Col. Hubley says lie 
" made an agreeable repast of corn, potatoes, beans, cucum- 
bers, watermelons, squashes, and other vegetables, which 
grew in abundance there." 

The 28th of August was spent in reconnoitering, and to 
find a ford for the artillery and trains, to avoid a high hill 
over which Gen. Poor and Gen. Clinton marched, with 
their brigades. The ford was made and the river recrossed 
farther up, and the army encamped at six o'clock, having 
made but two miles advance. Scouts reported the enemy 
in force below Newtown, and evidently intending to give 
battle. 

On Sunday, August 29th, the march was resumed in the 
same order as on the 26th, the riflemen covering the ad- 
vance of the light corps, which moved with the greatest 
precision and caution. On arriving near the bridge on 
which the action of the lUlh had commenced, several In- 
dians were discovered, who fired and retreated, and the 
advance pushed on about a mile, into a marshy ground, 
where it again drew the fire of the Indians, who again 
retreated. Maj. Parr then began to take even more pre- 
cautions than he had before done, and ordered one of his 
men to climb a tree. The order was obeyed, and the look- 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



27 



out soon discovered the movements of some Indians — whose 
paint rendered them conspicuous — behind an extensive 
breastwork nearly half a mile in length, and artfully con- 
cealed by green boughs and trees, their right secured by 
the river and their left by a high hill or mountain. " It 
was situated on a rising ground, about one hundred yards 
in front of a difficult stream of water, bounded by the 
marshy ground before mentioned on our side, and between 
it and the breastwork was an open and clear field." 

Maj. Poor immediately gave intelligence to Gen. Hand 
of his discoveries, who advanced the light corps within 
about three hundred yards of the enemy's works and 
formed in line of battle. The rifle corps, under cover, 
advanced and lay under the bank of the creek within one 
hundred yards of the lines. 

Gen. Sullivan, having previous notice, arrived with the 
main army, and ordered the following disposition of the 
forces ■ the riflemen and light corps to continue their posi- 
tion ; the left flanking division, under command of Col. 
Ogden, to take post on the left flank of the light corps ; 
Gen. Maxwell's brigade some distance in the rear as a corps 
de reserve ; and Col. Proctor's artillery in front of the cen- 
tre of the light corps and immediately opposite the breast- 
works. A heavy fire ensued between the rifle-corps and the 
enemy, but little damage was done on either side. 

In the mean time Gens. Poor and Clinton's brigades, with 
the right flanking division, were ordered to march and gain. 
if possible, the enemy's flank and rear, while the rifle and 
light corps engaged them in front. Col. Proctor had orders 
to be in readiness with his artillery and attack the lines, 
first allowing a suflicient space of time to Gens. Poor and 
Clinton to gain their intended stations. 

"About three o'clock', p.m., the artillery began the attack 
on the enemy's works. The rifle and light corps, meanwhile, 
prepared to advance and charge ; but the enemy, finding 
their situation rather precarious and our troops determined, 
retreated from their works with the greatest precipitation, 
leaving behind them a number of blankets, gun-covers, and 
kettles with corn boiling over the fire. 

■' Gens. Poor and Clinton, on account of several difiiculties 
which they had to surmount, could not effect their designs; 
and the enemy, probably having intelligence of their ap- 
proach, posted a number of troops on the top of a mountain 
over which they had to advance. On their arrival near 
the .summit of the same, the enemy dealt them a fire, and 
wounded several ofiieers and soldiers. Gen. Poor pushed 
on and gave them a fire as they retreated, and killed five 
of the savages." 

This was the battle of Newtown. The best authorities 
agree that it was fought from seven to eight miles below 
Elmira, at a point called Hogback. Ephraim Bennett, who 
was an oflicer in the Revolution, located his farm, in 1794, 
on tlie old battle-ground, and lived there till 1799. At this 
latter date the fortifications were distinctly visible. 

Capt. Daniel Livermore, of Gen. Poor's brigade, speak- 
ing of the attempt to cut off the retreat of the Indians and 
Tories, says : " A very warm action ensued between about 
six hundred chosen savages, commanded by Braut a nd Capt. 
Butler, of the Queen's Rangers, and Poor's brigade, com- 
manded by himself in person. The brigade marched on 



with coolness with charged bayonets, not a gun being fired 
till within a short distance, when the enemy were obliged 
to give back, leaving their dead on the ground, amounting 
to twenty. We took three prisoners. At sunset, after a 
complete victory, encamped near the field of action, car- 
rying off our dead and wounded. Among the latter was 
Maj. Titeomb, Capt. Clayes, Lieut. McCauley, and about 
thirty others. The killed amounted to about four or five. 
During the whole of the action Col. Reed's and Col. Dear- 
born's regiments faired the hardest. Lieut. McCauley died 
of his wounds, August 30. 

" In the course of the day," says Col. Hubley, " we took 
nine scalps (all savages) and two prisoners, who were sepa- 
rately examined, and gave the following accurate account : 
' That the enemy were seven hundred strong, viz., five 
hundred savages and two hundred Tories, with about twenty 
British troops, commanded by a Seneca chief (Coruplauter), 
the two Butlers, Brant, and McDonald.' They further in- 
formed us that the whole of their party had subsisted on 
corn only for this fortnight past, and that they had no other 
provisions with them, and that their next place of rendez- 
vous would be at Catharine's town, an Indian village about 
twenty-five miles from this place." 

" It is -said that it was the vigilant eye of IJraut that 
discovered the movement of Poor and Clinton, which 
threatened to cut off the retreat of the force behind the 
breastwork, and he gave the signal of retreat when the cold 
steel of the New Hampshire and New York men pressed 
over the summit of the mountain, unchecked by the rifle- 
shots of his faithful warriors." 

It is not our purpose to follow the details of this expe- 
dition into the Genesee country further than to give a 
synopsis of the principal events of the campaign. After 
spending Monday, August 30, in destroying the extensive 
cornfields on the plains below Newtown, the army at noon 
on the 31st, crossed the Chemung at the junction of New- 
town Creek, destroying an Indian village at that point, and 
also some furniture which they found concealed. On Wed- 
nesday, September 1, they crossed the marshes before 
reaching Havana, and encamped late at night at Catharine's 
town. The place had been evacuated by the enemy, Queen 
Catharine herself fleeing with the rest. From this point 
the army marched on the east side of Seneca Lake, destroy- 
ing the Indian villages in their course, and reached Kana- 
dasaga (Geneva) on the 7th of September. Hero the 
grand council-house and fifty comfortable dwellings were 
given to the flames, a fine apple-orchard was girdled, and 
immense cornfields destroyed. On the 8th of September 
the village of Gaghsiungua met with the same fate. On 
the 10th, Kanadalaugua, a village of between forty and 
fifty well-built houses, chiefly of hewn plank, was destroyed, 
and Anyayea was added to the li.st on the 12th. This last, 
consisting of a dozen or more hewn log houses, was made a 
post-garrison by the army, and fifty soldiers unable to 
march, with provisions and ammunition, were stationed 
there, while the army pushed on for Genesee, the capital of 
the Senecas and the last objective point of the expedition. 

September 12 the little village of Kanagsas, comprising 
about ten houses, was reached, and given to the flames the 
next day. On the evening of the 12th, Lieut. Boyd and 



28 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



his command of twenty-six men, and the Oneida, Han 
Jerry,* were sent out to reconnoitre, and on the 13th met 
their tragic fate, fifteen of the twenty-eight, including Boyd 
and the Oneida guide, being killed outright, or most inhu- 
manly tortured and murdered ; Boyd and Sergt. Parker 
being stabbed in more than twenty places, scalped, their 
tongues cut out, eyes put out, and heads cut off. On the 
13th the army reached the town of Gaghsauguilahery, 
where the enemy seemed determined to make a stand. The 
line of battle was formed and the advance ordered, but the 
Indians fled from the town across the river, without making 
any further show of resistance. On the 14th this town 
and its extensive cornfields were destroyed, and the last 
stronghold of the Senecas was entered without a gun 
being fired. 

On the 15th of September General Sullivan issued his 
congratulatory orders, announcing the successful accom- 
plishment of the immediate objects of the campaign. On 
the same day the army began the return maieh to Tioga, 
and on the 24th arrived at Newtown, "where Capt. Reed, 
with a detachment of two hundred men, had thrown up a 
breastwork to guard some stores and cattle brought forward 
from Tioga for the army in case of necessity." This forti- 
fication ,_called Fort Reed, ran along the bank of Newtown 
Creek, as far up as the present bridge, below the Arnot 
Mills ; thence westerly, on the south side of the road, from 
sixty to eighty rods ; thence to the river, and down the 
same to the mouth of the creek, including an area of three 
or four acres, and surrounded by palisades. On the arrival 
of the victorious army, the garrison at Fort Read fired a 
salute of thirteen guns, which was re.sponded to by the 
artillery of Col. Proctor. Oij the 25th of September the 
expedition, which had been sent under Col. Dearborn to 
destroy the villages of the Cayugas, joined the main army 
at Fort Reed, and a grand celebration was held over their 
victory and the declaration of war by Spain against England. 

The success of the expedition was most complete. Forty 
towns and one hundred and sixty thousand"]" bushels of corn 
was destroyed, besides vast quantities of pumpkins, beans, 
melons, and other vegetables, and peach- and apple-orchards, 
and a most desolating march executed through the richest 
portion of the enemy's country, with small loss to the invad- 
ers. One pitched battle was fought and several skirmishes 
were had ; the most distressing and shocking loss of ours 
being that of Lieut. Boyd and his command of twenty-six 
men, of whom more than half were slain. 

The campaign in its results realized the fullest anticipa- 
tions of its projector. The Indians were most thoroughly 
overawed by the destruction of their country by an army they 
fully believed never could penetrate successfully twenty miles 
into it. They never again appeared in large numbers on 
any battle-field of the Revolution. They were driven north 
to Niagara by the destruction of their supplies, where, owing 
to the provisions issued to them by the garrison being salted, 

■* A chief of the Oneidas, who had been remarkable for his attach- 
ment to the cause of the Colonies, having served as a volunteer from 
the commencement of the war. The Dutch, with whom he had fought 
in the Mohawk Valley, called him Han Jerry, — John George. 

f " It was estimated that one hundred and sixty thousand bushels 
of corn were destroyed during the expedition." — Thalcher. 



the scurvy broke out among them, and the winter being ex- 
ceptionally severe, they died in large numbers. Terribly had 
the border settlements suflFered from their ravages, and ter- 
ribly were they avenged. 

EXPEDITIONS UP THE CHEMUNG. 

That detachments of the army were sent up the Che- 
mung, above Elmira, hoth on their arrival at Newtown, on 
31st of August, 1779, and after their return, September 
27 and 28, is evident from several published documents. 
We quote first, Gen. Sullivan's oflBcial report : 

" From this place (Elmira) Col. Dayton was detached with his 
regiment and the rifle corps up the Tioga about six miles, who de- 
stroyed several large fields of corn." 

Canfield's journal : 

•'August 31. Col. Dayton was detached to follow the enemy up 
the Chemung, but could not overtake them, but came to an Indian 
town which he destroyed, and also the corn." 

Lieut. John Jenkins' journal : 

" August 31 . This day we discovered the enemy going up the main 
branch of the Tioga with boats and canoes. Maj. Parr, with the 
riflemen and a company of infantry, was sent after them. . . . Sep- 
tember 1. Maj. Parr returned to the army about 10 o'clock to-day, 
and informed us that he could not come up with the Indians with their 
canoes, but that he burned a number of buildings and destroyed thirty 
acres of corn, and that the enemy had made a quantity of hay." 

Other journals give substantially the same facts. The 
journal of Col. Gansevort says : 

'* The army waited the return of a detachment which had been dis- 
patched up the Tioga to lay waste the crops." 

The following is from Sergt. Salmon's account of the ex- 
pedition. Mr. Salmon was a resident of Northumberland 
Co., Pa., and was orderly-sergeant of Capt. Sampson's com- 
pany during the Sullivan campaign. He died in 1837. 
After describing the battle of Newtown and the retreat 
of the Indians, he says : 

" The Indians having in this manner escaped, went up the river to 
a placed called the Narrows, where they were attacked by our men, 
who killed them in gieat numbers, so that the sides of the rocks next 
towards the river appeared as though blood bad been poured on them 
in pailfuls. The Indians threw their dead into the river, and escaped 
the best way they could." 

This statement is published under the sanction of the 
" Rochester Committee," in a work entitled " Notices of the 
Sullivan Campaign, or the Revolutionary Warfitre in West- 
ern New York," embodying the addresses and documents 
connected with the removal of the remains of Lieut. Boyd 
to Mount Hope Cemetery in 1842. 

The " Narrows" referred to are probably the Chemung 
Narrows, below Elmira. The writer goes on to say : 
" From Newtown our army went directly to the head of 
Seneca Lake," etc. 

The " Manuscript Journal of an Officer," quoted at large 
in the " Annals of Tryon County," has the following : 

" Sept. 28. This day Cols. Cortland and Dayton were detached with 
large detachments to destroy corn ; the former taking his route up the 
Tioga brancK;~to which place he was detached the day befnre (27th), 
and destroyed large fields of corn; and the latter taking his route 
downwards and destroyed such as the army left in going up." 



HISTOKY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



29 



It is evident that the expedition was too much engaged 
in pursuing the main body of the Indians and Tories north- 
ward to pay much attention to the upper valley of the Che- 
mung till after the return to Newton, on the 24th of Sep- 
tember. We give the following extracts from journals 
respecting the movements of this period : 

Col. Hubley's journal : 

"Sept. 27. The detachment ordered to march yesterday moved this 
morning up the Tioga br.inch to an Indian village about twelve miles 
from this place, with orders to destroy the same. At dark this evening, 
the detachment which moved this morning returned, after destroying 
a considerable qunntity of corn, beans, and other vegetables, sixteen 
boat-loads of which they brought with them for the use of the army. 
They also burned a small village." 

Jenkins' Journal notices the same facts of this date, with 
the addition that the detachment was commanded by Col. 
Spalding. 

James Norris' Journal : 

" Sept. 28. The same party that was sent yesterday was sent again 
to-day fttrtlier uj> the river to destroy a Tory settlement that a small 
party discovered yesterday." 

Gen. John S. Clark, who has a fine collection of docu- 
ments on the Sullivan Campaign, and who has studied that 
subject, as well as the Indian antiquities of this State, very 
thoroughly, thinks that there were three villages destroyed 
on the Chemun" above Elmira, — one at or near Bis: Flats, 
another near the present site of Corning, and the third at 
Painted Post. Speaking of the " Tory settlement" re- 
ferred to in the journal of Norris, he says : " This last 
place, according to the accounts, appears to have been at 
Painted Post, where was also a considerable villase in 
1764, called Assinnissink, a Monsey town, near the con- 
fluence of the Canisteo and Tioga It was the residence of 
Jacheabus, the leader of the war-party that committed the 
massacre of the Mahoney in 1755. The exact location 
of this more ancient town is somewhat uncertain. The 
Pennsylvania Historical Map places it in the forks of the 
two rivers in the town of Erwin." * 

We do not know of any other authority for the Tory 
settlement than the journal above quoted. Such a settle- 
ment or collection of Indians and British traders of the low 
sort may have existed here at the time of the Sullivan expe- 
dition, and been so eifectually destroyed as to leave no trace 
of it at the time of the early settlement. There can be no 
doubt but that some one of the detachments sent up the 
Chemung penetrated this county as far as the confluence of 
the Canisteo and Tioga Rivers, and destroyed everything 
in the shape of cornfields, buildings, and orchards which 
came in their way. The only Indian orchard that re- 
mained standing when the first settlers came into this part 
of the Chemung Valley was that on an island near Fox & 
Weston's steam-mill, two miles above Painted Post, which 
was probably overlooked when they destroyed the cornfields 
and orchards of the adjoining valley. 



- Near the junction of the Canisteo and Tioga Rivers, on the farm 
of Mrs. E. E. Townsend, just north of the present school in that part 
of the town of Erwin, is an ancient Indian burying-ground, which 
has been much noted and commented upon by the settlers since the 
first advent of the whites to this part of the country. It probably 
belonged to the period of the Indian settlement above referred to. 



Thus fiir it will be conceded that we stand on firm 
historic ground. Whether a battle was fought or an en- 
gagement of any kind was had with the Indians within 
the limits of this county during the Sullivan campaign is 
another question. It is claimed by some local writers and 
newspaper correspondents, chiefly on traditional authority, 
that a detachment of Maxwell's brigade came up the Che- 
mung and had an engagement with the Indians at the 
mouth of a little creek, since called Bloody Run, about two 
and a half miles below Corning, on the north side of the 
river, on lands now owned by Mr. James Smith, on the 
4:th or 5th of September, 1779. Others, again, deny this 
chiefly on the ground that no allusion is made to any such 
battle or engagement in any printed or published account 
of the expedition. That we may do justice to both parties 
in this controversy, which has filled a score of newspaper 
columns during the past year, we propose to give the sub- 
stance of the arguments on both sides, and leave the reader 
to judge of their respective merits. In one of the news- 
paper articles referred to we find the following : 

" Well-attested tradition avers that a battle was fought here between 
a detachment of Sullivan's army and a force of Indians, in September, 
1779. Mr. John Patterson, whose integrity none will question, says 
the place was indicated up to the year 1S14-, by seven ouk-trees that 
stood near the highway. On three of these trees was carved the hie- 
roglyphical representation of Indians with tomahawks drawn. Oo 
four of the trees there was carved the representation of soldiers with 
guns in their hands. These were considered by the primitive settlers 
as relics of this engagement. . . . 

*' There is no doubt that links in the chain of Sullivan's campaign 
have been lost, and have remained unsupplied to this day ; conse- 
quently we must rely on the statements of those old patriots who are 
gone, and much of the story of this engagement is buried with them. 
They are gone but not forgotten ; they need no statue or inscription 
to reveal their greatness; their deeds are monuments more lasting 
than the fanes reared to the kings and demi-gods of old. 

"Belonging to the detachment that .Sullivan sent up the Chemung, 
was Lieut. Nathan Dascum, William Mapes, and Abijah Ward, who 
have left a verbal history of the engagement that took place at Bloody 
Run, and they all agree as to location. Bascum was a lieutenant in 
this detachment, and belonged with Mapes to Maxwell's Brigade. He 
lived at Geneva, and died at Big Flats in the year 1840. He was the 
grandfather of Calvin Lovell, Esq., of Painted Post, and Reuben 
Lovell, Esq., of Big Flats. In the year 1835, on a visit to his daughter 
at Big Flats, he expressed a wish to visit the field of Bloody Run, 
where he had met the red man in deadly conflict tifty-six years be- 
fore. Calvin Lovell went with him, and the old patriot pointed out 
to him, with tears in his eyes, the position and the very ground occu- 
pied by the detachment and the location of the Indians, which was 
behind a swamp covered with bushes, Mr. Lovell says the recital 
was one of thrilling interest to him. The engagetnent took place 
over this swamp, the soldiers firing over the bushes, the Indians fall- 
ing back and taking position on the side of the hill. After the battle 
the Americans crossed the river and followed up the west side until 
they came to a fording-place, there recrossed and joined a detachment 
that went up on the east side of the river. Uniting, they went west 
as far as Switch Bottom Flats (which is in the vicinity of Fox, Weston 
<fc Co.'s mills), the old veteran i>ointing out the very spot of ground 
where they encamped. 

"Dascum corroborates Mapes. Their account of the battle and 
what took place subsequently are almost identical with Abijah 
Ward's, who died at Painted Post about forty years ago. . . . 

..." His statement is that they met the Indians at Bloody Run, 
concealed in a swamp ; that the enemy fired on them as they came 
up ; that after the battle the detachment went back and joined the 
main army. He agrees with Dascum and Mapes, with the exception 
of the farther advance west." 

Another writer, on the same side of the question, under 

date of Aug. 26, 1878, says : 



30 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



" In my letter of the 19th instant to the Gazette in relation to Sul- 
livan's camjmign against the Indians in 1779, I had no idea of luan- 
ufaeturino; history or provoking a controversy. I desired simply to 
throw light upon some of the incidents of that campaign, in which 
the people of the Chemung Valley are at present interested. But a 
brief criticism of my letter appears in the Free Prens of August 23, 
in which the editor seems to doubt the taking place of an engagement 
between a detachment of Sullivan's army and the Indians at a place 
two and a half miles below Corning, on the east bank of the Chemung 
River, on lands formerly owned by Jonathan Brown, Esq , Sept. 4th 
or 5th, 1779. . . . 

" I have before me ' Lieut. -Col. Adam Ilubley's Journal,* ' Lossing's 
Field Book of the Revolution,' 'Stone's Life of Brandt,' 'Miner's His- 
tory of Wyoming,' and other reliable data, and there is not a word in 
them incompatible with the assertions of William Mapes in relation 
to an engagement on the 4th or 5tb of September, 1779, at the place 
stated by him, anil communicated in my letter of the 19th inst. . . . 

** William Mapes, the old soldier from whom I obtained my infor- 
mation, was in General Ma.vwcU's brigade of Sullivan's expedition. 
He was an intelligent and truthful man, and his memory in regard to 
Revolutionary events was truly wonderful. He had served five years 
in the Continental army, and had made himself acquainted with the 
history of that eventful era. 

" Before I ventured to write a word concerning any of the events of 
the campaign of Sullivan, I tested him thoroughly, and found him to 
be a perfect cyclopaedia of Revolutionary history, and had memorized 
all the leading events, and had them at his tongue's end." 

One of the principal writers on the other side discredits 
the value of this traditional evidence as follows: 

*'If the above stiitement is true, it stands alone and without any 
corroboration of official or traditional evidence witiiin our knowledge. 
The view from our standpoint : Abijah Ward, another soldier in Sul- 
livan's army, and who was, as he said, 'one of the sixty men of the 
detachment sent up the Chemung River by Sullivan,' lived for many 
years in our town, and his integrity and soldierly reputation were no 
more to be questioned than those of Mr. Mapes. In his relations of 
the acts of the detachment, he denied not only the killing, but seeing 
a solitary Indian from the time they left New town until their return. 

"There are gentlemen still living in our village who have heard 
him repeatedly make this st-itemeut; also, that ' he came up to' (and, 
if I am not mistaken) 'around the chimney Narrows Hill.' Another 
Sullivan soldier, Mr. Little, a young man from Northumberland, Pa., 
was in the battle of the Ilog Back, taken prisoner after the battle, and 
taken by the notorious Tory, Capt. McDonald, to Canada, in company 
with a Mr. Tagg.iit, a prisoner from Frecling's Fort, Pa., who, with 
McDonald was present a*: the burial of the half-breed chief. Montour, 
at Painted Post, on their route to Canada. Little made his escape, 
and returning, stopped a few days with the renowned hunter and guide, 
Beniainin Patterson, then living in the town of Painted Post,*' to 
whom he related, ■ The chief that was buried at Painted Post was 
wounded at the battle of the Hog Back, below New town. His name 
was Montour, and he was taken in a canoe to Painted Post. It was 
frequently mentioned in. the camp where I was a prisoner, and before 
I made my escape, and Mr. Taggart told me he was present at the 
burial.' Now, Mr. William Mapes relates ' that one of the twelve In- 
dians shot in the engagement at Bloi>dy Run was a chief, and had on 
a calico shirt ; was in the act of jumping over a log when hit; was 
taken by other Indians to Painted Post, and buried.' And thus 
ends the positive evidence: The statement of Mr. Mapes, that Mon- 
tour was wounded at ' the engagement' at Bloody Run ; Mr. Little, 
that he was wounded at the Battle of Hog Back ; and Mr. Ward, that 
no Indians were seen, wounded, or slain on the expedition of the de- 
tachment, and this is all the positive evidence. 

"Now let us look at the possibilities. 

" If this detachment was sent up the river by Gen. Sullivan, and was 
composed of so many men, it must certainly have been considered by 
the commander of some importance (and there is no reasonable doubt 
but that such detachment was sent). If said detachment was sent to 
destroy the crops of the Indians or scatter and destroy the Indians, 
would not a report of the success or failure have been among the re- 

' tBenjainin Patterson d id not live in Painted Post till 1796, at least 
seventeen years after the capture of Little. 



cords of the campaign? If so largo a force had been sent, and an 
important engagement, in which a dozen of the enemy, including a 
renowned chief, were slain, and not one of the detachment wounded 
or lost, would it have been kept out of the reports and left to the 
chance of individual soldiers' descriptions?" 

We have deemed the above views worthy of a respectful 
hearing, although destitute of the qualities necessary to 
constitute history. 



CHAPTER VI. 



EXTINGUISHMENT OF THE INDIAN TITLE. 

Indians at the close of the Revolution — First Treaty at Fort Stanwix 
— Council at Herkimer — The Lessee Companies — Second Treaty at 
Fort Stanwix— Treaty of Fort Schuyler— Treaty of Albany. 

At the close of the Revolutionary war, the Indian allies 
of Great Britain were deserted and left unprovided for by 
the masters whom they had so long and faithfully served. 
The United States, on the contrary, and the States as a 
general rule, were disposed to treat them with greater lenity 
than the laws of war and the usage of civilized nations re- 
quired ; regarding them as subjects to be treated with for 
the purchase of their lands, rather than as vassals who had 
forfeited their ancestral inheritance to the conquerors. The 
country has reason to congratulate itself, both on the score 
of humanity and economy, that so liberal a policy was 
adopted in extinguishing the Indian title to lands in this 
State. It was an example to foreign nations of a forward 
step in civilization, — a step not less truly American than the 
peculiar form of government which our fathers established 
in this Western World. 

After the merciless conduct of the savages at Wyoming 
and Cherry Valley, many were disposed to show them no 
lenity ; especially was this the case with those who had 
suffered most at their hands. At one time the proposition 
to confiscate their lands was received with so much favor 
by the Legislature of New York that it probably would 
have prevailed but for the opposite advice and influence of 
Gen. Schuyler and others. Washington, also, used his 
influence in the same direction in the National Councils. 
The wiser and better measures advocated by these and other 
far-seeing statesmen prevailed ; and, notwithstanding the 
long and perplexing period spent in negotiating treaties, and 
the large sums of money expended by the State and the 
general government in .settling Indian claims, the more 
humane policy was undoubtedly less expensive to the 
country than a renewal of war and conquest would have 
proved ; and it was certainly more creditable to the head 
and heart of the nation to deal in this manner with the 
remnant of a brave and heroic people, whose chief cause 
for fighting against the colonies was loyalty to the British, 
with whom they had been for three-quarters of a century 
in alliance. 

TREATY OF FORT STANWIX. 

The first attempt on the part of the State of New York 
to convene a general council of the Five Nations was made 
in 1784, only a few months after the treaty of peace which 
closed the Revolution. In April of that year the Legis- 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



31 



latuie passed an act muking the <rovernor and board of 
commissioners superintendents of Indian affairs. Gov. 
George Clinton was ex ojficiv president of the board, than 
whom no man was ever more efficient and patriotic or a 
greater benefactor to the State. The commissioners ap- 
pointed were Abraham Cuyler, Peter Schuyler, and Henry 
Glen, who, by authority of the act, associated with them- 
selves Philip Schuyler, Robert Yates, Abraham Ten Broeck, 
Abraham Yates, Jr., John J. Beekman, P. W. Yates, 
Matthew Vischer, and Gen. Ganscvoort. Gov. Clinton, 
at the head of the board, assumed the laboring oar of nego- 
tiation. The services of a long roll of those who had been 
Indian traders or captives were enlisted, — Rev. Samuel 
Kirkland, the missionary, Peter Ryckman, Jacob Reed, 
James Deane, Maj. Fonda, Col. Wemple, Col. Van Dyke, 
and others. Peter Ryckman was sent to the various Indian 
villages, from Oneida Castle to Niagara, to consult with the 
leading sachems and chiefs, and prepare the Indians to 
attend the council which was contingently. appointed. to be 
held at a certain time at Fort Schuyler. 

All this preparation seems to have been made without 
the knowledge that the general government was at the same 
time contemplating a treaty with the Indians. But such 
was tlie fact. Congress had already determined upon a 
general treaty, not only with the Six Nations, but with all 
the tribes bordering upon the settlements in New York, 
Pennsylvania, and Ohio, and had appointed as its commis- 
sioners Oliver Woolcott, Richard Butler, and Arthur Lee. 
This brought the general government and State authorities 
into conflict ; a correspondence ensued on the question of 
jurisdiction and the respective rights of each to form treaties 
with the Indians, the State maintaining its right to treat 
with all Indians within its jurisdiction. The New York 
board, however, finding the Indians,averse to treating with 
the State, but generally disposed to meet the " Thirteen 
Fires'" and hold a "treaty of peace" jointly with their 
people of the Western nations, waived the point for the 
time being, allowing the United States commissioners to 
hold the first council of importance. 

Meantime, the New York Board did not relax their exer- 
tions. Most of the spring and summer of 1784 were spent 
in endeavors to convene a council of the Six Nations. On 
the 1st of September deputies from the Ouondagas, Cayu- 
gas, and Senecas met at Fort Schuyler. The Oneidas and 
Tuscaroras held back, but a deputation from them was 
brought iu by runners on the third day. A very interest- 
ing summary of the proceedings and results of this and other 
subsequent councils is given by Mr. Turner, iu his history 
of the Phelps and Gorham Purchase, which we cannot do 
better than to quote here. Its important bearing on our 
local history will be our apology for its length. Mr. Turner 
says: 

" The deputies of these two nations [Oneidas and Tus- 
ciroras] were first addressed by Gov. Clinton. He assured 
them of a disposition to be at peace ; disclaimed any inten- 
tion to deprive them of their lands ; proposed a settlement 
of boundaries ; and warned them against disposing of their 
lands to other than commissioners regularly appointed by 
the State of New York, who would treat with them for 
lands when they were disposed to sell them. In reply to 



this speech a delegate of the two nations expressed their 
gratification that the war had ended, and that they could 
now meet and ' smoke the pipe of peace.' ' You have come 
up,' said he, ' what has been an untrodden path to you for 
many years ; and this path which you have seen as you have 
come along, has been strewed with blood. We, therefore, 
in our turn, console your losses and sorrows during these 
troublesome times. We rejoice that you have opened the 
path of peace to this country.' He thanked the commis- 
sioners for their advice to the Oneidas and Tuscaroras, not 
to listen to individuals who proposed the purchase of their 
lands. 

" At this stage of the council the Cayuga and Tuscarora 
chiefs exhibited a letter from the commissioners of Con- 
gress. The letter was read. It informed the Indians that 
they, the commissioners, were appointed by Congress ' to 
settle a general peace with all the Indian nations from the 
Ohio to the Great Lakes' — that the Governor of New York 
had no authority from Congress ; but as he had invited the 
Indians to assemble at Fort Stanwis on the 20th of Sep- 
tember, the commissioners, to save the trouble of two coun- 
cils, would alter the determination of holding the council at 
Niagara, and meet them at Fort Stanwix on the day named. 

" Gov. Clinton next addressed the ' sachems and warriors 
of the Mohawks, Onondagas, Cayugas, and Senecas.' He 
assured them that what was a colony had become a State ; 
that he and his friends had met them to open the path of 
peace, to establish that friendly relation that existed between 
the Indians and their white neighbors previous to the war. 
Some passages of the Governor's speech were as truly elo- 
quent as anything that will be found among our State 
records. He said : ' The council fires which were lighted 
both at Albany and Onondaga by our ancestors and those 
of the Six Nations, which burned so bright, and shone with 
so friendly a light over our common country, have un- 
happily almost been extinguished by the late war with 
Great Britain. I now gather together at this place the 
remaining brands, add fresh fuel, and with the true spirit 
of reconciliation and returning friendship, rekindle the fire, 
in hopes that no future events may ever arise to extinguish 
it ; but that you and we, and the offspring of us both, may 
enjoy its benign influence as long as the sun shall shine or 
waters flow.' In reference to the letter of the commis- 
sioners of Congress, he assured them that their business was 
with Indians residing out of any State ; but that New York 
had a right to deal with those residing within her boundaries. 

" The answer to the Governor's speech was made by 
Brant. He said that ' it meets with our dispositions and 
feelings, and feelings of our minds.' In reference to the 
respective claims of Congress and New York, he thought it 
strange that ' there should be two bodies to manage the same 
business.' Several speeches followed. Brant and Corn- 
planter being the spokesmen of the Indians. The utmost 
harmony prevailed ; the Indian orators treating all subjects 
adroitly, manifesting a disposition to make a treaty, but 
evidently intending to stave off any direct action until they 
met in council the United States Commissioners. To a 
proposition from Gov. Clinton that the State of New York 
would look for a cession of lands to help indemnify them 
for the expenses and sacrifices of the war, they replied, ad- 



32 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTS, NEW YORK. 



mitting the justness of the claim, but saying they were peace 
ambassadors, and had no authority to dispose of lands. 
The council broke up after distributing presents and leaving 
the Indians a supply of provisioti.s for subsistence while 
waiting to meet the United States commissioners. 

" The treaty of Fort Stanwix followed, conducted by the 
United States commissioners, Oliver Woolcott, Richard 
Butler, and Arthur Lee. No record of the proceedings 
exists in our public archives ; the general result is, however, 
known. Terms of peace were concluded ; the western 
boundaries of the Six Nations were so fixed as to enlarge 
the ' carrying-place' on the Niagara River they had pre- 
viously ceded to the King of Great Britain, and starting 
from the mouth of Buffalo Creek, was to be a line running 
due south to the northern boundary of Pennsylvania ; thence 
west to the end of said boundary ; thence south along the 
west boundary of said State to the river Ohio. The treaty 
was eifected with considerable difficulty, a large number of 
the Indians insisting that it should be general and embrace 
the Western Indians, so that all questions of boundaries 
could be settled at once. Brant was absent, transacting 
some business with the Governor of Canada. Had he been 
present, it is doubtful whether any treaty would have been 
concluded. Red Jacket, then a youth, made his first pub- 
lic speech, and as Levasseur (^who derived his information 
from Lafayette) says, ' His speech was a masterpiece, and 
every warrior who heard him was carried away with his 
eloquence.' He strongly protested against ceding away the 
hunting-grounds of his people at the West, and boldly ad- 
vocated a renewal of the war. The better counsels of Corn- 
planter, however, prevailed. The so highly-extolled elo- 
quence of Red Jacket had little in it of practicability. The 
Six Nations agreed to surrender all their captives, most of 
whom had been brought to the treaty-ground for that pur- 
pose. The commissioners on behalf of the United States 
guaranteed to the Six Nations the quiet possession of the 
lands they occupied, which was recognized as embracing all 
of New York west of the cessions they had made under 
English dominion. 

COUNCIL AT FORT HERKIMER. 

" The next council of the commissioners of New York, 
after the one that has been named, was convened at Fort 
Herkimer, in June, 1785. This was with the Oneidas and 
Tuscaroras. Gov. Clinton made an opening speech, in 
which, after defining their rights, and advising them that 
the State had the exclusive right to purchase, informed 
them that it was understood they were prepared to sell 
some of their lands south of the Unadilla ; and, if so, the 
commissioners were ready to purchase. After nearly two 
days' deliberation the Governor's speech was replied to by 
' Fetrus, the minister.' The orator said his people were 
averse to parting with lands ; alluded to the frauds that had 
been practiced upon the Mohawks before the Revolution ; 
said, ' the German Flats people, when they were poor, ap- 
plied to us for lands, and they were friends ; but now they 
are rich, they do not use us kindly.' The speech was one 
of consummate ability ; especially did the chief turn the 
tables upon the Governor in a fre(juent allusion to his for- 
mer advice to the Indians to keep their lands. Days of 



deliberation and speech-making succeeded, the Indians 
making proposition to lease a small quantity of land, then 
to sell a small quantity of their poorest land, but failing to 
come up to what the commissioners required. In a speech 
made by t he Grasshopper , he alluded to the attempt by the 
British agents, made during the war, to induce the Tusca- 
roras and Oneidas to join them. He said, ' They told us 
by joining the Americans we would get lice, as they were 
only a lousy people ; but, however, although they expressed 
the Americans were lousy, they have, although lousy, over- 
come their enemies.' 

" The commissioners finally succeeded in purchasing the 
land lying between the Unadilla and Chenango Rivers, 
south of a line drawn east and west through those streams, 
and north of the Pennsylvania line, etc., for which they 
paid eleven thousand five hundred dollars, and distributed 
among them a liberal amount of goods, trinkets, and pro- 
visions. In finally announcing the conclusion to sell the 
land, the Grasshopper said, ' This news about selling our 
lands will make a great noise in the Six Nations, when they 
hear we have sold so much ; and, therefore, we hope we 
shall not be applied to any more for any of our country.' 
How was the future curtained before the simple backwoods 
diplomatist ! Little did he think that the narrow strip of 
land thus grudgingly and unwillingly parted with would be 
added to and widened out until his people were mostly 
shorn of their broad possessions." 

THE LESSEE COMPANIES. 

One great difficulty in the way of negotiating treaties 
with the Indians was the organization and operations of 
two joint lessee companies. " The constitution of the 
State forbade the purchase of the fee in lands of the In- 
dians by individuals, reserving the right to the State alone." 

To evade this, and come in posssession of the lands, an 
association of individuals was organized in the winter of 
1787-88, who styled themselves the " New York Genesee 
Land Company." The company was composed of some 
eighty or ninety persons, mostly residing upon the Hudson 
River, many of whom were wealthy and influential. The 
principal seat of the company was at Hudson. Dr. Caleb 
Benton, John Livingston, and Jared Coffin were the chief 
managers. At the same time a branch company was organ- 
ized in Canada, called the " Niagara Genesee Land Com- 
pany." John Butler, Samuel Street, John Powell, and 
Benjamin Barton were principal members of this, — all but 
the last named residents of Canada. This branch organi- 
zation enabled the company to avail themselves of the then 
potent influence of Col. John Butler with the Six Nations 
and the influence of his associates. 

Benjamin Barton, the father of the late Benjamin Bar- 
ton, Jr., of Lewiston, was an active member of the associ- 
ation. Soon after the close tjf the Revolution he had 
engaged in the Indian trade and as a drover from New 
Jersey via the Susquehanna River, to the British garrison 
at Niagara. By this means he had become well acquainted 
with the Senecas, was adopted by them, and had taken, 
while a youth, Henry O'Bail, the son of Cornplanter, and 
placed him in a school in New Jersey. 

In addition to the influence thus acquired, there belonged 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



33 



to tlie New York Company several who for a long period 
had been Indian traders. Thus organized, by sueh appli- 
ances as usually forwarded negotiations with the Indians, 
the company, in November, 1787, obtained a lease '■'■for 
nine hundred and ninety-nine years" of all the lands of 
the Six Nations in the State of New York, except some 
small reservaiions, the privilege of hunting, fishing, etc. 
The annual rent was to be two thousand Spanish milled 
dollars, together with a bonus of twenty thousand dollars. 

" In March, I78S, John Taylor had been appointed an 
agent of the New York Board of Commissioners, or Super- 
intendent of Indian Aifairs. In that month he was sent 
to the Indian country to counteract the unlawful proceed- 
ings of the lessees. On his return he reported that he 
had fallen in with the clerk of an Indian trader just from 
Tioga, who told him that ' Livingston had .sent fourteen 
sleighs loaded with goods into the Indian country ; that 
tiiey got within fifty miles of Tioga, and would proceed no 
farther ; that the Senecas were exceedingly dissatisfied with 
Livingston and would not abide by the bargain, charging 
liini with having cheated them ; that they threatened 
Ryckman for having as.sisted him in cheating them ; that 
one hundred and sixty families were at Tioga, with a con- 
siderable number of cattle, in order to form a settlement on 
those lauds, but were very much at a lo.ss, as they had 
heard that the State intended that no settlement should be 
made.' Governor Clinton issued a proclamation, warning 
purchasers that the lessee's title would bo annulled, and 
sent runners to all the Six Nations, warning them of the 
fraud that had been practiced against them. 

" It was a formidable organization, embracing men of 
wealth and influence, and those who, if their own plans 
could not be consummated, had an influence with the In- 
dians that would enable them to throw serious obstacles in 
the way of legal negotiations with them for their lands. 
The lease consummated, the next object of the association 
was to procure an act of the Legislature sanctioning the 
proceedings, and for that purpose an attempt was made to 
intimidate by threats of dismemberment and the formation 
of a new State embracing all the leased territory. But the 
whole matter Wiis met with energy and promptness by Gov- 
ernor Clinton, who urged upon the Legislature measures to 
counteract the intended mischief In March, 1788, an act 
was pas.sed which authorized the Governor to disregard all 
contracts made with Indians not sanctioned by the State, 
and to cause all persons who had entered upon Indian lands 
under such contracts to bo driven off" by force, and their 
buildings destroyed. Governor Clinton ordered William 
Colbraith, then sheriff" of Herkimer County (which em- 
braced all of the present county of Herkimer and all west 
of it to the west bounds of the State), to dispossess in- 
truders and burn their dwellings. A military force was 
called out and the order strictly executed. One of the 
prominent settlers, and a co-operator of the lessees, was 
taken to New York in irons, upon a charge of high treason. 

Thus baffled, the managers of the two a.ssociations de- 
termined to retaliate and force a compromise, if they failed 
to carry out their original design, by meeting the State 
upon treaty grounds, where they could bring a stronger 
lobby than they could command for the halls of legislation. 



SECOND TREATY OP FORT STANWIX. 

At the treaty held at Fort Stanwix, in September, 1788, 
with the Onondagas, for the purchase of their lands by the 
State, Governor Clinton took the field in person, backed by 
all the official influence he could command ; and yet he 
found for awhile extreme difficulty in effecting anything. 
Little opposition from the lessees showed itself openly, but 
it was there with its strongest appliances. In after-years, 
when preferring a claim against the " New York Genesee 
Company" in behalf of the " Niagara Genesee Company," 
a prominent individual among the claimants urged that 
the Canada Company had kept the Indians back from the 
treaties, and when they could no longer do so, baffled Gov- 
ernor Clinton for nearly three weeks. Still, treaties went 
on until the State had possessed itself of the lands of the 
Six Nations east of the pre-emption line. The lessees, see- 
ing little hope of accomplishing their designs, finally peti- 
tioned the Legislature for relief; and, after considerable 
delay, in 1793, an act was passed authorizing the commis- 
sioners of the land-office to set off" for them from any of 
the vacant unappropriated lands of the State a tract equal 
to ten miles square. The allotment was finally made in 
township No. 3 of the old military tract. Thus terminated, 
so far as the State was concerned, a magnificent scheme, 
which contemplated the possession of a vast domain, and 
perhaps, as has been alleged, a separate State organization. 
It marks an important era in the early history of our State. 
The influence brought to bear upon the Indians from 
Canada, by which the extraordinary lease was obtamed, 
was stimulated by the prospect of individual gain; but 
may we not well infer — without an implication of the 
many respectable individuals who composed the association 
in this State to that extent — that it looked forward to the 
maintenance of British dominion, which was afterwards 
asserted and reluctantly yielded ? It was long after this 
before the potent influence which the Johnsons, Butler, and 
Brant had carried with them, even in their retreat to 
Canada, was counteracted. They were yet constantly in- 
culcating the idea among the Six Nations that they were 
under British dominion, — the Senecas at least. What could 
better have promoted this pretension than such a scheme, 
especially if it contemplated the extreme measure of the 
dismemberment of this State, — such, as was alleged at the 
time, was embraced in the plan of the two organizations? 
... As late as November, 1793, James Wadsworth and 
Oliver Phelps received a circular signed by John Living- 
ston and Caleb Benton, as officers of a convention purporting 
to have been held at Geneva, urging the people to hold 
town-meetings and sign petitions for a new State to be set 
off' from New York, and to embrace the counties of Otsego, 
Tioga, Herkimer, and Ontario. 

TREATY OP PORT SCHUYLER. 

Early in the spring of 1788 another council of the Six 
Nations was contemplated by the New York commissioners. 
In answer to a message from them requesting the Indians 
to fix upon a time, some of the chiefs answered in writing 
that it must be '-after the corn is hoed." Massachusetts 
not having then parted with her pre-emption right west of 
Seneca Lake, Gov. Clinton wrote to Gov. Hancock to secure 



34 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



his co-operation in counteracting the designs of the lessees. 
The general court declared the leases " null and void," but 
Gov. Hancock, in his reply, stated that Massachusetts, on 
accountof" the embarrassed condition of the commonwealth, 
was about to comply with the proposals of some of her 
citizens for the purchase of the preemption right." 

The 1st of Septeml>er was fixed as the period for the 
treaty, and Fort Sciiuyler was designated as the place. Ac- 
tive preparations for it Vfere going on through the summer, 
under the general supervision of John Taylor, who had the 
zjalous co-operation of Gov. Clinton. In all the villages 
of the Six Nations the lessees had their agents and runners 
or Indian traders in their interest. Even the Rev. Mr. 
Kirkland had been cither deceived or corrupted by them, 
and had played a part inconsistent with his profession and 
his obligations to Massachusetts. It was reported to Gov. 
Clinton that, in preaching to the Indians, he had advised 
them to lease to the New York and Canada companies, as 
their territory was so wide he could not make his voice heard 
to its full extent. At the treaty in Kanadesaga, when the 
" Long Lease" was procured, he had acted efficiently for 
the lessees. To counteract these strong influences, agents 
and runners were put in requisition by the New York com- 
missioners, and during the summer the poor Indians had 
but little peace. Preparations for the embassy to the In- 
dian country at New York and Albany were formidable 
ones. A sloop came up from New York with Indian goods, 
stores for the expedition, marquees and tents, specie for 
purchase money, members of the board of commissioners 
and their associates who resided in Now York, and many 
curious spectators, among whom were Count Monsbiers, the 
then French minister, and his sister. The board of com- 
missioners and tiieir retinue started from Albany on the 
2od of August, the goods and baggage going up the Mo- 
hawk in bateaux, which had been built for the purpose. 

They arrived at Fort Schuyler on the 28th. A wild 
and romantic scene was soon presented. The veteran sol- 
dier, George Clinton, pitched his marquee, and was as much 
the general as if he had headed a military instead of a civil 
expedition. Among his associates in the commission and 
his companions were many who had been with him con- 
spicuous in the Revolution, and were the leading men of 
the ten young States. They were surrounded by the camp- 
fires of the numerous representatives of the Six Nations, 
amounting to thousands, who had been attracted to the 
spot, some from the interest they felt in the negotiations, 
but far the larger portion from the hopes and promises of 
feast.s and carousals. Indian traders from all their localities 
in New York and Canada, with their showy goods and trin- 
kets and their " fire-water," were upon the ground ready to 
dispose of either when the Indians should be paid their 
money, and equally ready to espouse the cause of the les- 
sees. Some of the prominent lessees from Albany, Hud- 
son, and Canada had preceded the Governor, and were in 
the crowd, secretly and insidiously endeavoring to thwart 
the object of the council. Irritated by aH he had heard of 
the machinations of the lessees, and learning that one of 
their principals, John Livingston, of Livingston Manor, 
was present, with the concurrence of his associates. Gov- 
ernor Clinton " took the responsibility," as did Gen. Jack- 



son at New Orleans, and ordered him in writing to " leave 
in three hours" and retire to the distance of forty miles 
from Fort Schuyler. 

•' After this, Gov. Clinton organized a species of court, or 
inquest, and summoning Indians, Indian trader.s, and run- 
ners in the interest of both the State and the lessees, took 
aflBdavits of all that had transpired in procuring the long 
lease. It exposed a connected scheme of bribery, threats, 
intimidation, and deception practiced upon the Indians. 
Finding that the Senecas were holding back from the 
treaty, and that many of the head men of the Cayugas and 
Onondagas were absent, and learning that there was a 
counter-gathering at Kanadesaga, messengers were sent 
there who found Dr. Benton surrounded by Indians and 
his agents, dealing out liquor and goods, and delivering 
speeches, in which he assured the Indians that if they went 
to Fort Schuyler the Governor of New York would either 
cheat tiiem out of their lands, or failing in that, would fall 
upon them with an armed force. Many of the Indians were 
undeceived and finally induced to go to Fort Schuyler, 
when they had recovered from the state of be;istly intoxi- 
cation they had been kept in by Dr. Benton and other 
agents of the lessees. Such had been the excesses into 
which they had been betrayed, to keep them away from the 
treaty, that many of them, when becoming sober, were sick 
and unable to reach Fort Schuyler ; and a Cayuga chief. 
Spruce Carrier, died on the road. When they were en- 
camped at Scawyancc, twelve miles east of Seneca Lake, on 
the eastern trail, Debartzch, a French trader at Cashong, 
in the interest of the lessees, went there and by intimida- 
tions, and the u.se of rum and promises of presents, in- 
duced them to turn back. It was not until the 8th of 
September that the different nations were so far represented 
as to warrant proceeding to the business of the council. 
Gov. Clinton addressed the Onondagas, informing them 
minutely of the positions in which the Six Nations stood 
in reference to their lands ; that they were theirs to di.spose 
of when they pleased, but that to protect them from frauds, 
the State had reserved to itself the right to purchase when- 
ever they were disposed to sell. He told them the acts of 
the lessees were the acts of "disobedient children" of the 
State, and that they were a " cheat," at the same time in- 
forming them that, as commissioners of the State, he and 
his associates were there prepared to purchase. He cau- 
tioned them also to keep sober during the council. Black 
Cap, in behalf of the Onondagas, replied, assuring the Gov- 
ernor that the Onondagas disapproved of the proceedings 
with the lessees, had made up their minds to sell to the 
State, but wanted a little further time to talk among them- 
selves. On the 12th of September the treaty was con- 
cluded, and the deed of cession of the lands of the Onon- 
dagas, some reservations excepted, was executed. The con- 
sideration was one thousand dollars in hand and an annuity 
of five hundred dollars forever. After the treaty was con- 
cluded, additional provisions were distributed, presents of 
goods made, and congratulatory speeches interchanged. 
" As the business on which we had met," said the Gov- 
ernor, " is now happily accomplished, we shall cover up the 
council-fire at this time and take a drink, and devote the 
remainder of the day to decent mirth." 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



35 



At the negotiation which followed next day with the 
Oneidas, Governor Clinton made an opening speech similar 
to the one he had delivered to the Onondagas. This was 
replied to by On-yan-ha, alias Beech-Tree, who said the 
speech of the Governor should be replied to after the people 
had consulted together. The next day, just as the council 
had assembled, word came of the death of a young warrior 
who had been drowned in Wood Creek, while in a state of 
intoxication. The Indians refuised to proceed with the 
council till they had first attended to the funeral, which 
over, the council was resumed. A-gwel-ton-^was , alias 
Domine- ^ Pcte r. or Gciod )'yter. replied to the speech of 
Governor Clinton. He reminded him of a remark made 
by him at Fort Herkimer, in 1785, in substance that he 
should not ask them for any more land. The chief reca- 
pitulated in a long .speech, with surprising accuracy, every 
point in the Governor's speech, and observed, if anything 
had been omitted it was because he had not " the advantage 
of the use of letters." He then made an apology that he 
was fatigued, and wished to sit down and rest, and that in 
the mean time, according to ancient custom, another speaker 
would arise and raise the spirit of their deceased sachem, 
the Grasshopper. But before he sat down he informed the 
Governor that the man bearing the name Oe-dat-segh-ta is 
the first name known in their national council, and had lorjg 
been published throughout the confederacy ; that his friend, 
the Grasshopper, was the counselor for the tribe, to whom 
that name belonged, and therefore that they replaced the 
Grasshopper with this lad, whom you are to call Kan-y-a- 
dal-i-go (presenting the young lad to the Governor and 
commissioners), and that until he arrives at an age to 
qualify him to transact business personally in council, their 
friend, Hans Jurio. is to bear the name of O-jis-tal-a-be, 
alias Grasshopper, and to be counselor for this young man 
and his clan until that period. 

The Governor disclaimed any desire on the part of the 
State to purcha.se their lands, but strenuously urged upon 
them that the State would not tolerate the purchase or 
leasing by individuals. He told them that when they 
chose to sell, the State would buy, more for their good than 
anything else, as the State then had more land than it 
could occupy with psople. 

Good Peter followed, said the Governor's sp3ech was ex- 
cellent and to their minds. " We comprehend every word 
of your speech ; it is triie indeed, for we see you possessed 
of an extensive territory, and but here and there a smoke." 
" But," said he, " we too have disorderly people in our na- 
tion. You have a keg here, and they have their eyes upon 
it, and nothing can divert them from the pursuit of it. 
While there is any part of it left, they will have their eyes 
upon it and seek after it, till they die by it. And if one 
dies, there is another who will not be deterred by it, but 
will still continue to seek after it. It is just so with your 
people. As long as any spot of our excellent land remains, 
they will covet it, and will never rest till they poss&ss it." 
He said it would take him a long time to tell the Governor 
" all his thoughts and contemplations." His mind, he said, 
was " perplexed and pained, — it labors hard." In a .short 
digression he .spoke of the Tree of Peace, and expressed 
his fears that " by and by some twig of this beautiful tree 



I 



will be broken off. The wind seems always to blow and 
shake this beloved tree." Before sitting down, Good Peter 
observed that they had all agreed to place the business 
of the council, on their part, in the hands of ^ol. Louis 
and Peter Ostetiuette, who would be their " mouth and 
their ears."* There was also appointed as their advisors a 
committee of principal chiefs. 

The negotiations went on for days ; speeches were inter- 
changed, propositions were made and rejected, until, finally, 
a deed of cession was agreed upon and executed by the 
chiefs. It conveyed all their lands, making reservations 
for their own residence around the Oneida Castle, and a 
number of other smaller ones for their own people and 
such whites as had been interpreters, favorite traders, or 
belonged to them i)y adoption. The consideration was two 
thousand dollars in money, two thousand dollars in clothing 
and other goods, one thousand dollars in provisions, five 
hundred dollars in money for the erection of saw and grist- 
mills on their Reservation, and an annuity of six hundred 
dollars in silver forever. 

Rev. Samuel Kirkland was present at this treaty and 
materially aided the commi.ssioners. The Governor made 
to the Oneidas a parting address replete with good instruc- 
tion and fatherly kindne.ss. The Oneidas, in return, assured 
him of the satisfaction of their people with all that had 
taken place. They thanked the Governor and his a.ssociates 
for the fairness with which they had been treated. It 
would be difiicult to find a record of diplomacy between 
civilized nations more replete throughout with decorum, 
dignity, and ability, than is that of this protracted treaty. 
The council had continued in session for twenty-five days. 

TREATY OF ALBANY. 

The next meeting of the commissioners was convened at 
Albany, Dec. 15, 1788. Governor Clinton read a letter from 
Peter Ryckman and Seth Reed, who were then residents 
at Kanadesaga, now Geneva, — Reed at the Old Castle, and 
Ryckman upon the lake shore. The letter was forwarded 
by " Mr. Lee and Mr. Noble," who had been residing for 
the summer at Kanadesaga. The writers say to the Gov- 
ernor that the bearers of the letter will detail to him all 
that has transpired in this locality, and add that, if required, 

* Col. Louis w as a French and Oneida half-blood. He held a com- 
mission under Governor Clinton in the Revolution. IV-ter 0stef|ucttc. 
in a speech made at a subsequent stage of the council, saitl that he had 
just returned from France, where he had been tatten and educated by 
Lx Fayette. He said that when he arrived in France he " was naked 
and the raarquis clad him, receiving him with great kindness; that 
for a year he was restless, but when the light of knowledge flowed in 
upon bis mind he was distressed at the miserable condition of his 
countrymen, and he had returned for the purpose of enlightening and 
reforming them. Thomas Morris says in his manuscript that "at 
this treaty he became intimate with Peter Ostequette, who, when a boy, 
was taken to France by the Marquis de La Fayette. He remained 
seven years with the marquis, and received a very finished education." 
Mr. Morris was receiving his education there at the same time, and 
he says, " I would frequently retire with Peter into the woods and 
hear him recite some of the finest pieces of French poetry from the 
tragedies of Corneille and Racine. Peter Wiis an Oneida Indian; he 
had not been many months restored to his nation ; and yet he would 
drink raw rum out of a brass kettle, take as much delight in yelling 
and whooping as any Indian ; and, in fact, became as vile a drunkard 
as any of them." 



36 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



tli(!y can induce the Cayugas and Senecas to attend the 
council. The Rev. Mr. Kirkland gave in writing an ac- 
count of his mission. He stated that on arriving at Kana- 
desaga, heuascertained that, to keep the Cayugas back from 
the council at Fort Schuyler, two of the principal lessees 
and their agents had " kept them in a continued state of 
intoxication for three weeks ; that Dr. B. and Col. M. had 
between twenty and thirty riflemen in arms for twenty-four 
hours ; and gave out severe threats against Peter Ryckman 
and Col. Reed, for being enemies to their party and friends 
to the government, in persuading the Indians to attend the 
treaty at Fort Schuyler." Mr. Kirkland stated that he 
had been as far as Niagara and had seen Col. Butler ; that 
at the Seneca village of Buftalo Creek, he had seen Shen- 
dy ough-gwat-te, the second man of influence among the 
Senecas, and Farmer's Brother , alias Oah-ne-wi-ire-was ; and 
that they had become disposed to treat with the State. 
Before the board adjourned, it was agreed to address a 
letter to Reed and Ryckman, asking them to name a day 
on which they could procure the attendance of the Cayu- 
gas and Senecas at Albany. Reed and Ryckman, on the 
reception of the letter, dispatched €James Manning Reed 
with an answer, saying that they would be at Albany with 
the Indians on the 23d of January, and adding that the 
lessees kept the Indians " so continually intoxicated with 
liquor that it was almost impossible to do anything with 
them." It was not until the 11th of February that Ryck- 
man was enabled to collect a sufficient number of Indians 
and reach Albany. Several days were spent in preliminary 
proceedings and in waiting for delegations that were on the 
way. On the lith, James Bryan and Benjamin Birdsall, 
two of the lessees, appeared before the commissioners and 
delivered up the " long leases" that had occasioned so much 
trouble. On the 19tli the council was opened with the 
Cayugas. There were many Senecas, Onondagas, and 
Oneidas present. Good Peter , on behalf of the Cayugas, 
made a speech. He said his brothers, the Cayugas and 
Senecas, had "requested him to be their mouth." As 
upon another occasion, his speech abounded in some of the 
finest imagery to be found in any preserved specimen of 
Indian eloquence. In allusion to the conduct of the lessees, 
and the long series of precedent diflBculties with the whites, 
he observed: "Let us notwithstanding possess our minds in 
peace. We can see but a small depth into the heart of man ; 
we can only discover what comes from his tongue." 

Speaking of the relations that used to exist between his 
people and the old colony of New York, he said: "They 
used to kindle a council-fire, the smoke of which reached 
the heavens, and around which they sat and talked of 
peace." He said, in reference to the blessings of peace 
and the settled state of things that was promised by fixing 
the Indians upon the Reservations under the protection of 
the State, " Our little ones can now go with leisure to 
look for fish in the streams, and our warriors to hunt for 
wild beasts in the woods." Present at the council was a 
considerable number of their women, whom Good Peter 
called " governesses," and gave the reasons why they were 
there. " The rights of women" found in him an able ad- 
vocate. " Our ancestors considered it a great transgression 
to reject the counsel of the women, particularly the gov- 



ernesses ; they considered them the mistresses of the soil. 
They said, Who brings us forth ? Who cultivates our lands? 
Who kindles our fires, and boils our pots, but the women ? 
Our women say let not the tradition of the fathers with re- 
spect to women be disregarded ; let them not be despised ; 
God is their maker." 

Several other speeches intervening, the Governor answered 
the speech of Good Peter. He reviewed the bargain the 
Indians had made with the lessees, and told them that if 
carried out it would be their ruin ; explained the laws of 
the State and their tendency to protect them in the enjoy- 
ment of a suflBcient quantity of.land for their use, and to 
guard them against peculation and fraud. In replying to 
that part of Good Peter 's speech in reference to the women 
and their rights, the venerable Governor was in a vein of 
gallantry, eloquently conceding the immunities which belong 
to the " mothers of mankind." He told them they should 
have reservations "large enough, however prolific they might 
be, even if they should increase their nation to their ancient 
state and numbers." He apologized to the dusky sister- 
hood by saying that he was " advanced in years and unac- 
customed to address their sex in public." Other speeches 
and negotiations followed, till February 25, when all the 
preliminaries having been settled, the Cayugas ceded to the 
State all of their lands, excepting a large Reservation of one 
hundred square miles. The consideration was five hundred 
dollars in hand, sixteen hundred and twenty-eight dollars in 
June following, and an annuity of five hundred dollars forever. 

In a congratulatory address, after the treaty was con- 
cluded, Governor Clinton recapitulated all of its terms, and 
observed : " Brothers and sisters ! when you reflect that 
you had parted with the whole of your country (in allusion 
to the long lease) without reserving a spat to lie down on, 
or kindle a fire on, and that you had disposed of your lands 
to people whom you had no means to compel to pay what 
they had promised, you will be persuaded that your brothers 
and sisters whom you have left at home, and your and their 
children will have reason to rejoice at the covenant you 
have now made, which not only saves you from impending 
ruin, but restores you to peace and security." 

The three treaties that had been thus concluded had 
made the State the owners of the soil of the Military Tract, 
or the principal amount of territory now included in the 
counties of Onondaga, Cayuga, Seneca, Tompkins, Cort- 
land, and parts of Oswego and Wayne. Other cessions fol- 
lowed until the large reservations were either ceded entirely 
away or reduced to their present narrow limits. The deed 
of cession of the Cayugas stipulated that the State should 
convey to their "adopted child, Peter Ryckman, whom 
they desire shall reside near them and a.ssist them,'' a tract 
on the west side of Seneca Lake, which should contain six- 
teen thousand acres, the location being designated. Soon 
after the treaty of Albany, the superintendency of Indian 
affairs devolved upon John Taylor, as agent for the board 
of commissioners. Although the treaty had seemed satis- 
factory, a pretty strong faction of all three of the nations 
treated with had kept back, and became instruments for 
the use of designing whites. Neither Brant, Red Jacket, 
Parmer's Brother, nor indeed many of the influential chiefs, 
had attended the treaties. 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YOllK. 



37 



CHAPTER VII. 

TREATY OP OLIVER PHELPS WITH THE SENECA 
INDIANS. 

Disposition of the Senecas — -Diificulties in the Way of Mr. Phelps— 
Compromise with the Lessees — Conclusion of the Treaty. 

Although the Senecas liad been urged to attend, and 
considerable delegations had been brought with much diffi- 
culty to the council.s, it was wholly for the sake of the 
influence which the proceedings and actions of the other 
nations would exert upon them. Their lands lying west 
of the Massachusetts pre-emption line were not the sub- 
ject of negotiation by the State of New York, and were 
yet in their possession. While they held them, and were 
at the same time displeased with the course pursued by the 
other nations, they were constantly being stirred up by the 
lessees and other parties to hinder and, if possible, thwart 
the consummation of the plans of the State. This dissatis- 
faction found ready and willing promoters in the persons of 
the government officers of Canada and the loyalists who 
had sought refuge there during the border wars of the 
Revolution. When the first attempt was made to survey 
the lands, a message was received by Governor Clinton from 
some of the malcontents threatening resistance. When the 
period approached for the payment of the first annuity, the 
Onondagas informed the Governor that they had received 
four strings of wampum from the Senecas forbidding their 
going to Fort Stanwix to receive the money. A council of 
Indians was convened at Niagara, at which Col. Butler 
said the Oneidas were " a poor, despicable set of Indians, 
who had sold their country to the Governor of New York, 
and had dealt treacherously with their old friends." When 
seeking to deter the Onondagas from receiving their an- 
nuity, the Senecas informed them that the Governor of 
Quebec wanted their lands, that Col. Butler wanted the 
lands of the Cayugas, and the commanding officer of Fort 
Niagara the Seneca's lands. The Cayugas sent a message to 
Governor Clinton, informing him that they were threatened 
with total extermination, because they had sold their lands 
without consulting the Western tribes. Mr. Turner justly 
remarks in a note, page 21, Phelps and Gorham Pur- 
chase : 

" The part that the Senecas were persuaded to take in 
promoting the.se embarrassments was glaringly inconsistent. 
They had sold a part of their lands to Mr. Phelps the fall 
before without consulting other nations, to say nothing of 
their having consented to the ' lease,' which was a far 
worse bargain than those by the State. But the main 
promoters of the troubles were the lessees and the British 
agents, the latter of whom wore soured by the results of 
the Revolution, and were yet looking forward to British 
repossession of all Western and part of Middle New York. 
In all this matter the conduct of Brant d id not correspond 
with his general reputation for fairness and honesty. He 
helped to fan the flames of discontent, while, at the same 
time, he was almost upon his own hooks trying to sell the 
State the remnant of the Mohawk lands. Interfering be- 
tween the State and the Indians, he got some dissatisfied 
chiefs to join in an insolent letter to the Governor, which 
was replied to with a good deal of severity of language." 



DIFFICULTIES IN THE WAY OF MR. PHELPS. 

The extinguishment of the Indian title to that portion 
of the State in which the county of Steuben is situated 
was attended with difficulties similar to those whi.Q]j had 
marked the progress of -this important work from the be- 
ginning. In this case, however, on one side at least, we 
lose sight' of a remarkable class of actors in the drama, the 
New Y^ork board and their sturdy and efficient head. Gov- 
ernor Clinton, and in their .stead appear the agents and 
representatives of a new company. Messrs. Phelps and 
Gorham having purchased the pre-emption right of the 
State of Massachusetts to lands lying wholly within the 
domain of the Seneca nation, were preparing, in the spring 
of 1788, to take preliminary measures for the colonization 
and settlement of the lands which they had purchased. 
At a meeting of the shareholders. Gen. Israel Chapin was 
appointed to go out and explore the country ; Mr. Phelps, 
the general agent, was to hold a treaty with the Indians in 
order to purchase their right to the soil ; Mr. Gorham was 
appointed an agent to confer with the authorities of the 
State of New York in reference to running the boundary 
or pre-emption line, and Mr. William Walker as the local 
asrent of surveys and sales. 

Being well aware of the power and influence of the 
lessees and their agents, Mr. Phelps resolved upon a com- 
promise as the cheapest and surest means of success. Pro- 
ceeding to the Hudson, he met some of the principal lessees 
and effected a compromise with them on such terms as al- 
lowed them to become shareholders with him and his as- 
sociates. The lessees, on their part, agreed to hold another 
treaty with the Indians at Kanade.saga, surrender their 
lease to all the lands west of the Massachusetts pre-emption 
line, and procure in exchange therefor a deed of cession, 
Phelps and Gorham, for themselves and as.sociates, to be 
the grantees. The treaty was to be held under the super- 
vision of John Livingston, the principal agent of the 
lessees. With this understanding, and in full confidence that 
the arrangement would be consummated, Mr. Phelps re- 
turned to New England, fitted himself out with a corps of 
agents, surveyors, and a.ssistants, and started upon his advent 
to the Genesee country, prepared to take possession and 
commence operations. Arriving at Schenectady, where 
Livingston was to meet him, he began to hear rumors that 
the Indians had refused to treat with the lessees, and that 
they had arrested and whipped one of their agents. On 
the 13th he wrote to Col. Wadsworth, of Hartford, that 
Livingston had arrived with his provisions and goods for 
the treaty, and the expedition was ready to depart, but that 
an Oneida Indian had arrived from the West with informa- 
tion that Brant had got the Indians collected at Buffiilo 
Creek, and was advising them to take up the hatchet, and, 
if possible, not treat with Livingston and his company. 
He expresses his fears that the treaty will fail, and adds his 
regrets, as he thinks it will keep back settlement a whole 
year. He arrived at Geneva (Kanadesaga) on the 1st of 
June, where he waited till the 17th, and seeing no prospect 
of convening a council there, he informed Mr. Livingston 
that he should proceed independent of the lessees and their 
lease. He had by this time discovered that the two lessee 
companies were pulling in opposition to each other, and that 



38 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



the Niagara company had got the Indians assembled at Buf- 
falo Creek. He was not long in deciding what to do. Taking 
tlie Indian trail, he proceeded to Niagara, where lie met But- 
ler, Brant , and Street, and secured their co-operation, they 
agreeing to procure with him a treaty with the Indians at 
Buffalo Creek. Mr. Phelps rejoined his friends at Geneva, 
where he remained until a deputation of chiefs waited upon 
him to conduct him to the appointed council-fires. Red 
Jacket was at the head of this deputation. Afterwards, 
in 1790, at a council in Tioga, when complaining to Mr. 
Pickering, Indian agent for Massachusetts, of some wrong 
in reference to Mr. Phelps' treaty, he said : " Then I, Billy, 
and the Heap of Dogs went to Kanadesaga and took Mr. 
Phelps by the hand, and led him to the council-fires at 
Buffalo Creek." Alluding to the commission which Mr. 
Phelps produced at the opening of the council, which had 
been given him by the Governor of Massachusetts, Red 
Jacket also said : " Then all know, and Mr. Street knows, 
that Mr. Phelps held up a paper with a seal on it as big as 
my hand. When he opened his mind to us, we took it 
hard." 

Rev. Samuel Kirkland was present at the council, having 
been appointed by a law of Massachusetts to superintend 
the treaty, and see that no injustice was done to the Indians. 
His assistant superintendent, Elisha Lee, Esq., of Boston, 
was also in attendance. The interpreters were James Deane, 
Joseph Smith, William Johnstone, Mr. Kirkland, and sev- 
eral others. Of the other side, there were present John 
Butler, Joseph Brant. Samuel Street, and the officers from 
Port Niagara. The lessees, following up Mr. Phelps, were 
represented by John Livingston, Caleb Benton, and Ezekicl 
Gilbert. Several Onondaga, Cayuga, and Mohawk chiefs 
were present. 

Mr. Phelps, on the opening of the council, had his com- 
mission or patent from Massachusetts read and explained, 
and made a speech explaining to the Indians the object of 
the treaty and the right he possessed to purchase the land. 

Most of the Seneca chiefs, of whom there was a pretty 
full delegation present, were for selling a portion of their 
lands ; but it was evident that they had come with the de- 
termination of making the Genesee River the western 
boundary of their ce.ssion, and this position they maintained 
for several days, but finally yielded and fixed the western 
boundary, as it was afterwards established. The negotia- 
tion then turned upon the price to be paid. Mr. Phelps 
and the Indians could not agree, and therefore mutually 
appointed John Butler, Joseph Brant , and Elisha Lee as 
referees, who agreed that Mr. Phelps should pay for the 
tract purchased jive thousand dolliirs and an annuity of 
Jive hundred dollars forever. " The Indians had consented 
to take for the quantity of land they were conveying, a sum 
which would amount to a fair proportion of what the lessees 
had agreed to pay for their whole country, and this was 
the basis upon which the price was fixed." 

The lands thus ceded constituted what is now known as 
Phelps and Gorham's Purchase, and included the county 
of Steuben, and a considerable portion of Western New York. 
The eastern boundary of this tract was the Massachusetts 
pre-emption line; its western boundary, •' a line beginning 
in the northern line of Pennsylvania, due south of the 



corner or point of land made by the confluence of the 
Genesee River and the Canaseraga Creek ; thence north 
on said meridian line to the corner or point at the con- 
fluence aforesaid; thence northwardly along the waters of 
the Genesee River to a point two miles north of Cana- 
wagus village ; thence running due west twelve miles ; 
thence running northwardly, so as to be twelve miles dis- 
tant from the western bounds of said river, to the shores of 
Lake Ontario." The tract contained by estimation two 
million six hundred thousand acres. 

The history of this tract or purchase will be given in 
another chapter, our present object being simply to treat 
of the extinction of the Indian title to these lands. We 
will therefore finish what we desire to say upon that sub- 
ject. 

Mr. Phelps says, " the council was conducted in a friendly 
and amicable manner." The Niagara company, or the Can- 
ada lessees, Butler and his associates, had an independent 
claim for the assistance rendered Mr. Phelps in convening 
the Indians and enabling him to accomplish his purpose. 
This was probably arranged by a promise on the part of 
Mr. Pheips to give them an interest in common with him- 
self and his associates, for soon after the sale to Robert 
Morris, Samuel Street and others (the Niagara Lessee Com- 
pany ) filed a bill in chancery, setting forth that they were 
entitled to the proceeds of sales of " fifteen one hundred 
and twentieth parts" of all of Phelps and Gorham's Pur- 
chase, by virtue of an agreement made by Mr. Phelps at 
the treaty of Buffalo Creek. Upon the bill of complaint 
an injunction was issued against Phelps and Gorham, their 
associates in interest, and their grantees ; but how the matter 
was finally disposed of we are uot informed. 

There has been a very common mistake as to where Mr. 
Phelps held his treaty with the Indians, many supposing 
that Canandaigua was the place. Mr. Turner remarks that 
the very spot has been pointed out upon which it was held, 
and that " the error has been perpetuated by historians and 
essayists, who have added a fancy sketch of the scene of the 
treaty-ground, with Red Jacket eloquently invoking the 
war-cry, the tomahawk, and the scalping-knife, and Farmer's 
Brother opposing him. The whole story is spoiled by Red 
Jacket's own as.sertion, that ' he and Billy and the heap of 
dogs' led Mr. Phelps from Kanadesaga to the treaty at 
Buffalo Creek. The idea of a land treaty of Mr. Phelps 
with the Indians at Canandaigua must have come from a 
gathering which was held there in 1789, when Mr. Phelps' 
payment became due." 

Mr. Phelps, on returning to New England, reported by 
letter to his principal associates the result of his embassy, 
saying, " You may rely upon it that it is a good country. 
I have purchased all that the Indians will sell at present, 
and perhaps as much as it would be profitable for us to buy 
at this time." It proved, at least, all that they were able 
to pay for. At the session of the Massachusetts Legisla- 
ture, in 1789, they found themselves unable to fulfill the 
engagement they had made for the payment of the pur- 
chase money. They had predicated payment upon the 
supposition that they could purchase the public paper of 
Massachusetts at its then market value, which was about 
fifty cents on a dollar. But the paper rose during that 



HISTORY OF STEUBP:N COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



39 



year to nearly par value in tlie market. Being tlius situ- 
ated and having failed to extinguish the Indian title to the 
whole of the tract at first contemplated, they memorialized 
the Legislature and got released from their obligations in 
reference to what remained, paying only for what was in- 
cluded in the Indian treaty. 

But the Indians who had made the treaty, apparently in 
"ood faith, soon became dissatisfied and di.saffected. In 
August, 1790, Mr. Phelps informed the elder Mr. Gorham, 
in Boston, that the Indians had been to Canandaigua and 
had refused to receive any further payment, alleging that 
the amount of purchase money was to liave been ten instead 
of five thousand dollars. He wrote that the Indians were 
very much exasperated on account of some recent murders 
of their people committed by the whites at Tioga, that he 
was about to undertake a conciliatory mission to their prin- 
cipal villages, and that if he did not succeed they would 
retaliate by a general attack upon the whites. At a council 
held by Mr. Pickering, at Tioga, in November, 1790, Red 
Jacket and Farmer's Brother both claimed that the sum to 
be paid by Mr. Phelps was ten instead of five thousand 
dollars; they alleged that their" heads had been confused," 
and that they had been " cheated." Speaking of the pay- 
ment. Red Jacket said," When we went to Canandaigua to 
meet Mr. Phelps, expecting to receive ten thousand dollars, 
we were to have but five thousand. When we discovered 
the fraud we had a mind to apply to Congress, to see if 
the matter could not be rectified. For when we took the 
money and shared it, every one here knows that we had 
hut about one dollar apiece. All our lands came to was 
but the worth of a few hogsheads of tobacco. Gentlemen^ 
who stand by, do not think hard of us for what has been 
said. At the time of the treaty twenty broaches would not 
buy half a loaf of bread ; so that when we returned home 
there was not a bright spot of silver about us." 

Cornplanter, the leader of the disaflected Indians, visited 
Philadelphia and laid their complaint before President 
Washington. The President promised investigation of the 
matter. Mr. Phelps wrote a vindication of his conduct in 
the making of the treaty, and sent it to the President, 
accompanied by the aiEdavits of Rev. Samuel Kirkland, 
James Deane, Judge HoUenbeck, and others. In Decem- 
ber, 1791, Joseph Brant f ully acquitted Mr. Phelps of dis- 
honesty or unfair dealing in the purchase of the lands, in a 
long letter addressed to the President of Indian Afiiurs for 
the Northern District of the United States. In this letter 
he is particularly severe on Cornplanter, alleging that he 
was " influenced by bribes and selfish views." He says 
that the lessees were only released from the payment of 
five thousand dollars out of the twenty thousand they had 
agreed to pay for the whole country, and a pro rata 
amount of their stipulated annual rent. The poor Indians 
never realized the sum promised them by the lessees, and 
yet there is no doubt but the lessees themselves, in one 
form or another, realized a large amount from their illegal 
long lease. 

We close our chapter on the Indian treaties with the 
following extract from Mr. Turner's excellent History of 
Phelps and Gorham's Purchase : 

" The whole history of the early Indian treaties in this 



State is a complex one. There was a disjointed state of 
things existing among our own people. The treaties began 
without any clear and definite understanding of what were 
the respective rights of the State and the general govern- 
ment. The Indians, after they had heard of ' one big fire 
being lighted for all the thirteen States,' could not under- 
stand why they should be invited to attend 'so many little 
fires,' or councils. The almost interminable mischief, the 
lessees' movement, was thrust in to add to the embarrass- 
ment. The close of the Revolution had left them with 
distracted councils. Cut up into factions themselves, no 
wonder that when they were pulled and hauled about from 
one treaty to another, beset by State conimi,ssioners, lessee 
companies, speculators, and their ' old friends at Niagara,' 
they should on several occasions have complained that their 
' heads were confused.' 

" But the crowning curse, and the source of nearly all 
other evils that beset them, and nearly all that embarrassed 
our relations and intercourse with their race, was the use 
of spirituous liquors. In the absence of them, the advent 
of our race to this continent would have been a blessing to 
theirs, instead of what it has proved to be, — the cause of 
their ruin and gradual extermination. Nowhere in a long 
career of discovery have Europeans found natives of the 
soil with as many of the noblest attributes of humanity, — 
moral and physical elements which, if they could not have 
been blended with ours, could have maintained a separate 
existence, and been fostered by a proximity of civilization 
and the arts. Everywhere, when first approached by our 
race, they welcomed it, and made demonstrations of friend- 
ship and peace. . . . Whatever of savage character they 
may have possessed, so far as our race was concerned, it 
was dormant till aroused to action by assaults or treachery 
of intruders upon their soil, whom they had met as friends. 
" This was the beginning of trouble. The cupidity of 
our race perpetuated it by the introduction of ' fire-water,' 
which, vitiating their appetites, cost them their native inde- 
pendence of character, made them dependents upon the 
trader and the agents of rival governments, mixed them 
up with factions and contending aspirants for dominion, and 
from time to time impelled them to the fields of blood and 
slaughter or to the stealthy assault with the t(jmahawk and 
scalping-knife. . . . From the hour that Hud.son lured the 
Indians on board his vessel on the river that bears his 
name, and gave them the first taste of spirituous liquors, 
the whole history of British intercourse with them is 
marked by the use of this accursed agent as a principal 
means of success. . . . The early French traders upon the 
St. Lawrence and in all that region commenced the trafiic 
not until they had ascertained that they could in no other 
way compete with the English traders than by using the 
same means. The early Jesuit missionaries checked them 
in their work of evil, but the English trader was left unre- 
strained, even encouraged by English colonial authority. . . . 
It was with his keg of rum that the Englishman could 
alone succeed, and with a morbid, sordid perseverance he 
plied it in trade as well as in diplomacy. 

" At a later period, when the storm of the Revolution 
was gathering, . . . the aspect of the quarrel between 
Eusrland and the colonies was not suited to their tastes or 



40 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YOKK. 



inclinations, and they resolved upon standing aloof, — the 
Senecas at least. Invited to Oswego by the P]nglish refu- 
gees from the Mohawk, they were promised that the ' fire- 
water' of England's king should be ' as free to them as the 
waters of Lake Ontario.' Their intentions were changed, 
and their tomahawks and scalping -knives were turned 
against the border settlers. A series of events ensued, the 
review of which creates a shudder and a wonder that the 
offenses were so easily forgiven, — that we had not taken 
their country, after subduing them with our arms, instead 
of treating for it. But well and humanely did the Father 
of his Country consider how they had been wiled to the 
unfortunate choice of friends which they made. Englisii 
rum was not only freely dealt out at Oswego, but at Niagara, 
where it paid for many a reeking scalp, and helped to arouse 
the fiercest passions of the Indian allies and send them back 
upon their bloody track. 

" When peace came, and our State authorities began to 
cultivate an acquaintance with the Indians, they found them 
deserted by their late British employers, with nothing to 
show for the sanguine aid they had given them but appe- 
tites vitiated by the English rum-cask, and a moral and 
physical degeneracy, the progress of which could not have 
been arrested ; and lingering yet among them in all tlieir 
principal localities, was the Engli-sh or Tory trader, pro- 
longing his destructive traflfic. It was American New York 
legislation that made the first statutes against the traSic in 
spirituous liquors among the Indians. " 



CHAPTER VIII. 

THE PHELPS AND GOKHAM PURCHASE. 

Original Grants to the Colonies of Massaehusetts and New York — Mas- 
sachusetts Pre-emption Lands — Purchase of these Lands hy Phelps 
and Gorham — Treaty with the Seneca Indians — Survey of the 
Lands — Sale to Robert Morris. 

An inquiry into the title of lands in Steuben County 
will carry us back to those original patents granted by the 
Kings of England, in right of discovery, to their subjects 
who e.stablished colonies on the Eastern shores of this Con- 
tinent near the beginning of the seventeenth century. 

In the year 1620, the King of Great Britain granted to 
the Plymouth Company a tract of country denominated 
New England, extending several degrees of latitude north 
and south, and from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean, east 
and west. A charter for the government of a portion of 
this territory, granted by Charles I., in 1628, was vacated 
in 168-1, but a second charter was granted by William and 
Mary, in 1691. The territory comprised in this second 
charter extended on the Atlantic Ocean from north latitude 
42° 2' to 44° 15', and from the Atlantic to the Pacific 
Ocean. Charles I., in 1663, granted to the Duke of York 
and Albany, the Province of New York, including the 
present State of New Jersey. The tract thus granted ex- 
tended from a line twenty miles east of the Hudson River 
westward, rather indefinitely, aiid from the Atlantic Ocean 
north to the south line of Canada, then a French Colony. 

By this collision of description each of these colonies laid 



claim to the jurisdiction as well as the pre-emption right of the 
same land, being a tract sufficiently large to form several States. 
The State of New Y'ork, however, in 1781, and Massachu- 
setts, in 1785, ceded to the United States -all their right 
either of jurisdiction or ownership, to all the territory lying 
west of a meridian line run south from the westerly bend 
of Lake Ontario. Although the nominal amount in con- 
troversy, by these acts, was much diminished, it still left 
some nineteen thousand square miles of territory in dispute. 
But this controversy was finally settled by a convention of 
commissioners appointed by the parties, held at Hartford, 
Conn., on the 16th of December, 1786. According to the 
stipulation entered into by the convention, Massachusetts 
ceded to the State of New York all her claim to the govern- 
ment, sovereignty, and jurisdiction of all the territory lying 
west of the present east line of the State of New York ; 
and New York ceded to Mas.sachusetts the pre-emption 
right or fee of the land, subject to the title of the Indians, 
of all that part of the State of New York lying west of a 
line, beginning at a point in the north line of Pennsylvania, 
eighty-two miles west of the northeast corner of said State, 
and running from thence due north through Seneca Lake 
to Lake Ontario, excepting and reserving to the State of 
New Y'^ork a strip of land east of, and adjoining the eastern 
bank of Niagara River, one mile wide, and extending its 
whole length, and inclusive of the islands in the Niagara 
River. This land, the pre-emption right of which was thus 
ceded to Massachusetts, amounted to about six millions of 
acres. 

Soon after Massachusetts became possessed of this pre- 
emption right, a company was formed in that State to pur- 
chase a large tract of the land. The company consisted of 
Oliver Phelps, Judge Sullivan, Messrs. Skinner and Chapin, 
William Walker and others, chiefly residents of Berkshire 
County. Before they had matured their plans, Nathaniel 
Gorham had made proposals to the Legislature to purchase 
a portion of the Genesee lands. Mr. Phelps had a confer- 
ence with Mr. Gorham, and, to secure unanimity of action, 
they mutually agreed that Mr. Gorham should become a 
member of the association and consider his proposition 
made for their common benefit. Mr. Gorham liad proposed 
the purchase of one million acres, at one and sixpence cur- 
rency per acre, payable in the public paper of the common- 
wealth. The House of Representatives acceded to the 
proposition, but the non-concurrence of the Senate delayed 
the consummation of the bargain till the Legislature again 
convened in April, 1788. when others, who in the mean 
time had made propositions of purcliase to the State, were 
included in the company. Messrs. Phelps and Gorham 
were constituted the representatives of the association, and 
in that capacity made a proposal to the Legislature for the 
purchase of all the lands embraced in the Massaehusetts 
cession. This was accepted, the stipulated consideration 
being one hundred thousand dollars, payable in the public 
paper of Massachusetts. 

We have already remarked, in connection with our his- 
tory of the extinction of the Indian title, that the paper 
of Massachusetts was at that time depreciated to about fifty 
cents on a dollar. 

At the first meeting of the shareholders, preliminary 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



41 



steps were taken to hold a treaty with the Indians, — the 
Seneoas, in whose portion of the State the hinds were situ- 
ated. Mr. Phelps made a trip to Geneva, then Kanade- 
saga, and fuilin;;, with the aid of Mr. Livingston, to con- 
vene a council of the Indians at that point, hastened by 
the old Indian trail to ButFalo Creek, where he found the 
Indians had been assembled by the Niagara Lessee Com- 
pany, and through the aid of the latter, in July, 17SS, 
ho effected a purchase of the Seneoas of the tract of land 
known as Phelps and Gorham's Purchase. This treaty was 
not held at Canandaigua, as some suppose, but at Buflalo 
Creek.* Mr. Phelps during this first trip made his head- 
quarters at Geneva, not at Canandaigua. Before leaving 
the county he set surveyors at work under the direction of 
Col. Hugh Maxwell, to divide the newly-acquired country 
into townships, and, having ixed upon Canandaigua as the 
focus of intended enterprise, returned to Suffield, Mass. 
All retired as winter approached, and left the whole region, 
except the small settlement at Geneva, in the possession of 
its ancient owners. 

Mr. Walker, after having remained in the country till 
nearly the setting in of winter, returned, and was present 
at a meeting of the associates, in January. He reported 
that he had .sold and contracted about thirty townships. 
At this meeting a division of the land took place, the lar- 
ge.st portions falling into the hands of Phelps and Gorham 
and a few other loading associates, who purchased the 
interests of the smaller shareholders. The most of the 
early sales of townships were to those who held shares, 
which will account for the very low price, the shareholders 
paying about what the lands cost the a.ssociation. 

Mr. Phelps, although his residence in all the earliest 
years of settlement was still in JIassachusetts, spent most 
of his time in Canandaigua, and was the active and liberal 
patron and helper in all the public enterprises of the region 
which ho had opened for settlement. He may appropri- 
ately be called the Father of the Gene-see country. Of 
ardent temperament, active, able, and ambitious in all that 
related to the new country, the pioneers found in him a 



■« I liiul in .111 article by Judge Goldsmith Denniston, ou the source 
of land title in Steuben County, the statement that "the chiefs and 
warriors of the Si.'! Nations were assembled, and Mr. Phelps met 
them in conference near the Canandaigua Lake. After a negotiation 
of two days, and after every preliminary was about being arranged, the 
celebrated Red Jacket arose : drawing his blanket around him and 
surveying the assemblage, he addressed them in a language and style 
peculiar to himself. He represented to them the efifeot of giving the 
pale-faces any further foothold within their territories; depicted to 
them their former simplicity and happiness and the wrong.s they had 
sulfered from the whites, until his Indian auditors were roused and 
excited almost to vengeance." This is an error. Red Jacket himself, 
in his speech at the Tioga Council (1790), alludes to the treaty be- 
tween Mr. Phelps and the Senecas as having been held at Buffalo 
Creek, and that he and his friends took him (Phelps) by the hinl 
and led him thither from KananJesaga (Geneva). Mr. Phelps, also 
in the same year, in a speech to the Indians in answer to their com- 
plaints, refers to the treaty as follows : " I wish in a friendly manner 
to state to you the particulars of our b.irgain. AVlien I arrived at 
Buffalo Creek, O'Bail (Cornplanter) had leased all your country to 
Livingston and Benton." He says, " Brothers, you remember we 
sat up all night. It was almost morning before wo agreed on the 
boundaries. After breakfast wo returned to agree on the price you 
should ha.vc:'— Phelps and Gorhamt Purohuae, Aiipaidix, p. 476. 



friend indeed, and when disease, privation, Indian alarms, 
created despondency, he had a word of encouragement and 
a prophecy of a " better time coming." He was useful to 
a degree that no one can realize who has not seen how 
much one man can do in helping to smooth the always 
rugged path of backwoods life. 

Oliver Phelps was born at Wind.sor, Conn., and was a 
young man at the breaking out of the Revolution. He 
was among those who gathered at Lexington and made the 
first military demonstration of intended separation and in- 
dependence : and, although but a youth, was enrolled in 
the Massachusetts Committee of Safety. Upon the or- 
ganization of the Connecticut troops, he became a con- 
tractor in the army, and was soon advanced to the com- 
missary department, in which he did faithful service till 
the close of the Revolution. Settling in Suflield, Mass., 
he was sent to the' Assembly, and then to the Senate, and 
was also a member of the Governor's Council. During 
the Revolution he became intimate with Robert Morris, 
the great financier of that eventful period, and whose name 
is indissolubly associated with his in the extensive and 
beneficent land operations in Western New York, of which 
we shall speak more particularly hereafter. 

A considerable shareholder in the original purchase from 
Massachusetts, Mr. Phelps became, eventually, the chief 
owner, by the purchase of shares, reversions, and other 
means ; .so that in a few years after the settlement of the 
Genesee country was fairly under way, he was reputed one 
of the most successful and wealthy of all the founders of 
new settlements of that period. In 1795 he was regarded 
as worth a million dollars. 

A mania of land speculation prevailed in this country 
during the year 1796 and about that period, which ex- 
tended through all the then settled parts of the Union. 
Philadelphia was its principal focus, its leading capitalists, 
among whom was Mr. Morris, being the principal opera- 
tons. Among the devices of the times was a gigantic 
" American Land Company." Elected to Congress, elated 
with his success in the Genesee country, Mr. Phelps was 
thrown into the vortex of rash adventure, and became 
deeply involved. One of his adventures was in connection 
with the " Georgia Land Company," a well-known specu- 
lation of that period. He was obliged to borrow largely, 
and execute mortgages upon his Genesee lands. The titles 
under him became involved and created distrust, which 
brought upon him a great deal of censure. These troubles, 
it is supposed, undermined his health, so that he gradually 
declined, and died in 1809, at the age of sixty years. He 
had removed to Canandaigua in 1802; was the first judge 
of Ontario County, upon the primitive organization of its 
courts, and an early representative in Congress for the then 
Western District of the State. 

Nathaniel Gorham, who was an associate of Mr. Phelps, 
never was a resident upon the purchase with which his 
name stands identified. He was a prominent merchant of 
Boston, and resided in Cliarlestown, Mass. His son and 
representative, Nathaniel Gorham, Jr., settled in Canan- 
daigua in 1789, among the earliest settlers. He was an 
early supervisor of Canandaigua, a judge of the county 
courts, and president of the Ontario Bank from its first 



42 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



organization until his death. He died in 1826, aged sixty- 
two years, leaving several sons and daughters. 

Phelps and Gorham being unable to extinguish the 
Indian title to the western portion of their lands, as stipu- 
lated in their contract with Massachusetts, surrendered to 
that State that part to which the Indian title remained, in 
consideration of which the State relinquished two-thirds of 
the contract price. In 1796, Massachusetts sold these 
lands to Robert Morris, who extinguished the Indian title 
thereto, sold some, and mortgaged the residue to William 
Willink, of Amsterdam, and eleven associates, denominated 
the " Holland Land Company." This mortgage was fore- 
closed, and the lands bought in by said company. Thus 
the " Holland Company" acquired a full title to all the lands 
sunendered by Phelps and Gorham to Massachusetts, and 
lying west of the. Phelps and Gorham Purchase. 

Robert Morris in those days was a l&rge speculator in 
lands, and a man of unlimited financial resources. He was 
a native of Liverpool, Eng., and came with his parents to 
this country when a youth. He entered the service of 
Charles Willing, the eminent merchant of Philadelphia, as 
clerk, and subsequently became a partner of his son and 
successor. At the breaking out of the Revolution he be- 
came at once an active partisan in the struggle. In 1776 
he was a member of Congress from Pennsylvania, and one 
of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. Invested 
with the oflBce of secretary of an empty treasury, he became 
the financier of the poorest country that ever kept an army 
in the field or armed ships upon the ocean ; his own means 
were put in requisition, and his almost unbounded credit 
freely used. 

" When the rich bankers of Amsterdam knew no such 
new creation as the United States, or as Congress, or, 
knowing them, had no confidence in their engagements, 
they trusted him, on his private responsibility, with mil- 
lions, which he used in the public service. And when the 
great struggle was drawing to a close, — when a last and 
desperate blow was to be struck, and the army that was to 
do it was in New Jersey, without pay and destitute of com- 
fortable clothing, — when its stout-hearted commander-in- 
chief was almost yielding to the embarrassments by which 
he was surrounded, and upon the point of leading his army 
the wrong way, because he could not command the means 
of leading it where it should go, — the active, patriotic 
financier hastened to his camp, and by assuring him that 
he would supply all immediate wants, encouraged him to 
put his army in motion. The destination was Yorktown ; 
— the defeat of Cornwallis, the crowning act of the Revolu- 
tion, was the result." * 

Mr. Morris was eventually reimbursed by Congress, 
though not for the sacrifice of time and abstraction from 
his private business which his public services had made neces- 
sary. He was, however, eminently successful in his com- 
mercial afiiiirs, and at one time was by far the wealthiest 
man in the United States. He met with many reverses, 
however, and died poor in New Jersey, in May, 1806. 

Mr. Phelps, during the Revolution, having been con- 



■-'The money, in specie, that he had pvomised was borrowed .md 
paid to the army but a few days before the attack upon Cornwallis. 



nected with the commissary department, and Mr. Gorham 
being a prominent merchant in Boston, Mr. Morris had 
made their acquaintance, and when they sought a purchaser 
for their unsold lands in the Genesee country, they applied 
to him. Little was known in the commercial cities of all this 
region, other than what had been gathered from maps and 
from those who had accompanied Sullivan's expedition.f 
Mr. Morris, however, sought the means of further informa- 
tion. Ebenezer (or Indian) Allen was then located as an 
Indian trader at what is now Mount Morris, and was in the 
habit of making yearly visits to Philadelphia for the pur- 
chase of goods. Samuel Street, who resided at Niagara 
Falls on the Canadian side, had also visited Philadelphia. 
From them Mr. Morris obtained the information which in- 
duced him to accede to the proposition of Messrs. Phelps 
and Gorham. 

Their deed of conveyance bears date Nov. 17, 1790, and 
was executed by Nathaniel Gorham and Rebecca his wife, 
and Oliver Phelps and Mary his wife. It embraced their 
entire final purchase of Massachusetts, with the exception 
of such townships and parts of townships as they had sold, 
being in all one million two hundred and sixty-four thou- 
sand five hundred and sixty-nine acres. The consideration 
and actual price paid by Mr. Morris, was thirty thousand 
pounds. New York currency. 

At an early period after the purchase, Mr. Morris em- 
ployed Maj. Adam Hoops to explore the country, who re- 
ported that " in respect to soil, climate, and advantages of 
navigation, ' it was equal to any portion of the United 
States. Maj. Hoops was then residing near Philadelphia. 
He had been in the army throughout the Revolution, was 
in Sullivan's catnpaigu, and at one period belonged to the 
staff of Gen. Washington. He was one of the aids of 
Gen. S\illivan in his expedition to the Genesee country, and 
was one of the earliest surveyors of all tiiis region, being 
employed first by Phelps and Gorham, and afterwards by 
Mr. Morris. In 1804 he purchased part of the township 
of Olean, and was the founder of the village which now 
bears that name. He died in Westchester, Pa., about 1836. 

SURVEYS — PRE-EMPTION LINE. 
The first survey undertaken of the Phelps and Gorham 
Purchase was the establishment of the " Old Pre-emption 
Line," its eastern boundary. Tlie survey originated in this 
way : the State of New York ceded to Massachusetts all 
the territory within her boundaries west of a line to be 
drawn due north and south from the eighty-second mile- 
stone on the northern line of Pennsylvania. Before the 
running of this line, it could of course be but a mere con- 
jecture where it would fall as far north from the starting- 
point aa Seneca Lake. Seth Reed and Peter Ryckman, 
both of whom had been Indian traders, applied to the State 
of New York for remuneration for services rendered in 

fit is a somewhat remarkable fact that in most instances in our 
early history, the fertility and resources of our new countries were first 
brought to the knowledge of the public by the marching of armies 
and expeditions in various directions. Such was the case in the 
valley of the Mohawk, the Susquehanna, the Genesee, and Ohio 
valleys. The rich and inviting territory lying between Chicago and 
the Mississippi River was made known by the march of Gen. Scott's 
army to the Black Hawk war in 1832. 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



43 



some previous negotiations with the eastern portion of the 
Six Nations, and proposed to take a patent for a tract the 
boundaries of which should " begin at a tree on the bank 
of Seneca Lake, and run along the bank of said lake to the 
south, until they should have sixteen thousand acres between 
the lake and the east bounds of the land ceded to Massa- 
chusetts." Their request was granted, and a patent issued. 
Tiie patentees proposed to Messrs. Phelps and Gorham to 
join them in running the pre-emption line, each party fur- 
nishing a surveyor. A " Mr. Jenkins," according to some 
authorities, was selected by Reed and Ryckman, and Col. 
Maxwell by Phelps and Gorham. Meanwhile, the lessees, 
assuming that their transactions were valid, took an interest 
in the matter, and as Messrs. Reed and Ryckman were both 
shareholders in their company, the matter was mutually 
accommodated between them. The line was run — which is 
known as the " Old Pre-emption Line." 

In running this line the surveyors managed to bear to 
the west of the " due north" course required by the terms 
of cession. Messrs. Phelps and Gorham were much disap- 
pointed in the result,* suspected error or fraud, but made 
no movement for a resurvey. Their suspicions had been 
first excited by an oifer from a prominent member of the 
lessee company for " all lands they owned easi of the line 
that had been run." They were .so well assured of it that 
in the deed to Mr. Morris they specified a tract in a gore 
between the line then run and the west bounds of Mont- 
gomery and Tioga Counties, those counties then extending 
to the true pre-emption line. Tiio resurvey was not made 
while Mr. Morris owned the lands, but having stipulated 
in his conveyance to the English purchasers an accurate 
survey of all he conveyed, he instructed Maj. Hoops to 
correct the line. The two brothers — Joseph and Benjamin 
Ellicott— who had just completed the survey of the city of 
Washington, were employed to superintend the work, using 
for the first time in this country the transit instrument 
which had then been recently invented in Germany. Upon 
their arrival from England they were joined by Judge Por- 
ter, who was then a surveyor in the employ of Phelps and 
Gorham. " A corps of axemen was employed, and a vista 
of thirty feet wide opened before the transit instrument 
until the line had reached the head of Seneca Lake, when 
night-signals were employed to run down and over the lake. 
So much pains were taken to insure correctness that the 
survey was never disputed, and thus the ' New Pre-emption 
Line' was established as the true division between the lands 
of the State of New York and those which had been ceded 
to Massachusetts." 

The lands purchased by Phelps and Gorham were sur- 
veyed into tracts running north and south, called ranges, 
and these ranges were divided into townships six miles 
square.f This was done under contract with Col. Hugh 

*-■ Probably they would bare made Geneva instead of Canandaigua 
the centre of their operations, but for the fact that this line, as at first 
run, U'ft Geneva on the eastward of the pre-miiption line, and in what, 
since the running of the new line, has been Known as " The Gore." 

t This, we believe, is the first time in the history of our country 
when tliis rectangular method of surveys was adopted, — dividing the 
townships into parallel ranges and designating them by numbers. It 
was afterwards applied by the government to the whole Northwest 
Territory, and is the method prevailing in all the Western States. 



Maxwell, who completed most of the northern portion of 
it previous to the close of 1788. In 17S!.» the work was 
prosecuted with the assistance of Judge Augustus Porter 
and others. The surveys of townships into farm lots, in 
cases where whole townships were sold, was done at the ex- 
pense of the purchaser. Judge Porter, John Adlum, and 
Frederick Saxton were among the earliest surveyors of the 
subdivisions. 

From the original Seld-notes of the surveyors, in the 
land-office of the Pulteney estate, at Bath, we gather the 
following particulars of surveys made in 1791 and 1792. 
The general title of the book is " Surveys of that part of 
West Genesee which was sold by Messrs. Gorham and 
Phelps to Robert Morris, Esq., except a small tract bounded 
on the south side of Chapin and Street's township and the 
township five-eighth parts of which were sold to Smith, 
Jones and others." Tiie general survey of this tract was 
made by Frederick Saxton, Adam Hoops, John Adlum, and 
Augustus Porter, and calculated by Frederick Saxton and 
Adam Hoops. The purchase of Robert Morris was found 
to contain, after deducting twenty-six thousand four hund- 
red and forty-six acres, two roods, and thirty perches, for 
lands sold to John Stone, E. Scott, Rev. Samuel Kirkland, 
E. H. Robins, Esq , and others, one million two hundred 
and forty-six thousand five hundred and sixty-nine acres, 
one rood, and ten perches. Maj. Adam Hoops adds his 
certificate to these surveys, in the words following : 

" The above are the contents of sundry townships and 
tracts of land in the county of Ontario and State of New 
York, sold by Messrs. Gorham and Phelps to the Honor- 
able Robert Morris. The several surveys were made by 
the persons whose names are hereinbefore mentioned, and 
their field books and notes : reference being had thereto as 
directed in the margin at A, B, C, D, E, will show the 
surveys of the particular townships and tracts. 

" Returned at Philadelphia, in the State of Pennsylvania, 
this fourth day of February, Anno Domini 1793. The 
contents being, as above written in figures. One Million 
Two Hundred and Sixty-four Thousand Five 
Hundred and Sixty-nine Acres, One Rood, and 
Ten Perches. 

(Signed) " A. Hoops, Surveyor." 

The gore between the old and new pre-emption lines was 
found upon survey to contain eighty-nine thousand and two 
acres, two roods, and twelve perches. Deducting for the 
portion of Seneca Lake included within the lines four thou- 
sand and fifty-five acres, three roods, and seven perches, the 
net amount of land was eighty-four thousand eight hund- 
red and ninety-six acres, three roods, and five perches. 
The true Pre-emption Line was run by Messrs. Ellicott, 
Armstrong, and Saxton ; the offsets by Morgan Jones, 
Augustus Porter, and Frcdenck Saxton, and the calcula- 
tions were made by Adam Hoops and Frederick Saxton. 
The latter died before the returns were completed. The 
length of the gore, from the eighty-second mile-stone in the 
northern line of Pennsylvania (southeast corner of Steuben 
County) to its terminus on Lake Ontario at Sodus Bay, was 
found to be eighty-four miles, seventy-seven chains, and 
forty-five links. 



44 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



CHAPTER IX. 

THE PULTENEY ESTATE. 

Sale of the Lands bj Robert Morris to Charles "Williamson — Law 
Enabling Aliens to Hold Real Estate — Conveyance bj Charles Wil- 
liamson to Sir William Pultene}' — Descent of the Estate to the 
Heirs and Trustees — Abstract of Title. 

Early in the year 1791, William Temple Franklin, the 
agent of Robert Morris in London, sold the lands which 
the latter had purchased of Messrs. Plielps and Gorham to 
an English association, consisting of Sir William Pulteney, 
John Hornby, and Patrick Cokjuhouu. Sir William Pul- 
teney was a capitalist residing in London, and at that period 
occupied a high position as a citizen and statesman. Mr. 
Hornby had been Governor of Bombay, and was at that 
time a retired London capitalist. Mr. Colquhoun, who 
more directly than any of the other members became con- 
nected with the management of the estate, was eminent as 
a statesman and philanthropist. These gentlemen purchased 
the lands of Mr. Morris, paying therefor thirty thousand 
pounds sterling, the conveyance by deed being made to 
Charles Williamson, agent, April 11, 1792. 3Ir. William- 
son had come to the United States for the purpo.se of buy- 
ing lands for the Association, and had been naturalized, 
and held the office of Judge of Ontario County, and Rep- 
resentative in the General Assembly.* 

When the purchase was made of Robert Morris, there 
was no provision in the statutes of New York allowing 
aliens or foreigners to hold or convey lands in this State. 
By the treaty with Great Britain, commonly known as 
Jay's treaty, concluded in 1794-, this disability was partially 
removed so far as subjects of Great Britain were concerned 
who ihen held lands or other real estate in the United 
States. But a general law of the State was needed giving 
aliehs of all classes the right to purcliase, hold, and devise 
lands in common with citizens. Such an act was passed 
by the Legislature in April, 1798. It made legal convey- 
ances to all foreigners valid, except such only of foreign 
natioils as were at the time of conveyance at war with the 
United States, but prohibited them from making any re.ser- 
vations of rent or service in any grant or devise whatever. 
An " act explanatory of the construction and intent of the 
act of April, 1798," was passed March 5, 1819, by which 
conveyances made from one alien to another were declared 
valid, together with mortgages upon the said lands and 
tenements. 

The title of aliens being thus perfected, Charles William- 
sou and Abigail, his wife, conveyed the above lands to Sir 
William Pulteney, on 21st of October, 1801. Sir William 
Pulteney died in 1805, intestate, and his estate descended 
to his only child, Henrietta Laura Pulteney, as heir-at-law. 

^"Col. Williamson was naturalized and became an American citizen 
on the ninth day of June, 1792. The following is his oath, with the 
certificate of the Justice of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, copied 
from the original now in the office of Judge Ruuisey, of Bath : 

"I, Charles Williamson, gentleman, being duly sworn upon the 
Holy Evangelists of Almighty God, do say that I will support the 
Constitution of the United States. 

" CniS. WlI.LIAMSO-X. 

'• Done in open Court at Philadelphia, June 9, 1792. 

"J. Yeates, Justice Supreme Calirl." 



Henrietta Laura Pulteney died in 1808, intestate, leaving 
Sir John Lawther Johnstone, her cousin and heir-at-law, to 
whom her estate descended. Sir John Lawther Johnstone 
died in 1811, and by will left all his lands in America to 
Ernest Augustus, Duke of Cumberland, Charles Herbert 
Pierrepont, David Cathcart, and Masterton Ure, in trust, 
to sell the same as speedily as possible, and to invest the 
same as therein directed. He authorized them to fill any 
vacancies which might occur ; also authorized " three to 
act when there were four, and two to act when there were 
but three." 

On the 1st of March, 1819, Charles Herbert Pierrepont 
relinquished his trust, and conveyed to his co-trustees all 
his interest in the estate, and on the 20th of November, 
1827, these trustees, under an order from the Court of 
Chancery, appointed John Gordon a trustee in the place of 
Charles Herbert Pierrepont, and conveyed to him the estate 
as a CO- trustee. On the 17th of August, 1830, the then 
trustees, Ernest Augustus, Duke of Cumberland, Master- 
ton Ure, and John Gordon, appointed Robert Troup their 
attorney and agent for managiug the estate, and in case of 
his death or disability to act they nominated and appointed 
Joseph Fellows to act as their attorney and agent. By vir- 
tue of this appointment and the death of Robert Troup, 
Joseph Fellows continued to act as the legally-authorized 
agent of the trustees until the 15th day of February, 18G2. 

The agents of the Pulteney estate have proceeded to 
sell these lands " with all convenient speed," as directed by 
the will of Sir John Lowther Johnstone, and have con- 
veyed by deeds, and contracted to convey, all of the original 
purchase, with the exception of about five thousand acres, 
of which about four thousand are in the county of Steuben. 

The original proprietors, trustees, agents, and attorneys of 
the estate have pursued upon the whole a very just and 
liberal policy towards purchasers and settlers upon these 
lands. A judicious writer has remarked that " with -noth- 
ing to judge from but his business letters, instructions to 
agents, etc., it is impo.ssible to form any other conclusion 
with regard to Sir William Pulteney but such as is credit- 
able to him as one whose capital had made his own interests 
and those of his new settlers mutual." And so of the rest. 
Mr. Colquhoun was by nature and practice a philanthropist, 
and in all his relation to the early history of this estate his 
conduct was eminently in keeping with that character. A 
marble tablet erected in front of the Presbyterian Cburch 
in Canandaigua, to perpetuate his memory, has upon it an 
inscription which recognizes the principal events of his use- 
ful life. He was a native of Glasgow, Scotland, and died 
in London in 1820, aged seventy-six years. Few men had 
contributed more to the reformation of criminal laws, to the 
promotion of trade and commerce, in founding systems for 
benefiting the poor, and for public education in England 
and Scotland. In some of his correspondence he mentions 
having spent some time in America previous to 1790, prob- 
ably in some of the Southern States. 

Of Mr. Williamson, Col. Robert Troup, Joseph Fellows, 
and others, whose names and benefactions are intimately 
identified with the Pulteney estate and with the history of 
this portion of the State of New York, we shall speak more 
at large in a future chapter. 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



45 



It appears from the records of the State and other sources 
of inforuiatioi), that the question of title to these lands has 
been a subject of legislation and also of judicial and per- 
sonal investigation. In 1789, a gentleman commissioned 
by Mr. Beekford, of London, made a purchase of Mr. 
Williamson of twenty-nine thousand acres of land. By 
contract, the title was to be certified to by Messrs. Hamil- 
ton, Harison, and Troup, of New York, all eminent law- 
yers, and without their certificate the money could not be 
drawn in London. After a very minute investigation these 
gentlemen granted their certificate, and Mr. Williamson in 
1790 received his money. Another very accurate investi- 
gation of the title was made by the Commissioners of the 
Land Office of the State of New York. By an error in 
the first survey of the Genesee country, a considerable mis- 
take was made in the east boundary, or pre-emption line, 
which was rectified by a survey made by Mr. Ellicott and 
others in 1792 ; this correction of the line gave Mr. Wil- 
liamson eighty-four thousand acres more of land than was 
comprehended in the first survey made in 1789. As the 
Commissioners of the Land Office had then sold part of 
the eighty-four thousand acres to difl'erent individuals, and 
the important site of Geneva was included in the tract, it 
became necessary for them either to compensate Mr. Wil- 
liamson or other persons owning these locations. A law 
was accordingly passed at the session of 1793, declaring the 
line run by Mr. Ellicott and his associates the true boun- 
dary line of the lands known as the purchase of Messrs. 
Phelps and Gorham, and empowering the Commissioners 
of the Land Office to compensate the claimants, allowing 
the preference to the person holding under the title derived 
from Phelps and Gorham. Afler the fullest investigation 
of Mr. Williamson's title, the Commissioners of the Land 
Office granted him a patent for fifty-six thousand acres near 
Sodus Bay, in what is now Wayne County, as a compensa- 
tion for the lands he had surrendered to the State on the 
eastern boundary of the counties of Ontario and Steuben. 
Previous to granting the patent, the Commissioners of the 
Land Office received the report of the attorney-general, in 
which, after giving a deduction of the title, gave it as his 
opinion that Mr. Williamson was the legal owner of the 
land cut off by the line ; and, of course, in the same deci- 
sion was involved the whole title to the lands purchased of 
Phelps and Gorham. 

On the 2Gth of January, 1821, an act was passed enti- 
tled " an act to perpetuate certain testimony respecting the 
title of the Pulteney estate in this State." According to 
the provisions of this act, Robert Troup, Joseph Fellows, 
and John Greig were examined before Bowen Whiting, a 
master-in-chancery, as to the seizin, descent, and title of 
said estate, and an order was entered on the 28th of No- 
vember, 1821, to the end that said depositions do, in the 
opinion of the chancellor, furnish good prima fitcie evidence 
of the facts therein set forth ; and it was ordered that the 
depositions be filed in the office of the Register in Chancery, 
" there to remain as matters of perpetual record." 

Various questions involving the validity of the title have 
been litigated from time to time and finally carried to the 
Court of Appeals. In January, 1870, in the case of the 
People vs. Alonzo Snyder, the Court of Appeals unaui- 



mou.sly confirmed the title, and also in March, 1876, in the 
case of Henry C. Howard against George K. Bloot. 

We append the following 

ABSTRACT OF THE PULTENEY TITLE: 

'*I. Treaty of Cession between New York and Massachusetts, by 
Commissioners of each State, dated at Hartford, 16th December, 1786. 
Recorded in the office of the Secretary of State, in Booli of Miscel- 
laneous Records, M. R. [A], page 3S, etc., on the 2d day of February, 
1787. 

"II. Conveyance to Nathaniel Gorham and Oliver Phelps, by, 1st, 
Grant of same lands to Nathaniel Gorham and Oliver Phelps, by an 
act of the Legislature of Massachusetts, April 1, 17SS. 2d. An act 
confirmiDg to Phelps & Gorham a certain portion of said lands, passed 
21st November, 178S. Recorded in the office of the Secretary of State, 
in Book of Miscellaneous Records, M. R. [A], page 229, etc., 6th of 
February, 17S9. 

" III. Deed from Gorham and wife and Phelps and wife to Robert 
Morris, dated November 18, 1790, acknowledged before James M. 
Hughes, and recorded in the office of the Secretary of State, in Book 
M. R. [B], of Miscellaneous Records, page 169, etc., on the 2ith day 
of May, 1791. 

"IV. Deed from Robert Morris and wife to Charles Williamson, 
dated April 11, 1792, acknowledged before James AVillson, U. S. Judge, 
20th February, 1795. Recorded in the office of the Secretary of State, 
in Liber of Deeds endorsed M. R. [I], at page 100, etc., on the 2Sth 
day of September, 1798. 

"V. Deed from Charles "Williamson and wife to Sir 'Villiam Pul- 
teney, dated March 31, 1801, acknowledged on the same day by Wil- 
liamson, and on the 16th day of May, 1801, by his wife, before Jacob 
W. Uallet, Master in Chancery. Recorded in the Secretary of State's 
office in Liber of Deeds, M. R. [M], page 30i, etc., on the 21st day of 
October, 1801. 

" 3d Rev. Stat., 2d ed., 225 sec. : Act to enable aliens to purchase 

and hold Real Estate, passed April 2, 1798. 
"Ibid., 226 sec. : ' Act explanatory,' passed March 15, 1819. 
" V'l. Exemplification from the Court of Chancery of, 1st. The 
death of Sir William Pulteney, intestate, and the descent cast upon 
Henrietta Laura, his only child, an heir-at-law. 2d. The death of 
Henrietta Laura Pulteney, intestate as to her real estate, and the de- 
scent cast in Sir John Louther Johnstone, her cousin and heir-at- 
law. 3d. The death of Sir John Louther Johnstone, in December, 
1811, after making and publishing in duplicate a last will and testa- 
ment. This done under the act of the Legislature, passed 26th Jan- 
uary, 1821, to perpetuate this testimony. 

20 J. R., 707 ; 5th Cowan, 321 ; 7 Wen., 367. 
" VII. Exemplitication from the Supreme Court of the will of Sir 
John Louther Johnstone, dated 7th August, 1811, and proved in the 
Supreme Court by John Birch Dawson, one of the subscribing wit- 
nesses, on the 3d January, 1820, devising his lands in America to 
Ernest Augustus, Charles Herbert Pierpoint, David Cathcart, and 
Masterlon Ure, in trust, etc. 

" VIII. Deed and release of trust from Charles Herbert Pierpoint 
to his co-trustees, dated 1st March, 1819. Proved before Lord Mayor 
of London by Isaac Samuel Clamtree, one of the witnesses, on the 
25th day of March, 1820, and before Richard Rush, American Min- 
ister to Engl.ind, on 18th June, 1S23. This was done pursuant to 
Chap. 119, Laws of New York, 1816. Recorded in the office of the 
Secretary of State, in Book of Deeds, No. iO, page 472, etc., on the 
23d day of September, 1823. 

" IX. Deed from Ernest Augustus, David Cathcart, and Mastcrton 
i Ure to John Gordon, conveying joint interest in lands and appointing 
i him co-trustee, dated 19th November, 1S27. Acknowledged 27th and 
j 30th May, 1834, by Ernest Augustus and David Cathcart, before Lord 
Mayor of London, and by Ure before the Lord Provost and Chief 
Magistrate of Edinburgh, on the 27th day of June, 1834. Recorded 
in Steuben County Clerk's Office, in Book A, Miscellaneous Deeds, 
March 11, 1836. 

"X. Proof of the death of Ernest Augustus on the 18th Novem- 
ber, 1851, and David Cathcart on the 26th of April, 1829. By exem- 
plified copy of commission and evidence, executed by Robert B. 
Campbell, United States Consul at London, on the 19th of May, 
1860, with certificate of the Chief Judge of the Court of Appeals. 



46 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



This commission was executed pursuant to Chap. 161 of the Laws of 
New York, 1860, Session Laws of 1800, page 257. 

"XI. Deed from Mafi^terton lire aud John Gordon, dated 1st Jan- 
uary, 1851, conveying all the interest of Gordon in the estates to 
Craven, Oswald, and Estcourt as co-trustees with Ure. Recorded in 
Steuben County Clerk's Office, 12th November, 1853, Book of Deeds 
69, at page 49, etc.; also, in Ontario County Clerk's Office, in Liber 
101, at page 148, etc., on the 26th day of November, 1852; also, in 
Monroe County Clerk's Office, in Liber 105. at page 407, on the I8th 
day of January, 1853. 

"XII. Deed and release of trust from Masterton lire to Craven, 
Alexander Oswald, and Edmund liucknall Estcourt, dated 4th April, 
1859, acknowledged before George M. Dallas, U. S. Minister at Lon- 
don, on the 5th day of April, 1859. Recorded in Livingston County 
Clerk's Office, on the Sth day of August, 1859, in Liber 59 of Deeds, 
at jiage 278; also, in Steuben County Clerk's Office, Oct. 15, 1859, 
in Book 88 of Deeds, at page 539, etc. ; also, in Monroe County 
Clerk's Office, on the 11th January, 1800, in Liber 155 of Deeds, at 
page 160. 

" XIII. Proof of the death of Craven on the 25th day of August, 
1806. by exemplified copy of comniission aud evidence, executed by 
F. II. Morse, consul of the United States in the city of London, Eng- 
land, on the 15th day of June, 1867, with certificate of Henry E. 
Davis, Chief Judge of the Court of Appeals, dated 15th July, 1867. 

"This commission was executed pursuant to the laws of the State 
of New York. 

" XIV, Deed and release of trust from Alexander Oswald and Ed- 
mund Bucknell Estcourt to Henry C. Howard (commonly called Vis- 
count Andover), George C. K. Johnstone, Henry Chaplin, and James 
R. Farquharson, dated Nov. 12, 1867, and recorded in the Steuben 
County Clerk's Office, 2d day of May, 1870, at ten A.sr., Book 128 of 
Deed?, at page 188, etc. 

"XV. Power of attorney from Henry C.Howard {commonly called 
Viscount Andover), George C. K. Johnstone, Henry Chaplin, and 
James R. Farquharson to Benjamin F. Young, dated April 11, IS68, 
and recorded in the Steuben County Clerk's Office, in Liber C of 
Miscellaneous Records, page 455, etc., on the 2d day of May, 1870." 



CHAPTER X. 



EAKLY SETTLEMENT OP THE COUNTY. 

Contemporary Settlements — Progress of Emigration AVestward — 
Opening of the Genesee Country — First Settlements in Steuben 
County — Advent of Col. Charles Williamson — Road from AVil- 
liamsport to the Genesee lliver — Benjamin Patterson. 

The advance-guard of civilization — the woodsmen aud 
pioneer farmers — had begun to move upon the wilderness 
of Western New York at the period when settlements were 
first made in this locality. Contemporary beginnings had 
been made in the forest and along the wild and fertile 
valleys of streams, hitherto navigated only by the gliding 
bark canoe of the Indian. 

The first Indian trader at Onondaga was Ephraim Web- 
ster, in 1786 ; the first Indian trader at Painted Post was 
William Harris, in the same year. Webster found his way 
to Onondaga Lake from New England, and Harris to the 
junction of the Conhocton and Tioga Rivers, from Penn- 
sylvania. These were tlie forerunners of two advancing 
armies coming into Western New York from different di- 
rections and by routes entirely separate. 

A glance at the progress of emigration westward will 
show that the beginning of settlement in this region was 
contemporary with the general movement for the coloniza- 
tion of New York west of the Mohawk. 

The State of New York, thrown upon her own resources, 



in 1779 and 1780 enlisted two regiments for the protec- 
tion of her frontiers, to serve three years, unless sooner 
discharged. They were to be paid and clothed at the 
expense of the United States, but the State pledged to 
them a liberal bounty in land. To redeem this pledge, as 
soon as the Indian titles were extinguished, the surveyor- 
general was instructed to survey these bounty lands and 
prepare them for the location of warrants. The survey 
was completed in 171)0. It embraced about two millions 
eight hundred thousand acres, in six-hundred-acre lots. 
The tract comprised all the territory within the present 
boundaries of Onondaga, Cayuga, Seueca, and Cortland 
Counties, and part of the counties of Oswego, Wayne, aud 
Tompkins. A large district of country adjoining on the 
east was thus put in the way of being settled about the same 
period that sales and settlements commenced west of the 
pre-emption line, though they did not progress as rapidly. 
Land-titles were in dispute, and emigrants chose to push on 
farther, where titles were indisputable. Speculation and 
fraud commenced as soon as the patents were issued, and 
by the time that settlement commenced there were but few 
the titles to which were not contested. In addition to 
other questions of title, the officers' and soldiers' wives held 
in a large majority of cases the right of dower. Land-titles 
upon the whole Military Tract were not finally settled till 
1800, when a committee appointed by the Legislature, one 
of whom was the late Gen. Vincent Matthews, accomplished 
the work. 

In 17S4-, Hugh White and his family progressed beyond 
the settlements on the Mohawk, and founded what is now 
Whitestown. In the same year James Dean located upon 
a tract given him by the Indians near the present village 
of Rome. In 1787, Joseph Blackmer, who was afterwards 
a pioneer in Wheatland, Monroe Co., advanced and settled 
a short distance west of Judge Dean. In May, 1788, Asa 
Danforth, with his family, accompanied by Comfort Tyler, 
progressed far on beyond the bounds of civilization, locating 
in Onondaga Valley. There being then no road, they came 
by water, landing at the mouth of Onondaga Creek. The 
very earliest pioneers of all this region speak of " Major 
Danforth" and the comforts of his log tavern as compared 
with their camps in the wilderness. Another name has 
been introduced which should not be passed over with the 
mere mention. Comfort Tyler was conspicuously identified 
in all early years with the history of the western portion 
of this State. He was with Gen. James Clinton in the 
establishment of the boundary line between this State and 
Pennsylvania. He felled the first tree, assisted in the 
manufacture of the first salt, built the first piece of turn- 
pike, and constructed the first " stump mortar" in the On- 
ondaga region of country. He filled many important offices 
in Onondaga County, was one of the original projectors of 
the Cayuga bridge, a member of the Legislature in 1799, 
and the chief mover in the improvement of the Cayuga 
marshes. The Indians, who were his first neighbors, had 
great respect for him, and gave him the name of " To-whan- 
ta-gua," meaning one who could do two things at once, or 
be a gentleman and at the same time a laboring man. 
While a member of the Legislature, in 1799, he made the 
acquaintance of Aaron Burr. A charter having been pro- 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



47 



cured for building the Cayuga bridge, Col. Burr and Gen. 
Swartout subscribed for the whole of the stock. At that 
time Col. Burr had other business connections in this 
recion. " Thus commenced the intercourse of Aaron 
Burr with the people of Western New Y'^ork, many of 
whom, with Col. Tyler, were drawn into the " great South- 
west expedition." Col. Tyler and Israel Smith were com- 
missaries of the expedition. They went upon the Ohio 
River and purchased supplies, and shipped them to Natchez. 
Col. Tyler was arrested and indicted, but was never tried. 
With fortune impaired by all this, in a few years after Col. 
Tyler removed to Montezuma, and became identified in all 
the early enterprises and improvements at that point. He 
built the first canal-barge, which appeared with flying colors 
at Syracuse on the opening of that portion of the Erie 
Canal in 1820. In the war of 1812 he acted as assistant 
couimLssary-general to the Northern army. He died at 
Montezuma in 1827. 

In the progress of settlements westward, there followed 
Danforth and Tyler, John L. Hardenburgh, who.se location 
was called in early years " Hardenburgb's Corners," now 
the city of Auburn. In 1789, James Bennett and John 
Harris settled on either side of Cayuga Lake, and estab- 
lisiied a ferry. This was about the extent of settlements 
west of the lower valley of the Mohawk, when settlements 
in the Genesee country began to be founded. The late 
venerable Joshua Fairbanks, of Lewiston, who, with his 
then young wife, came through from Albany to Geneva in 
the winter of 1789-90, was sheltered "the first night in 
the unfinished log house" of Joseph Blaekmer, who had 
become a neighbor of Judge Dean ; the " next night" at 
Col. Danforth's, there being no intermediate settler. They 
camped out the third night ; the fourth stayed with John 
Harris on Cayuga Lake. 

The parents of Gen. Parkhurst Whitney, of Niagara 
Falls, came through to Seneca Lake in February, 1790, 
camping out three nights west of Rome. It is mentioned,* 
in connection with the account of the early advent of Maj. 
Danforth, in May, 1788, that his wife saw no white woman 
during the first eight months. Tiiese incidents are recited 
to remind the younger class of readers that the pioneers of 
this region not only came to a wilderness, but had a long 
and dreary one to pass through before arriving at their 
destination. They literally passed through the " wilderness" 
to inherit their " promised land." 

In 1788 all the region west of Utica was the town of 
Wliitestown, and included in its jurisdiction all the settlers 
in the Genesee country. The first town-meeting was " held 
in the barn of Capt. Daniel White, in said town, in April, 
17S9. Jedediah Sanger was elected supervisor. At the 
third town-meeting, in 1791, Trueworthy Cook, of Pompey, 
Jeremiah Gould, of Salina, Onondaga Co., and James 
Wadsworlh, of Geneseo, were chosen pathmasters. Ac- 
cordingly, it may be noted that Mr. Wadsworth was the 
first pathmaster west of Cayuga Lake. It could have been 
little more than the supervision of Indian trails ; but the 
"warning" must have been an ominous task. Mr. Wads- 
worth had the year previous done something at road-making, 

^ Cla,rk's Onondaga. 



which probably suggested the idea that he would make a 
good pathmaster. In Clark's " Onondaga" it is said, 
" The first road attempted to be made in thi.s country was 
in 1790, under the direction of the Wadsworths, from the 
settlement at Whitestown to Canandaigua, through a coun- 
try then but very little explored, and quite a wilderness." 

At the first general election for Whitestown the polls 
were- opened at Cayuga Ferry, adjourned to Morehouse's, 
at Onondaga, and closed at Whitestown. 

At this period the settlements in Western New York 
had just begun. At Geneva (then called Kanadesaga) 
there was a cluster of buildings occupied by Indian traders 
and a few settlers who bad come in under the auspices of 
the Lessee Company ; Jemima Wilkinson, with her small 
colony, was upon her first location on the west bank of 
Seneca Lake upon the Indian trail through the valley of 
the Susquehanna, and across Western New York to Upper 
Canada, — the primitive highway of all this region ; one or 
two white families had settled at Catharine's Town, at the 
head of Seneca Lake. A wild region of wilderness sepa- 
rated the most northern and western settlements of Pennsyl- 
vania from those of the lakes and the Genesee Valley. All 
that portion of Ohio bordering upon the lake had of our 
race but the small trading establishment at Sandusky and 
the military trading post upon the Maumee. Michigan 
was a wilderness, save the French village and British garri- 
son at Detroit, and a few French settlers on the Detroit 
River and the river Raisin. In fact all that is now included 
in the geographical designation — the Great West — was In- 
dian territory, and had but Indian occupancy, with a few 
exceptions similar to those made in reference to Michigan. 
In what is now the western portion of the Dominion of 
Canada, there had been the British occupancy of a post, oppo- 
site Buffalo, early known as Fort Erie, and a trading station 
at Niagara, since the conquest of the French in 1759. Set- 
tlement in its proper sense had its commencement in Canada 
West during the Revolution. It was the oflfspring of one 
of its emergencies. Those in the colonies who adhered to 
the king fied there as refugees. The termination of the 
struggle in favor of the colonies and the encouragement af- 
forded by the colonial authorities gave an impetus to this 
emigration ; and yet at the period of the commencement of 
settlement in Western New York settlement was confined 
to Kingston and its neighborhood, Niagara, Queeuston, 
Chippewa, along tbe banks of the Niagara River, with a 
few small settlements in the immediate interior. Upon Lakes 
Erie and Ontario there were a few British armed ves- 
sels, and three or four schooners were employed in a com- 
merce which was confined wholly to the fur trade and the 
supply of Briti.sh garrisons. By the conquest of the 
French, Great Britain had prepared a place iu her Canadian 
colonies for those who chose to be loyal to her during the 
Revolutionary struggle, and would avail themselves of such 
an asylum, but they were an element too insignificant to 
colonize a country with, and were even despised and 
shunned by the better class of European emigrants. 

Within the Genesee country, other than the small settle- 
ment at Geneva, the Friends' settlement, which has been 
before mentioned, there were two or three Indian traders on 
the Genesee River, a few white families, who were squatters 



48 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



<i 



upon the flats, one or two white families at Lewiston, one 
at Schlosser, a negro with a squaw wife at Tonuwanda, an 
Indian interpreter, and two or throe traders at the aiouth 
of Buffalo Creek, and a negro-Indian trader at the mouth 
of Cattaraugus Creek. Fort Niagara was a British garrison. 
All else was Seneca Indian occupancy. 

In all that relates to other than the natural productions 
of the soil there was but the cultivation in a rude way of 
a few acres of flats and intervales on the rivers and creeks, 
wherever the Indians wore located, the productions princi- 
pally confined to corn, beans, and squashes. In the way of 
cultivated fruit, there were in several localities a few apple- 
trees, the seeds of which had been planted by the Jesuit 
missionaries, — almost the only relic left of the early and 
long occupancy of this devoted people. At Fort Niagara 
and Schlos.ser there were ordinary English gardens. 

The settlement of the Genesee country was first attempted 
by Oliver Phelps, in 1789. It was attended with great 
difiioulties. There were nothing but Indian paths, and the 
whole country was one boundless forest. Mr. Phelps left 
Albany on the 15th of February, and went in a sled as far 
as Whitestown, on the Mohawk River. From Whitestown 
he was obliged to proceed on horseback ; he found only a 
few straggling huts on his way, at the distance of from ten 
to twenty miles apart, and they only affording shelter from 
the snow and convenience for fire. On the evening of the 
third day he reached Geneva. From Geneva to Canan- 
daigua he found only two families settled, and the latter 
place consisted of " two small frame houses and a few huts." 
From Cananduigua to the Genesee River he found only 
two families residing on the path. At the Genesee River 
he found an Indian store and tavern, and no other indica- 
tions of a settlement. 

While Mr. Phelps was thus paving the way for settle- 
ments west of the lakes and in the valley of the Genesee, 
New England pioneers wore launching their canoes on the 
Unadilla, and Pennsylvania emigrants were shoving their 
barges up the Susquehanna, the Chemung, the Conhocton, 
and the Canisteo. 

The first settlements in Steuben County were made at 
Painted Post, and in the vicinity of the Chimney Narrows, 
as early as 1789. Harris, the Indian trader at the Post, 
was three years earlier. Then came John Harris, Eli and 
Eldad Mead, George Goodhue, Frederick Calkins, and 
Kphraim and Ichabod Patterson. 

Frederick Calkins may fairly be regarded as the first 
farmer of Steuben County, ho having felled the first piece 
of timber and made the first clearing for farming purposes. 
He was a native of Vermont, and settled on the south side 
of the Chemung River, on what is now the site of Corning, 
in 1789.* 

The oldest deed in the county is that of Col. Arthur Er- 
win, for the town of Brwin. It bears date July 18, 1789, 
and is signed by Oliver Phelps.f 

The settlement at Canisteo, by Uriah Stephens, Richard 
Crosby, and their families, was made in the autumn of 1789. 
Mr. Stephens belonged to a large family of New England 



■■:■- Seo History of Corning, 
f History of town of Erwin. 



descent, and had settled at an early time in the Wyoming 
Valley. 

The year 1790 marks the first settlement at Addison, on 
the Upper Canisteo, in the lower valley of the Conhocton, 
and in several other parts of the county. It is not, how- 
ever, our purpose to follow these various settlements in de- 
tail in this general chapter. They will all be found in their 
appropriate place in the histories of the several towns. 

ADVENT OF COL. WILLIAMSON. 

The advent of Col. Williamson to this county was the 
signal for a more general settlement of the country in every 
direction. We quote the following from MoMaster's His- 
tory : 

" While our foremost pioneers were reaping their first 
harvests in the valleys of the Canisteo and Chemung, great 
schemes were on foot in the capital of the British empire 
for the invasion of the Genesee wilderness. x\n officer of 
the royal army had conceived a splendid project for the 
foundation of a city in the midst of the forest, and, sustained 
by men of wealth in Loudon, was about to penetrate its 
utmost thickets to raise up a Babylon among the habita- 
tions of the owl and the dragon." 

It may be added that Col. Williamson's scheme contem- 
plated not only a city but a rich and well-populated tribu- 
tary country. He came to colonize the country with hardy 
emigrants and industrious settlers of all classes and from 
every nation, with enterprising artisans, and intelligent, 
thrifty citizens, and to make the wilderness around him 
blossom as the rose. Such may be fairly presumed to have 
been Col. Williamson's scheme, whatever fault may be 
found with his method of carrying it out. He was cer- 
tainly a large-minded and liberal promoter of the early 
settlement of the country, always devising and doing liberal 
things to forward the interests of colonization in every di- 
rection. If he came to the wilderness with the visionary 
project of building a city, it will be admitted that no man 
before or since his day ever made such a stir in the wilder- 
ness. No man ever did so much towards the settlement of 
any country of the same extent as did Col. Charles Wil- 
liamson during the short ten years of his operations. 

Col. Williamson's first enterprise was to open a high- 
road from Northumberland to the Genesee, over mountains 
and valleys hitherto deemed impassable. The only road 
leading to the north from the mouth of the West Branch 
(where Williamsport is now situated) followed the valley 
of the Susquehanna, leading the traveler who desired to 
come in this direction a long distance out of his way. A 
direct road to the Genesee would cross a ridge of the Alle- 
ghanies. "An Indian trail, often trod during the Revolu- 
tion by war-parties from the fastnesses of the Six Nations, 
ran over the mountains ; but to open a road through the 
rugged wilderness which would be passable for wagons was 
deemed impossible. After a laborious exploration, how- 
ever, by the agent and a party of Pennsylvanian hunters, a 
road was located from Ross Farm (now Williamsport, Pa.) 
to the mouth of the Canaseraga Creek, on the Genesee, a 
distance of one hundred and fifty miles. This road was 
opened in the ensuing autumn by a party of German emi- 
grants under the leadership of Benjamin Patterson, the 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



49 



enownod liunter and guide. Mr. Patterson was well ac- 
luaiiitcd with the German language, and Col. W" i 

lad etitire confidence in his skill and ahility. lib, 
ibundantly supplied with money and means. Seven stow 
'oung Pennsylvanians, well skilled in the use of the axe 
ind tlie rifle, were chosen by him as assistant woodsmen, 
.ad these and the Germans were to open the road, while 
he ffuide, in addition to his duties as commander of the 
:olumn, undertook to supply the camp with game. 

Judge McMaster gives the following graphic and very 
nterestiug account of this enterprise: 

•* It was in the month of September when the emigrants appeared 
t the mouth of Lycoming Creek, ready for the march to the northern 
aradise. ... A little way up the creek they commenced hewing the 
oad. Here the Germans took their first lessons in woodcraft. They 
^ore not ready apprentices, and never carried the art to great perfec- 
ion. We hear of them in after-years sawiiiff trees down.* The 
leavy frontier axe (nine-pounder, often) was to them a very grievous 
hing. They became weary and lame; the discomforts of the woods 
rere beyond endurance, and their complaints grew longer and more 
.iileful at each sunset. But in a few weeks they found themselves 
cep in the wilderness. The roaring of torrents, the murmur of 
lUge trees, the echoes of the glens, the precipice.^, at the feet of which 
iin the creeks, the forests waving on the mountains and crowding the 
.ivinos like armies, were sounds and sights unknown to the pleasant 
•lains of Germany. When it was night and the awful howling of the 
solves all around scared the children, or when the crash of great 
rccs, overturned by the high and whirliug winds of autumn, woke 
he wives from the dreams of home, or when the alarmed men, aroused 
n the mid-watches by strange uproars, looked out into the darkness 
see enormous black clouds sailing overhead and the obscure cliffs 
jomiug around, while goblins squeaked and vvhist'.ed in the air and 
:icked the tents over, then they all gave way to dismal lamentations, 
.'he equinoctial storms came on in due time, and it was sufficiently 
.isheartening to see the dreary rains pour down hour after hour 
fhile the gorges were filled with fog and vapors steamed up from the 
wollen torreuts, and the mountains disgu'sed themselves in masks of 
aist or seemed, like Laplanders, to mutfle themselves in huge, hairy 
louds, and to pull fur caps over their faces. No retreat could be hoped 
or. Behind them were the clamorous creeks which they had forded, 
.ni\ which, like anacondas, would have swallowed the whole colony 
)ut for the guide, who was wiser than ten serpents and outwitted 
hem; behind them were bears, were owls, exceeding cruel, were wild 
ncn and giants, which were only held in check by the hunter's rifle, 
fhe guide was merciless; the tall Pcnnsylvanians hewed the trees and 
oared out all m-.mner of boisterous jokes, as if it were as pleasant a 
hing to flounder through the wilderness as to sit smoking in the quiet 
jrcharils of the Rhine. 

"They arrived at the Laurel Ridge of the Alleghanles, which di- 
vided the Lycoming from the head-waters of the Tioga. Over this, a 
listance of fifteen miles, the road was to be opened, — no great matter 
n itself, surely, but it could hardly have been a more serious thing to 
.he emigrants had they been required to make a turnpike over Chim- 
joruzo. When therefore they toiled over these long hills, sometimes 
ooking off into deep gulfs, sometimes descending into wild hollows, 
lometimcs filing along the edges of precipices, their sufferings were 
nde-scribable. The guide was in his element. He scoured the ravines, 
ilambered over the rocks, and ever and anon the Germans, from the 
:ops uf the hills, heard the crack of his rifle in groves far below, 
kvhcre the elk was browsing, or where the painted catamount, with 
lier whelps, lurked in the tree-tops. Not for wild beasts alone did the 
bunter's eye search, lie could mark with pleasure valleys and mill 
streams, and ridges of timber; he could watch the labor of those invisi- 
ble artists of autumn, which came down in the October nights and 
decorated the forests with their frosty brushes, so that the morning 
iun found the valleys arrayed in all the glory of Solomon, and the 
lark robe of laurels that covered the ranges spotted with many colors, 

* " An old gentleman, who came over the road in an early day, says 
;he trees looked as if they had been gnawed down by beavers." — 
Tarner'H Phelps aud Gorkam'a Purchase. 



wherever a beech or a maple or an oak thrust its solitary head through 
the crowded evergreens; he could smile to sec how the "little people" 
that came through the air from the Noith Pole were pinching the but- 
ternuts that hung over the creeks, and the walnuts which the squir- 
rels spared, and how the brisk and imjiertincnt agents of that huge 
monopoly, the Great Northern Ice Association, came down with their 
coopers and headed up the pools in the forest, and nailed bright hoops 
around the rims of the mountain ponds. The Indian summer, so 
brief and beautiful, set in — doubly beautiful there in the hills. But 
the poor emigrants were too disconsolate to observe how the thin haze 
blurred the rolling ranges, and the quiet mist rested upon the many- 
colored valleys, or to listen to the strange silence of mountains and 
forest, broken only by the splashing of creeks far down on the rocky 
floors of ravines. Certain birds of omen became very obstreperous, 
and the clamors of these were perhaps the only phenomena of the 
season noticed by the pilgrims. Quails whistled, crows cawed, jaj'S 
scolded, and those seedy buccaneers, the hawks, sailed overhead, 
screaming in the most piratical manner, — omens all of starvation and 
death. Starvation, however, was not to be dreaded immediately, for 
the hunter, roving like a hound from hill to hill, supplied the camp 
abundantly with game. 

** The men wept, and cursed Capt. Williamson bitterly, saying that 
he had sent them there to die. * I could compare my situation,* said 
the guide, * to nothing but that of Moses with the children of Israel. 
I would march them along a few miles, and then they would rise up 
and rebel.'' Mutiny effected as little with the commander as grief. 
He cheered up the downhearted, and frightened the mutinous. They 
had fairly to be driven. Once, when some of the men were very 
clamorous, and even offered violence, Patterson stood with his back to 
a tree, and brandishing his tomahawk furiously, said, 'If you resist 
me I will KILL you, — every one of you !' 

*• They worked along slowly enough. At favorable places for en- 
campment they built block-houses, or ^*/o</:s, as the Germans called 
them, and opened the road for some distance in advance before mov- 
ing the families farther. These block-houses stood for many years 
hmdmarks in the wilderness. September and October passed, and M 
was far in November before they completed the passage of the moun- 
tains. The frosts were keen; the northwesters whirled around the 
hills, and blustered through the valleys alarmingly. Then a new 
disaster befell them. To sit of evenings around the fire smoking and 
drinking of co9"ee, and talking of the fatherland, had been a great 
comCort in the midst of their sorrows; but at length the supply of 
coffee was exhausted. The distress was wild at this calamity. Even 
the men went about wailing, and exclaiming, *Ach, kaffce I kaffee, 
mein liebcr kaffee !' [Ohy coffee I cojj'ee ! my dear coffee !) However, 
no loss of life followed the sudden failure of coffee, and the column 
toiled onward. 

*' At the place now occupied by the village of Blossburg they made 
a camp, which, from their baker who there built an oven, they called 
'Peter's Camp.' Patterson, while hunting in this neighborhood, 
found a few pieces of coal, which he cut from the ground with his 
tomahawk. The Germans pronounced it to be of good quality. A 
half-century from that day, the hill which the guide smute with his 
hatchet was 'punched full' of holes, miners were tearing out its jewels 
with pickaxes aud gunpowder, and locomotives were carrying them 
northward by tons. 

''Pushing onward seven miles farther, they made the 'Canoe 
Camp,' a few miles below the present village of Mansfield. When 
they reached this place, their supply of provisions was exhausted. 
. . . Patterson killed an abundant supply of game, and went down 
with some of his young men to Painted Post, thirty miles or more 
below. He ordered provisions to be boated up to this place from 
Tioga Point, and returned to the camp with several canoes."}" He 
found his poor people in utter despair. They lay in their tents 
bewailing their misfortunes, and said that the Englishman had sent 
them there to die. He had sent a ship to Hamburgh, he had enticed 
them from their homes, he had brought them over the ocean on pur- 
pose that he might send them out into the wilderness to starve. They 
refused to stir, and begged Patterson to let them die. But. he was 
even yet merciless. He blustered about without ceremony, cut down 



f Some of the canoes were made at the camp, and some were pushed 
up from Painted Post. Capt. Charles Wolcott, of Corning, went up 
with a canoe and brought down twenty-four Germans. 



50 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



the tent-pole with his tomahawk, roused the dying to life, and at 
length drove the whole colony to the river bank. 

"Worse and worse! When the Germans saw the slender canoes 
they screamed with terror, and loudly refused to intrust themselves 
to such shells. The woodsmen, however, put the women, the chil- 
dren, and the sick into the canoes almost by main force, and launched 
forth into the river, while the men followed by land. Patterson told 
them to keep the Indian trail, but as this sometimes went back upon 
the hills and out of sight of the river, they dared not follow it for 
fear of being lost. So they scrambled along the shore as best they 
could, keeping their eyes fixed on the flotilla as if their lives depended 
upon it. They tumbled over the banks: they tripped up over the 
roots; where the shores were rocky they waded in the cold water be- 
low. But the canoes, gliding merrily downward, wheeled at last into 
t!ie Chemung, and the men also, accomplishing their tedious travel 
along the shore, emerged from the wilderness, and beheld with joy the 
little cabins clustered around the Painted Post. 

" Here their troubles ended. Flour and coflee from Tioga Point 
were waiting for them, and when Peter, the baker, turned out warm 
loaves from his oven and der liebei- Imjfe steamed from the kettles with 
grateful fragrance, men and women crowded around the guide, hailed 
him as their deliverer from wild beasts, and begged his pardon for 
their bad behavior. 

'• It was now December. They had been three months in the wil- 
derness, and were not in a condition to move onward to the Genesee. 
Patterson, with thirty of the most hardy men, kept on, however, and 
opened the road up the Conhocton to Dansville and the place of des- 
tination. The others remained through the winter of 1793 at Painted 
Post. ' They were the simplest creatures I ever saw,' said an old 
lady J *thcy had a cow with them, and they loved it as if it was a 
child. When flour was scarcest, they used to feed her with bread.' 

'• The whole colony was conducted to the Genesee in the spring. 
There was at this time a single settler in the valley of the Conhocton 
above the settlements near Painted Post. The fate of the first potato 
crop of the Upper Conhocton is worthy of record. This settler had 
cultivated a little patch of potatoes the previous summer, and of the 
fruits of his labor a few pecks yet remained buried in a hole. The 
Germans snuffed the precious vegetables, and determined to have 
them. Finding they could not be restrained, Patterson told them to 
go on, and if the owner swore at them to say * thimkee^ ihtmkec,' as if 
receiving a present. This they did, and the settler lost his treasures 
to the last* potato. The guide paid him five times their value, and 
bade him to go to Tioga Point for seed.'' 

BENJAMIN P.4TTERS0N. 

Benjamin Patterson was born in Loudon Co., Va., in 
1759. His mother was a cousin of Daniel Boone, the 
famous pioneer hunter of Kentucky. Mr. Patterson, be- 
fore his removal to this county, resided at Northumber- 
land, Pa. During the war of the Revolution he served in 
a rifle corps, organized for the defense of the frontiers, and 
in this perilous service met with many exciting adventures. 
He was the Nimrod of the Susquehanna and of Western 
New York, the most renowned hunter and practical woods- 
man of his period. His military and hunting excursions 
gave him a better knowledge of the geography of the 
country than any of the pioneers of his times, and he be- 
came distinguished as the best guide from Northumberland 
to Lake Erie. He was frequently employed by Col. Wil- 
liamson to lead parties of immigrants through the wilder- 
ness in the early settlement of Steuben County and the 
adjoining region, and to superintend mtiny pioneer improve- 
ments, in which his practical judgment, skill in woodcraft, 
and personal integrity rendered him of great service. 

Physically, Mr. Patterson was of a medium height, 
squarely built, and of a powerful and agile frame. He 
possessed a remarkable memory and powers of narration, so 
that, although not polished by the refinements of education, 



he could interest and engage the most cultivated minds for 
hours at a time with the relation of his adventures, and the 
stores of knowledge gathered from observation and experi- 
ence. He was a keen observer, and a man of intelligence, 
judgment, and strict integrity. He settled in Steuben 
County in 1797, and reared a large family. (See Histories 
of Erwin, Corning, and Lindley.) 



CHAPTER XL 

ONTAKIO COUNTT. 

Steuben Included in Ontario — Indian Council at Canandaigua — Two 
Towns Organized in what is now Steuben County — Col. Williamson, 
First Judge — Eleazer Lindley, First Member of Assembly — First 
Member of Congress — Count Liancourt. 

From 1789 to 1796 the history of Steuben County is 
included in that of Ontario. The county of Ontario was 
set oW from Herkimer by an act of the Legislature in the 
winter of 1789. It embraced the entire territory of the 
State of New York west of the Massachusetts pre-emption 
line. Of this great wilderness county, Canandaigua was 
chosen as the seat of justice. " Mr. Phelps, having select- 
ed the foot of Canandaigua Lake as a central locality in his 
purchase, and as combining all the advantages which have 
since made it pre-eminent among the beautiful villages of 
Western New York, erected a building for a store-house, on 
the bank of the lake. The next movement was to make 
some primitive roads, to get to and from the site that had 
been selected. Men were employed at Geneva who under- 
brushed and continued a sleigh-road from where it had been 
previously made, on Flint Creek, to the foot of Canandai- 
gua Lake, following pretty much the old Indian trail. 
When this was done a wagon-road was made near where 
Manchester now is, at the head of navigation on Canandai- 
gua Outlet." 

Joseph Smith was the first settler, who moved his family 
from Geneva and occupied the log store-house, in the spring 
of 1789. He soon after built a block house on Main 
Street, and opened the first Uivern. His first stock of 
liquor was obtained from Niagara, Upper Canada, by canoe- 
freightage from the mouth of the Genesee River. 

Early in May, 1789, Gen. Israel Chapin arrived at Can- 
andaigua and selected it as his residence, erecting a log 
house near the outlet. Connected with him, and with the 
contemplated surveys and land-sales, were Nathaniel Gor- 
ham, Jr., Frederick Saxton, Benjamin Gardner, and Daniel 
Gates. Mr. Walker, an agent of Phelps and Gorham, soon 
after arrived with a party, and opened a log land-ofiice on 
the site which Mr. Phelps afterwards selected for his resi- 
dence. 

The late Capt. Horatio Jones, who was one of the first 
at the place, revisited it in August, 1789. He thus 
describes its appearance at that time : •' There was a great 
change. When we left in the fall of '88 there was not a 
solitary person there ; when I returned, fourteen months 
afterwards, the place was full of people, — residents, survey- 
ors, explorers, adventurers ; houses were going up ; it was 
a busy, thriving place." 



HESTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



51 



The scene connected witli the Pickering treaty of 1794 
is tlius described : 

"As soon as it was known by the Indians that Coi. Pickering, the 
agent, woulil come prepared to give them a great feast, and distribute 
amon"- them a large amount of money and clothing, the attendance 
was very general. For weeks before the treaty they were arriving in 
i^quads from all of their villages, and constructing their camps in the 
woods, upon the lake-shore, and around the court-house square. The 
little villageof the whites was invested, overrun with the wild natives. 
It seemed as if they had deserted all their villages, and transferred 
even their old men, women, and children to the feast, the carousal, 
and the place of gifts. The night scenes were wild and picturesque, 
their camp-fires lighting up the forest, and their whoops and yells 
creating a sensation of novelty, not unmixed with fear, with the far 
inferior numbers who composed the citizens of the pioneer village, and 
the sojourners of their own race. At first all was peace and quiet, 
and the treaty was in progress ; beeves had been slaughtered, sufficient 
to supply them all with meat, and liquor had been carefully excluded ; 
but an avaricious liquor dealer secretly dealt out to them the means 
of intoxication, and the council was interrupted, and many of the In- 
dians became troublesome and riotous. Gen. Chajjin, however, sup- 
pressed the liquor-shop, harmony was restored, the treaty concluded, 
and the gifts dispensed. A general carousal followed, but no outrages 
were committed. The Indians lingered for weeks after the council, 
displaying their new broadcloths, blankets, and silver bands and 
brooches." 

Judge Porter was then in Canandaigua, acting as the 
agent for Phelps and Gorham. In the name of his prin- 
cipals he had to maice the Indians presents of provisions 
and whisky, when they came to Canandaigua, and that 
was pretty often. On the occasion above referred to, he 
denied an Indian whisky, telling him it was all gone. " No, 
no," replied the Indian ; " Genesee Falls never dry." This 
was a shrewd allusion to the gift to Phelps and Gorham of 
the enormous " Mill Lot," which embraced the Genesee 
Falls.* 

The town-meetings held at Canandaigua were the first 
occasions of bringing the pioneers together, who were spread 
over most of the eastern portion of the Phelps and Gorham 
Purchase. 

During this period two towns were formed in what is 
now Steuben County, and were represented in the Board of 
Supervisors at Canandaigua. The old town of Painted Post 
was formed as a town of Ontario County in 1793, — three 
years before the erection of Steuben,— and Eli Mead, the 
first settler at the moutli of Mead's Creek, was its super- 
visor. The town Thich he represented extended from 
Tioga (now Chemung) County to the west line of the 
present town of Rathbone, including the settlements at the 
head of the Chemung, Painted Post, Tioga Valley, and in 
the lower valley of the Conhocton and Canisteo. 

The other town was Williamsburgh, and lay west of 
Painted Post, as then formed, embracing a large extent of 
country. This was also erected in 1793, and was repre- 
sented in the board at Canandaigua by Jedediah Stephens, 
in 1793 and 1794. 

There were tlien no roads to the county-seat, and Mr. 
Mead and Mr. Stephens went on Indian trails, a distance of 
seventy miles through the wilderness, carrying their pro- 
visions in knapsacks on their backs and sleeping in the 
shades of the forest when night overtook them. 

Courts were not organized in Ontario County till 1793. 

* Turner's Phelps and Gorham Purchase, p. 167. 



The first Court of Oyer and Terminer was held at " Patter- 
son's tavern in Geneva" in June of that year. The pre- 
siding judge was John S^op Hobart, one of the three 
Supreme Court judges appointed after the organization of 
the judiciary in 1777. A grand jury was called and 
charged, but no indictments preferred. The first Court of 
Common Pleas and General Sessions was held at the house 
of Nathaniel Sanborn, in Canandaigua, in November, 1794. 
The presiding judges were Timothy Hosmer and Charles 
Williamson, associated with whom as assistant justice was 
Enos Boughton. Attorneys, Thomas Morris, John Wick- 
ham, James Wad.sworth, and Vincent Matthews. A num- 
ber of suits upon the calendar, but no trial. One indict- 
ment found by the grand jury. 

At the next session, in June, 1795, occurred the fir.st 
jury trial ever had west of Herkimer County. The party 
was indicted at the previous session for stealing a cowbell. 
The records of 1799 show that the " chiefs of the Seneca 
nation acknowledged the receipt of eight thousand dollars 
from Gen. Chapin, as a dividend upon the sum of one 
hundred thousand dollars, which the United States Gov- 
ernment had received of Robert Morris as purchase-money 
of the Holland Purchase and Morris Reserve, and invested 
in the stock of the United States Bank. 

The first sheriif of Ontario County was Phineas P. Bates, 
who was succeeded by James K. Guernsey in 1806. 

Ontario County, by a special act of the Legislature, was 
made eligible to a representative in the General Assembly 
in 1791, although not entitled to it by population. Col. 
Eleazer Lindley, under whose auspices settlement had 
begun on the Tioga, in Steuben County, received the 
election, and was the first member of Assembly from all 
the Genesee country. Gen. Israel Chapin was the repre- 
sentative in 1792-93. 

Thomas Morris, son of Robert Morris, was the first 
representative in Congress from all the region west of 
Seneca Lake. 

Mr. Morris, in his manuscripts, which were published 
in 1844, says: "The excunsion which has been spoken of 
was undertaken by me,' partly from a desire to witness an 
Indian treaty and see the Falls of Niagara, and partly with 
a desire to see a country in which my father at that time 
had such an extensive interest, and with the determination 
to settle in it if I liked it. I was pleased with it, and 
made up my mind to settle at Canandaigua as soon as I 
should have attained the age of twenty-one and my admis- 
sion to the bar. 

" Accordingly, in the early part of March, 1792, I left 
New York for Canandaigua. I was induced to fix upon 
that place for my residence from the character and respect- 
ability of the families already there. In the course of that 
year I commenced building a framed house, filled with 
brick, and which was finished in the early part of the year 
1793. That house still subsists, and even in that hand- 
some town, where there are so many beautiful buildings, 
it is not considered an eyesore. When it was completed, 
that and the house built by Oliver Phelps were the only 
framed houses west of Whitesboro'." 

The first leather manufactured in Ontario County was 
by John Clark, a tanner and currier, who came to Canan- 



Sf'^^- 



52 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUiNTY, NEW YORK. 



daigua with Mr. Phelps, and it was made from the hides 
of the cattle driven on to furnish beef for the Indians at the 
great gathering to receive their first. annuity. 

In his rambles, in 1795, the Duke Liancourt went from 
Bath to Canandaigua. He stayed all night at Capt. Mitch- 
ell's, who had made a settlement at Watkins, on Seneca 
Lake, in what is now the county of Schuyler. The duke 
remarks that the settlement was " called Watkiustown, 
from several families of that name who possess the greatest 
property here." He speaks of Capt. Mitchell's " saw-mill, 
where four thousand fivB hundred feet of boards are cut 
daily. These boards he sends on the lake to Canandaigua, 
where they are sold for ten shillings per one hundred feet. 
There is a schoolmaster at Watkinstown, with a salary of 
twelve dollars per month." 



CHAPTER XII. 

OKGANIZATION OF STEUBEN COtTNTT. 

Dates of the Erection of Preceding Counties — Original Towns of Steu- 
ben — Present Civil Divisions — First Courts — Grand Jury — Court- 
House and Jail — Nortliern and Southern Jury Districts — County 
Poor-House and Farm. 

The civil divisions known as counties have undergone 
many changes since the country began to be settled. Under 
the Dutch the only divisions were the city and towns. 
In 1665, a district or sheriffalty, called Yorkshire, was 
erected. It comprised Long Island, Staten Island, and 
part of the present county of Westchester. For judicial 
purposes it was divided into three Ridings — the name being 
derived from the practice of the judicial officers riding from 
one place of court to another. The East Riding comprised 
the present county of Suffolk ; the West Riding, Staten 
Island, Kings County, Newtown, and part of We-stchester ; 
the North Rjding, all the present county of Queens, except 
Newtown. 

Counties were erected for the first time by the act of 
1683, and were twelve in number, as follows: Albany, 
Cornwall, Dukes, Dutchess, Kings, New York, Orange, 
Queens, Richmond, Suffolk, Ulster, and Westchester. 

Cornwall, now in the State of Maine, and Dukes, in 
Massachusetts, were re-ceded by New York, and never rep- 
resented in the Legislature of that province after 1691. 

Cumberland County, in 1766, Gloucester in 1770, and 
Charlotte in 1772 (afterwards changed to Washington), 
were formed out of Albany County. Tryon County was 
erected in 1772, also out of Albany County, and comprised 
the country west of a north and south line, extending 
from St. Regis to the west bounds of the township of 
Schenectad}', thence running irregularly southwest to the 
head of the Mohawk branch of the Delaware, and along the 
same to the southeast bounds of tlie present county of Broome, 
thence in a northwesterly direction to Fort Bull, on Wood 
Creek, near the present village of Rome ; all west of the 
last mentioned line being Indian Territory. Thus, the 
province consisted, at the Revolution, of fourteen counties. 
After the Revolution, the counties which preceded Steuben 
were Columbia from Albany in 1786, Clinton in 1788, 
Ontario in 1789, Saratoga, Rensselaer, Herkimer, Otsego, 



and Tioga, in 1791, and Onondaga in 1794. Steuben was 
therefore the twenty-fourth county of the State in the order 
of its erection. On the 8th of March, 1796, it was de- 
tached from the old county, Ontario, and erected into a sep- 
arate county. The population in 1790 was 200, in 1796 
it was over 1000, and in 1800, 2000. 

The seventh range of townships was annexed to Allegany 
County March 11, 1808 ; the part in the fork of Keuka 
or Crooked Lake to Ontario County, Feb. 25, 1814 ; a part 
of Dansville to Livingston County, Feb. 15, 1822 ; a part 
of Reading to Yates County in 1824, and a part to Schuy- 
ler County, April 17, 1854. 

When the county of Steuben was first erected it was 
divided into six towns, viz. : Bath, Canisteo, Dansville, 
Frederickstown, Middletown, and Painted Post. The town 
of Bath comprised all the north part of the county ; the 
town of Dansville, all the northwestern part ; Fredericks- 
town, all the eastern part ; Canisteo, all the southwestern 
part ; Middletown, all the southern ; and Painted Post all 
the southeastern, viz. : Hornby, Campbell, Erwin, Corning, 
Caton, and Lindley. The town of Bath originally com- 
prised all the territory now contained in Bath, Urbana, 
Wheeler, Prattsburgh, Pultency, Avoca, part of Cohocton, 
and Howard. The town of Dansville contained all that is 
now comprised in Dansville, Fremont, Wayland, and part 
of Howard and Cohocton. The town of Frederickstown 
ail that is now comprised in Wayne, Bradford (Barrington 
and Starkoy in Yates County), Tyrone, Reading, and 
Orange, in Schuyler. The town of Middletown contained 
the present Addison, Rathbone, Thurston, Tuscarora. Wood- 
hull, and part of Troupsburgh and Jasper. The town of 
Canisteo contained all the present Canisteo, Greenwood, 
West Union, Huntsville, Hornellsville, and parts of Jasper 
and Troupsburgh. 

The present towns of Steuben County are thirty-two, as 
follows :* 



1. 


Addison. 


17. 


Hornellsville. 


2. 


Avoca. 


18. 


Howard. 


3. 


Bath. 


19. 


Jasper. 


4. 


Bradford. 


20. 


Lindley. 


5. 


Campbell. 


21. 


Prattsburgh. 


6. 


Cameron. 


22. 


Pulteney. 


7. 


Canisteo. 


23. 


Rathbone. 


8. 


Caton. 


24. 


Thurston. 


9. 


Cohocton. 


25. 


Troupsburgh 


10. 


Corning. 


26. 


Tuscarora. 


11. 


Dansville. 


27. 


Urbana. 


12. 


Erwin. 


28. 


Wayne. 


13. 


Fremont. 


29. 


Wayland. 


14. 


Greenwood. 


30. 


West Union. 


15. 


Hartsville. 


31. 


Wheeler. 


16. 


Hornby. 


32. 


Woodhull. 



FIRST COURTS. 
The first session of the Court of Common Pleas for Steu- 
ben County was held in the court-house, at Bath, on the 
21st day of June, 1796, Hon. William Kersey, assistant 

~' In 1S60 the county bad thirty-three towns, the town of Savon* 
being, in the fall of that year, erected from Bath. The act creating it 
was subsequently repeaJed. 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



53 



judtre, presiding, in the absence of Charles Williamson, 
first judge. The other assistant judges present were Abra- 
ham Bradley and Eleazer Lindley, Esq., of what was then 
the town of Painted Post. 

The court was opened with the u.sual proclamation, when 
the commisi5ions of judges, justices, sheriff, coroner, and sur- 
rogate were read. George Hornell, Uriah Stephens, and Abel 
White appeared respectively from Hornellsville, Canisteo, 
and Addison, and were qualified as justices of the peace. 

The following attorneys and counselors were present : 
Nathaniel W. Howell, Vincen t Matthews. W illiam Stew- 
art, William B. Verplanck, David Jones, Peter Masterton, 
Thomas Morris, Stephen Ross, and David Powers. Wil- 
liam Stewart appeared as district attorney, or, as the oflBce 
was then called, assistant attorney-general, for the counties 
of Onondaga, Ontario. Tioga, and Steuben. 

The first court of General Sessions was held in the same 
year. Besides the judges mentioned in the record of the 
Common Pleas, there were the following justices of the 
peace present; John Knox, William Lee, Frederick Bar- 
ties, George Hornell, Eli Mead, Abel White, and Uriah 
Stephens, Jr. 

The first grand jury was composed of the following citi- 
zens : John Sheathar, foreman ; Charles Cameron, George 
IMcClure, John Cooper, Samuel Miller, Isaac Mullender, 
John Stearns, Justus Wolcott, John Coudry, John Van 
Devanter, Alexander Fullerton, Amariah Hammond, John 
Seeley, Samuel Shannon. This jury presented two indict- 
ments for assault and battery, and were thereupon dis- 
charged. 

FIRST COURT-HOUSE AND JAIL. 

Upon the organization of the county in 1796, the county 
buildings were located at Bath. A wooden court-house, 
one ahd a half stories high, with two wings, was erected 
the same year. This served the purpose of the county till 
1828, when a brick court-house was erected on the site of 
the present building. This was destroyed by fire in October, 
1859, and the present court-house was erected on substan- 
tially the same foundation and according to the same general 
plan, in the summer of 1860. 

About the time of the erection of the first court-hou.se, a 
jail was built of hewed logs. It stood in the rear of the 
subsequent stone jail, which was located on the northwest 
corner of the Pulteney square, and was torn down in 1846. 
The present stone jail was erected in 1845. 

By an act of the Legislature, passed July 19, 1853, the 
county was divided into two jury districts, the northern 
and southern, and the county buildings for the latter were 
located at Corning. The court-house at Corning is a fine 
brick edifice. It was erected in 1853-54, at a cost of four- 
teen thousand dollars. The county clerk's office, erected in 
1872-73, a neat and well-built brick structure, contain- 
ing the Bath library in the second story, is permanently 
fixed at Bath, but the courts are held alternately in Bath 
and Corning. 

COaNTT POOR-HODSE AND FARM. 

This institution for the care of the poor of the county 
is located two miles north of the village of Bath, on the 
road to Hammondsport. 



The farm consists of two hundred acres, purchased by 
the county of Moses Lyon for three thousand two hundred 
dollars. The main building is of stone and brick, forty by 
eighty feet, and was erected in 1834. The first inmates 
were admitted November 19 of that year. In 1838 occurred 
the first fire, in an out-building, the upper story of which 
was used as a dormitory, when Elias Williams, an inmate, 
was burned to death. In 1859 another fire broke out in 
the night, in a separate building, consuming seven helpless 
victims. The fire was too far advanced to be controlled, or 
to admit of the rescue of the unfortunate inmates, before 
the alarm was given. In 1859 a brick building was 
erected, thirty by forty-four feet in dimen.sions, for the 
chronic insane, which was burned in April, 1878, with the 
lo.ss of sixteen lives. Mo.sfof the victims were deaf and 
idiotic, and unable to escape, the fire occurring in the 
night. 

The first keeper appointed was Isaac Reeves, in 1834. 
Since then have been the following ; D. B. Lee, Otis Hunt, 
N. B. Falwell, J. V. D. Terry, John L Scofield (first term), 
Eli Carrington (first term"), John L. Scofield (second term), 
Michael McClane, Eli Carrington (second term), since 
April, 1872. 

The superintendents (three in number) are elected each 
year by the county, and each town elects annually one over- 
seer of the poor. The law makes it discretionary with the 
Board of Supervisors whether to charge the expenses of 
maintaining the poor belonging to the several towns to the 
towns themselves or to the county at large. The latter has 
been the method adopted in this county till within about 
ten years past, since which it has been the custom to charge 
the poor having a settlement or location in the different 
towns to those towns separately. 

The number of inmates in the institution Dee. 15, 1878, 
was one hundred and thirteen, of whom seventy-six were 
males and thirty-.seven females. The opening of the Sol- 
diers' Home, on Christmas, 1878, reduced this number a 
trifle by the admission to that institution of a few poor 
soldiers, who had sought an asylum from the inclemency of 
the winter in the County Poor-House. It is quite a re- 
markable fact, and we have thought it worth mentioning in 
this history, that the fifth person admitted to this poor- 
house, John Edwards, of Hornellsville, is still an inmate. 
He was admitted on the 2d of December, 1834, over forty- 
four years ago, and never has been known during that 
time to be off the premises. His disease is a mild case of 
insanity. He was taken into the in.stitution at the age of 
thirty-two; now he is an old, white-haired man, seventy-six 
years of age. 

The commodious and substantial farm-barn on the prem- 
ises was built in 1868. A new brick building for male 
paupers, and a dwelling-house for the keeper, were erected 
in the summer of 1878. 

The farm is under the management of Mr. Carrington, 
and the labor is furnished by the inmates of the institution, 
with the assistance of one hired man. The products are 
consumed on the premises. The estimated cash value of 
the farm products, in 1878, was $1500 ; estimated value of 
the real property, $13,278 ; personal property, $5,224.70. 
Total, $18,502.70. 



54 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



CHAPTER XIII. 

Physical Features of the County — Geographical Situation — Topog- 
raphy — Geology. 

GEOGRAPHICAL SITUATION. 

The county of Steuben is situated upon the southern 
border of the State, in the tier of counties adjoining the 
Pennsylvania line. It lies chiefly upon the southern slope 
of the great dividing ridge or water-shed which separates 
the waters of Lake Ontario from those of the Susquehanna, 
and, on account of this geographical situation, is among the 
most elevated sections of the State. The highest summits 
in the county are about two thousand five hundred feet 
above tide. 

The county contains an area of fourteen hundred and 
twenty-five square miles, or about eight hundred and 
thirty-five thousand acres. It is centrally distant from 
Albany one hundred and eighty-eight miles, and is bounded 
north by Ontario and Yates Counties, east by Schuyler and 
Chemung, west by Allegany and Livingston, and south by 
Pennsylvania. 

TOPOGRAPHY. 

The physical features of Steuben County present a bold 
outline of irregular hills and deep, intricate valleys, through 
which pass rivers and creeks. The north and west parts of 
the county occupy the summit, from whence the slope is to 
the southeastern extremity of the county, where the Che- 
mung passes the line and flows towards Elmira. The slope 
towards that point is from the north, the west, and tile 
southwest, where the headwaters of the Conhocton, Canis- 
teo, and Tioga rise, all of them converging to a junction 
above Corning, and passing into the Chemung. The 
streams, aside from the rivers which flow down this slope, 
are creeks of different sizes; their valleys are bounded by 
hills from two to eight hundred feet high, at some places a 
few rods in width, and at others a mile or more. From a 
circle of hills, all these waters flow down to the narrow 
valley of the Chemung, some eight hundred feet below 
their source. But the deep valley of Crooked Lake breaks 
in upon this general phase of Steuben as an exception. It 
extends far towards the centre of the county, and carries to 
the north the waters of three or four towns. It is a deep 
excavation of some eighteen miles within the county, break- 
ing into the summit of separation between the waters of 
the Chesapeake and those of the St. Lawrence, the same 
as the Seneca and Cayuga Lakes farther east. 

VALLEYS. 

The valleys are ocular evidence of the action of water. 
The general surface of Steuben County, without that action, 
would have been the average elevation of the hills. The 
waters, in their several courses towards the ocean, have ex- 
cavated channels, which from year to year have deepened 
and widened, until they present the features of hill and 
valley everywhere existing throughout the county. In 
various places walls of shale, with superincumbent sand- 
stone, have been broken through, forming deep and wide 
valleys. 

In the town of Campbell, and partly in Hornby, Mead's 



Creek has excavated a valley to the Conhocton, deep and 
tortuous, through the hills, — through Wayne, Bradford, 
and Savona, to the valley of Mud Creek, extending north- 
ward to the head of Little Lake, and thence to Lake 
Keuka. The valley of Crooked Lake (or Lake Keuka) is 
the deepest, exposing the broken rock to the depth of from 
three to four hundred feet, and the debris therefrom along 
its shores. This valley extends from Bellona, in Ontario 
County, to Branchport; from Penn Yan to Hanimondsport, 
and thence to Bath. The valley of the Conhocton is the 
widest, and the excavation of tiie hills more uniform than 
that of any other, except, perhaps, the Canisteo. It 
stretches from Livingston County, where it is scarcely per- 
ceptible, to Chemung County, with branching valleys on 
either side made by tributary streams. Next of importance 
is that of the Canisteo River, receiving its slightest inden- 
tations in Allegany, and reaching the level of the Conhocton 
and Tioga at Painted Post. This valley is narrow and 
crooked, except at the mouth of Bennett's Creek, where 
the flats are wide and the hills retiring, and at the mouth 
of the Tuscarora Creek, at Addison. This valley develops 
much of the debris of the grits and shales through which 
the waters have forced a passage. The valley of the Tioga 
passes from Pennsylvania northward through Lindley and 
Erwin to the Canisteo; in its course it is intersected by the 
Glendening and the Cowanesque, the latter extending up- 
wards to Troupsburgh. 

HILLS. 

In the south part of the county, the highest lands ex- 
tend from the western line of the town of Lindley througli 
southern Addison (now Tuscarora), through southern Wood- 
hull ; thence northwest, through the northeast part of 
Troupsburgh, to the south line of Jasper ; thence westward 
to Greenwood, and southwest to the south part of West 
Union, where the source of Bennett's Creek is eight hun- 
dred feet above its junction with the Canisteo, and the sur- 
rounding hills from three to four hundred feet higher. 

Between the Canisteo and the Conhocton Rivers the sum- 
mit of highlands commences in the town of Dansville, 
passes near South Dansville post-office; thence, through 
Fremont and Howard, to the west of Howard Flats ; thence 
south to the south line of the town of Howard, following 
the south line eastward to the town of Cameron ; thence 
southeast, through Thurston and the northeastern part of 
Addison, to Erwin. 

The summit highlands north of the Conhocton River is 
the dividing ridge between the waters which flow into the 
Chesapeake and tho.se which flow into the St. Lawrence. 
It commences in the town of Wayne, north of the Wayne 
Hotel, and follows the highlands, between Little and 
Crooked Lakes, to Mount Washington ; thence westward 
to the south line of the town of Wheeler; thence north, 
through the eastern lots of Wheeler, to the southeast cor- 
ner of the town of Prattsburgh ; thence, through Western 
Pulteney, north to the county line ; thence west to North 
Cohocton, where the ridge curves into Livingston County ; 
and thence, through Wayland, to South Dansville, to the 
summit between the Canisteo and Conhocton Rivers. 

The waters running north to the St. Lawrence interlock 
with those running south to the Chesapeake Bay. Cold 



MAP OF 

\j» a(Ccov\v^v».\\v«.\^ 
HISTOBY or STKUBKN' COUNTY 







f i 8crrnut/e\v t^cl ; ! . 









Sctd& of Miles. 



VI 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



55 



Sprin"- Creek takes its rise two miles north of Bath, while 
the head-waters of Mud Creek and Five-Mile Creek are in 
Yates County, some twenty miles north. In the northern 
part of tlie town of Prattsburgh Flint Creek rises, near the 
head of Twelve-Mile Creek, and the waters of the Cana- 
seraga rise far south of those of the Conhocton. 

ELEVATIONS. 

The following elevations have been determined princi- 
pally by actual surveys: Crooked Lake, 718 feet above 
tide-water; Corning, 925; village of Bath, 1090; Hor- 
nellsville, 1150; Arkport, 1194; summit between Mud 
Lake and Bath, 1579; summit between Bath and Ark- 
port, 1840; summit between Arkport and Angelica, 2062; 
Troupsburgh Hills, 2500. 

LAKES. 

The lakes are marked characteristics of the topographi- 
cal features of Western and Central New York. The most 
of them discharge their waters into Lake Ontario through 
the Oswego River. The Canandaigua, the Crooked, Seneca, 
Cayuga, Owasco, Skaneateles, Onondaga, and Oneida, hav- 
ing their head-waters far in the Southern Tier, drain all the 
intervening territory to the north. All of them lie in val- 
leys of excavation far down through the rocks which under- 
lie the soil, — the Oneida through the gray sandstone which 
forms its bottom, covered with drift; the Skaneateles 
through more than three hundred feet of the Hamilton 
group, with the Tully limestone outcropping on both 
shores ; the Cayuga and Seneca Lakes through the Marcel- 
lus shales and the superincumbent Hamilton and Tully 
limestones, the latter ranging from four hundred and twenty 
to six hundred and thirty feet in depth. 

The Crooked Lake (^now called Keuka) is a beautiful 
sheet of water, which extends from Penn Yan, in the county 
of Yates, to Hammondsport, a distance of about twenty 
miles, with a branch to Branehport seven miles. This 
lake exhibits an excavation of more than three hundred 
feet in depth through the shales and grits of the Erie 
group. The waters are fed by springs, supplied with water 
by the rain falling on the surface of the surrounding country, 
which, passing through the seams and fi.«sures of the rocks, 
rushes into the basin below the surface of the lake. No 
streams of any considerable magnitude flow into it except 
Cold Spring brook at Hammondsport and Lazallier Creek 
at Branehport. The lake abounds with white fish, trout, 
and perch of fine quality, of which numbers are taken 
annually to grace the tables of those who take the trouble 
to seek them in their proper season. During the summer 
months the transportation of agricultural products and ar- 
ticles of commerce employs many boats, aside from one or 
two beautiful steamboats, which make daily trips between 
Hammond.sport and Penn Yan and intermediate places. 
Lake Keuka lies two hundred and seventy-one feet above 
the waters of the Seneca; its outlet discharges one hundred 
and forty-four thousand and sixty-five gallons of water per 
minute, with a current of one hundred and thirty-two feet 
per minute. The outlet runs from Penn Yan to Dresden, 
a distance of seven miles. Boats pass to and from Seneca 
Lake by means of the Crooked Lake Canal, thence to the 



Erie Canal, affording a direct and cheap transportation to 
the sea-board for all the products of the surrounding 
country. The valley of Lake Keuka drains the lands of 
Urbana, partly of Wayne, and of Pulteney, in Steuben 
County. The hills on the west shore rise some three hun- 
dred to four hundred feet above the waters, and on the east 
shore two hundred to three hundred feet. BluiF Point is 
a marked and picturesque promontory, standing between 
the branches of the lake and showing itself conspicuously 
above the surrounding scenery. Its elevation is more 
abrupt and its altitude considerably greater than the high- 
lands on either side of the lake. 

Lake Waneta, elevated above Keuka some two hundred 
feet, and distant but two and a half miles, in the town of 
Wayne, is the summit of a different grade, and the tribu- 
tary of waters which flow south into the Chesapeake. An 
excavation of a few feet at the Wayne Hotel would pass 
the water into Lake Keuka, and thence into Lake Ontario. 
Yet the natural drainage is the Conhocton. This lake is 
nearly three miles long and about half a mile wide. It 
abounds in fish, such as pickerel, perch, white fish, and 
trout of the finest quality. It discharges its waters south- 
ward into Mud Lake, near Wayne Four Corners, its chief 
tributary being a small stream which enters it from the 
north at Wayne Hotel ; otherwise it is fed by .springs. 

Mud Lake, aside from the waters of Lake Waneta, is 
fed by the Tobahanna Creek, and the creek running from 
Pine Grove through Tyrone to the lake. This lake is 
about two miles long and half a mile wide, abounding 
in excellent fish. The outlet is called Mud Creek, and 
enters the Conhocton at Savona. In its course are several 
small lakes, singularly deep, partly grown and filled up with 
vegetable mould and tufa. In the eastern part of the town 
of Bath there is a succession of them, which affords a 
study for the geologist and natural philosopher, how they 
were excavated amidst the surrounding hills to their ex- 
treme depth, how detached each from the other, and yet 
exhibiting a chain of causes and effects identical through- 
out. 

In the southeast part of the town of Prattsburgh lies 
Duck Lake, now about half a mile long and a quarter of a 
mile wide, but evidently in years gone by more than twice 
that size. The marsh- surrounding this lake has been 
gradually encroaching upon its limits for years. This 
marsh extends more than half a mile eastward and south- 
ward, and is filling up gradually with decayed organic 
remains. Duck Lake is filling up with drift and mould ; 
its waters are full of decayed vegetable matter held in 
suspension ; they abound iu fish ; depth, six to ten feet. 
The creeks running into Duck Lake are the Scutt Creek, 
which rises in the vicinity of Scuttville, passing westward 
through the marsh into the lake, and the Waldo Creek, 
which rises in Pulteney and runs southwest, entering the 
northern extremity of the lake through the lands of Charles 
Waldo. This lake discharges its waters through a narrow 
and crooked outlet of some forty rods in length into Five- 
Mile Creek. This lake and outlet have been declared by 
statute law a public highway, for the benefit of those who 
are disposed to use it, to float lumber down the Five-Mile 
Creek to saw-mills or to market below. 



56 



HISTORY OF STEUBEi^ COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Loon Lake, in the town of Wayland, is situated in a high 
valley. The outlet passes for some distance underground, 
and then comes to the surface with a volume of water suf- 
ficient to drive a mill. It runs northward, while the waters 
of Mud Lake, a little distance south of it, run south to 
Neil's Creek. The surroundings of Loon Lake are mansh 
and swamp. This lake is over a mile long and three- 
quarters of a mile wide. The summit here is about eighteen 
hundred feet above tide-water. 

East of the village of Bath lies a beautiful little lake, 
nestled amid the surrounding hills, its waters pure and 
clear, its name Salubria. The little gem was probably 
dropped there in the breaking up of the great inland sea, 
as a " tear-drop" to remind one of by-gone days.* It is 
a beautiful sheet of water, and fulfills in all its phases the 
characteristics predicated upon the name by which it is 
known. 

In the northern part of the town of Howard are two 
lakes. One of them is to the north of Howard Flats, the 
outlet of which empties into Neil's Creek, some two miles 
above its confluence with the Conhocton. The other lake, 
northeast of Howard Flats, is a beautiful sheet of water, 
termed a jxnul by the inhabitants, and surrounded by a fine 
cultivated country called the " Pond Settlement." This 
lake debouches to the south in a crooked outlet, which runs 
past Golf's Mills, thence northeast to the Conhocton. Along 
this outlet and creek are developed some of the most re- 
markable characteristics of the geological features of Steu- 
ben County. Ascending the creek to and past the mills of 
Alonzo Graves, we find rocks of shale and grit in masses, 
here thrown up in rounded hills, and there torn asunder by 
the passage of the water. The valley of this stream through- 
out is in marked contrast with the alluvial character of the 
Howard Flats above. 

In the southern part of the town of Thurston is Friends' 
Lake, the outlet of which passes southward through the 
hills to the Canisteo. This outlet is in character with all 
the streams which are precipitated from the hills into the 
valleys below. In dry seasons it secretes its waters beneath 
the debris of the shales scattered along its channel. In wet 
weather it is the " mad mountain torrent," sweeping every- 
thing in its course, and excavating rock and gravel as a 
pathway for its tumbling waters. 

Goodhue Lake, covering an area of about five hundred 
acres, and surrounded by hills and forests of pine, lies in 
the extreme northwest corner of the town of Addison, and 
forms the head of Goodhue Creek, which passes southeast 
through the town, affording hydraulic power for several 
saw-mills. It enters the Canisteo below Addison. This is 
a wild, picturesque stream in all its surroundings of hill 
and valley, sometimes beautiful and quiet as it winds along 
its tortuous course, sometimes impetuous, dashing and surg- 
ing against the hills as it hastens downward to the Can- 
isteo. 

RIVERS. 
The principal rivers of Steuben County are the Conhoc- 
ton, Canisteo, Tioga, Chemung, Cowanesque, Canaseraga, 
and their several tributaries, denominated creeks. The 

* Goldsmith Denniston. 



Conhocton stretches from the summit in Livingston County 
to the extreme southeast part of the county, where it unites 
with the Canisteo and Tioga, forming the Chemung River, 
which retains that cognomen until it is merged in the Sus- 
quehanna. The head-waters of the Conhocton are found 
in the town of Springwater, Livingston Co., far nortli 
among the hills, and north of the inlet of Hemlock Lake, 
which empties north into Lake Ontario. Thence it enters 
the northwest corner of the town of Cohocton, pa.ssing 
through Avoca, Bath, Campbell, Erwin, and Corning, 
where it assumes the name of Chemung. This river, to- 
gether with its tributaries, drains all the northern and 
middle portions of the county. Upon its waters have been 
rafted much of the timber of the county, and formerly a 
large quantity of grain was floated upon it to market in 
Pennsylvania and Maryland. The Conhocton was declared 
navigable from the " twenty-two mile tree" (Bivin's Cor- 
ners, now Blood's) to Painted Post, and Gen. McClure, as 
early as 1795, constructed an ark .seventy-five feet long and 
sixteen feet wide, and passed down the river with a cargo 
of staves to near Harrisburg. Others frequently navigated 
this river with arks during the early period of the coun- 
try's settlement. 

The Canisteo River takes its rise in the towns of Alfred 
and Grove, in Allegany County, and passes eastward through 
Steuben to near Painted Post, where it unites with the 
Tioga, and thence the united waters of the latter and the 
Conhocton flow into the Chemung. This river and tribu- 
taries drain the southwestern part of the county ; its flats 
rank with the most fertile lands, and the surrounding hills 
furnish the most, valuable lumber. This river was also 
famous in the early days as an avenue of commerce with 
the lower Susquehanna, and with Baltimore and Phila- 
delphia, Arkport, in its upper valley, being the headquarters 
for fitting out arks laden with provisions and lumber, and 
sending them down to the Chesapeake Bay. (See Histories 
of Hornellsville, Bath, Urbana, and Bradford.) 

The Tioga River rises in Pennsylvania, and enters Steu- 
ben County from the south, in the town of Lindley, running 
north to the Canisteo, midway between Painted Post and 
Addison. Near the Pennsylvania line the Cowanesque 
Creek enters the Tioga. This creek has its rise in the town 
of Troupsburgh ; from that town it passes into Pennsylvania, 
and thence into the town of Lindley, entering the Tioga 
near the State line. The valley of this creek presents 
some of the most beautiful and fertile lands in the State. 

The Tusc.^RORA Creek rises in the town of Jasper, and 
passes by a tortuous course through the southwest corner 
of Rathbone into WoodhuU, thenee to the Canisteo, at the 
village of Addison. The hills on either side of this creek 
are quite near in their approach, leaving a contracted valley 
of fertile alluvium. Tliis creek drains the southeast part 
of Jasper, the town of Woodhull, Southern Addison, and 
Tuscarora. These towns rank in fertility of soil and graz- 
ing adaptation with any portion of Steuben County. The 
bills and valleys of the Tuscarora and its tributary creeks 
furnish some of the most favorable advantages for wool- 
growing and dairy purposes to be found anywhere. 

Stephen's Creek has its rise in Jasper, near the head- 
waters of the Tuscarora. and runs north through the hills 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



57 



of Canisteo, where it enters the river a little below the 
mouth of Bennett's Creek. Tiiroughout the course of this 
creek the country is elevated into high hills, with precipi- 
tous valleys, presenting features broken, bold, picturesque. 

Bennett's Creek rises in the town of West Union, at 
an elevation of eight hundred feet above the Canisteo 
River. Here the hills are about two thousand five hundred 
feet above tide-water. The highest source of Bennett's 
Creek is a little south of the residence of J. McNeil ; 
thence it runs north past Rexville, " Rough-and-ready," 
Greenwood, Canisteo, where it enters the Canisteo River in 
a jproad and b eautifu l delta of fla t lands._ This creek ex- 
poses to view some of the grits from which have been 
quarried grindstones. Its upper source is in a fine lumber 
Jistrict; its valley somewhat contracted by the approach of 
hills, through wliich are precipitated numerous small, roar- 
ing, rattling runs of water, whose beds are paved with 
shale, broken stone, and gravel. 

PuRDY Creek is a principal tributary of Bennett's 
Creek. It rises in the southwest corner of the town of 
Hartsville, and runs through a narrow valley northeasterly 
to Bennett's Creek, near the residence of H. Eason. The 
bed of this creek is covered with the debris of rock and 
shale, broken and torn asunder by the precipitous waters. 

Crosby Creek rises in Allegany County, and runs 
through the northwest corner of Hartsville into Hornells- 
ville, and enters the Canisteo at the village of Hornellsville. 

The Canaseraga rises in the south part of the town 
of Dansville, and runs north into Dansville, in Livingston 
County ; thence to the Genesee River. 

Neil's Creek rises in the high valley of Loon Lake, 
[)ut of Mud Lake, and runs south into Howard ; thence 
Bast and north into the Conhocton. 

Five-Mile Creek, Ten-Mile Creek, and Twelve- 
Mile Creek severally rise in the north part of Pratts- 
burgh, and run .southwesterly into the Conhocton ; Five-Mile 
Creek at Kanona, Ten-Mile at Wallace's Mills, and Twelve- 
Mile at Wallace's Station. These several creeks form the 
principal valleys of the towns of Wheeler and Prattsburgh. 

Cold Spring Creek rises partly in Bath and Wheeler, 
forms quite a stream at the old Henry A. Townsend place, 
and thence runs through Pleasant Valley to Lake Keuka, 
at Hammondsport. (See History of Urbana.) 

Mud Creek rises from Mud Lake, and runs south- 
sasterly through Bradford and the eastern part of Bath to 
Ihe Conhocton at Savona. At the outlet of Mud Lake, 
Frederick Bartles located himself in 1793, and built a 
Souring- and saw-mill, making the place quite noted, and 
nrospectively quite a large town. (See History of Brad- 
ford.) 

GEOLOGY. 

The surface rocks of the county of Steuben are composed 
jf the Chemung group of sandstones and shales to the 
icpth of nearly one thousand feet. The sandstones are 
most commonly fine-grained, the particles being often ce- 
ttiented by shale, the two being intermixed with each other. 
It is to this cause, from the disintegrating nature of the 
ihale, ihat so much of the sandstone of Steuben County is 
af a perishable nature. 

The sandstones range in layers from an inch to a foot in 
8 



thickness. In some localities they form suitable layers for 
flagging. In one locality, a quarry suitable for grindstones 
has been opened and worked. The shale in some places 
assumes a slaty structure, sometimes of a blue color, with 
the same tendency to decomposition which characterizes the 
whole ma.ss. In some places they form concretions, parallel 
with their layers, of carbonate of lime or of manganese, of 
sizes from an inch to several yards in length. They are 
sometimes colored with bitumen and carbonate of iron. 

The rocks of Steuben County pass immediately under 
the coal formations of Pennsylvania. The dip or inclina- 
tion is constantly to the south, there being no anticlinal 
line other than the slightly elevated one which has given 
rise to the northern and .southern waters. This dipping of 
the rocks to the south, though it diminishes the geographical 
height of the coal series, correspondingly increases their 
thickness. Some of the hills in the southern part of Steuben 
County are capped with conglomerate, showing masses of 
red sandstone, together with fossils which border the coal 
series ; but the strata of rocks dipping to the south at 
Painted Post one hundred and thirty feet to the mile, at 
Chimney Narrows one hundred feet, and five miles farther 
south one hundred and ninety-eight feet, the strata of rock 
peculiar to Steuben County would pass six thousand feet 
below the coal beds of Pennsylvania. 

The rocks of this county, consisting of shale and sand- 
stone of a greenish color, are evidently not of igneous 
origin. They abound in marine organic remains of shells 
and zoophites, showing the presence of the sea, and not of 
land favorable for plants the origin of coal, — the coal se- 
ries exhibiting vegetable, not marine remains. The con- 
glomerate or pebble rock occurs in this county only as a 
terminal rock, and in very partial masses. It diminishes 
with the coal as you go north. From all of which it is 
evident that these rocks pass under the coal series, and form 
the support of their mass. 

The rocks of the county exhibiting marine organic re- 
mains were at some period submerged by the waters of the 
ocean. It has been suggested that an inland sea covered 
all the western portion of the State, and observations may 
tend to support the theory. The lake ridge of Ontario 
shows marks of shores of water, which at various periods 
stood from an elevation of seven hundred and sixty-two 
feet to the present level of the lake. Similar indications 
of ancient shores may be traced at the head of Seneca 
Lake. When the waters stood at the highest mark indicated, 
the area of the inland sea must have been limited by the 
Highlands and New England range on the east ; the shores 
of Lake Superior on the north ; the Alleghanies on the 
south ; and the head-waters of the Mississippi on the west. 
The outlet of this sea would be by the St. I^awrence, the 
Hudson, the Connecticut, and the Susquehanna. 

The deposition of drift which occurred at that time may 
be traced down the valleys of these rivers in the large number 
of bowlders deposited. 

The indications of diluvial action are everywhere perceived 
in the accumulation of gravel, sand, pebbles, and bowlders 
strewed over the surface. Diluvial hills are found in various 
localities. The level portions of Western New York are 
of diluvial ori"in, the surface being strewed with bowlders 



58 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



of foreign parentage. Many of them consist of granite 
and gneiss, some of sandstone from below, others of lime- 
stone from above. Many of the rocks bear evidences of 
the wearing action of water, running and carrying materials 
which wore away, and in some instances polished, the sur- 
fiice of the rocks. In some places the abrupt offsets from 
one strata to another have been worn down to a gradual 
slope. The agency of running water in producing our di- 
luvial deposits is very obvious; and the formation of these 
deposits shows not only the action of running water in one 
direction, but also oP eddies and counter-currents. In 
many places we find the coarser deposits on the south side 



and Cohocton they are chiefly derived from primary rocks, 
some of the crystalline formation, others of granite, gneiss, 
and feldspar combined. On the farm of Albert Seeley, in 
the town of Fultenej', is a large bowlder of this descrip- 
tion, the parent bed of which cannot be nearer than the 
primitive formations of the north of this continent. Granite 
is found scattered through almost all the northern towns of 
the county, and in the southern it is mingled with masses 
of conglomerate. In some instances, as in Urbana, Wayne, 
Wheeler, and Bath, large blocks are accompanied by rolled 
pebbles of greenstone, sandstone, sienite, and limestone. 
In the valleys of the Couliocton. Canisteo, Five- and Twelve- 




PENCIL SKETCH OF THE RAVINE AT HAMMONDSPORT, EXPOSING TO VIEW .SOO FEET OF SHALE AND SANDSTONE. 



of the hill.s, and their ascent more abrupt. We find also 
granite bowlders in the same deposit with those of limestone, 
many of them worn and rounded as by the whirl of counter- 
currents. And many of our hills and valleys bear evidence 
of such eddies and currents of water in their formation. 

We notice two kinds of materials that have been carried 
and deposited by the agency of currents of water : 

1 . Bowlders, or large blocks of stone, rounded, and 
scattered over the surface or imbedded in clay. 

2. Beds of sand, clay, and gravel, composed of rounded 
fragments of different sizes. 

The bowlder deposits are numerous, and scattered gener- 
ally throughout the county. In Pratl.sburgli, Pulteney, 



Mile Creeks, limestone is found as a drift rock in rounded 
pebbles of different sizes. There is not any uniformity in 
the line of deposit of these bowlders, nor can any course 
be traced with distinctness. It is uncertain whether they 
were grounded from ice deposits or by glacial action. 

The ridges of gravel, .sand, and clay appear to have been 
formed by similar action of water: they seem to be of simi- 
lar character, and from the same localities as the larger 
bowlders. There is scarcely any uniformity of drift over a 
given space in any one town. In some places it a.ssumes 
the form of fine sand, in others of coarse gravel, and in 
others of loam in mass, or mingled with sand and gravel; 
in other places the sand, gravel and loam, and clay, lie in 



HISTORY OP STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



59 



distinct strata upon each other. The depth of these de- 
posits of drift varies from above forty feet to two feet. 
Howard Flats present a deptli of alluvial deposit singularly 
deep as well as unique. Though slightly elevated above 
the general surface, this section of the county presents a 
high valley forming an extended swamp, and surrounded by 
hills in which lies Loon Lake, out of which valley runs 
Neil's Creek, along which the alluvium extends to a great 
depth, and is devoid of gravel or other strata. The hill 
deposits are not uniform ; some present their greatest slope 
to the north and east, and their bluff end, or shoulder, to 
the south and west. The eastern slope is more abrupt, in 
many cases, than the western, the result of the action of 
the waters in scooping out the valleys in their course towards 
the ocean, or of the eddies and currents of the inland sea 
anterior to the drainage from their surface. 

Of the action of tlie.se eddies and currents we find in- 
stances in the eastern part of the county, through Wayne, 
Bradford, and Bath. From Keuka Landing, on the eastern 
shore of Lake Keuka, to the Wayne Hotel, and thence 
southward, there is a definable valley, the result of these 
agencies, and hills moulded thereby, and lakes excavated 
the whole distance. 

Aside from Waneta and Mud Lakes, a succession of 
lakes lie along the valley of Mud Creek, some of them of 
great depth and surrounded by ridges and hills of every 
conceivable shape. From the south head of Keuka Lake 
to the valley of the Conhocton the same features are ex- 
hibited, and marked evidences are presented of the action 
of water throughout. Depressions and holes, as of former 
water-courses, extend from Plea.sant Valley to the small 
lake eastward of the village of Bath. Sink-holes are seen 
along the valley of Five-Mile Creek, far above its present 
level, in the towns of Prattsburgh and Wheeler. 

In North Cohocton there are seen the same depressions, 
abrupt and deep, and surrounded by hills of gravel, sand, 
clay, and alluvium. The .same aj)pearances mark the envi- 
rons of Purdy and Bennett's Creeks, the Tuscarora, in Jas- 
per, Woodhull, and Addison, Mead's, in Campbell, and the 
Cowanescjue, in Lindley and Pennsylvania. 

In all the deep ravines and water-courses the rocks are 
found outcropping and exposed to view. At Hammond.s- 
port, in a ravine above the stone mill, about three hundred 
feet of rock is exposed, characterized hy forcoides graphica. 
It consists of shale and sandstone, of thin layers below and 
thick layers above, the edges being more or less covered 
with crystallized gypsum. 

Some of the shale near this place emitting the odor of 
bitumen, and developing fragments of vegetables and iron 
pyrites, induced a search for coal, without evidence of 
success. 

In the town of Pulteney, at Harmonyville, near the lake 
shore, similar features are developed, where digging for 
coal resulted in like manner; though argillo-calcareous rock 
of sufficient thickness for building purposes is found north 
of the village of Bath, and also between Howard and Hor- 
nellsville, in the creek ravine. Sandstones of thickness 
and density suitable for grindstones are found in the town 
of Canisteo, on the lands of Mr. Carter, in Woodhull, on 
the lands of Mr. Stroud, in Jasper, on the laud of Mr. 



Towsley, and in Greenwood, near the residence of Mr. 
John Davis. At this latter place the elevation is about 
five hundred feet above the Canisteo and fifteen hundred 
feet above tide-water, and the source of Bennett's Creek 
is about three hundred feet higher. 

At La Grange a salt spring rises, from which salt has 
been made by the inhabitants, and was previously made by 
the Indians. A sulphur spring rises in Urbana, about two 
miles southwest of Ilammondsport, and also above the lake 
shore north of that place. Marl and tufa are found near 
Cold Springs, also near Arkport, in Troupsburgh, on the 
Canaseraga, south of Dansville, on the summit between 
this creek and the Canisteo, and along the Five-Mile Creek, 
in the north of Prattsburgh. 

At Mitchellville, in what is termed the Gulf, — a high 
valley between Bath and Wheeler, — is a bed of clay of 
unusual depth and tenacity, in which was found the tooth 
of a mastodon, about ten inches in length, al.so a large 
bone, which was crumbled by the action of the air. 



CHAPTER XIV. 

STEUBEN COUNTY CIVIL LIST. 

Federal Government — State Government — County Government — Ju- 
diciary. 

FEDERAL GOVERNMENT. 
KEPRESENTATIVES IN CONGRESS. 

Representatives in Congress hold office two years. 
They must reside in the State they are chosen to represent ; 
must have been seven years citizens of the United States, 
and have attained the age of twenty-five years. Each new 
Congress commences on the 4th day of March every odd 
j^ear. The elections are generally held during the even year 
preceding, — in this State on the general election day. 

The constitution of the United States directs that a cen- 
sus be taken every ten years, which has been fixed at those 
ending with a cipher ; and after each enumeration Congress 
apportions the representation among the States, and the 
Legislature divides the State into Congressional districts. 

The first Congressional District, including Steuben 
County, was formed by Act of March 23, 1797. It 
was the Tenth District, and was composed of Cayuga, On- 
ondaga, Ontario, Tioga, and Steuben Counties. The dis- 
tricts including this county have been changed as follows : 

Act of March .30, 1802. — Cayuga, Genesee, Ontario, and Steul)en, 
Seventeenth District. 

Act of March 20, ISOl. — Cayuga, Genesee, Ontario, Allegany, and 
Steuben, Seventeenth District. 

Act of March 8, 1808. — Cayuga, Seneca, Tioga, and Steuben, Four- 
teenth District. 

Act of June 10, 1812. — Cayuga, Seneca, Tompkins, Tioga, and 
Steuben, Twentieth District. 

Act of April 17, 1822. — Allegany, Cattaraugus, and Steuben, 
Twenty-eighth District. 

Act of June 29, 1832. — Yates and Steuben, Twenty-seventh Dis- 
trict. 

Act of September fi, 1842. — Allegany and Steuben, Thirtieth Dis- 
trict. 



60 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Act of July 19, 1851. — Livingston and Steuben, Twenty-eighth 
District. 

Act of April 23, 1862. — Chemuog, Allegany, and Steuben, Twenty- 
eeventh District. 

The following table gives the names, residences, and peri- 
ods of service of the citizens of Steuben County who have 
been Representatives of this county in Congress : 



Xames. Residence. 

Daniel Cruger Bath 

William Woods Bath 

John Magee Bath 

John Magee Bath 

Grattan H.Wheeler Wheeler.. 

Edward Howell Bath 

John T.Andrews Bath 

William S. Hubbell Bath 

David Rumsey, Jr Bath 

David Rumsey, Jr Bafh 

Robert B. Van Valkenburgh Bath 

Robert B. Van \'alkeuburgh Bath 

C. C. B. Walker Corning... 

John N. Hungerford Corning... 



Cong. 

. 15 

. 18 

. 20 

. 21 

. 22 

. 2.3 

. 25 

. 28 

. 30 

. 31 

. 37 

. 38 

. 41 

. 43 



Dist. Years. 



20 
28 
28 
28 
28 
27 
27 
30 
30 
30 
28 
27 
27 
27 



1817-19 
1823-25 
1827-29 
1829-31 
1831-33 
1833-35 
1837-39 
1843-45 
1847-49 
1849-51 
1861-63 
1863-65 
187.3-75 
1875-77 



PRESIDENTIAL ELECTORS. 

John Lloyd, Nov. 4, 1828, Allegany. 
Grattan H. Wheeler, Nov. 3, 1840. 
John D. Higgins, Nov. 5, 1844. 
Perral C. Dininny, Nov. 2, 1852. 
James Alley, Nov. 8, 1864. 
Horace Bemis, Nov. — , 1868. 
John McDougall, Nov. — , 1876. 

STATE GOVERNMENT. 
LIEUTENANT-GOVERNORS. 

The Lieutenant-Governor has the same qualifications, and 
is elected in the same manner, and for the same term, as 
the Governor, whose duty he discharges in case of a vacancy 
in that office. He is, ex-offick>, President of the Senate, a 
Commissioner of the Canal Fund and of the Land-Office, 
a member of the Canal Board, a trustee of the Idiot Asy- 
lum and of Union College, a Regent of the University, and 
a trustee of the Capitol and of the State Hall. Steuben 
County has had one citizen elected to this office, viz. : 

Hon. Robert Campbell, of Bath, elected Nov. 2, 1858. 
Mr. Campbell was also Regent of the University, appointed Feb. 
2, 1846, vice Governor Dix, resigned. 

CANAL COMMISSIONER. 
Hon. Stephen T. Hayt, of Corning, elected Nov. 6, 1866. 

CANAL APPRAISER. 

Henry H. Hull, of Bath, appointed April 5, 1855. 

SUPERINTENDENT OF STATE BANKING DEPARTMENT. 
Daniel C. Howell, of Bath, appointed Feb. 3, 1870. 

SPEAKER OP THE ASSEMBLY. 

Hon. Daniel Cruger, of Bath, elected Jan. 30, 1816. 
William B. Ruggles, Deputy Attorney-General, appointed Jan- 
uary, 1878. 

STATE SENATORS. 

Prior to the constitution of 1821, Steuben County was 
a part of the large district designated the Western Sena- 
torial District, and was represented, among others, by the 
following persons, residents of this county : 

Vincent Matthews,'* 1798-1804. 
Henry A. Townsend, 1811-15. 

* Mr. Matthews lived at Elmira when first elected, but afterwards 
removed to Bath. 



Under the constitution of 1821, this county was in- 
cluded in the Eighth Senatorial District, with Allegany, 
Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Livingston, Mon- 
roe, Niagara and (after Nov. 12, 1824) Orleans Counties. 
April 18, 1826, Steuben County was transferred to the 
Sixth Senatorial District. During this period the senators 
from this county were the following : 

Grattan H. Wheeler, 1829-32. 
George Huntington, 1836-40. 

Under the constitution of 1846, Steuben and Chemung 
Counties constituted the Twenty-sixth Senatorial District, 
until the act of April 13, 1857. Steuben. Schuyler, and 
Chemung Counties then became the Twenty-seventh Sena- 
torial District, and have so remained. 

The Senate consists of thirty-two members, who are 
elected each odd year. 

The rest of the senators from this county have been the 
following : 

William M. Hawley, 1848-49. 
William J. Gilbert, 1851.t 
Andrew B. Dickinson, 1854-55. 
John K. Hale, 1856-57. 
Samuel II. Hammond, 1860-61. 
Stephen T. Hayt, 1864-66. 
G. T. narrower, 1872-73. 
George B. Bradley, 1874-76. 
George B. Bradley, 1876-78. 
Ira Daveuport, 1878-80. 

MEMBERS OP ASSEMBLY, 1798-1822. 

The Assembly has always been chosen annually. It 
consisted at first of seventy members, with the power to 
increase one with every seventieth increase of the number 
of electors until it contained three hundred members. 
When the constitution was amended, in 1801, the num- 
ber had reached one hundred and eight, when it was 
reduced to one hundred, with a provision that it should 
be increased after each septennial census, at the rate of two 
annually, until the number reached one hundred and fifty. 
This increase was twelve in 1808 and fourteen in 1815. 
Members in the several counties were elected on the general 
ticket, and the Assembly selected from the Senators annu- 
ally the Council of Appointment. 

Steuben County was at first districted with Ontario, and 
represented in the Legislature in 1798.J Her members of 
Assembly under the first constitution were as follows : 



1798. 


Charles Williamson. 


1812. 


Jacob Teeple. 


1799. 


Charles Williamson. 


1813. 


Jacob Teeple. 


1800. 


Charles Williamson. 


1814. 


D.aniel Cruger. 


1804. 


James Faulkner. 


1815. 


Daniel Cruger. 


1805. 


John Wilson. 


1816. 


Daniel Cruger. 


1806. 


John Wilson. 


1817. 


William B. Rochester. 


1807. 


John Wilson. 


1818. 


William B. Rochester. 


1808. 


George Hornell. 


1819. 


John Dow. 


1809. 


Henry A. Townsend. 


1820. 


John Dow, 


1810. 


John Knox. 


1821. 


John Dow. 


1811. 


John Knox. 


1822. 


Grattan H. Wheeler. 



"f" Extra session. 

X Eleazer Liudley, of the town of Lindley, was a member of As- 
sembly for Ontario County in 1792. Col. Williamson represented the 
same county in 1796. 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



61 



EMBERS OF ASSEMBI.V", 1822-184?. 

1838. Samuel Grigga. 

David Hall. 

Manning Kelly. 
18.39, 



Andrew G. Chatfield. 
Abram M. Lybolt. 
Johnson N. Uejnolds. 

1840. Richard Brower. 
Andrew G. Chatfield. 
Abram M. Lybolt. 

1841. Andrew G. Chatfield. 
Wm. S. Ilubbull. 
Samuel A. Johnson. 

1842. Aaron W. Beach. 
Francis E. Erwin. 
Ziba A. Leland. 

184.'?. Morris Brown. 

Francis E. Erwin. 
Ziba A. Leh-vnJ. 

1844. John Jamison. 
Asa McConnell. 
Jeffrey Smith. 

1845. Wm. C. Rogers. 
Ansel C. Smith. 

Jacob Van Valkenburgh. 

1846. Andrew G. Chatfield. 
Oto F. Marshall. 
Wm. C. Rogers. 

1847. Hiram Chapman. 
Wm. Bivin. 
Wm. Hunter. 



1823. George McClure. 
William Woods. 

1824. George MeClure. 
Grattan H. Wheeler. 

1825. John Kennedy. 
James McBurney. 

I82fi. Daniel Cruger. 

Grattan H. Wheeler. 

1827. Paul C. Cook. 
George McClure. 

1828. Dugald Cameron. 
Wm. Woods. 

1829. Randall Graves. 
Henry Phoenix. 

I8;j0. Andrew B. Dickinson. 
Josiah Duulap. 

1831. Paul C. Cook. 
Josiah Dunlap. 

1832. Edward Howell. 
John McBurney. 

1833. AVm. Hunter. 
Wm. Kernau. 

1834. Joshua Healy. 
Wm. Kernan. 

1835. Jeremiah Baker. 
Joshua Healy. 

183C. Lemuel B. Searles. / 

Henry Switzer. 
1837. Henry G. Cotton. 

John I. Poppino. 

Benjamin Smead. 

MEMBERS OF ASSEMBLY, 1847-1879. 

ASSEMBLY niSTRICTS. 

The constitution of 1846 required tlie Board of Super- 
visors of the several counties to meet on the first Tuesday 
of January succeeding the adoption of the constitution, and 
divide the counties into districts of the number apportioned 
to them of convenient and contiguous territory, and as 
nearly equal population as possible. After each State cen- 
sus, the Legislature is required to reapportion the members 
and to direct the time when the supervisors shall meet for 
the purpose of redistricting. Pursuant to this provision, 
the boards met in June, 1857, and in June, 1866. Fulton 
and Hamilton Counties together elect one member, and 
every other county one or more. Steuben County was dis- 
tricted as follows : 

First Dlslricl. 

1847. — Bath, Prattsburgh, Pulteney, Reading, Tyrone, Urbana, 
Wayne, Wheeler. 

1857. — Avoea, Bath, Bradford, Cohooton, Prattsburgh, Savona 
(from Dec. 30, 1859, to April 30, 1862), Urban.a, Wayne, Wheeler. 

1866. — Avoca, Bath, Bradford, Cohocton, Dansville, Fremont, How- 
ard, Prattsburgh, Pulteney, Wayland, Wayne, Wheeler. 

Second District, 

1847. — Addison, Campbell, Cameron, Caton, Corning, Erwin, Horn- 
by, Lindley, Orange, Thurston, Woodhull. 

1857. — Addison, Cameron, Campbell, Caton, Corning, Erwin, Horn- 
by, Lindley, Rathbone, Thurston, Tuscarora (from Dec. 31, 1859), 
Woodhull. 

1866. — Addison, Cameron, Campbell, Canisteo, Caton, Corning, Er- 
win, Greenwood, HartsvUle, Hornby, Horncllsville, Jasper, Lindley, 
Eathhone, Thurston, Troupsburgh, Tuscarora, West Union, Wood- 
hull. 

Third District. 

1847.— Avoca, Canisteo, Cohoeton, Dansville, Fremont (from Nov. 
17, 1854), Greenwood, Hartsville, Hornellsville, Howard, Jasper, 
Troupsburgh, Wayland, West Union. 

1857.— Canisteo, Dansville, Tremont, Greenwood, Hartsville, Hor- 
nellsville, Howard, Jasper, Troupsburgh, Wayland, West Union. 



MEMBERS ELECTED. 



D\TE, 

1848. 



1849. 



NAME. DIST. 

Abel Kendall 1 

John G. Mersereau 2 

Alex. H. Stephens 3 

Abm. J. Quackenboss... 1 

John G. Mersereau 2 

John K. Hale 3 

1850. Edwin F. Church 1 

Ferral C. Dininny 2 

James Alley 3 

1851. Chas. G. Higby I 

James M. Miles 2 

Joel Carrington 3 

1852. R.B. Van Valkenburgh 1 

Benajah P. Bailey 2 

Nathaniel M. Perry 3 

1853. Dryden Henderson 1 

John MeBurni-y 2 

Henry H. Bouton 3 

1854. John F. Williams 1 

Bennjah P. Bailey 2 

Obadiah Stephens 3 

1855. Seth B. Cole 1 

Sylvester Smith 2 

Peter C.Ward 3 

1856. Goldsmith Deaiston 1 

Albert C. Morgan 2 

Harlo Hakes 3 

1857. R.B. Van Valkenburgh 1 

George T. Spencer 2 

Solon 0. Thacher 3 

1858. R. B. VanV.alkenburgh 1 

Washington Barnes 2 

William B. Jones 3 

1859. Abel Eveland 1 

Wiekham R. Crocker... 2 

John T. Plato 3 

1862. Daniel B. Bryan 1 

Henry Sherwood 2 



DATE. NAME DIST. 

1802. Samuel M. Alley 3 

1863. John W. Taggart 1 

Henry Sherwood 2 

Horace Bemis 3 

1864. William E. Bonham 1 

Alexander Oleott 2 

J. Harvey Stephens 3 

1865. William E. Bonham 1 

Alexander Oleott 2 

Horace Bemis 3 

1866. William B. Boyd 1 

Amaziah S. McKay 2 

Frederick M. Kreidler.. 3 

1867. William B.Boyd 1 

Christian Minier 2 

1868. John F. Little 1 

Lyman Balcom 2 

1869. Monroe Brundagc 1 

Samuel Mitchell 2 

1S70. James G. Bennett I 

John Davis 2 

1871. Thomas M. Fowler 1 

James B. Murdock 2 

1872. Thomas M. Fowler I 

Stephen F. Gilbert 2 

1873. Stephen D. Shattuck... 1 
Charles F. Houghton... 2 

1874. Stephen D. Shattuck... 1 
Lewis C. Pierson 2 

1875. William B. Ruggles 1 

Jerry E. B. Santee 2 

1876. William B. Ruggles 1 

Jerry E. B. Santee 2 

1877. Azariah C. Brundage... 1 
George R. Sutherland... 2 

1878. Azariah C. Brund.age... 1 
George R. Sutherland... 2 



DELEGATES TO THE CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION. 

The constitution of 1821 gradually grew into disfavor 
with the people, who demanded a new one, which should 
provide for the election of nearly all the officers by the 
people, instead of receiving their appointment from the Gov- 
ernor. Several other radical changes were also demanded, 
and after considerable agitation of the subject, a convention 
was ordered for the purpose of adopting a new constitution. 
The election was held Nov. 4, 1845, with the following 
result : 

^* For a Convention" 313,257 

" No Convention" 33,860 

Agreeably to this expression of the popular will, an act 
was passed April 22, 1846, calling the convention at Al- 
bany on the 1st of June following, which met accordingly 
on that day, and adjourned Oct. 9, 1846. The delegates 
from this county were the following: Benjamin S. Brun- 
dage, Robert Campbell, Jr., William Kernan.* 

The new constitution was submitted to the people Nov. 
3, 1846, and adopted by the following vote : 



Amended constitution, ' 
Amended constitution. 



Yes" 221,528 

'No" 92,436 



It came into force on the first day of January, 1847. 

CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION OP 1867. 

Assembled at Albany June 4, 1867; adjourned sine die 
Feb. 28, 1868. 

President. — William A. Wheeler, Malone, Franklin Co, 
Secretary.- — Luther Caldwell, Elaiira, Chemung Co. 
Seryeant-at-Arms. — Samuel C. Pierce, Rochester. 
Delegates from Steuben County. — Hon. David Rumsej, Bath; Hon- 
George T. Spencer, Corning. 

■^ General William Kernan, of Tyrone, then in this county, father 
of Hon. Francis Kernan, U. S. Senator, Utica, N. Y. 



62 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



COUNTY GOVERNMENT. 



COUNTY CLERKS. 



George D. Cooper, March 31, 1796. 
Henry A. TowDsentl, Feb. 11, 1799. 
John Wilson, March 21, 1807. 
Henry A. Townsend, Feb. 8, 1808. 
Dugald Cameron, Feb. 16, 1810. 
John Wilson, Feb. 13, 1815. 
Edward Howell, March 19, 181S. 
John Metcalfe, Feb. 19, 1821. 
John Metcalfe, November, 1822. 
David Kumsey, November, 1829, 
William H. Bnll, NovemI>cr, 1832. 
William Hamilton, November, I83S. 
Paul C. Cook, November, 1S44. 
Paul C. Cook, November, 1847. 
Philo P. Hubbcll, November, 1850. 
Chas. W. Campbell, November, 1853. 
Samuel M. Alley, November, 1856. 
OrsoD Moeber, November, 1859. 
Oscar J. Averin, Novemljer, 1862. 
Allen A. A^ao Orsdale, November, 1S65_ 
Nirom M. Crane, November, 1868. 
Henry Faucett, November, 1871. 
Archibald E. Baxter, November, 1874. 
Lucius A, Waldo, November,. 1877. 

SHERIFFS. 

Sheriffs are elected for a term of three years, and are 
ineligible for the next succeeding term. Under the first 
constitution they were appointed annually by the Council 
of Appointment, and no person could hold the ofiice for 
more than four successive years. The sheriff could hold 
no other office, and must be a freel»older in the county for 
which he was appointed.* The following have been the 
sheriffs of Steuben County : 

William DuDn, March 31, 1796. 
John WilsoB, March 3, ISOO. 
Dugald Cameron, February 22, 1804. 
Jacob Tccplc, February 16, 1808. 
Howell Bull, March 22, 1810. 
Cornelius YouDglove, March 25, 1811- 
Thomas McBurncy, March 7, 1812. 
BenJiamiD Wells, February 23, 1813. 
Lazarus Hammond, March 2, 1S14. 
George McClure, Fcbruaiy 28, 1815. 
Heni-y Shriver, March 2, 1819. 
John Magec, Fcbi-uary 19, 1821.t 
John Magee, November, 1822. 
John Kennedy, November, 1825. 
Alva Ellas, November, 1828. 
George HuBtington, November, 1831. 
John T. Andrews, November, 1834. 
Henry Brother, November, 1837. 
Hiram Potter, November, 1840. 
Hugh Magee, November, 1843. 
Henry Brother, November, 1846. 
Oliver Allen, November, 1849. 
Gabriel T. Harrower, November, 1852. 
Lewis D. Fay, November, 1855. 
Orange Seymour, November, 1858. 
Edwin B. Kasson, November, 1861. 
William N. Smith, November, 1864. 
Willis E. Craig, November, 1867. 
William B. Boyd, November, 1870, 
Holland B. Williams, November, 1873. 
Franklin D. Sherwood, November, 1876. 

» Const. 1777, Art. 26 ; Act Feb. 19, 1787. 

f Appointed, and then under new constitution elected in 1822. 



COUNTY TREASURERS. 

County treasurers are elected under the constitution of 
1846, for a term of three years. They were formerly ap- 
pointed by the Boards of Supervisors in the several coun- 
ties. The following are the names of those who have held 
the office in this county : 

James R. Dudley, November, 1848. 
Perry S. Donahe, November, 1851. 
Alexander Hess, November, 1857. 
Peter Halsey, November, 1858. 
John T. Allen, November, 1861. 
Peter Halsey, November, 1864. 
Peter Halsey, November, 1867. 
Peter Halsey, November, 1870. 
Theodore A. Silsbec, November, 1873. 
Sebastian G. Lewis, November, 1876. 

COUNTY SUPERINTENDENTS OF SCHOOLS. 

By an act passed April 17, 1843, the Boards of Super- 
visors of the several counties were directed to appoint 
county superintendents of common schools. The office was 
abolished March 13, 1847. During its existence the fol- 
lowing persons officiated for Steuben County : 

Ralph K. Finch, Bath. 

Alanson S. Phillips, Bath, 

SCHOOL COMMISSIONERS. 

Prior to 1857 school commissioners were appointed by 
the Boards of Supervisors. Since that year they have been 
elected on a separate ballot. The first election under the 
act creating the office (chapter 179, Laws of 1856) was 
held in November, 1859. The following shows the school 
commissioners for this county and the districts for which 
they were respectively elected ; 



Name. Dist. 

George McLean 1 

Stephen A^orhis 1 

Eli H. Brown 1 

R. R. Calkins 1 

Joseph B. Westcott 1 

George P. Averv 1 

John C. Higby (2d) 1 

Zenas L. Parker 1 

G. Horatio Guinnp 1 

G. Horatio Guinup 1 

P. J. Farrington 2 

Noble H. Rising 2 



Name. Dist. 

Edmund D. Peckham 2 

William M. Sherwood 2 

Jacob H. W^estcott 2 

Reuben H. Williams 2 

Reuben H. Williams 2 

Reuben A. Williams 2 

AVillinm P. Todd 3 

William S. Hale 3 

Horatio Pattengell 3 

Rodney Dennis 3 

Albert T. Parkhill 3 

Edwin Whiting 



JUDICIARY. 
JUSTICES OF THE SUPREME COURT. 

Steuben County is included in the Seventh Judicial Dis- 
trict, with Cayuga, Livingston, Monroe, Ontario, Seneca, 
Wayne, and Yates Counties. The justices of this court 
who have been residents of this county are the following : 

Hon. Thomas A. Johnson, Corning, April 7, 1847. 
Hon. Thomas A. Johnson, " Nov. 6, 1849. 
Hon. Thomas A. Johnson, " Nov. 3, 1857. 
Hon. Thomas A. Johnson, " Nov. 7, 1865. 
Hon. David Rumsey, Bath, Nov. 7, 1873.3: 
Hon. David Rumsey, " Nov. 1873.J 

J Appointed by Governor Dix to fill the vacancy caused by the 
death of Hon. Thomas A. Johnson. 

^ Elected by the people for a term of fourteen years, which expires 
Dec, 31, 1887. 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTy, NEW YORK. 



63 



Under the constitution of 1821, Hon. William B. Roch- 
ester, of Bath, was appointed Circuit Judge for the Eighth 
Circuit on 21st April, 1823. 

ASSISTANT ATTOKNET-GENERALS. 

This was the original designation of the ofiSce of district 
attorney. The district? embraced several counties, and were 
.seven in number (Act Feb. 12, 1796). The office was 
filled by the Governor and Council during pleasure. The 
attorney-general officiated personally in New York County. 
The following were the persons appointed under this act for 
Steuben County and the territory then constituting the 
Sixth District : 

William Stewart, appointed March 31, 1796. 
Nathiiniol W. Howell, " Feb. 9, 1797. 

DISTRICT ATTORNEYS. 

The office of district attorney was created April 4, 1801. 
At first the State was divided into seven districts, as before, 
but subsequently several new ones were formed. The fol- 
lowing were district attorneys in the Seventh Dbtrict, in- 
cluding Steuben County : 

William Stewart, appointed March 2, 1802. 
l)a,n'\e\ W. Lewis, " March 9, 1810. 

William Stewart, '• Feb. 12, 1811. 

Vincent Matthews, " March 12, ISIS. 

Daniel t'ruger, " April 17, 1815. 

On the 21st of April, 1818, a law was passed making 
each county a separate district. The names of those hold- 
ing office under this law are as follows : 

Dimiel Cruger, appointed June 11, 1818. 



-lobn Cook, 
Henry Welles, 
Edward Howell, 
B. W. Frnnkliu, 
Edward Howell, 
Lazarus H. Read, 
Andrew (>. Chatfield, 
Morris Brown, 



Feb. 19, 1821. 
Oct. 22, 1824. 
Feb. 7, 1829. 

iS-M. 

June 21, lS:i6. 
March 4, 1840. 
Dec. 2, 1845. 
June 20, 18411. 



Under the constitution of 18-16 and the amended con- 
stitution of 18G7, district attorneys have been elected as 
follows : 



Alfred P. Ferris, 



elected June, 1847. 



Robert L. Brundagc, " 

Joseph Herron. " 

John Mayriard, " 

Chris. ,lobn McDowell, " 
Harlow Hakes. " 

.lohn II. Butler,* appointed 
.lubn II. Butler, elected 

.lohn H. Butler, " 

Alphonso H. Burrcll, " 
Ellsworth D. Jlills. " 

Ellsworth I). Mills, " 



November, 1850. 
November, 1853. 
January 7, 185B. 
November, 1859. 
November, 1862. 

1865. 

November, 1865. 
November, 1868. 
November, 1871. 
November, 1874. 
November, 1877. 



COUNTT JUDGES. 

During most of the time under the first constitution the 
number of judges and assistant justices in the various 
counties differed widely, in some counties the number being 
as great as twelve of each. By an act passed March 27, 

* Appointed vice Herron, removed from the county. 



1818, the office of assistant justice was abolished, and the 
number of judges was limited to five, including the first 
judge. Under the constitution of 1821, the judges were 
appointed by the Governor and Senate. Under the consti- 
tution of 184G, they are elected for a term of four years, 
and their salary fixed by the Boards of Supervisors. The 
County Court has, under the present constitution, jurisdic- 
tion in actions of debt, assumpsit, and covenant, in sums 
not exceeding one thousand dollars, and such other original 
jurisdiction as the Legislature from time to time shall give 
it. The Legislature under this provision has conferred 
upon the County Court equity jurisdiction for the fore- 
closure of mortgages, the sale of the real estate of infants, 
partition of lands, admeasurement of dower, satisfaction of 
judgments wherever seventy-five dollars is due on an un- 
satisfied execution, and the care and custody of lunatics 
and habitual drunkards. 

The constitution associates with the county judge two 
justices of the peace, to be designated by law, to hold courts 
of sessions, with such criminal jurisdiction as the Legisla- 
ture shall prescribe, and perform such other duties as may 
be required by law. 

The following have been the county judges who have 
officiated in Steuben County : 

Charles Williamson, March 31, 1796. 
William Kersey, Jan. 29, 1803. 
James Faulkner, Feb. Ifi, 1804. 
Samuel Baker, Jan. 18, 1813. 
Thoma.s McBurney, April 15, 1816. 
James Norton, Feb. 7, 1823. 
George C. Edwards, Jan. 13, 1826. 
Ziba A. Leiand, Jan. 9, 1838. 
Jacob Larrowe, April 17, 1843. 
William M. Hawley, Jan. 30, 1846. 
David McMaster, June, 1847. 
Jacob Larrowe, November, 1851. 
David McMaster, November, 1855. 
Washington Barnes, November, 1859. 
Guy H. McMaster, November, 1863. 
Guy H. McMaster, November, 1867. 
George T. Spencer, November, 1871. 
Guy H. McMaster, November, 1877. 

SURROGATES. 

Under the first constitution, surrogates were appointed 
for an unlimited period by the Council of Appointment. An 
appeal lay from their decisions to the judge of the Court 
of Probate of the State. Under the second constitution, 
surrogates were appointed by the Governor and Senate for 
four years. Appeals lay from their decision to the chan- 
cellor. The constitution of 1846 aboli.shed the office of 
surrogate, except in counties where the population exceeds 
forty thousand, and devolved its duties on the county 
judge. In counties exceeding in population forty thousand, 
the Legislature may anthoriie the election of surrogates. 
They are elected for a term of four years (except in New 
York County, where the term is three years), and are 
allowed to take the acknowledgment of deeds and administer 
oaths in the same manner as county judges (ch. 175, Laws 
of 1851). 

The duties of surrogate have been performed in this 
county by the county judge since 1847. Prior to that 
time the office was filled by the following-named persons : 



64 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Stephen Ross, March 31, 1796. 
Henry A. Townsend, M.arch 24, 1800. 
George McClure, March 25, 1805. 
John Metcalfe, April 6, 1813. 
James Read, April 8, 1815. 
Samuel Baker, April 10, 1817. 
William Read, March 20, 1821. 
James Brniidage, March 28, 1823. 
William Woods, Jan. 8, 1827. 
Rohert Campbell, Jan. 31, 1835. 
David Rnmsev, Jan. 24, 1840. 
Ansel J. MeCall, Feb. 3, 1844. 



CHAPTER XV. 

BENCH AND BAK OF STEUBEN COTINTY. 

The establishment of a county and the location of a 
seat of jastice bring in due time a bench and bar. Steuben 
had no lawyers till the county was organized in 1796. 
The first arrival was George D. Cooper, from Rhinebeck, 
on the Hudson. He was appointed the first clerk of the 
county. The next arrivals were Messrs. Jones, Masterton, 
and Stewart, from New York City. These gentlemen of 
the legal profession were followed by William Howe Cuyler, 
of Albany. Mr. Cuyler was a fine, portly, elegant young 
man, of very fashionable and fascinating manners of the 
Chesterfieidian order. In 1812, Gen. Amos Hall appointed 
him aide-de-camp, and while stationed at Black Rock he was 
killed by a cannon-ball from Fort Erie. Maj. Cuj-ler was 
a very active and intelligent officer, and his death was much 
lamented. He left a young wife and one son. 

According to Gen. MeClure's account, the next lawyer 
who came to Bath was Dominick Theophilus Blake, a 
young man from Ireland. He was well educated, but his 
dialect and manner of speech afforded much amusement for 
the other members of the bar. Mr. Blake had but little 
practice, and remained in Bath but a short time. 

Samuel S. Haight, Esq., prior to his removal to Angelica, 
Allegany Co., was a prominent member of the Steuben 
County bar. He removed from Elmira to Bath, where he 
acquired an extensive law practice. Hon. Daniel Cruger, 
William B. Rochester, and other eminent members of this 
bar, studied law in his oflBce. 

Among the early lawyers was a Virginian, named Cuth- 
bert Harrison, whom Gen. McClure describes as a " man 
of good sense, and, whether drunk or sober, a good-natured, 
clever fellow." 

The following amusing anecdote, which was contributed 
by a member of the Steuben County bar to the " Knicker- 
bocker Magazine," is said to relate to Judge Helm, who 
resided at an early time in Bath, and became one of the 
judges of the Court of Common Pleas : 

" Among them was a jolly old Virginian, Judge H , 

a sportsman of the old school of buff breeches and fair 
top-boots, well known throughout the country for genial 
habits and generous hospitality. He had been appointed 
a judge of the Court of Common Pleas. Though little 
versed in legal technicalities, he possessed a fund of genuine 
common sense, which made him a good judge. On one 
occasion, in the absence of the first judge, it fell to him to 



charge the grand jury. The substance of the charge, so 
characteristic of the man and of his opinions, is here given : 
" ' Gentlemen of the Grand Jury : — In the absence of 
the first judge, it becomes my duty to address you. If 
you expect much of a charge, you will be disappointed, as 
it will be nothing but a squib. I see among you many 
gentlemen who understand the duties of grand jurors better 
than I do. I need only say, then, you know your duties, 
go ahead and perform them. The sheriflF has handed me 
his criminal calendar, by which it appears he has five poor 
devils in jail for various offenses ; two of them are for 
horse-stealing. Now, gentlemen, there are grades in crime, 
and common sense would indicate that the punishment 
should be in proportion to the criminality of the offense, 
as exhibited by the circumstances of each case. That I 
suppose is the law ; if it is not it ought to be so. You 
will understand what I mean by this, when I inform you 
that one of these scamps stole a slab-sided Yankee mare, 
while the other took a Virginia blood-horse. Two others 
are indicted for mayhem. One of them for biting off a 
negro's nose, which I think exhibits a most depraved appe- 
tite ; the other for gouging out an Irishman's eye, a most 
ungentlemanly way of fighting. I hope you will look well 
to these fellows. The last is a poor cuss who stole a jug 
of whisky. The article is so plenty and cheap that it may 
be had by asking, anywhere, and stealing it is the meanest 
kind of offense, and deserves the severest punishment that 
the law will permit. The great men at Albany have made 
it our special duty to charge you in regard to private lot- 
teries. What is the mighty crime involved in this business 
I cannot see, when hustling and pitching coppers is tolerated ; 
but I suppose they know, and as the law makes it our duty, 
I charge you to look out for them. Sheriff, select two 
constables, and march these men off to their duties.'" 

HON. VINCENT MATTHEWS. 

Vincent Matthews, who was for several years a leading 
member of this county bar, was born in Orange Co., N. Y., on 
the 29th of June, 1766. At an early age he was sent to an 
academy at Middletown, N. Y., and finished his classical 
education under the instruction of the great scholar and 
lexicographer, Noah Webster. In 1786 he commenced 
the study of law with Col. Robert Troup, of New York, 
and during his studies became intimate with Pendleton, 
Judge (afterwards Governor) Yates, Ciiief Justice Morris, 
Aaron Burr, and others whose names form a brilliant con- 
stellation in the history of New York jurisprudence. He 
thus bad rare opportunities, it being his privilege to see how 
justice was administered by Morris, Yates, Spencer, Kent, 
and Savage, and how forensic questions were managed by 
such master minds as Hamilton and Burr. 

Matthews was admitted to practice in the year 1790, and 
remained some time with Col. Troup. In 1793 he removed 
to Elmira. In 1796 he represented the Western District 
in the Senate of the State. Soon after he retired from the 
Senate he was appointed, with Hon. James Emott, a mem- 
ber of the Onondaga Commission to settle the difficulties 
growing out of conflicting claims and litigations respecting 
the Military Lands, a delicate and trying position, the duties 
of which were discharged with signal ability and success. 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



65 



In 1809, Mr. Matthews was elected to the Eleventh Con- 
ress from the then Fourteenth Congressional District, which 
onsisted of Cayuga, Seneca, Steuben, and Tioga Counties. 
le served one year in Congress, and returned to the practice 
f his profe.ssioD. In 1812 he was elected district attorney 
)T several of the western counties, and representing a large 
phere of official and professional labor. After holding the 
ffice a little over two years, his increasing professional busi- 
ess compelled him to resign, and his place was filled by 
ren. Daniel Cruger, of Bath. In 1816, at the solicitation 
f numerous friends in Steuben County, Gen. Matthews 
Bmoved to Bath. Here his popularity continued to increase, 
nd he soon became one of the most distinguished lawyers 
1 Western New York. In 1821 he removed to Rochester, 
rhere his reputation as a lawyer had gone before him, and 
'here he entered upon a large and lucrative practice, which 
e continued for the remainder of his active life. 

Gen. Matthews served in the Legislature, from Monroe 
Wnty, in 1826, in the Senate in 1839, and was ap- 
ointed district attorney for that county in 1831. He was 
sagacious, philosophical, and profound man, and an able 
iwyer, though never an active politician. He died on the 
6th of September, 1846, in the eightieth year of his age, 
aving practiced his profession fifty-five years without 
iterruption excepting his official terms. 

GEN. DANIEL CRUGER. 

Daniel Cruger, whose ancestors were Huguenots, was a 
ative of Sunbury, Pa. He was born on the 22d of 
)ecember, 1780. He learned the printer's trade in his 
oyhood of a Mr. Webster, one of the earliest printers in 
ilbany, and afterwards started a paper at Owego, called the' 
hcego Democrat, which he edited and published for a 
bort time, when he sold his interest and came to Bath, his 
ither having previously removed here. For a while he 
ursued his occupation in Bath, but it proving injurious to 
is health, he entered the law-office of Gen. S. S. Haight 
s a student, with whom he continued till he was admitted 
3 the bar in 1805, when he became a partner with Gen 
laight. 

About this time he was married to Miss Hannah 
!lement, a niece of Henry A. Townsend, Esq., a lady of 
reat refinement, intellectual culture, and graceful accom- 
li.sliments, who subsequently was as much admired in the 
olished and refined circles of Wa.shington and Albany, as 
er husband was esteemed and honored among the gifted 
tatesmen and lawyers with whom he associated in those 
ities. His ability as a lawyer soon exhibited itself, and he 
ecame, within a few years after the commencement of his 
ractice, one of the leading lawyers at the Steuben bar. 

Mr. Cruger served with the rank of major during the 
rar of 1812, and did gallant service with Gen McClure's 
rigade in Canada. In the fall of 1813 he was elected to 
lie Assembly. In 18U he was re-elected, and also in 
815, and during this latter session was chosen Speaker 
f the House. It was a memorable contest between the 
Icpublican and Federal factions. Jacob R. Van Rensselaer 
ras the Federal candidate. So nearly divided were the 
actions in the House, that Mr. Cruger was elected by a 
majority of only one vote. He was a most efficient presid- 
9 



ing officer. It has been said, " Perhaps few men ever 
presided over a legislative body with more dignity and 
ability. He was a man of extensive and profound informa- 
tion, thoroughly conversant with parliamentary rules, quick 
of apprehension, and he perfectly understood the rules of 
debate ; without any apparent reflection ho could apply 
them to existing circumstances with perfect facility. His 
courtesy and urbanity in the chair were proverbial, and, 
notwithstanding the bitter animosity which governed the 
partisan strife of that day, he was exceedingly popular as a 
presiding officer." 

In 1815, Mr. Cruger formed a partnership with Hon. 
William B. Rochester, of Bath, subsequently one of the 
circuit judges of the State, an eminent and distinguished 
politician, a lawyer of fine legal attainments, a judge of 
superior abilities, a gentleman by birth, intuition, and prac- 
tice, a scholar, ripe and thorough, and an ornament to the 
bench, the bar, and the political arena. It is needless, 
perhaps, to add that the combination of such talents in this 
legal firm rendered it one of the most powerful and influen- 
tial in Western New York. 

On the 7th of April, 1815, Gen. Cruger was appointed 
district attorney for the Seventh District, consisting of the 
counties of Steuben, Allegany, and Tioga. The office of 
district attorney was at that time second only in importance 
to that of attorney-general, and it was while in the dis- 
charge of the duties of this office that Gen. Cruger attained 
his highest professional reputation. Through a series of 
years he wielded an influence in the counties of Allegany 
and Steuben almost unbounded. 

In the fall of 1816 he was elected to Congress from the 
then Twentieth Congressional District. Here his talents 
were not less conspicuous than they had before been in the 
State Legislature. He served in the House of Representa- 
tives as a member of the committee on the judiciary, and 
made several speeches, which attracted more than ordinary 
attention and won for him a high degree of respect. 

When De Witt Clinton was removed from the office of 
canal commissioner, meetings were held throughout the 
State, denouncing the act in the strongest and most em- 
phatic manner. When the intelligence reached Steuben 
County a large meeting convened at Bath. It was the 
largest meeting which, up to that time, had ever assembled 
in this part of the State. Gen. Cruger was called to pre- 
side. On taking the chair he made one of his character- 
istic speeches, — a speech of great power and efl^ectiveness, 
although entirely destitute of any attempt at oratorical 
display. It was the calm and dignified expression of his 
own deep feelings, rendering his plain words penetrating 
and enduring. Among other things he said : " Private 
citizens have rights as well as duties. The Legislature is 
but a co-ordinate branch of government, instituted for one 
and a single end, the duty of making laws. When it is 
perverted to other objects, to purposes of ambition or party 
spirit, we are authorized, we are bound to make such oppo- 
sition as shall call it back to a discharge of its proper duties, 
to endeavor to render it as pure as the imperfections of our 
nature will admit. Fellow-citizens, that the Legislature, 
in the removal of Mr. Clinton, has perverted its powers to 
party spirit, party rancor and hate, will be admitted by all 



66 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



reasonable and thinking men. No prophetic inspiration 
tells that the people of this great State will surely vindi- 
cate him. I assert that they will do so, because I claim to 
know something of the people of this State. Fellow-citi- 
zens, the day will come when shame and confusion will fall 
upon the heads of the perpetrators of this outrage." 

Any measure which became necessary for him personally 
to carry into execution was never delayed on account of 
darkness or the elements. In such cases sunshine and tem- 
pest, day and night were all the same to him. The follow- 
ing incident illustrates this characteristic, and evinces a 
greatness of action which, had he been a military comman- 
der, would, in times of war, have rendered him formidable 
and victorious in the field : 

While in the discharge of his duties as district attorney 
under the large district system, he left Bath to attend a 
term of the Allegany Oyer and Terminer at Angelica. At 
that day lawyers as well as judges traveled from circuit to 
circuit on horseback. In those days Cruger was the owner 
of a valuable horse which he called Jingle Foot. He was 
a large bay animal, with a white star in his forehead, finely 
proportioned, and like his master, with whom he was a great 
favorite, capable of great endurance. He was as fleet as a 
deer and docile as he was fleet. Jingle Foot had for two 
or three years carried his master to all the courts in West- 
ern New York, and was therefore almost as famous as the 
steed of Alexander the Great. On this visit to Angelica, 
Gen. Cruger, as usual, rode his favorite horse. He reached 
that village some time in the afternoon of the first day of 
the circuit. On his arrival he found his Democratic friends 
in a state of great vexation, owing to an advantage which 
the Federals had apparently gained over them. 

About this time the term of the clerk of Allegany County, 
who was a Republican, was drawing to a close. That oflicer 
was then appointed by the Council of Appointment at 
Albany, which at that time was composed of Democrats 
(Republicans, as they were then called), and of course 
would appoint any person upon whom the leaders of that 
party in Allegany County could unite. This council was 
to meet on Thursday of that week, but as there had been 
some misunderstanding among the Democrats as to the 
proper person to recommend, no name had been sent to 
Albany. But in the mean time the Federals had been on 
the alert, and taking advantage of the misunderstanding 
among their opponents, had forwarded the name of one of 
their own party for the ofiice of clerk to the council. This 
fact had just come to the knowledge of the Democrats when 
Cruger arrived. The partisan contests of those days were 
bitter in the extreme. The appointment of a clerk was a 
matter of considerable advantage, and of course this was a 
serious affair, especially as it was now apparently too late 
to remedy the evil. 

Nothing could exceed the chagrin and mortification of 
Cruger on learning of this state of things. In a few 
moments his room was filled with the leading Democrats 
of the county. A Federal clerk in the county of Allegany ! 
Such a thing was not to be thought of for a moment ! But 
where was the remedy ? It was too late for any mail to 
reach Albany in time to prevent the appointment. For a 
time Mr. Cruger walked the room in a state of intense ex- 



citement. At length he sent for the landlord, and that 
person soon made his appearance. 

" Bullock," said Cruger, " have Jingle Foot well rubbed, 
fed, saddled and bridled within an hour and a half." 

He then sent for Gen. Haight, who was attending court 
at Angelica at that time. When that gentleman appeared 
he said, — 

" General, I want you take charge of my business during 
this term ; put over what causes you can and try the rest, 
for I am going to Albany." 

" Going to Albany !" exclaimed several gentlemen at the 
same moment. 

"Going to Albany, Cruger? What can you be going 
to Albany for?" asked Gen. Haight. 

" To prevent this county being disgraced by a Federal 
clerk," was the reply. 

" Why, good heavens ! Cruger," said a gentleman present, 
" you can't reach Albany in time to prevent that appoint- 
ment now." 

" Yes I can. Jingle Foot will land me safely in Albany 
between this and Thursday noon, or I am mistaken in him ; 
at any rate, he and I will make a trial to overturn the nice 
plans of these infernal Federalists," said Cruger. 

He next gave the general some further instruction con- 
cerning his business, and in due time word came that Jingle 
Foot was ready at the door. 

This was in the month of June. The sun was just 
going down as Mr. Cruger mounted his horse and rode out 
of the village. Night and day, over bill and dale, he pressed 
forward, stopping just long enough for refreshments and a 
little rest. Jingle Foot seemed imbued with the same deter- 
•mined enei'gy as his master, — seemed to gather fresh strength 
as he sped on his course. Such was his progress that just 
as the old Albany town-clock tolled the hour of noon of 
Thursday Cruger drew up in front of the City Hotel. 

" Take such care of that horse as you never did of any 
other," said he to the hostler, who came forward as he rode 
up ; and the noble animal was soon safe in the comfortable 
stables of the hotel. 

At the appointed time the Council of Appointment assem- 
bled. As Allegany County was the first on the list, that 
body was in the act of moving the person recommended 
by the Federalists for clerk of that county, when Daniel 
Cruger, to their great astonishment, stood before it. He 
was not long in relating the true situation of affairs in that 
remote region, and matters were soon arranged to his satis- 
faction. After resting a day or two in Albany, he again 
mounted Jingle Foot, returned to Angelica, and the Demo- 
crats of Allegany County rejoiced in the appointment of a 
clerk belonging to their own party, having learned a lesson 
which healed all dissensions among them. 

In person, Gen. Cruger was below the common height, 
somewhat thick-set, but with a manly, genteel figure and 
bearing. He was graceful and easy in his manners, and his 
conversation was refined and cultivated. Both himself and 
Mrs. Cruger possessed that genial hospitality which always 
filled their house with intelligent and pleasing guests. 
During the session of the courts at Bath their house was 
always the headquarters of the judges who presided. There 
Ambrose Spencer, Yates, and Van Ness rested from their 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



67 



ibors in the court-room ; there too John C. Spencer, Elisha 
Villiams, Samuel A. Talcott, John A. Collier, David Wood- 
tick, and other eminent lawyers of the day, forgetting the 
ollisions of the bar, were entertained by Mr. Cruger and 
is accomplished lady, while many an agreeable hour passed 
y enlivened by pleasing and refined conversation. 

It was the custom in those days, when a presiding judge 
rrived at a county-seat, to receive him with public honors ; 
nd when the hour for the session to open arrived, the sheriff, 
1 full uniform, attended by his assistants, carrying their 
Bspective badges of office, waited upon him at his lodgings 
nd escorted him to the court-house. In the court-room 
verything was conducted in the same formal manner. 

In 1828, Gen. Cruger sustained an irreparable misfortune 
1 the death of his wife. In 1833 he married Mrs. Shep- 
rd, a highly-respected widow lady, of Wheeling, W. Va., 
'here the general invested his property, and went to reside 
liortly after. 

Early in June, 1843, while attending a meeting of the 
irectors of Wheeling Bank, he was stricken down with 
poplexy, and died within a few moments after the attack. 

JUDGE WELLES. 

Henry Welles was born in Kiuderhook, N. Y., Oct. 13, 
794. His father was Dr. Benjamin Welles, who was an 
minent surgeon in the Revolutionary army. Henry re- 
eived his early education at the Kinderhook Seminary, 
n 1814 he enlisted in a military company recruited in the 
ouuty of Steuben and commanded by Capt. John Ken- 
edy, of Bath. He was elected sergeant, and soon after, 
3r his knowledge of tactics and military drill, was promoted 
3 the rank of ensign. His company was attached to Col. 
lopkins' regiment of infantry, and, early in July, took 
be field, at Black Rock. 

In September, 1814, the American army took possession 
f Fort Erie. The British besieged the fort, keeping up a 
onstant fire for several days, and, at the same time, grad- 
ally approaching with their parallels, so that the officer in 
ommand congratulated himself that within a few short 
ours he would re-enter with his victorious columns. But 
n the morning of the 17th of September the Americans 
uddenly moved from their works, fell like a thunder-clap 
pon their besiegers, and, after a short but sanguinary 
attle, drove them from their works to the plains of Chip- 
ewa, with a heavy loss in killed, wounded, and prisoners. 

In that battle young Welles exhibited the cool intrepidity 
f a veteran. As they were entering the works of the 
nemy, a British soldier discharged his musket at him. 
!'he bullet grazed his side and mortally wounded a young 
oldier who stood partly in the rear. 

About the middle of November, 1814, he returned to 
?ath, and entered the office of Vincent iNIatthews as a 
tudent-at-law. His father had made the acquaintance of 
his eminent lawyer in the city of New York while the 
itter was pursuing his legal studies in the olfice of Col. 
Croup, of that city. 

After remaining in the office of Gen. JIatthews three 
'ears, he was admitted to the bar, in October, 1817, with 
Ion. John B. Skinner, of Buffalo, who was also in the class 
?ith him, three years later, when they were both admitted 



to the degree of counselor. Subsequently, they often met 
at the bar as opponents, and were often associated in the 
trial of the same causes. 

Immediately after his admission, Mr. Welles opened an 
office in Bath and commenced practice. Applying himself 
with untiring industry to his profession, he soon attained 
a very extensive practice both in Steuben and the adjacent 
counties. 

Among the lawyers practicing at the Steuben bar when 
Mr. Welles commenced his career were Vincent Matthews, 
William B. Rochester, Edward Howell, Daniel Cruger, 
General Haight, and William Woods, — names which dis- 
tinguish and adorn the bar. Soon after, Mr. Matthews 
removed to Rochester. Early in 1823, Mr. Rochester was 
appointed a circuit judge, and Mr. Cruger was in Congress. 
Thus many formidable competitors were removed, leaving 
Mr. Welles a more open field of labor. 

In October, 1824, he was appointed district attorney of 
Steuben County, — an appointment which was highly com- 
plimentary to him as a lawyer. His predecessor was Daniel 
Cruger, who was distinguished throughout Western New 
York as a lawyer and writer, eminent in Congress for his 
legislative abilities of a high order, and a politician of in- 
domitable energy and power. His life appears in another 
part of this chapter. 

Soon after Mr. Welles was appointed district attorney, 
a case occurred which called into action all his professional 
and intellectual powers. It was the well-known case of the 
People vs. Douglas. The defendant in that case was charged 
with having murdered a citizen of Steuben County by the 
name of Ives, under circumstances of great atrocity and 
cruelty. The victim was found in a piece of woods mor- 
tally wounded, in a speechle-ss and dying condition. Who 
the perpetrator of the foul crime was, remained for some 
time unknown. At length suspicion pointed to Douglas ; 
he was arrested, indicted, and in January, 1825, brought 
to trial. The matters relied upon for convicting him were 
merely circumstantial, but they pointed to him as the guilty 
man. The prisoner had many friends and some means- 
He prepared for a vigorous and determined defense. Hon. 
Edward Howell, Ziba A. Lelaud, and Schuyler S. Strong, 
Esqs., of Bath, were retained to defend him; the prosecu- 
tion being conducted by District Attorney Welles. The 
trial occupied several days, and was exceedingly exciting. 
Hon. William B. Rochester presided, assisted by Hon. 
James Norton, then First Judge of Steuben County. Every 
effort was made to save Douglas which his eloquent and 
able counsel could employ ; many abstruse and difficult 
questions of law arose and were discussed ; many thrilling 
circumstances were developed, in all of which Mr. Welles 
exhibited ability and learning equal to the occasion. The 
accused was convicted; but, on the trial, a circumstance oc- 
curred which set aside the verdict of the jury, and gave 
him a new hearing. While the trial was in progress, dur- 
ing one of its recesses, the jury visited a place where spirit- 
uous liquors were sold and partook of refreshments, some 
of them drinking intoxicating liquors. The counsel for 
Douglas alleged this act as a ground of error. The case 
was carried to the general term of the Supreme Court, and 
on the 25th of February, 1825, it came on for argument at 



68 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Albany. The conviction was set aside, and a new trial 
granted the prisoner. This case is reported in the 4th of 
Cowen. In due time the new trial took place, and the 
prisoner was convicted and executed. 

Judge Welles continued to discharge the duties of dis- 
trict attorney until the year 1829, when his increasing civil 
business compelled him to resign. Hon. Edward Howell 
was appointed in his place. Mr. Welles continued to prac- 
tice at Bath ten years, when he removed to Penn Yan, 
where he continued to practice with success and distinction 
until elected a justice of the Supreme Court. 

As a lawyer he was not one of those 

" Who pit the brains against the heart, 
Gloss misdeeds and trifle with great truths." 

At the bar he gained the attention of the court and jury 
by the calm, candid manner in which he presented his case. 
Though not a rapid thinker, and sometimes slow in coming 
to conclusions, yet such was the perfect preparation which 
he gave his cases that he was always formidable as an antag- 
onist. He was like a heavy piece of artillery, not easily 
changed about, but always well and effectually aimed. His 
manner is well illustrated by the following anecdote : He 
was once engaged in the trial of an important cause, at 
Waterloo, in which the counsel opposed to him made an 
exhibition of his eloquence, and, in his conceit, a sarcastic 
allusion to the plain speaking of his opponent. In his 
reply Mr. Welles simply remarked that he never attempted 
the flights of oratory which the counsel opposed to him 
did ; and he could only say of him, as Junius did of the 
king, "The feathers that adorn him support his flight; 
strip him of his plumage and you fix him to the earth," 
and that he should endeavor in a quiet way to take some 
of the gentleman's plumage from him, — just enough, he 
trasted, to keep his good friend out of the clouds ; and 
he succeeded to the admiration of all present. 

In July, 1847, the first judicial election under the con- 
stitution took place. In the Seventh Judicial District, 
Thomas A. Johnson, of Corning, Henry Welles, of Penn 
Yan, Samuel L. Seldon, of Rochester, and John Maynard, 
of Auburn, were elected justices of the Supreme Court. 
These gentlemen were lawyers of the highest and purest 
professional character. As they had adorned the bar with 
their learning and talents, so also they added lustre to the 
bench, which since the adoption of the first constitution 
had been the admiration of the nation. For over thirty 
years the judges of the Seventh District have upheld the 
learning, dignity, and purity of the Supreme Court of the 
State of New York. 

Judge Welles discharged the duties of a justice of the 
Supreme Court nearly twenty-one years. The legal reports 
of the State bear ample testimony to his ability and 
research. It is said, " He entered upon the discharge of 
his duties with great industry and directness of purpose, 
and the student of the earlier volumes of ' Barbour's and 
Howard's Reports' will find the traces of his judicial labor 
to be quite as numerous and quite as valuable as those of 
any other member of the court." 

Judge Welles died at Penn Yan, March 7, 1868, in the 
seventy -fourth year of his age. 



HON. THOMAS A. JOHNSON. 

Hon. Thomas A. Johnson was born in Blanford, Hamp- 
den Co., Mass., May 15, 1804. His paternal ancestry was 
English, and his maternal Irish. His father was a small 
fiirmer, and his advantages for education were such only as 
the common schools afforded. In his early boyhood his 
parents removed to Colesville, Broome Co., N. Y. As soon 
as he was old enough, he spent his winters in teaching 
district school and in reading and study. He studied law 
with Hon. Robert Monell, at Greene, Chenango Co., N. Y., 
and soon after admission to the bar he removed to Centre- 
ville, in the present town of Corning, which was then head- 
quarters for business in this region. As business moved 
eastward, he removed to Knoxville, and in 1839 became 
one of the first residents of the village of Corning, build- 
ing one of the best houses in the place at its commence- 
ment, in which he resided till the time of his death. He 
always took an active interest in building up and fostering 
the various business and social interests of the village. 

In 1841 he was appointed land commissioner for the 
Erie Railroad Company. With Simeon Hammond, now 
of Nunda, Livingston Co., N. Y., under the firm-name of 
Hammond & Johnson, he was half-owner of the water- 
power and mill property just east of Corning, and was in- 
terested in the same at the time of his death, as one of the 
firm of Johnson, Brough & Bostwick. Until his elevation 
to the bench he was in the active and constant practice of 
his profession. 

He was a Whig, of Free-Soil proclivities, and afterwards 
a Republican throughout his life. He was one of the first 
trustees of the school district in the village of Corning, 
and during his life an earnest promoter of education. He 
was, from its opening till his death, one of the trustees of 
the Elmira Female College. The town of Corning being 
Whig, he was chosen to a full share of the town ofiiees. 
The county, senatorial, and Congressional districts were 
largely Democratic, yet he had the courage to accept at 
various times a nomination by his party for the Senate and 
Congress, and stumped the district with great ability, al- 
though without success in securing his election. 

In 1847 he was elected by the Whigs to the ofiice of 
justice of the Supreme Court for the Seventh Judicial Dis- 
trict under the then new constitution. This county was 
included in the district by the active efforts of three men, 
who admired Mr. Johnson for his staunch advocacy of 
Whig principles, and were determined that Steuben County 
should be placed in a strong Whig district, so that he could 
be elected ju.stice of the Supreme Court. These tiiree were 
Hon. William Divin, member of Assembly (a resident of 
Reading, then in Steuben County) ; Hon. Francis H. Rug- 
gles, a senator from Chautauqua County (subsequently a 
resident of Corning) ; and Hon. Ira Harris, senator from 
Albany. Mr. Johnson's personal friend, Mr. Divin, with- 
out his knowledge, enlisted the two senators in the project, 
which was carried through without regard to geographical 
fitness, as the county of Steuben jutted southward to the 
Pennsylvania line. 

Judge Johnson was re-elected when his term expired, 
and twice afterwards, and thus held the office for twenty- 




■'■•■->''^>-,fi,„„„..'. &.-/•"" 




.!,^^] 






< 'I 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



69 



ve years. At the time of his death he was the senior 
istice of the Supreme Court of the State of New York, 
luring the latter part of his life, he was one of the justices 
esignated to hold the general term of the Supreme Court 
1 the fourth department. 

As a judge, no man of the past or present generation has 
een held in higher esteem for his integrity and judicial 
aility. His talents and character, which made him prom- 
icnt and successful at the bar, also gave him distinction 
nd honor on the bench. He received the honorary degree 
\' LL.D. from Hobart College, Geneva. 

He was a member of the Episcopal Church, of the tenets 
nd service of which he was an ardent advocate. At the 
me of his death, and for many years previous, he was a 
arden of Christ Church, Corning, and was the largest 
Dntributor to the erection of its present church edifice. 

He was, in an enlarged sense of the term, a friend of his 
illow-man, and was ever among the foremost in enterprises 
aving for their object the amelioration of human suffering, 
lenoe, at an early day, being duly impressed with the 
lisery and degradation resulting from habits of iutemper- 
ace, he became active in the cause, and was among the 
irliest advocates of the total abstinence pledge as the basis 
f temperance reforms. And during his long career of 
ublio life he maintained a strict and consistent adherence 
5 the principles and practice of his earlier manhood. 
Inergetic and faithful in business, benevolent of heart, 
onscientious in principle, and genial and courteous in man- 
er, he had but to form an acquaintance to secure a friend. 
le lived a life void of oifense to his .fellow-men, and died 
f a lingering and painful illness, lamented by all who knew 
im. He departed this life Dec. 5, 1872. 

Judge Johnson married Polly H. Birdsall, of Greene, 
Jhenango Co., N. Y., June 7, 1830. She died March 
1, 1865. Their children were Anna B., born Oct. 3, 
831, married John Maynard, of Corning, Dec. 4, 1856, 
he died Aug. 17, 1865) ; Adelaide, born March 21, 1835, 
darried Chas. H. Thomson, of Corning, Sept. 26, 1855 ; 
ilary Louise, born Feb. 8, 1840, married Hiram W. Bost- 
rick, now of Franklin, Pa., Dec. 27, 1865 ; and Lizzie E., 
lorn Oct. 21, 1845. 

For his second wife he married, Dec. 26, 1866, Mrs 
iarah W. Parker, daughter of Hon. Henry Welles, of Penn 
fan, who still survives him. They had one daughter, 
dargaret Welles, born Aug. 22, 1867. All his children 
.re still living. 

JOHN BALDWIN. 

Mr. Proctor, in his " Bench and Bar of New York," gives 
he following sketch of John Baldwin, who practiced law 
or some time at Hornellsville : 

" Tho name of this eccentric and able lawyer will not soon be for- 
;otten in the counties of Livingston, Allegany, and Steuben. His wit, 
lis humor, his withering sarcasm, have created a fund of anecdote 
.liuost ine.thaustible. If sometimes his wit descended to vulgarity — 
f occasionally lie wielded a tarnished weapon — we can excuse him, 
phen we remember thiit the native mould of his mind was above such 
icrvcrted use of his intellectual powers. His vulgarisms were like 
he rubbish and offal which sometimes surround the polished and 
lassie column, showing still the glory and grandeur of a cultivated 
irchiteeturo. 

"John Baldwin was born in Lebanon, Conn., and while very young 
ettled at Gonesoo, intending to make that place his permanent resi- 



dence. He had, on attaining his majority, received a competence from 
his father's estate, and tho advantages of a good education. Soon 
after settling at Genesco be entered the office of Samuel Miles Hop- 
kins, with whom he studied law, and after being admitted to the bar, 
commenced practice at Moscow, Livingston Co. Not long after he 
commeneed practice, by the failure of a brother whose paper he 
bad indorsed, he was stripped suddenly of all his earthly possessions 
and reduced to penury. He never again recovered his pecuniary 
standing. He remained at Moscow but a year or two after his misfor- 
tune, when he removed to Dansville, where, by his professional labors, 
he gained a fair practice and considerable notoriety for his witty say- 
ings and humorous speeches. While at Dansville his practice grad- 
ually extended into the counties of Allegany, Livingston, and Steuben. 
His good-humor, his never-failing fund of anecdotes, joined to his 
acknowledged professional ability, made him a favorite with his legal 
brethren and with the people. At this time the income from his pro- 
fession rendered him independent, but ho did not possess the faculty for 
accumulation. 

" In 1S35 he removed to Hornellsville and formed a partnership with 
the late Hon. William M. Hawley. This connection in business was 
attended by flattering circumstances, and gave Mr. Baldwin a grati- 
fying assurance of the confidence he had inspired. After his business 
relations with Judge Hawley were dissolve<l ho continued to practice 
at Hornellsville till 1842, when he removed to Almond, at which place 
he resided till his death, in 1843." 

A few anecdotes will serve to illustrate some of the pe- 
culiarities of this very eccentric man : 

** During his practice in Hornellsville he was called upon to try a 
very important case before a magistrate in the town of Birdsall, Alle- 
gany Co. The plaintiff in the suit was the great man of the place, 
and Baldwin very soon discovered that the magistrate was one of those 
truckling sycophants over whom wealth and station exert an almost 
unbounded influence ; and being disgusted with his evident perversion 
of justice, he poured out upon him the bitterest anathemas. Probably 
never before or since has a magistrate been subjected to such a terri- 
ble excoriation by a member of the bar. We shall omit a part of the 
conversation, giving only enough to show the spirit of the encounter. 
When he had finished, the lawyer on the other side arose and informed 
the court that it was his duty to immediately commit Mr. Baldwin 
for contempt, 'for,' said he, 'unless you do this, all respect for you 
as a magistrate will be at an end.' 

" ' Talk about respect for that thing !' thundered Baldwin, point- 
ing to the magistrate ; * why, he acts more like a magpie peeping into 
a marrow-bone than a magistrate trj'ing a lawsuit; the deeper he can 
get his head into a hole the better he feels.' 

" This sealed the doom of the irate lawyer, and the magistrate in- 
formed him that he should commit him to the jail at Angelica for 
twenty days for a contempt. 

" ' For a contempt upon whom ?' asked the lawyer. 
" ' Why, upon me,* said the justice. 

" ' A contempt upon you ? Tho thing is impossible ; the most con- 
temptible thing in the universe is respectable compared with you ! 
You are the dirty catspaw of the plaintiff' here, — a burlesque upon 
justice !' 

"The justice proceeded in earnest to draw up tho papers to have 
Baldwin committed, and as they were approaching completion and 
opened upon the table to receive the signature of the court, Baldwin 
suddenly seized a large inkstand, nearly full of ink, and turned its 
contents over the dreaded instrument. In a moment — in the twink- 
ling of an eye — it became a sheet of inky blackness, with every letter 
obliterated. He then mounted his horse, and started for home across 
the county line; but being on a poor and lame horse, he was over- 
taken before he reached the point of safety by the constable and his 
assistant with a new warrant which had been hastily made out. In 
vain he urged his jaded steed ; to be overtaken he saw was inevitable, 
but his fertile mind soon devised another metborl of escape. AVheel- 
ing his horse suddenly, he faced his approaching enemies. As they 
rode up he sternly demanded what they wanted. 

"'You are my prisoner,' replied the constable, 'and must go with 

me to Angelica,' and he attempted to make the arrest. 

" ' Stand off,' said Baldwin, ' or I'll blow you through !' 

"At the same time he drew from his pocket one of those old-fashioned 

brass inkstand-cases used in those days, and presented it to the breast 

of the ofiioer. The polished surface of the inkstand flashed in the 



70 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



moonbeams like the bright barrel of a pistol, anti had a most murder- 
ous look. The constable and his assistants started back appalled at 
the hostile attitude of the lawyer, the former crying out, 'Oh, don't 
point that this way; it may go off; take care!" 

" ' Leave me, you villains, or, by the hcaven.s above us, I'll send a 
bullet through the very heart of some of you! Leave, I say !' And 
ho gave the inkstand a shake which caused it to click like the cock- 
ing of a pistol. 

"This was enough. The next moment his pursuers were galloping 
homeward a* fast as their horses could carry them; and Baldwin 
went quietly home, thinking, as he afterwards said, that his protect- 
ing genius had assumed the shape of an inkstand. 

"Baldwin was afterwards indicted in the county of Allegany for a 
very bitter and, as was charged, libelous letter, concerning this same 
magistrate. The letter was very lengthy, and written in such a man- 
ner that portions of it only could be read by any persons except the 
writer of it. In drawing the indictment the district attorney attached 
the letter itself as part of the instrument. When the offender was 
brought before the court he was required to plead to the charges. 

" * Before entering my pleas, I ask for the reading of the indict- 
ment,' said he. 

" In those days a prisoner could demand the reading of the whole 
indictment found against him, and in this case the court directed it 
to be read. The district attorney commenced. While reading the 
usual or formal part of it he did very well, but when he attempted to 
read the letter itself he soon came to a full stop — studied awhile upon 
it, and commenced again. After stumbling through a few sentences 
he was obliged to stop again. Turning to Baldwin, he asked if ho 
would not have the politeness to waive the reading of the letter. The 
latter declined and the attorney made one more attempt to read, but 
soon came to another full stop. 

" * Will you not read that horrid, ill-spelled, illiterate, and abusive 
letter, Mr. Bahlwin ?' asked the attorney for the people. 

"*No, sir; the letter is very legible — very indeed. If the good 
people of Allegany County have seen fit to elect a district attorney 
that don't know enough to read writing, why, I shall not help him 
along,' said the prisoner. 

" The official then losing all patience, began in a strain of denunci- 
atory eloquence to abuse Baldwin, and concluded by saying that ' the 
annals of crime did not present such an awful, willful, and terrible 
defamer of human character as John Baldwin, the prisoner at the 
bar.' 

" As he closed this speech ho took a drink ot water from a tumbler 
that was standing on the table before him. Baldwin, with great 
gravity, addressed the court as follows: 

" * May it please the court, in all the records of the past which I 
have been able to consult, I have never until this moment seen or 
heard of a wind-mill going hy water ' 

" Peals and roars of laughter, even cheers, went up from all parts of 
the court-room, and for once the vulnerable and brazen-faced district 
attorney was silent, stricken through by the prisoner's reply to his 
speech. 

" After silence was restored, Baldwin again demanded the reading of 
the indictment. His opponent declared that it could not be read. 

" ' Then, if the court please, I ask that it may be quashed,' said the 
prisoner. 

" After a few moments' consultation, the court directed that it should 
bo quashed, and Baldwin walked from the prisoner's box into the bar 
amid the congratulation of his friends. 

" Mr. Baldwin was a thoroughly honest man, and never would con- 
sent that a case in his hands should be carried by dishonesty or per- 
jury. Once he turned a profitable client out of his office for saying 
that he could prove anything that Baldwin wished to establish on the 
trial of a certain cause which the latter was conducting for him." 

HON. DAVID RUMSEY. 

Hon. David Rumsey, who, at this writing, is one of the 
justices of the Supreme Court of New York, was born in 
Salem, Washington Co., N. Y., on the 25th of December, 
1810. His father, David Rumsey, Sr., born April 17, 
1779, was a printer by occupation, and, with Messrs. Dodd 
& Stevenson, of Salem, established the Washington County 
Fost^ one of the earliest newspapers published in that sec- 



tion of the State. In 1815 he removed with his family to 
what is now the town of Howard, in this county, where he 
followed farming till the year 1816, when he removed to 
Bath and published the third new.spaper issued in that 
village, Tlie Farmers Gazette. About a year afterwards 
he removed to Auburn and became one of the publishers 
of the Cayuga Fatriot, with which he was connected for 
several years. At the expiration of this time he returned 
to Bath, and on the 17th of April, 1828, issued the first 
number of the Steuhen Messenger, whicli was published by 
him and his successors, Samuel M. Eddie, William P. 
Angel, and Charles Adams, till 1834, when its name was 
changed to The Coiisiiiutioiialist, and in 184-t to the Steu- 
ben Democrat, and its publication continued till 1852. 
David Rumsey, Sr., resided in Bath till the time of his 
death, which occurred on March 17, 1852. He was an 
active, public-spirited man, frequently serving his town, 
village, and .school district in various responsible capacities, 
and four years as clerk of the county, to which office he 
was elected in the fall of 1829. 

David Rumsey, the subject of this notice, was brought 
to Bath by his parents at the age of six years. On their 
removal to Auburn he was taken to reside in that city, 
where he enjoyed for several years the advantages of its 
excellent schools. As a boy, he possessed an active and 
vigorous intellect ; his faculties were of that order which 
led him early to acquire habits of close and careful investi- 
gation, and even in boyhood he enjoyed the labor of sifting 
truth from falsehood, in the tangled and complicated sub- 
jects presented to his mind, with a zest which has only been 
heightened in the more abstruse and complex problems 
which have engaged his professional attention. 

He began the study of law at the age of nineteen, in the 
office of Hon. Henry Welles, late justice of the Supreme 
Court, then a resident of Bath, and was admitted to the 
bar in the year 1831. His practice in this village, and in 
a large number of adjacent counties, where his services 
have been retained in important suits, has covered a period 
of almost half a century, including his career during the 
past five years on the bench of the Supreme Court. 

In 1832 he formed a law partnership with Hon. William 
Woods, of Bath, which relation existed till the death of 
Mr. Woods, on the 7th of August,- 1837. Mr. Rumsey 
then practiced by himself about four years. In 1842 he 
entered into partnership with his brother-in-law, Hon. 
Robert Van Valkcnburgh, now one of the justices of the 
Supreme Court of Florida, who studied law in his office. 
This partnership continued until Mr. Van Valkenburgh 
was appointed minister to Japan in 1865. 

Prior to Judge Rumsey's career in Congress, he discharged 
for four years the duties of surrogate of Steuben County, 
to which office he was appointed by Governor Seward, in 
1840. 

In 1846 he was elected to Congress for the first time, 
and discharged so acceptably the duties of a representative 
that he was put in nomination again, and re-elected in 1848. 
He served during the sessions of the Thirtieth and Thirty- 
first Congresses, holding a responsible position as member of 
the Committee on Private Fund Claims during both sessions. 

In 1867 he was elected a delegate to the Constitutional 




"'~ «>• J-OTr^«- Sari"— 




>^^^^^ 




y 



HISTOKY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



71 



}oDvention, and while in that body was a member of the 
Committee on the Powers and Duties of the Legislature. 
u 1872 he was appointed by Governor Hoffman a member 
f the Commission to Propose Amendments to the Cousti- 
ution of the State. 

On the 7th of January, 1873, he was appointed by Gov- 
rnor Dix one of the justices of the Supreme Court, to fill 
he vacancy caused by the death of the late Hon. Thoraa.s 
L Johnson, in the Seventh Judicial District, embracing 
'ayuga, Livingston, Monroe, Ontario, Seneca, Wayne, Yates, 
nd Steuben Counties. In November, 1873, he was elected 
y the people to fill the same exalted and honorable position 
ar a term of fourteen years. But by reason of age his 
ime will expire Dec. 31, 1880. 

Judge Rumsey, as a member of the bar, lias had a long 
nd distinguished practice. He has been engaged in many 
f the most difficult and laborious cases tried in the Su- 
reme Court and Court of Appeals, and has a reputation 
3r integrity, fidelity to the interest of his clients, indefati- 
;able labor, and legal acumen second to no other lawyer in 
his section of the State. Many interesting and important 
ases in which he has participated might be cited had we 
pace for them and did it comport with the wishes of Judge 
lumsey to have them inserted in a sketch for publication. 

As a justice of the Supreme Court, his rulings and de- 
isions are characterized by eminent impartiality, and his 
emeanor by that courtesy which always renders his inter- 
ourse with men agreeable. 

Judge Rumsey married, in 1841, Jane E., daughter of 
Ion. Anthony Brown, of Ogdensburgh, N. Y., and has 
iiree children. His only son. Col. William Rumsey, 
erved through the late war, and is his flither's successor 
1 a large law j)ractice at Bath. 

HON. EDWARD HOWELL. 

Edward Howell was born in Nowburg, Orange Co., N. Y., 
)ct. IG, 1792, at which place and in the city of New York 
is early years were passed. In his boyhood he made several 
oyages to sea on board of a ship of which his father was 
laster. In 1808, he came to Sidney, Delaware Co., and 
t the age of seventeen was employed as a teacher in Una- 
ilia. He came to the town of Bath in the spring of 1811, 
nd was employed in farming, teaching school, and mer- 
hanJi.se till 1816, when he commenced the study of law 
fith Gen. Daniel Cruger, of Bath. In 1818 he was ap- 
ointed county clerk, and soon after postmaster of the vil- 
ige of Bath. In 1823 he was admitted as an attorney in 
he Supreme Court and solicitor in Chancery, and three 
ears later as counselor in these courts. In 1829 he was 
ppointed district attorney, and was elected to the Assembly 
a 1832. In 1833 he was elected to Congress, when he re- 
igned the oflBce of district attorney, to which he was re- 
ppointed in June, 1836. He was soon after appointed a 
Supreme Court commissioner. 

Mr. Howell for many years stood at the head of his pro- 
ession in this section of the State. During the time he 
ras in practice seventeen young men entered his office as 
tuJents-at-law, at difierent times within a period of about 
wenty years. 

To his great abilities and profound knowledge of the law 



Mr. Howell added a wide range of information, and a con- 
scientious fidelity in the discharge of his duties which 
commanded the respect and regard of all who knew him. 
He died Jan. 30, 1871, aged seventy-nine years. 

WILLIAM HOWELL, ESQ. 

William Howell, Esq., brother of Edward Howell, is 
still in the practice of his profession at Bath, where he has 
continued the same since 1830, a period of forty-nine years. 
He is now the oldest lawyer in Steuben County. He was 
born in Newburg, N. Y., Oct. 3, 1804. His father died in 
Unadilla, N. Y., and in 1811 his mother moved with the 
family to the Conhocton Valley, about a mile above Kanona, 
in the town of Bath. He came to the village in 1827, and 
commenced the study of law in the oflSce of Gen. Daniel 
Cruger. In 1830 he was admitted to practice in the Court 
of Common Pleas, and as attorney in the Supreme Court 
and solicitor in the Court of Chancery in 1833. 

HON. ROBERT CAMPBELL. 

One of the distinguished members of the Steuben County 
bar, as well as an incumbent of the second ofiicial position 
in the gift of the people of the State, was Hon. Robert 
Campbell, son of Robert Campbell, Sr., who was one of the 
first settlers of Bath, and second to no other citizen in point 
of honor and integrity. An old acquaintance, speaking of 
the senior Mr. Campbell, says, " He was one of Nature's 
noblemen, — kind, genial, honest, and true." His son, 
Robert, was born in Bath, in the month of May, 1808. 
After a preparatory course of study, he spent some time at 
Hobart College, Geneva, and in 1826 commenced the study 
of law in the office of Cruger & Howell, then the leading 
law firm in Steuben County. He was admitted to practice 
in 1829, and immediately opened an office in copartnership 
with W. T. Worden, Esq., at Auburn, N. Y. In a year 
or two he returned to Bath and entered into practice with 
Gen. Cruger, under the firm-name of Cruger & Campbell. 
Subsequently he formed a partnership with Hon. Samuel 
H. Hammond. He was a scholarly, laborious, conscientious, 
and successful lawyer, and attained a large and lucrative prac- 
tice. His devotion to his profession induced him for many 
years to decline political preferment. In 1842 he refused to 
accept the nomination for senator, which was tendered him 
by the Democratic Senatorial Convention. But in 1844 he 
was a member of the Democratic National Convention which 
nominated James K. Polk for the Presidency. The Legis- 
lature, in 1846, elected him a member of the Board of 
Regents of the State University, and he held the office at 
the time of his death. Also in 1846 he was elected a 
delegate to the Constitutional Convention, and did efficient 
service in that important body. He was twice in succession 
elected lieutenant-governor of New York, — in 1858 and in 
1860, — and presided over the deliberations of the Senate 
with great dignity and ability. As a member of the Canal 
Board, and indeed in all his official relations, he discharged 
his duty with singular fidelity and conscientious devotion to 
the public welfare. 

As a member of the bar he attained an honorable posi- 
tion. Though he never had the reputation of an eloquent 
advocate, — a gift which is often the result of rhetorical 



72 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY. NEW YORK. 



fluency more than of a knowledge of the law, — he was a 
lawyer who prepared his briefs with great care, and who 
could urge his arguments before a court or a jury with great 
clearness and cogency. He was very systematic and labo- 
rious in his business habits, and a gentleman of courteous 
manners and a kindly and generous disposition. 

HON. WILLIAM WOODS. 

Hon. William Woods was one of the early and prominent 
lawyers of Bath. He was a native of Washington County, 
and studied law with Hon. Samuel Nelson, late justice of 
the Supreme Court of the United States, who married his 
niece. He did a very large legal business, and was one of 
the most popular men of his time. He was a member of 
the Legislature in 1823 and 1828, a member of Congress 



passage, and Mr. Rochester with a large number of pas- 
sengers was drowned. 

HON. DAVID M'^MASTER. 

Mr. McMaster was born in Unadilla, Otsego, N. Y., on 
the 21st of April, 1804. He is a graduate of Hamilton 
College, in the class of 1826. He began the same year 
the study of law at Norwich, Chenango Co., and in the 
fall of that year came to Bath, and continued his legal 
studies with Hon. William Woods, and was admitted in 
1827. His first practice was in Bath, in 1827, in part- 
nership with Hon. Henry W. Rogers, and, with the ex- 
ception of one year in Clyde, Wayne Co. (1828-29), he 
practiced continuously in this village till 1847, a portion 
of the time in partnership with Ziba A. Leland and L. H. 
Read, both since deceased. 




'-^Mmiimm^^r. 



J). ^UJiyU^^'^-^^ 



from 1823 to 1825, and surrogate of the county from 1827 
to 1835. 

HON. WILLIAM B. ROCHESTER. 

This distinguished member of the early bench and bar 
of this county was a native of Maryland. He read law in 
the oflBce of Gen. S. S. Haight, at Bath, where he practiced 
some time, and at one time in partnership with Hon. Wil- 
liam Woods. He was elected a member of the Eighteenth 
Congress in 1822, was a representative on the part of the 
United States in the Congress of the American States at 
Panama, and in 1823 was appointed one of the circuit 
judges of this State for the Eighth Judicial Circuit. He 
subsequently removed to Buffalo, N. Y., where he was for 
many years president of the Branch Bank of the United 
States in that city. His health failing, he started to spend 
a winter in Florida, for the benefit of that climate, on 
board the steamer Pidaski. The vessel was wrecked on its 



Under the new constitution, in June, 1847, Mr. Mc- 
Master was elected county judge and surrogate of Steuben 
County, which offices he filled in a manner creditable to 
himself and his constituents. In 1856 he was re-elected 
to both offices for a term of four years, and discharged the 
duties of the same with that care and fidelity characteristic 
of him both as a lawyer and a judge. Few men, either in 
their professional or official duties, have gained or retained 
the esteem and confidence of their fellow-citizens in a higher 
degree than has Judge McMaster. 

He was married, Feb. 13, 1828, to Miss Adeline A. 
Humphreys, daughter of the late Guy Humphreys, of 
Mareellus, N. Y., who died Oct. 7, 1841. By this mar- 
riage he has two children living. 

On February 22, 1843, he married, for his second wife, 
Mary, daughter of the late Hon. George C. Edwards, of 
Bath. Of the children by this marriage six are living. 




1 

1 



HON. GEORGE T. SPENCER. 



Hon. Geo. T. Spencer is a lineal descendant of the 
sixth generation from Jared Spencer, who emigrated to 
America about 1634, and settled first at Cambridge, 
Mass., then called Newtown ; subsequently at Lynn, 
Mass. ; afterwards at Hartford ; and was at Haddam, 
€onn., in 1662, where he died in 1685. 

His son Thomas migrated to the town of Saybrook, 
Conn., about 1679, where the family remained, and where 
Judge George T. Spencer was born, Nov. 6, 1814. 

His father, George Spencer, was a manufacturer of 
ivory combs, piano-keys, etc., and wa.s among the earliest 
manufacturers in this country of that class of goods. 

He marriwl Julia Pratt, of Saybrook, who was a de- 
scendant of Rev. William Pratt, of Baldock, Hertford- 
shire, England, through William Pratt, the emigrant of 
1633, who was among the early settlers of Saybrook in 
1645, known as Lieutenant William Pratt. Of this 
union were born two sons and three daughtere, of wliom 
Judge Sjiencer was eldest. His father died at the age 
of ninety-one, July 24, 1877. His mother died March, 
1845, at the age of fifty-nine. 

Judge Spencer received his preliminary education at 
the common sciiool, at Lees Academy, Connecticut, and 
at Amherst Academy, Massachusetts. 



In 1833 he entered Yale College, from which he was 
graduated in the class of 1837, with classmates William 
M. Evarts, Secretary of State ; Morrison R. Waite, 
Chief Justice of the United States; and Edward Pierre- 
pont, late Minister to the Court of St. James. 

In 1839 he entered the law office of Governor Ells- 
worth, at Hartford, Conn., and subsequently was a stu- 
dent with John G. Forbes, of Syracuse, N. Y., and was 
admitted to the bar in July, 1841. 

In August of the same year he began the practice of 
the law in Corning, where he has remained continuously 
until the present time. 

He was formerly a Whig, but became a member of 
the Republican party upon its formation. 

In 1857 he was a member of the Legislature of the 
State, and served upon the committee on the judiciary. 

In 1867 he was a member of the Constitutional Con- 
vention, and from 1872 to 1876, inclusive, judge of 
Steuben County. 

In the year 1842 he married Harriet, daughter of Ira 
Stacy, of Belchertown, Mass. Their children are George 
Spencer, of St. Cloud, Minn. ; Mrs. Horace N. Pond, of 
Boston, Mass. ; Mrs. Rev. Albert W. Hubbard, of Sivas, 
Turkey ; Betsey ; Clarissa ; and Hugh. 




I ,/' W* ' ;|, 




JUDGE WILLIAM M. HAWLEY. 



SVith the eminent lawyer whose name stands at the head of this sketch is aasoci- 
■d much of the history of Steuben County and Wester-i New York, while the record 
self-mnde men presentB few higlier triumphs of unassisted energy and exertion 
in is exhibited in his life, for he was in every sense the architect of his own f<ir- 
le. It has lieen truthfully said that those who, in the commencement of life are 
npelled to struggle with difficulties, determint^d to overcome them, have the key 
success in their bands. 

fudge Hawley entered the battle of life, cnrapelled to contend with herculean diffi- 
I ties, and when, like Antifus.he was sometimes obliged to touch the earth, he sprang 
iin to the contest with renewed t^ner-^ies, which at len^^th gave him the victory. 
Ho was born in the county of Delaware, N. Y., Feb. i:i, 18U2. His father was one 
the early settlers of that county, a farmer by occupation. His means were limited, 
d he could afford his children but few advuDtai];es for education. 
Ifoung Hawley vury early evinced a desire for knowle<lge, and the few advantages 
thin his reach wer«' eagerly seized by him and turned to best account. 
While very young a fiiend of his father lent him " Plutarch's Lives," which he 
id not only with avidity, but understandingly, and through his whole life that 
falbiographiT continued to be bis favorite author among the ancient writers. So 
;entive was his meini»ry, that once reading a work he could repeat verbatim large 
rtious of its contents. Hin memory was truly remarkable. 

He early conceived the thon;^ht that hi' should one day become a lawyer, and ibis 
;a was the theme of his ambition, the controlling motive of his life. Uiton ri*aA:h- 
5 his majority, with no fortune except strong hands, a vigorous constitutiou, the 
mtal acquirements which he jKjssessed, and a determined purpose, be removed to 
mond, Allegany Co., purchased a piece of uncultivated land on credit, and at once 
mmeiiced the work of clearing it for tillage. His intelligence an<l business capacity 
tre mum manifested, and he inmiedi:ttely to<jk a respectable jwsition among the 
i^ple i>f Almond. In the spring of 1X24 he was elected one of the constables of 
ni town. At this time inipriaonnicnt for debt had not been abolished, and this 
ic of barbarism greatly enhaiu'ed the duties and re»iiM)nsildlitie8 of conslalilea. 

tlie discharge of his official duties be was often one -jf the attending constables 
the van. 'uscnurta held m Aiigclirti. Although Alb-gany C>ounty was remote from 
e more culiivKted portions of tlie State, yet its courts were graced by the most 
irned and able judges and advocates of that day, Nothini; occurred which escaped 
* notire; the I^gal contests of these gifted advociites wer.- watched by Mr. Hawley 
th intense interest, and when the law was pronounced by those profound judges 

heard and garnered up all that fell from their lips. 

During the first term of court whirh he attended at Angelica he entered his name 
a law student in the office of the late George Miles, then a leading member of the 
legany bar. As his means did not admit of his devoting his entire time to the 
3ce, he pursued his studies at home when relieved from other duties. Thus he 
ntinuf'd for two years. Declining the office of constjible. he commenced practice 

justices' courts, in the mean time continuing his legal studies. A distinguished 
wyer, who in those days often met him in justices' courts, remarked that Hawley 
led a c;i3e before a justice with altility sufficient to distinguiah in any court. His 
uses were conducted with clignity, propriety, skill, and beaming. 
Indue time Mr. Hawley completed his law studies, and pjissed in a credit;ible man- 
<r a thorougli examination, was admitted to the bar, and at once opened an office 

Almond. Such bad been hi^ reputation liefore his admission that he Was soou in 
e midst of a practice of considerable imiKirtance. In the fall of ISIiV he was in- 
iced to make Hornellpville his future residence, where he soon took a high position 
long the distinguished lawyers by whom he was surrounded, and controlled a large 
id lucrative practice. One of his earliest business relations wiis a partnership with 
e late John Baldwin, whose legal abilities and keen wit distinguished him through- 



out Western New York. This partnership continued only about one year when it 
wa.s dissolved. In January, 1846, he wa-s appointed liy Governor Silas Wright first 
Judge of Steuben County. Many years previous Governor Wright had met him and 
formed his acquaintance, and regarding him as a higb-niinded, honorable, and able 
lawyer, he tendered him this position as a mark of his esteem and confidence. 

He held tliis office for a little over one year, when Hf)n. David McMaater took his 
place by election, and he was elected to the Senate from the Twenty-fifth Senatorial 
District of the 8tate, and wjis honored with the second position on the committee of 
ways and means, while his name appeared on other important Senate committees 
during his term. 

On the mth of February, 1848, he delivered a speech in the Senate on certain resolu- 
tions instructing the senators and representitives in Congress from this State to vote 
for the prohibition of slavery in New Mexico, whose entrance into the Union was 
then anticipated. This speech ailded much to his reputation ; it waacalra, direct, and 
statesmanlike. It was regarded as one of the ablest delivered in the Senate during 
that winter. 

Judge Hawley was a delegate from this State to the Democratic National Conven- 
tion which iwsembled al Baltimore on the 22d of May, 1848, at which two delegations 
from tlie State of New York pre.sented themselves for admission ; one of which was 
known as the Free-Soil, lladical, or Barnburner delegation, under the guide of the 
late Samuel Young, and th^t of the Conservatives or Hunkers, who were under the 
lead of Daniel S. Dickinson. He identified himself with the former. 

This convention culminated in a National Convention held at Buffalo, Aug. 9, 1848, 
to which Judge Hawley was also a delegate, and entered ardently into all ita pro- 
ceedings, and in which Martin Van Buron was nominated for President, and Charles 
Francis Adams for Vice-President. 

He wa-s one of the committee who introduced those resolutions whose essential 
elements were afterwards adoptetl by the Bepiibliciin party. On the iutrodnctiou of 
those resolutions he delivered a speech, the very sentiments of which in after-years 
he reiterated in a Republican State C'«>nvention. 

After retiring from the Senate, Judge Hawley n^ver again sought for official posi- 
tions, but confined himself exclusively to his profession, and although fortunate in 
his financial matters, he cj)ntinued to practice until within a short period of his death, 
wliich occurred Feb. 9, 18f>9. 

As late ajH 1868, September, at the Steuben circuit held at Corning, he appeared and 
conducted a very important divorce case, and there appeared no diminution in his 
fine mental powei-s, and he stood at the bar, aa he had for years, an able and powerful 
competitor, though his health had been for some time declining. Few lawyers were 
more perfect in their preparation of a case for trial or argument than he. His papers 
always exhibited a brief philosophic statement of legally deducted facts, what a cor- 
rect system of pleading demands. 

As a friend he was sincere andundeviating; unpretending and easy in his manners, 
with pleasant, even fine conversational powt-rs, he was an atti*active companion. 
There was a seeming humor in his manner that drew the young as well as the old 
to him, and which disgnis-'d his faults. As a speaker he was calm, temperate, and 
logical ; he knew bow to enliven a dry theme with a proper play of the imagination, 
and thus give relief to the fatigue of cbtse attention. In the argument of a purely 
legal question, at special or general term, he avoided all florid language, and sought 
perspicuity and preciseness of expression. 

Ah a citizen he was public-spirited, sedulous to advance the interests of the com- 
munity in which he lived, and reaaonably active in all projects of public improve- 
ment. Some years previous to his decewe he unitwl with the Episcopal Church at 
Hornellsville. In his domestic relations he was a kind husband aud indulgent and 
liberal father. 



Ill 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



73 



HON. JOSEPH G. MASTEN. 

Hon. Joseph G. Hasten was a son-in-law of Dugald 
Cameron, and a lawyer who attained to considerable dis- 
tinction. He came to Bath about 1832, was admitted to 
the Common Pleas, and practiced in partnership with Henr^' 
W. Rogers. About 1836 he and Rogers removed to Buffalo, 
where he afterwards became mayor of that city and justice 
of the Superior Court. He was also a member of the Con- 
stitutional Convention of 1867. He died in Buffalo about 
1872. 

HENRY W. ROGERS, ESQ., 

came to Bath from Sidney Plains, N. Y., about 1827. He 
taught school, read law with Hon. Henry Welles, and be- 
came a partner with Hon. David McMastor, with whom he 
practiced for some considerable time. He then formed a 
partnership with Mr. Hasten, and both practiced together 
till they removed to' Buffalo. Mr. Rogers now resides at 
Ann Arbor, 3Iich. During his residence in Buffalo he 
was collector of that port, and was also prosecuting attor- 
ney, acting in the famous Ratlibun case. 

VINCENT M. CORYELL. 

Vincent M. Coryell was admitted to the practice of law 
in Bath in 1822, and was for a short time a partner of 
Judge Welles. He subsequently became a Methodist cler- 
gyman. Mr. Coryell was a son-in-law of Dugald Cameron. 

SCHirYLER S. STRONG, ESQ. 

Schuyler S. Strong, Esq., came to Steuben from Orange 
Co., N. Y. In December, 1822, he formed a partnership 
with Hon. William Woods, and in 1824 became associated 
in practice with Hon. Edward Howell. He took a leading 
part in the trial of Robert Douglas for murder at Bath in 
1825. Some years later he removed to Springfield, III., 
where he died in 1843. He was a son-in-law of Gen. 
Daniel Cruger, and Mrs. Strong is still living at Bath. 

AN.SON GiBBS, Esq., was also a practicing attorney at 
Bath in 1820 and 1821. He removed to Ellicottville, 
where he was prominent as an attorney. 

John Cook, Esq., was also an attorney at Bath for 
many years, and died there. He followed Daniel Cruger 
as district attorney, being appointed Feb. 19, 1821. 

HON. S. H. HAMMOND. 

Hon. Samuel H. Hammond, who, for a time, was partner 
with Mr. Campbell, was a man of very different mould and 
temperament. Though gifted with rare powers he disliked 
the routine and drudgery of a law-ofiBce, and books of 
reference were his abhorience. The scenes of nature, the 
wild solitudes of mountain and glen, the sports of hunting 
and fishing, were, on the contrary, his delight, and he often 
found them so tempting a pastime as to seriously interfere 
with anything like systematic attention to professional duties. 
He was at times, and, it may be said, generally, eloquent as 
an advocate, and was a graphic and rhetorical writer. He 
was from temperament and habit better adapted to journal- 
ism than to the law, and in the former sphere he is best 
known and will be longest remembered. He wrote many 
beautiful and tender things both in prose and poetry, which 
IQ 



those who knew him best love to cherish as mementos of 
his genius. 

Mr. Hammond was a son of Lazarus Hammond, the 
founder of Hammondsport. He was educated at Franklin 
Academy, Prattsburgh. He began the study of law with 
Gen. S. S. Haight, at Angelica, and finished in the office 
of Cruger & Howell, at Bath. He was admitted in 1831. 
After practicing for a time at Baldwinsville, N. Y., he re- 
turned to Bath, and, in 183G, formed a partnership with 
Hon. Robert Campbell, which lasted till 1842. The year 
following he opened practice in Albany, and was there 
elected district attorney. In 1853 he commenced editing 
the Albany Register, and closed his connection with that 
paper in 1856. He afterwards practiced law in company 
with Hon. William Irvine, of Corning, and in November, 
1857, became a partner of A. P. Ferris, Esq., at Bath. In 
1859 he was elected to the Senate from this senatorial dis- 
trict. In 1864 he removed to Watertown, N. Y., where 
he died in November, ly78. 

[For biographical .sketches of Hon. George B. Bradley, 
C. H. Thomson, PIsq., E. D. Hills, and others, see History 
of Corning.] 

HON. WASHINGTON BARNES. 
Hon. Washington Barnes was county judge of Steuben 
County from 1860 to 1864. He settled quite early at 
Painted Post; studied law with Thomas A. Johnson, of 
Corning, and was admitted to practice in 1836. He after- 
wards practiced law five years in company with Ansel J. 
HcCall, Esq., of Bath. He was a very earnest and conscien- 
tious man in all his dealings, strictly honest and entirely free 
from all the tricks aud subterfuges by which professional 
men and politicians of a different stamp too often seek 
emolument and influence. He died in Bath in 1868. 

HON. G. II. M^MASTER. 

Guy Humphries HcHaster was born in 1829 ; prepared 
for college at Franklin Academy, Prattsburgh., and in the 
select schools of Bath ; graduated at Hamilton College, New 
York, in the class of 1847 ; was admitted to the bar in 
1852; elected county judge in 1863; re-elected in 1867, 
and again in 1877. He wrote the " History of the Settle- 
ment of Steuben County" in 1850, while a student^at-law. 

ANSEL J. MrCALL, ESQ. 

Ansel J. McCall, Esq., has been a member of the Steu- 
ben bar and in continuous practice at Bath since 1842. 
He was born in the town of Painted Post (now Corning) 
Jan. 14, 1816. After a preparatory course at Franklin 
Academy, Prattsburgh, he entered Union College, and was 
graduated in the class of 1838. He commenced the study 
of law in company with Hon. David HcHaster, at Bath, and 
completed his clerkship in the office of Hammond & Camp- 
bell, being admitted, and entering into partnership with 
Washington Barnes, Esq., in 1842, with whom he con- 
tinued to practice for a period of five years. He subse- 
quently practiced several years in company with A. P. 
Ferris, Esq. In 1843 he was appointed by Governor 
Bouck surrogate of Steuben County, and held the office 
till the new constitution came in force, Jan. 1, 1847. 
JVJr. McCall is a veteran lawyer, and is not only well in- 



74 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



formed in liis profession, but upon all the topics of local 
and general interest. Few men in the county are more 
conversant with its men or have preserved more of its 
history than he. He is a very genial and companionable 
gentleman, and one of those persons who never seem to 
grow old. 

ALFRED p. FERRIS, ESQ. 

Alfred P. Ferris, Esq., was born in the town of Milo, 
Yates Co., on the 29th of November, 1818. He received 
an academical education at Franklin Academy, Prattsburgh, 
and came to Bath, Jan. 1, 18i0. He studied law with 
Hon. Z. A. Leland and S. H. Hammond, and was 
admitted in 1843. Mr. Ferris has practiced law in Bath 
ever since. At the .special election under the new consti- 
tution in June, 1847, he was elected district attorney, and 
held the ofiBce till Jan. 1, 1851. 

CHARLES F. KINGSLEY, ESQ. 

Charles F. Kingsley was boru in the town of Urbana, in 
this county, on the 29th of September, 1835. After re- 
ceiving a common-school education, he spent two years at 
the Genesee Wesleyan Seminary, at Lima, N. Y. Studied 
law and was admitted to practice in December, 1857. He 
commenced practice in Prattsburgh in 1858, and settled in 
Bath in 18G0, ivhere he has followed his profession ever 
since. 

HON. WILLIAM E. BONIIAM. 

Hon. William E. Bonham, now of Hornellsville, was 
born at Painted Post. Read law with Hon. Washington 
Barnes, at Bath, with whom be practiced for some time in 
part^er.^hip. In 18G4-G5 he was a member of the Legis- 
lature, in which he creditably represented the first district 
of Steuben County. He is a good lawyer, a man of integ- 
rity, and a genial, courteous gentleman. 

HON. L. H. READ, 

who formerly practiced in Bath, was a native of Steuben 
County. His grandparents were among the early settlers 
of that part of the town of Bath now included in Urbana. 
He studied law with Edward and William Howell, and 
began practice in Hammondsport. About 1839 he re- 
moved to Bath, and became a law partner of Hon. David 
McMaster. In 1850, President Fillmore appointed him 
Chief Justice of Utah, to which Territory he removed. 
After performing the judicial functions for one year, he 
resigned and returned to Bath, where he died in 1853 or 
1854. 

HON. ZIBA A. LELAND. 
Ziba A. Leland was a native of New England, and was 
educated at Williams College. He came to Bath about 
1822. He was eminently successful in the practice of his 
profession. In 1838 he was appointed Judge of the old 
Court of Conmion Pleas, as the successor of Judge Edwards, 
who died in November, 1837. Judge Leland removed from 
this county to Auburn, N. Y., where he became a law 
partner of Hon. George Rathbun. He died at Mechanics- 
ville, Saratoga Co., about 1873. 

HON. ANDREW G. CHATPIELD. 
Hon. Andrew G. Chatfield was for quite a number of 
years a practicing attorney at Addison, in this county. He 



was member of Assembly from this county in 1839, 1840, 
1841, and in 184G, and di.?trict attorney in 1845. He 
subsequently removed to Minnesota, where he became a 
justice of the United States District Court, and where he 
died not long .since full of honors. 

F. C. DiNiNNY, now a resident of Elmira, formerly 
practiced law in Addison. 

Hon. F. R. E. Cornell also commenced the practice of 
law in Addison. He removed to Minnesota, where he 
became attorney-general of the State, and is now one of the 
justices of the Supreme Court. 

HON. HARLO HAKES. 

Harlo Hakes was born in Harpersfield, Delaware Co., 
N. Y., Sept. 23, 1823. His father, Lyman Hakes, was a 
native of Berkshire Co., Mass., and settled in Harpersfield 
at about the age of twenty-two. He married soon after 
Nancy Dayton, a native of Connecticut. He was a man 
without early opportunities for book knowledge but po.s- 
sessed that native talent to be found often among the earlier 
settlers of the country. 

In after-life he became a careful observer of the events 
of his time, and a student of literature. He was by occu- 
pation a farmer, yet by his own self-exertion and reading 
he acquired a prominent place in the better-informed circles 
of society. 

He was identified with the Whig party in politics, and 
in the year 1841 received the appointment of judge of 
Delaware Co., N. Y., by the Hon. William H. Seward, at 
that time Governor of the State. 

He died at the age of eighty-five, in Harpersfield, in the 
year 1873, leaving three sons, Lyman, Harlo, and Harry, 
— the eldest, a lawyer of Wilkesbarre, Pa., from 1840 until 
his decease in 1874 ; the younger, a part of his life a mem- 
ber of the medical profession, but now a practicing attorney 
of Wilkesbarre, Pa., having associated with him in prac- 
tice his nephew, Lyman H. Bennett. 

His daughters are Mrs. Phineas L. Bennett, of Harpers- 
field, N. Y., and Mrs. Joseph G. MeCall, of Michigan. 

Mr. Harlo Hakes spent his time until about twenty-eight 
years of age on his father's farm, attending school winters 
until he was seventeen, and was for eight successive terms 
a teacher. In the year 1851 he entered the office of Rufus 
King, of Davenport, Delaware Co. (_now of Elmira), as a 
law student, where he remained nearly two years. He 
then became a student with Judge Harris, of Albany, and 
after attending one course of lectures at the Albany law 
school was admitted to the bar, 1853, and in May of the 
same year settled in Hornellsville, N. Y., where he has Ve- 
mained in the practice of his profession until the present 
time. 

In the year 1855, Mr. Hakes married Mary, youngest 
daughter of J. D. Chandler, of Hornellsville. Their chil- 
dren are M. Evelyn, Hattie V., and Carrie M. 

Mr. Hakes was chosen to represent his Assembly district 
in the State Legislature for the year 1856, and served on 
the judiciary committee during the term. In 1862 he was 
elected district attorney of the county, which office he held 




■'Cf SoHwJ Sarla.tr- . ^ 



W 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTr, NEW YORK. 



75 



for three years. During the year 1865 he associated with 
him in the law business James H. Stevens, Jr., a gentle- 
man of fine legal ability. This firm has enjoyed a very 
large law practice in this and surrounding counties during 
the term of partnership, which still continues. 

In the year 18G7, jMr. Hake.s was appointed registrar in 
bankruptcy for the Twenty-ninth Congressional District, 
comprising the counties of Allegany, Steuben, and Chemung, 
which office he now holds. He has been somewhat active 
in political circles, and interested in questions affecting the 
changes in our nation's history. He was originally a mem- 
ber of the Whig party, and was a delegate to the Baltimore 
Convention that nominated Bell and Everett for President 
and Vice-President, since which time he has been a sup- 
porter of the Republican party, and its representative of the 
Twenty-ninth Congressional District of New York ; was a 
member of the Cincinnati Convention in the year 1876 that 
made Hon. Rutherford B. Hayes the Republican nominee 
for the presidency of the United States. 

In addition to his professional and official duties he has 
been thoroughly identified with the growing interests of the 
village of Hornellsville, and largely interested in real estate. 

In 1873 he opened " Hakes Avenue," connecting Main 
and Genesee Streets, and donated it to the village, and since 
that time has pm'chased and improved that portion of the 
village known as " Riverside," and opened and graded the 
street called " Riverside Place," connecting Main with Elm 
Street, where he has built several substantial and elegant 
dwellings, which are classed with the finest in the town. 
Mr. Hakes has shown rare taste and mature judgment in 
the prosecution of the enterprise at " Riverside," and within 
a short space of time " Riverside Place" has become one 
of the most delightful and attractive places for private resi- 
dences to be found anywhere. Characteristic of Mr. Hakes 
are his unyielding support of the right, his constancy of 
purpose to accomplish successfully all matters intrusted to 
his hands, — either professional or simply of a business nature. 
His keen perception, sound judgment, strict integrity and 
fair dealing have secured to him a large measure of success 
and the confidence of the community. 

R. L. BRUNDAGE, ESQ. 

R. L. Brundage, Esq., settled in Hornellsville, as an 
attorney and counselor-at-law, in 1846. He was born in 
Sussex Co., N. J., in May, 1819. His parents came to 
this county and settled in Bath in 1824, removing to 
Greenwood in 1830. His fiither, Benjamin S. Brundage, 
was a member of the Constitutional Convention of 1846. 
Mr. Brundage commenced the study of law with Hon. 
John K. Hale, of Hornellsville, in 1840, and in 1846 was 
admitted to the Supreme Court and to Chancery. In 1852 
he was elected to the office of district attorney, and held 
the office three years. He continued in active practice 
until 1866, since which he has been employed as attorney 
and claim agent for the Erie Railway Company. 

HON. JOHN K. H.\LE, 

who was for twenty years or more at the head of the 
Hornellsville bar, was a native of the State of Maine. He 
first settled at Addison, in this county, and came to Hor- 



nellsville in 1836. In 1856-57 he was a member of the 
State Senate, and shortly afterwards removed to the West. 

THOMAS J. REYNOLDS, ESQ., 

for a time a member of the bar at Hornellsville, was one 
of its most original minds, and a man of great native 
talents, although of quite limited education. He settled at 
Hornellsville in 1819. For a while he practiced in part- 
nership with Hon. John K. Hale, and subsequently with 
Mr. Brundage. During the later years of his life he 
engaged successfully in farming and lumbering, and died 
quite wealthy in 1867. 

Hon. Horace Bemis was born in the State of Vermont. 
He read law in that State, and came to Hornellsville in 
1850. In 1851 he was admitted to tho bar, and has prac- 
ticed in Hornellsville ever since. He has taken a promi- 
nent part in politics. In 1863 and 1865, he represented 
the Third Assembly District of this county in the Legis- 
lature, and was chosen Presidential Elector on the Repub- 
lican ticket in 1868. 

Hon. Harlo Hakes (See biography and portrait in 
history of Hornellsvillej. 

James H. Stephens, Esq., a partner of Mr. Hakes, is 
a native of the town of Dansville, and was born in 1827. 
After finishing his academic education, he studied law at 
the National Law School, Ballston Spa, Saratoga Co., and 
with William T. Odell, and was admitted at Ballston, Jan. 
5, 1852. He settled in Hornellsville as a lawyer, in 1853, 
and has had a successful practice. 

I. W. Near, Esq , of the firm of Bonham, Near & 
Piatt, Hornellsville, was born in Jefferson Co., N. Y., in 
1835 ; studied law with Clarke & Colvin, of Watertown, 
and was admitted in 1858. He began practice in this 
county at Kanona, in 1859, and in 1865 removed to Hor- 
nellsville, where he has since practiced his profession. 

Hon. William Irvine, well known to the citizens and 
bar of this county, began the practice of law in Corning, 
about 1849. He was elected member of Congiess, and 
served during the years 1857-59. He was colonel of a 
regiment of cavalry during the late war, and was appointed 
adjutant-general in 1865. He now resides in California. 

Joseph Herron was a member of the bar of Corning 
from 1847 to 1856. He was elected district attorney in 
1854, and held the office two years. 

John Maynard, a son of the late Judge Maynard, of 
Auburn, came to Corning about 1850, where he practiced 
law till he died, in 1865. He was elected district attorney 
Nov. 7, 1856. 

Henry G. Cotton commenced the practice of law at 
Centreville, in the town of Corning, and subsequently re- 
moved to the villaiie, where he was a partner of Hon. 
Thomas A. Johnson, prior to 1841, at which date he re- 
moved to Illinois (see biography of Hon. Thomas A. John- 
son). 

John P. Shapley, Esq., succeeded Hon. Thomas A. 
Johnson in the practice of law at Corning, on the election 
of the latter as justice of the Supreme Court, in 1847. 
Mr. Shapley died about 1850. 

Henry Sherwood, Esq., was another member of tho 



76 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



county bar, residing in Corning from 1860 to 1870. Tie 
was ii member of the Legislature in 1862. Died in 1875. 

Alvin F. P.w.ve was a partner of Mr. Sherwood, 
firm of Slierwood & Payne, Corning. He coinnienced 
practice liere in 1863, and remained till 1868, wlien he 
removed to New York. He was a member of the Legis- 
lature from Long Island City in 1876. 

ClIAULES H. Berry, Esq., comracneed practice in 
Corning about 1850; remained till about 1855, when lie 
removed to Minnesota, where he has since been attorney- 
general. 

Hon. C. N. Waterman practiced law in Corning from 
1851 to 1853. He removed to Minn&sota, and became a 
judge of the Supreme Court of that State. The firm here 
was Berry & Waterman. Mr. Berry died in Minnesota. 

Isaac C. Heiuudon belonged to the bar of Corning 
about 1855. In 1861 he was appointed secretary to Hon. 
Andrew B. Dickinson, United States minister to Nicaragua. 
He is now dead. 

Some of the other members of the bar who practiced in 
Corning were as follows : 

George N. Middlebrook, 1850; remained about two 
years ; now resides in New York. 

William K. Logie, 1860 ; enlisted in 1861 ; killed in 
battle at the head of 141st Regiment, of which he was 
colonel. 

Azariah Longwell, 1864; firm of Longwell & 
Graves. 

George R. Graves, firm of Longwell & Graves, 1860- 
70 ; removed to Minnesota, where he died. 

Jacob H. Wolcott, 1870; removed to Utah in 1874. 



CHAPTER XVI. 

THE COUNTY PKESS. 
liATlI. 

Col. Williamson was directly connected with the in- 
troduction of the jjrinling-press into the Genesee country. 
The two first newspapers were established under his au- 
spices and patronage. Early in January, 1796, he procured 
from Northumberland, or Sunbury, Pa., a second-hand 
nevv-spaper-office, and enlisted as printers and publishers 
William Kensey and James Eddie. They issued the " Bath 
Gazette and Genesee Advertiser." This was the first news- 
paper published in Western New York. 

It is presumed that Mr. Kersey may have had a connec- 
tion with the paper, not as printer, but as one of Mr. 
Williamson's agents at Bath. He was a Friend, as would 
appear from his letters. In one of them, written to Col. 
Williamson at Albany, he speaks of having located some 
new .settlors, and at the same time asks for some new typo, 
urging that the type they had brought from Pennsylvania 
is "old and worn out." "We, on considering the case, 
conclude it is best to have a sufficient quantity of new type 
to complete the office, so that we may do bu.sincss in good 
fashion ; therefore, request that, in addition to the order by 
Capt. Coudry, thou may be pleased to send us as soon as 
may be, two hundred weight of small pica or bourgeois. 



We have some encouragement to pursue the business, but 
many of our patrons complain of the badness of the print, 
and that not without sufficient cause." Mr. Kersey was at 
the time one of the judges of Steuben County, and informs 
Col. Williamson that he and his associates had been " in- 
dicted by the grand jury for not holding an election at the 
Painted Post for a representative in Congress." 

The next newspaper established under the auspices of 
Col. Williamson was also in the year 1796, but a little later 
than the Bath Gazette. He induced Lucius Carey, who 
had been publishing a paper at Newburgh, to sell out and 
establish himself at Geneva. Mr. Carey forwarded his 
printing materials by water, and came himself with his 
household goods by land. On his arrival he wrote to Col. 
Williamson at Albany that he had ended a long and expen- 
sive journey, had arrived and found his house unfinished, 
and no room provided for his office. Says he, " lam now 
lying idle, and how long I shall I cannot say, only for the 
want of a room to work in. My house was to be done in 
July, and it is a mortifying reflection to me to have my 
parents hear that I must lay idle for the want of a house, 
when I had spoken so much in praise of the town, and 
been the means of a number coming to it since I was here 
in the winter." He says he almost repents of his bargain, 
yet " with the loan of one hundred dollars, he thinks he 
can get a paper out, and moving along, if he can get a 
room."' After a while his dwelling-house was finished, and 
a far better one it must have been than pioneer printers 
usually enjoy, lor the amount paid for it by Mr. Williamson 
was over two thousand dollars. In April, 1797, he brought 
out the first number of the ^^ Ontario Gazette and Genesee 
Advertiser." The paper was continued about a year and a 
half at Geneva, when it was removed to Canandaigua, and 
in 1802 sold, and its name changed to the " Western Re- 
pository and Genesee Advertiser." Mr. Carey died in 
Canandaigua in 1804. 

The large and long names of papers in those days was a 
common feature throughout the newly-settled regions of 
New York. They were designed to stretch out over a wide 
and sparsely-populated section, and bring in patronage 
and advertisements from all directions. Hence the names 
" Western Advertiser," " Genesee Advertiser," etc., so 
often attached to the names of the local places where the 
papers were published. It was a shrewd method of catering 
for patronage to a wide extent of country, but even then 
the pioneer papers obtained but a very meagre support, and 
many of them were short-lived ventures, which failed in a 
few months. Where they were sustained, it was generally 
at great sacrifice and long-continued struggles, if not to say 
privations, ou the part of the editors or publishers. Few 
men deserve more at the hands of the public than those 
who toiled long and arduously to establish good newspapers 
and printing-offices. 

The progress of these first papers was quite encouraging. 
Col. Williamson, in 1798, said: 

" The printer of the Ontario Gazette dispen,ses weekly 
not less than one thousand papers, and the printer of the 
Bath Gazette from four to five hundred." 

This was a good beginning, certainly, for papers not yet 
two years old, and in a country just beginning to be settled. 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



77 



TOE STEUBEN AND ALLEGHANY PATRIOT. 

This paper was the parent of the present Steuben 
Farmers' Advocate, and was established by Capt. Ben- 
jamin Smead, in the year 1816. The following letters of 
Mr. Smead to Gen, Cruger, who had been a member of the 
Legislature from Bath the two preceding years, and was 
that year Speaker of the House of Assembly, will explain 
the origin of this long-lived and successful newspaper, and 
through what difficulties it was originally established : 

"Ai.DANY, July 28, 1SI6. 
"Ho.v. Daniel Cuugeh, 

"Sin, — My residence in this city during the last session of the 
Legislature enabled me to learn your character, and influence in the 
Assembly, and in your county. You will doubtlcs? admit this circum- 
stance as an apology from a stranger. In addre?sing you upon a 
subject in which I am deeply and immediately intere^ted, I thought 
you would desire to learn who I am. I am a printer, and begun at an 
early age with a family, which has so rapidly increased that every 
effort of enterprise and industry has failed to furnish more than an 
ordinary subsistence. Four years I printed and edited a republican 
paper in Brattleboro', Vt. and five yours, another republican paper in 
Bennington. It is not delicate for me to say more of these papers 
than that they were always approved by the republicans j yet, even to 
this day, the stinted population of both M'indhain and Bennington 
counties cannot give the encouragement an industrious printer re- 
quires. In March, 1812, I quitted the latter place on receiving an 
appointment in the army ; and continued in the service of my country, 
with the command of a company in the 1 Ith U. S. Infy, till last July. 
The army being disban led, I then left it — and returning to the citi- 
zen's life, without much property, without a plan for settlement, and 
with a wife and six lovely children, have ever since been obliged to 
work as a journeyman, for a pittance to support them. Having often 
marched through nearly the whole extent of the northern section of 
this slate, 1 became attached to habits and manners of the people, and 
resolved to settle among them for life. In conversations with my 
friends, it has been stated that Watertown, Jefferson Co., and Bath, 
Steuben Co., both offer liberal encouragements to a printer. I am 
most desirous to establish in Bath, and earnestly solicit your assist- 
ance. My pecuniary circumstances are low, but retaining much of 
the vigor of youth, with my eldest son, who is a printer, I could edit 
and print a respectable paper. To embark in such an enterprise, at 
such a distance, I want the loan of 5 or 600 dollars three years with- 
out interest, office-room one year free of rent, and six months' credit 
of stock. The stock comprises only paper and ink, and may amount 
to nearly 200 dolls, per ann. The money is required to furnish print- 
ing materials, and defray expenses of removal. I have an excellent 
press, and the other materials shall be good: all these I will give over 
as security for the money immediately on my arrival, which will be 
as soon as possible after its receipt. 

"If you. Sir, shall feel disposed to contemplate this subject favor- 
ably, I beg you to write Judge BucI, editor of the Argus, Albany — 
and to Mr. John A. Stevens, editor of the Messenger, Canaudaigua, 
for any knowledge you may require of my moral and political char- 
acter, and mechanical and editorial cai)acity. AVith the former, I 
have assisted to complete the laws and Journals of the Ia?t Legisla- 
ture — and with the latter have had about ten years* intimate acquaint- 
ance — Mr. Stevens knows mc fully, in public and private life. Either 
of these gentlemen, I presume, will give you the necessary assurance, 
that if yourself and friends will transmit or order for my use the sum 
I ask, it shall be forthwith applied to, and effect the objects herein 
proposed. 

" Having spent most of my years in New England, my acquaintance 
with the local policy of N. York legislation you will consider limited; 
I should therefore, in this arduous and responsible undertaking, re- 
quire a liberal extension of charity, and all the aid which the influ- 
ential republican and literary characters of your town and county can 
find leisure to bestow. 

" Since completing the Laws, I am upon Smollets and Hume's Hist. 
Eng. at Hosford's, adjoining the post-office. Any communication you 
may deem proper to make me in reply to this, will therefore be received 
and attended to on the instant of it£ arrival. 



" Altho' bandied about by the malice of wayward fortune, T am too 
proud to beg for support; yet I require a lifting hand — and have in- 
dulged the hope that the interest, the honor, the security of a wise 
administration, which the counties of Steuben & Allegany mu-st duly 
regard, would intluce your most wealthy patriots to blend the relief of 
a large and virtuous family with an object so well calculated to con- 
tribute to their political happiness. 

*' Please write mc early, giving your opinion of my prospects in the 
proposed undertaking — and accept the sincere assurances of my high 
respect for your personal <fe public character. 

"Benjamin Smead." 

We have not a copy of the letter of Gen. Cruger in an- 
swer to the above, but we infer, from Mr. Smead's second 
letter, that it was immediately answered and a proposition 
made for the publication of the proposed paper at Bath. 
On the 25th of September, IvSlG, Capt. Smead writes again 
as follows : 

"Albany, Sept. 25, 181fi. 
" Dear Sir, — I rec'd your reply to my proposition for establishing 
a rcpublicnn paper in Bath; and the sum offered being so much re- 
duced below my real want for that purpose, I am sure to be excused 
forspending a few days in contemplating economical methods to carry 
a good office thither with .300 dolls. I agree to your proposition, and 
Mr. Buel has che<Tfully delivered me all your papers relating to me, 
the orders for type, Ac, upon my repeating to him the assurance I 
made yourself, of securing you with the types for your advances. The 
sum is so small for the object, I have sought for, and obtained of 
Mess. Websters here, a good and sufficient supply of type, of the 
following sizes : 

"4 lbs. fluted 2 line Minion, roroan and italic. 
S lbs. 5 oz. 2 line G. Primer. 
3 lbs. 2 line L. Primer. \ All entirely new. 

8 lbs. 10 oz. Double Pic:t, German. 
72 lbs. Double Pica, Roman and Italic. J 

.*520 lbs. Pica, upon which only 600 pages have been printed, and of 
which the enclosed is a specimen. I say it is nearly as 
good as new. 
10 lbs. Quotations, and about 8 tbs. of leads, with some Great Primer, 
Flowers, and other type, and si.\ cases, — all new. 
" I enclose Mess. Websters' Bill. 

"From the bills of the Mess. Binney A Ronaldsons', of the above 
type. Mess. Websters deduct 25 per cent., and I therefore receive it at 
180 dollars. In addition to this, I have 230 lbs. Long-Primer, very 
good — and all our friends urge me to carry no smaller type. If, how- 
ever, we may hereafter require Brevier, it may easily be obtained 
from N. York. The weight of all my type is now about 700 lbs., well 
assorted, and I can execute upon it as great a variety and as elegant 
work as is done in the country. It is all a good bargain. My press 
is nearly new, and as good as any I ever wrought with, — it is worth 
140 dolls. [Old-fashioned wooden Ramage press], I shall be able to 
carry a sufficiency of Chases, Sticks, etc., very good, — and the moment 
I arrive at Bath with the whole, safe, (including transportation) the 
materials will be well worth, and I am sure you will estimate them at 
600 dollars. All these I will immediately make over to j-ourself and 
friends, as security for your advances, to be refunded in 3 annual in- 
.stalments, if I rightly understand your proposition. You say 
300 dolls. to be advanced. 

180 dolls. Mess. Websters require you to secure to them for type, 

by note, payable in 3 months, given by yourself and Mr. 

McClure. 
remains a balance of the 300, Sir, to fit my family for 
the journey, to procure some other necessary articles, 
and for expenses for them on the way, 
I shall require 160 dolls., which will make 
only more than you offer. I wish you to send me 3 
waggons, with 2 good horses each, cheap as they can be 
hired j they to bear their own expenses. This expense I 
estimate on an uncertain foundation at 



120 dolls. 



150 
"30 



330 

150 dolls, 



480 in the whole. For this I presume all of yon will estimate 

my property as liberal security. Now, sir, if you immediately send 
me 150 dolls., by mail or otherwise, with the security for the type, I 



78 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



will be ready to march within one week after its receipt; and if the 
teams start hither as soon thereafter as you can procure them, I will 
detain them certainly no longer than a day, and be with you as early 
as possible. I wish you to engasc me a comfortable house and well- 
lighted office, near to each other. The procuring of stands, trough, 
ic., before my arrival, would facilitate the first publication. As you 
have had one Prospectus in circulation, I leave it with you to decide 
whether another would be useful. As I am not tenacious of a title, 
and am a total stranger to your local politics, habits, manners, &c., I 
feel delicate in issuing an address to the public until I meet you. 
Please send the money immediately, and I will be ready to go with 
the teams so soon thereafter as they can be here. 

"Very respectfully, B. Smead. 

'' D. CuuGER, Esq. 

" Sept. 27. — I since find, among the fonts of type I purchased of 
Mess. Websters, 8 dolls, worth of leads, which are so very useful, I 
have added them to the purchase; the amount, therefore, is 188 dolls, 
as per Mess. Websters' Bill, which I enclose. When they receive the 
joint note of yourself and Mr. McClure, they will deliver me the ma- 
terials, — and all brethren of the type assure me it is a great bargain. 

" I return to you the order on Mess. Brace's, because I really 
believe I could not get so good a bargain of them for twice the sum — 
as 12 cases, Gallies, some Long-primer, G.-Priin'.-r, and flowers are 
given me in the bargain. 

" I again beg you to send 150 dolls, cash, — and if you could send a 
note of 20 dolls, to Judge Buel, he will sell me, very cheap, some ele- 
gant Blanks, some useful cuts, such as the U. S. and Slate arms, beau- 
tiful card borders, ic, with flowers, — all are very useful, and cannot 
be obtained in the country. 

"The money I want immediately, and the teams as soon they can 
come. The uncertainty of the weather would render covered wag- 
gons preferable, — one four-horse (heavy) and one two-horse might be 
best, — but all must be left to your convenience. 

"Please write by the first return mail. 

" Very respectfully, 

"B. Smead. 

■' N. B. — I wish it to be understood that I do not reject your off'er of 
$H00, — but as, on close calculation, I shall want 150 in cash, I do ear- 
nestly solicit that you send it. At this moment I couhl obtain, very 
cheap, some rules, cuts, U. S. arms. State arms, and other necessary 
additions, if I had cash. 

"I have given up engagements here, to go to you \vith all possible 
speed. B. S." 

After a few weeks' ftirther reflection on the .subject, Mr. 
Siueitd penned hi.s tliird and lust letter in relation to the 
paper. It is as follows : 

'■ Albaxv, Oct. 2, 1S16. 

"Dear Siii, — Since my last, I have more fully contemplated the 
importance of having subscription papers in circulation, and have 
therefore printed a concise sketch of my objects. I am not tenacious 
of the title; but as you had given no hints of the desires of your 
friends on this subject, I have intended to adopt one, short, expres- 
sive, and sufiiciently local. This may be altered, if thought best on 
consultation. 

"I transmit them to you in separate packets, because I understand 
I can frank only half an ounae, — and as this pursuit is for public 
benefits, the ^jut/i'c will not be defrauded, — and therefore (as members 
of Congress have told me similar evasions are deemed and practiced 
by them as honorable) I consider it no fraud. If there be any ta-x, 
I win pay it to you. 

"My reasons for urging the transmission of 150 dolls, might be 
further e.\plaincd. I told you I was in low pecuniary circumstances. 
Many real necessaries, for my family, for a long journey are indis- 
pensable. I also want some Cuts, Blanks for early sales. Blank Cards, 
Sticks, one or two chases, a few more flowers, with a number of etcit- 
eras, which will be actually necessary, but not attainable in the country. 
I choose, however, to borrow as low a sum as will possibly answer the 
requirements of such an establishment, and have confined my calcu- 
lations therefore to the narrowest limits. The confidence you have 
placed in me must be reciprocated. I am therefore in full surety that 
I shall be assisted to arrive in Bath with the utmost speed. To meet 
the arrangements, I have relinquished places here for labor; journey- 
men out of business induced me, for this object, to give places I had re- 



served for myself and son tillne.tt summer. The expenses of living here 
without property or employment, and the un.'ertainty of the weather of 
the sea-on, will account to you for my haste. And further, little fear 
as you express relative to the influence of the proposed federal paper, 
if the intended publisher has any cunning, he will secure among the 
changeable, unfixed portion of influential politicians, a support which 
we may not soon recover. The papers I enclose may do good, if they 
are distributed in your own enclosures, accompanied with such re- 
marks respecting the tone of my paper as you may (with j-our friends) 
feel disposed to advise on my arrival. And I repeat my former as- 
surance on this subject, that altho' my own general political opinions 
will always continue unmoved and independent, I shall require in this 
State further knowledge of your local politics, and adhere to the best 
judgment of the most intelligent and influential men of your county. 
" I am myself .assured, and it is the expressed opinion of all the 
printers here (and they know the value of my type) that with this 
variety of sizes, the excellence of metal, and beauty of the cuts, I can 
make with it as handsome work as is common in the State— it is 100 
dolls, below its real value. All advise that I carry no smaller size 
than Long-Primer. 

" Very respectfully, B. Smead. 

"D. Crugeh, Esq. 

" 3d Oct., nine o'clock at night. — Have rec'd my press from Binney, 
and shall to-morrow box it ready for transportation. Have already 
contracted for Rules, Cuts, Chases, Sticks, Flowers, and other neces- 
saries in expectation of help from you — and in a very short period, I 
will exert all my powers to give you a respectable newspaper. 

"The very strict rules of our new Postmaster have induced me to 
cut off the blank paper at the foot of my subscription papers — and I 
beg you to paste to them white paper, and urge your friends to fill 
them immediately." 

The paper thus established continued tlio property of 
Mr. Smead, who was editor and publisher, till the office was 
sold to William C. Rhodes, in 18-19. In 18.57, 3Ir. Rhodes 
sold to Perry S. Doiiahe, E-sq., who conducted tiie paper 
till August, 1S60, and .sold to the present editor and pro- 
prietor, Mr. A. L. Uiiderhill. 

The original name of the paper was changed to the Far- 
mer's Advocate and Steuhen Advertiser, in 1822. and under 
the management of Mr. Donahe it was changed to its pres- 
ent name — The Steubex Farmer's Advocate. 

It is the oldest paper except two in the State of New 
York, having existed uninterruptedly for .sixty-three years. 
The facilities of this office and management for making a 
good county newspaper are attested by the five thousand 
copies sent out weekly to subscribers. 

the STEUBEN COURIER. 

Henry H. Hull, founder and for thirty-three years editor 
of the Steuben Courier, published weekly at Bath, was 
born at Preble, Cortland Co., N. Y., in the year 1816. 
For a number of years he attended the Homer Academy, 
then one of the noted institutions of learning in the State, 
and there prepared to enter the junior year in Union Col- 
lege ; but in 1839 he abandoned this idea, and went to 
Corning, where he taught school for two years. During 
tliis time he studied law in (he office of Judge T. A. John- 
son, and in 18-t3 he was admitted to the bar, but did not 
follow this profession, finding journalism more congenial to 
his taste. In 1841 he bought the Corning and Blossburgh 
Advocate of Charles Adams, and continued its publication 
for two years, when, finding it unprofitable, and receiving 
a call from leaditig ^Vhigs at Bath, who had been deprived 
of an "organ" by the demise of the Constitutionalist three 
weeks previously, he moved the material of the Advocate 



HISTORY OF STJiUBExX COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



79 



to tlic couiity-seiit, and associated with liiiii as publisher 
M. F. Whittcmore. Under the firni-nauie of Hull & 
Whittemore they issued the first number of the Steuben 
Courier on the 20th of September, 1843. It was a six- 
column paper, twenty-one by thirty-one inches, and was 
the only Whisr organ in the county. At the end of two 
years Mr. Whittemore retired from the office to his farm 
in Jasper, and the publication of the Courier was continued 
by Mr. Hull alone till 1856, when Charles G. Fairman, 
now editor of the Elmira Daily Advertiser, was associated 
with him for nine months. At the end of that time Mr. 
Fairman returned to Elmira to resume an editorial position 
there. In 1854, upon the formation of the Republican 
party, the Courier became, as it is to this day, an exponent 
of Republican principles. In 1864, Mr. Hull formed a 
partnership with Enos W. Barnes, and the firm of Hull & 
Barnes existed, with the exception of six montlis in 1868, 
until July 1, 1875, when Mr. Barnes relii'ed to become 
editor of the Alleghany County Reporter. His place on the 
Courier was taken by H. S. Hull, son of H. H. Hull, and 
the publication of the Courier was continued under the 
firm-name of H. H. Hull & Son for nearly a year, when 
the partnership was terminated by the death of the senior 
editor on the 8th of June, 1876. Since that time the 
Courier has been conducted by the junior partner. It has 
been enlarged from time to time, and is now an eight-column 
paper, twenty-seven by forty-one inches. 

H. H. Hull was married, in 1850, to Miss Clara Willis- 
ton, daughter of the late Judge Horace Williston, of Athens, 
Pa. He was once or twice elected supervisor of Bath, and 
held at different times, by appointment of the Governor, the 
offices of canal appraiser and harbor-master of tlie port of 
New York, the duties of which positions he discharged with 
signal ability and fidelity. He was, with perhaps one or 
two exceptions, the senior editor of the country press in 
the State, having been in the editorial harness thirty-five 
years. On the 19th of May, 1876, while in apparently 
good health, he was stricken with paralysis, and lingered 
with illusory hopes of recovery till June 8, when he died. 

For twenty years before his death he was the most prom- 
nent figure in Steuben County politics, and his influence 
extended through the Southern Tier, and was felt in the 
circle of " great politics." He was thoroughly informed 
concerning national. State, and local afiairs, and, posses-sing 
an acute intellect, a logical mind, and a clear and forcible 
style as a writer, he had no superior on the country press as 
an able and efl"ective political editor. He had an inexhausti- 
ble fund of wit and humor, and was a master of sarcasm and 
irony. His influence as an editor, combined with his per- 
sonal characteristics, won for him the position he occupied. 
He possessed a lofty independence and earnest and deep- 
seated convictions, and was fearless in the defense of what he 
considered right. He was a politician in the broadest and 
best sense of the term, but was not a slavish party retainer, 
and hesitated no more to expose knavery in the ranks of his 
own party than he did in those of the opposition ; and even 
his political enemies, whom he invariably treated with fair- 
ness, never charged him with mean intrigue, with double- 
dealing, with venality, or with any of the sins which are so 
apt to beset tliose who are actively engaged in politics. 



CORXIXG. 

The Corning JoiiriKil, the oldest newspaper in the village, 
was established in May, 1847, by Thomas Messenger, who 
remained editor and proprietor till July, 1851, at which 
date the establishment was purchased by A. W. McDowell 
and Dr. George W. I'ratt. The latter became editor, and in 
April, 185H, purchased Mr. McDowell's interest, and re- 
mained sole editor and proprietor till July, 18G9, when he 
sold one-half interest to T. S. De Wolfe. The paper was 
conducted under the firm-name of Pratt & De Wolfe till 
Nov. 1, 1874, when Mr. De Wolfe retired, and established 
the Corning Independent. Dr. Pratt has been editor of 
the Journal continuously since July, 1851, a period of 
nearly twenty-eigiit years, and is at this time the oldest 
editor in Steuben County. 

The Corning Democrat was first issued April 15, 1857, 
from the printing-office which a few years previously had 
published the Soufliern Tier Farmer, C. T. Huston, of the 
Athens Gleaner, and Frank B. Brown, editors and propri- 
etors. In November of the same year Mr. Huston retired. 
Mr. Brown has continued the proprietor since that time. 
During the political conipaiun of 1866; Rev. L.' D. Fer- 
guson was associate editor, and from Nov. 9, 1868, to Jan. 1, 
1870, the paper was published under the proprietor.ship of 
Mr. Brown, by D. E. De Voe & W. A. Rowland. It was 
started as a .six-column paper, and in July, 1866, was enlarged 
to seven columns, and to eight columns, its present size, in 
July, 1871. It is a weekly, Democratic in politics, ably 
conducted, and has a good, remunerative circulation. 

The Corning Independent was established in the fall of 
1874, by T. S. De Wolfe. Some time during 1875, Hubert 
S. Edson became a partner with Mr. De Wolfe, and the 
paper was conducted by the firm of De Wolfe & Edson till 
May, 1877, when Dr. A. J. IngersoU purchased it, and con- 
ducted it about one year, changing it to a semi-weekly. 
During this year it was edited by Uri Mulford. In May, 
1878, it was purchased by George W. Cooper, who is the 
present editor and proprietor, and has made it, during the 
past campaign, an advocate of the National Greenback 
party. 

HORNELLSVILLE. 

The Hornellsville Tribune was established Nov. 3, 
1851, by Edwin Hough. It continued under the manage- 
ment of Mr. Hough till 1858, when it was published by 
E. Hough & Son till Feb. 1, 1869. The office was then 
transferred to D. R. Shafer, and in June following was sold 
to J. Greenhow & Son, the present proprietors aud pub- 
lishers. 

In the outset the paper was neutral in politics. It be- 
came Republican under the management of E. Hough & 
Son, and under its present management has been Demo- 
cratic. The publishers issue a daily and weekly, both of 
which have a good circulation, and they have every facility 
for first-class job-printing. 

The Hornellsville Herald was started March 8, 
1872, under the name of "The Economist," as an adver- 
tising medium, by M. A. Tuttle, of the dry-goods firm of 
Adsit & Tuttle. In 1873 it passed into the hands of an 
association, was enlarged to a six-column paper, and its name 
changed to the Hornellsville Herald. It was published as 



80 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



a temperance paper, Miles G. Graham, editor, and Graham 
& Dawson, publishers. It continued in this way till Jan. 1, 

1876, when it was purchased by E. H. Hough, the present 
enterprising editor and proprietor. It is a woU-couductcd 
weekly, with a good circulation. 

The Hornkll Times was established Jan. 1, 1867, as 
the " Canisteo Valley Times," by Tliacher & Tuttle, who 
purchased the '• Vidette" (Democrat) office. In Septem- 
ber, 1875, Mr. Thacher retired, and for two years following 
it was conducted by Sir. Tuttle. Jan. 1, 1877, it was 
changed from a weekly to a semi-weekly, and the name 
changed to its present popular cognomen. Sept. 1, 1877, 
Mr. Johnson Brigham became a partner with Mr. Tuttle, 
since which the firm has been Tuttle & Brigham. October, 

1877, the paper was changed back to a weekly, and in Feb- 
ruary, 1878, a daily was started, which is still continued 
with the most flattering success. The Times is an enter- 
prising paper. Republican in politics, and is well sustained. 
There is also a well-furnished job-office connected with it. 

The Gree.vb.\ck Champion, by J. D. Adams, was 
started in the interest of the Greenback movement by J. 
Willett Smith, Jan. 19, 1878. He published it two weeks 
from the Trtbane office. It then passed into the hands of 
J. D. Adams, present editor and proprietor, who publishes 
it from the McGuire Block. It has attained quite a circu- 
lation during the recent " soft money" agitation. 

ADDISON. 

ADDISON ADVERTISEE. 

Prior to the publishing of the Addison Advertiser many 
attempts had been made to establish a newspaper at Addi- 
son. Some fifteen different publications had been issued, all 
of which eked out a short and unprofitable existence. 

In March, 1858, the Hon. Edwin M. Johnson, the pres- 
ent clerk of the Assembly at Albany, established the Addi- 
son Advertiser. It was first issued as a four-paged paper, six 
columns to a page, and " independent on all subjects." Col. 
Henry Baldwin, of Addison, took quite an interest in start- 
ing the paper, and was a partner in its publication for sev- 
eral months. In the summer of 1858, Col. Baldwin retired 
as a partner, leaving Mr. Johnson as sole proprietor. 

The office was first located in the second story of the 
frame building then occupied by William H. Manners as a 
bakery, nearly opposite the river bridge, on the north side 
of Water Street. 

At the time the paper was started the material used was 
mostly second-hand and small in quantity. The only press 
used was a Washington hand-press. But notwithstanding 
the poor facilities the paper was entirely printed at home, 
and never appeared with a patent outside, nor was it ever 
issued from stereotype plates. Before the close of its first 
year the paper dropped its independent principles and an- 
nounced itself '' Democratic on all subjects." This, how- 
ever, did not last long, for in January, 1859, we find the 
paper again "independent on all subjects." Soon after the 
paper espoused the cause of the Republican party, and con- 
tinued a Republican paper till the presidential campaign of 
1872, when it advocated the election of Horace Greeley, and 
remained a Liberal Republican paper till January, 1873. 



The Hon. Edwin M. Johnson was editor, or senior editor, 
from its first issue till Jan. 30, 1873, when the paper was 
sold to George H. Ilollis, the present publisher. 

In July, 1865, Mr. Johnson enlarged the paper to seven 
columns and associated with him H. S. Dow and W. R. 
Bates, as editors and proprietors, under the firm-name of 
Johnson, Dow & Bates. Jan. 1, 1866, both Dow and Bates 
retired, leaving Mr. Johnson sole editor and proprietor. 

Sept. 4, 1867, Amos Roberts purchased a half-interest, 
and its publication was continued under the firm-name of 
Johnson & Roberts. June 17, 1868, the Advertiser was 
enlarged to eight columns, which size it has continued to 
the present time. At the time it was enlarged it donned a 
new dress, and about the same time a power-press took the 
place of the old hand-pre.ss. Mr. Johnson and Mr. Roberts 
were both practical printers, and set themselves at work to 
make the office complete. A half-medium Gordon and an 
eighth-medium Liberty press were added to the office, as 
well as many other valuable machines and improvements. 

The present editor and publi.>her. George H. Hollis, pur- 
chased the office Jan. 30, 1873, and published the Adver- 
tiser as an independent journal till the nomination of Sam- 
uel J. Tiiden for President in 1876, when it supported 
Tilden and Hendricks, and has since been published as a 
Democratic paper. 

At the time Mr. HoUis purchased the paper he was well 
known to the inhabitants of Addison and adjoining towns, 
and, although not a practical printer, the Advertiser, under 
his management, gained rapidly in circulation and influence. 
This acquaintance with the people in the south towns of 
Steuben and the people of Cowanesque Valley, Pa., brought 
a large number of subscribers and friends. The paper may 
now be considered as established on a firm and paying basis. 

URBANA. 

HAMMONDSPORT HERALD. 

The Ilammondsport Herald was established May 1, 1874, 
by Mrs. B. Bennett and Mrs. E. B. Fairchild. It is a local 
weekly paper, devoted to the interests of the locality. Jlay 
1, 1875, the half interest in the paper owned by Mrs. Ben- 
uitt was purchased by Mrs. Fairchild, the latter having 
charge of the paper until the fall of 1876, when Mr. L. H. 
Brown bought a half-interest. The partnership existed for 
one year, when the interest owned by Mrs. Fairchild was 
purchased by Mr. Brown, who still continues to edit and 
publish the paper. 

COHOCTON. 

The Cohocto.\ Valley Times is published in the 
village of Liberty. It was established as the Cohoclon 
Herald in 1872, by H. B. Newell, and afterwards pur- 
chased by James C. Hewitt and changed to the Cohocton 
Tribune, and in 1875 was bought by William A. Carpenter, 
and changed to the Cohocton Valley Times. It is a weekly 
newspaper, independent in politics. 

obsolete PAPERS. 

The Farmer s Gazette was commenced in Bath in 1816, 
by David Rumsey, and was published about one year. 
The Steuben Messenger was started at Bath, April 17, 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



81 



1828, by David Rumsey, and was published by him, 
Samuel M. Eddie, William P. Angel, and Charles Adams, 
successively, till 1834, when its name was changed to The 
Constitutionalist, and its publication was continued succes- 
sively by R. L. Underbill, Whitemore & Van Valkenburgh, 
and Dow & Richards, and by the last-named firm as The 
Steuben Democrat, until 1844, when the paper was sus- 
pended. In 1848 it was renewed by L. J. Beach, and in 
1849 was transferred to George H. Bidewell, by whom its 
publication was continued till 1852. 

The Steuheii Whig was published at Bath during the 
political campaign of 1828, by William M. Swain. 

The Temperance Gem was published at Bath in 1854, 
by Misses Jenny and Caroline Rumsey. 

The Addison Record was published at Addison by Isaac 
D. Booth, from 1840 to 1842, and in 1849 by Dryden & 
Peck. 

Tiie Addison Advocate was published by H. D. Dyer in 
1848-49. 

T/ie Voice of the Nation was commenced at Addison by 
R. Denton, in 1852. In 1855 the paper passed into the 
hands of A. L. Underbill, by whom it was published till 
185t), when it was removed to Bath and its name changed 
to The Steuben American, and its publication continued 
until May, 1867. 

Tlie Canisteo Express was published at Addison in 1850^ 
by Thomas Messenger. 

The Addison Journal was started in 1851 by R. Denton, 
and was removed to Allegany County in 1852. 

The Addison Democrat was commenced by Charles L. 
Phelps in 1853, and was merged in the Voice of the Na- 
tion in 1854. 

Tlie Corning and Blossburg Advocate was commenced 
at Corning in 1840, by Charles Adams. In 1841 it passed 
into the hands of Henry H. Hull, by whom it was merged, 
in 1843, in the Steuben Courier, at Bath. 

The Corning Sun was started in 1853 by M. M. Pome- 
roy and P. C. Van Gelder. In 1 854, Rev. Ira Brown be- 
came the publisher, and changed the name to Tlie Ebnira 
Southern Tier Farmer and Corning Sun, and continued it 
till 185(;. 

The United States Farmer was published at Corning in 
the spring of 1856. 

The Painted Fast Gazette was started by Mr. Fairchild 
in 1846, and continued a few months. 

The Painted Post Herald was published by Ransom 
Bennett and B. M. Hawley, from May, 1848, for about one 
year. 

The National American was established at Hornellsville 
in 1856, by C. M. Harmon. In November, 1858, it was 
sold to Charles A. Kinney, and its name changed to Can- 
isteo Valley Journal. 

The Fainted Post Times was begun in October, 1870, 
by William C. Bronson, H. C. Higman, and S. H. Feren- 
baugh. It was discontinued some time in 1877. 

The Saturday News was established at Bath, by Enos 
W. Barnes, in the early part of the year 1868. It was 
Republican in politics. But eleven numbers were issued, 
when Mr. Barnes returned to the Steuben Courier office, 
from which he had retired Jan. 1, 1868. 
11 



CHAPTER XVII. 

THE LAND CONTROVERSY. 

Difficulties with the Lanfl-Office — Meeting of Settlers — The Protesting 
Convention — Memorial to Col. Robert Troup — Col, Troup's Instruc- 
tions to his Sub-Agent. 

The difficulties which many of the early settlers on the 
Pulteney and Hornby estates had to encounter in paying 
for their lands can be little understood or appreciated by 
the present generation. While it was evidently the desire 
and aim of the agents to treat the settlers with justice and 
equity, yet the policy adopted by them and acquiesced in 
by liundreds of land-purchasers proved to be of a very 
embarrassing nature. Thousands bought their lands on 
contract, agreeing to pay for them in installments, together 
with a certain stipulated interest thereon, which accumu- 
lated from year to year, amounting in a few years to more 
than the lands were worth. Many of them were poor, and 
had all they could do to gain a subsistence for themselves 
and families on the new lands, which exhausted all their 
energies and resources to clear and improve, to say nothing 
of paying their installments and meeting the annual interest 
when it became due. If these sums were not paid they 
were compounded or added to the principal, on which in- 
terest was again charged, involving them more hopelessly 
than ever in pecuniary embarra.<-sment. The longer this 
state of things contitiucd, the worse it became. The agents 
could not go on forever accepting promises to pay, and the 
only prospect left for many of the settlers was that the 
lands on which they had toiled so long to gain a meagre 
subsistence would be sold from under them to those who 
could pay for them. This matter became so serious that in 
1830 the settlers in Allegany and Steuben Counties began 
to arouse themselves to the perils of their situation, and 
hold public meetings for the purpose of considering what 
remedy could be adopted. We give below the report of 

A CONVENTION OP SETTLERS 

held at the court-house in Bath, in the county of Steuben, 
on the nineteenth day of January, 1830, " to take into 
consideration the condition of the settlers on the Pulteney 
and Hornby estates" in the counties of Steuben and Alle- 
gany. Henry A. Townsend, Esq., was called to the chair, 
and Edward Howell and George C. Edwards, Esqs., ap- 
pointed secretaries. The following delegates appeared, and 
took their seats : 

Addison. — William Wombough, Lemuel B. Searles, Da- 
vid Shumway, Eber Scofield, and Daniel Burdick. 

Bath. — William Woods, James Warden, John Corbitt, 
Peter Hunter, Melvin Schenck, Caleb P. Fulton, and Elislia 
Hawks. 

Cameron. — Jacob Thayer, Joseph Loughry, Isaac San- 
tee, Sheldon Porter, and Hiram Averill. 

Cohocton. — Paul C. Cook, David Weld, Elnathan Wing, 
Peter Haight, and Alfred Shattuek. 

Canisteo. — Henry D, Millard, William Stephens, Jere- 
miah Baker, George Santee, and Moses Hallett. 

Dansville. — Thomas M. Boweu, Peter Covert, Annis 
Newcomb, Leeds Alien, and Martin Smith, 



82 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Erwin. — John E. Evans, Saniuol Erwin, and John 
Cooper, Jr. 

Grecnirood. — Levi Davis, Thomas Johnson, Anson Cook, 
William J. Strong, and Randall Pease. 

Hornby. — Isaac Goodseli, Samuel Oldfield, Josiah Wheat, 
Francis Northway, and Levi Nasli. 

Hornelhville. — Oliver Coon, Othniel Call, Oliver Petti- 
bone, Jabez Lamphere, and John J. Sharp. 

Howard. — Daniel N. Bennett, Bjram L. Harlow, Wil- 
liam GofF, John D. Colljer, and Jacob G. Winne. 

Jersey. — Abraham M. Lybolt, Gilbert Reed, Caleb Wol- 
cott, Peter Ilouck, and Henry Switzcr. 

Jasper. — William Hunter, Benjamin Heliker, Ira Smith, 
Uzal M'MynJerse, and Hinckley Spencer. 

Painted Fost. — Robert H. Hoyt, Joseph Gillett, Charles 
Wolcott, Jr., William Webster, and Henry D. Smith. 

Prattsburgh. — Stephen Prentiss, Gamaliel Loomis, Jo- 
siah AUis, Ira C. Clark, and Joseph Potter. 

Pulteney. — David Hobart, William Sagar, Barnet Retan, 
Daniel Bennett, and Scth Weed. 

Tyrone. — Henry S. Williams, Henry L. Arnold, John 
Sebering, Samuel L. Bigelow, and Daniel Child. 

Tronpsburgh. — Samuel Cady, Samuel Griggs, Joshua 
Slayter, Jesse Wilden, and Nathan S. Hayes. 

Urbuna. — Henry A. Townsend, John Sanford, Jr., 
John Powers, Elias Ketchum, and Dyer Cranmer. 

Wheeler. — Jonathan Barney, Nathan Rose (2d), Abram 
J. Quackenbush, David Barney, and .John C. Overhizer. 

Wayne. — Latham Fitch, John H. Sherwood, and Thorn- 
ton F. Curry. 

Wood/lull. — Caleb Smith, Samuel Stroud, Asher John- 
son, Jeffrey Smith, and iMartin Harder. 

Alfred — Edward Green, Daniel Babcock, Spencer Sweet, 
Richard Hall, and Clark Crandall. 

Burns. — Stephen Mundy, Nathaniel Bennett, and Jose- 
phus Miller. 

Almond. — David Ciandall, George Lockhart, Joseph 
Baldwin, James McHenry, and Ja.sper White. 

Andover. — Philip Wardner, Asa S. Allen, Hiram Har- 
mon, Elias Purringtou, and Stephen Potts. 

Independence. — Alva Wood, William W. Reynolds, and 
Almond Crandall. 

Italy. — James Fox. 

Samuel S. Haight, Edward Howell, and George C. Ed- 
wards, at the request of the convention, took their seats as 
members thereof. The court-house being insufficient to ac- 
commodate the convention and the spectators, the conven- 
tion adjourned to the Presbyterian meeting-house. 

The convention having reassembled at the meeting- 
house, and the objects of the meeting having been discussed, 
the following preamble and resolutions were unanimously 
adopted : 

•' Whereas, The unusual and alarming embarrassment of a great 
portion of the settlers on what are usually termed the Pulteney and 
Hornby estates, in the counties of Steuben and Allegany, call loudly 
for the interference of some power to interpose between them and a 
state of pecuniary depression which threatens eventually to termi- 
nate in conseciuenccs disastrous to the welfare and prosperity of this 
section of the State. 

" Whereas, In the opinion of this meeting, the proprietors of any 
estate cannot be benefited by the existence of a state of things in the 



administration of its affairs productive only of general distress, em- 
barriissment, and poverty. 

" Whereas, In the opinion of this meeting, the true cause of the 
present embarrassment and depression may be traced to an ill-judged 
policy in the direction and management of the said estates; 

** By the disposal of their lands at prices above their value and 
entirely beyond the power of the settlers to meet : 

" By the practice adopted by the agency of compounding the in- 
terest annually on demands due. until by its accumulation it has, in 
most cases, increased the original demand to a sum beyond the value 
of the land and the improvements thereon; and 

*' By threatening to enforce a course of rigid punctuality on many 
of the settlers, while at the same time legal restraints are imposed 
which render it entirely hopeless for them to attempt the payment of 
any considerable portion of their debts. 

" And toherens, it is not only the privilege but the duty of the peo- 
ple at all times to assemble in a constitutional manner, with a view 
to the correction of a state of things evidently prejudicial to the wel- 
fare of the community of which they are members. 

" Jlesohcd, therefore, That a committee of one from each town rep- 
resented in this convention, together with the chairman and secretaries 
and William Woods, Esq., be appointed a committee to draft a memo- 
rial to the principal agents of the Pulteney and Hornby estates on 
the subject of existing grievances. 

" Resolved, That the following persons, together with those above 
mentioned, constitute the said committee, to wit : Lemuel B. Scarles, 
James Warden, Hiram Averill, David Weld, Jeremiah Baker, Thomas 
M. Brown, John E. Evans, Levi Davis, Isaac Goodseli, Oliver Petti- 
bone, AVilliam Goff. Henry Switzer, Hinckley Spencer, Robert H. 
lloyt, Gamaliel Loomis, David Hobart, Henry S. Williams, Samuel 
Grigges, John Powers, John H. Sherwood, Asher Johnson, Clark Cran- 
dall, Josephus Miller, David Crandall, Asa S. Allen, .\lva Wood, and 
James Fox. 

" Rcsulveil, That this convention adjourn till nine o'clock this even- 
ing to hear the report of the committee appointed in the preceding 
resolutions. 

" Whereupon the convention adjourned, and again assembkd at the 
hour above specified, and the committee reported a memorial, which 
having been read, it was 

" Resolved, That the same be adopted and be signed by the delegates 
composing the said convention." 

The convention then adjourned till nine o'clock next 
morning. 

The convention met on the 20th of January, pursuant to 
adjournment, when the following resolutions were adopted : 

" Resolved, That Stephen Prentiss, William Woods, Clark Crandall, 
Ira C. Clark, and George MoClure, together with the chairman and 
secretaries, be a committee to forward the memorial to Col. Robert 
Troup and to John Grcgge, Esq., on behalf of the inhabitants of said 
counties, and to correspond and confer with them on the subject of 
such memorial, as well as any other matter relating thereto; and 
that they report the result of such correspondence to this meeting at 
a future day. 

" Resolved, That this convention, when it adjourns, will adjourn to 
meet again at such time and place as the chairman and secretaries 
may appoint, and that notice be published by them of such subse- 
quent meeting. 

" Resolved, That the members of this convention continue to hold 
their places until the objects of the convention shall be obtained, or 
until others shall he appointed in their ste.id. 

'■ Resolved, That it be recommended to those towns interested in 
the objects of this meeting, and who are not fully represented in this 
convention, to choose delegates to at least the number of five, to rep- 
resent them in all future meetings. 

" Resolved, That the delegation in this convention from each town 
be a committee to bo denominated the Committee of Grievances, 
whose duty it shall be to collect all information on the subject of 
existing evils and report the same to this convention at some future 
meeting. And that said committee be also authorized to collect funds 
to defray the expenses attending the carrying into effect the object 
of this meeting, and to pay over the same to the treasurer hereinafter 
appointed. 



HISTOKY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



83 



*' Reiolverlj That George C. Edwarda be and is hereby appointed 
treasurer, for the purpose of receiving all funds that may be paid 
over for the purpose aforesaid, and whose duty it shall be to dis- 
burse the same at his discretion, with the advice of the chairman and 
secretaries^ in aid of the object contemplated by this meeting. 

" lietoh'ed, That the chairman and secretaries bo authorized to cor- 
respond with such non-resident land-holders in the said counties as 
they may deem proper, and which in their opinion may be produc- 
tive of good to the settlers on such lands. 

" RcHolved, That while we will use such measures only as are justi- 
fied by the laws of the land, to effect the removal of the evils under 
which the people of this vicinity labor, wo pledge ourselves to each 
other and to the public steadily to pursue the object for which this 
eonvcntion is assembled, until a sense of justice on the part of the 
land-holders and their agents shall induce them to adopt measures 
calculated to alleviate existing embarrassments among the settlers on 
said estates. 

** licaohed, That the proceedings of this convention be signed by 
the chairman and secretaries and published in the several public 
journals of the counties of Steuben, Allegany, and Yales, and that 
one thousand copies of such proceedings be published in the form of 
a handbill for circulation. 



"II. A. TowyiSK^D, Chairman. 
"Edward Howell, 
"Georok C. E 



I WELL, ) 

Edwards, ) 



Secretaries.' 



MEMORIAL. 

** To Robert Troup, Esquire, 

Chief Agent of the Pulteney Estate, and 
" To John Grkgg, Esquire, 

Chief Agent of the Hornby Estate. 

"THE MEMORIAL 

*' o/ the Bubscrihers, delegates chosen h\f the settlers resident upon the said 

estates in the several towns of the counties of Steuben and Allegany, 
" Respectfully Sheweth, — 

"That previous to the construction of the great Erie Canal the 
nuniorous navigable streams penetrating the county of Steuben, and 
affording means for the cheap and easy transportation of the products 
of the soil to a market upon our Atlantic coast, were considered as 
conferring important advantages over the more fertile country through 
which the canal now passes, and produced a consequent advancement 
in the valuation of the land. That at that period of time the com- 
motions of the French Revolution had involved the whole civilized 
world, our own country excepted, in a general and sanguinary war. 
The armies of the several powers of Europe, augmented to the utmost 
possible extent, had withdrawn from the cultivation of the soil such 
immense numbers of people that the productions of those countries 
were found entirely inadequate to the support of their inhabitants, 
and the whole of Europe, threatened with a general ilearth and famine, 
were compelled' to procure their bread from the granaries of this 
country. The productions of our farms were advanced to a price 
unprecedented; money was abundant, enterprise high, a spirit of 
emulation had gone abroad in the community, which impelled thou- 
sands to leave the older settled parts of the country and press on to 
the wilderness of the West, calculating upon the continuance of this 
fictitious prosperity; and, estimating very extravagantly the local 
advantages of this country, a large number of settlers located them- 
selves here, contracted for lands at an extravagant price, and for a 
time appeared prosperous and happy. Produce of all kinds continued 
to command a high price in ready money, and a few of the first set- 
tlers, who had obtained the best lands, succeeded in paying for their 
farms and establishing themselves in independence and competence. 
Very different, however, is the fate of a very large portion of the set- 
tlers upon your agency. The lands were covered with a very large 
growth of timber, and the labor of clearing excessively great. The 
first crops upon the new lands were small in quantity and inferior in 
quality. The occupants were poor; for a long time labored under 
the greatest difficulties in supporting themselves and their families; 
and finally, when they had succeeded in making such improvements 
upon their farms as to enable them to raise some surplus beyonil the 
most indispensable provision for themselves and their families, the 
fortunate period for drawing profit from the productions of the land 
had passed away. 



" A general peace had succeeded the commotions and distractions of 
war ; trade and all the arts of life had settled down into their natural 
and ordinary channels. A stagnation had succeeded as profound as 
the excitement and activity which had preceded it was general, and 
property of all kinds underwent a diminution of more than one-half 
in value. The productions of the soil, no longer required abroad, 
glutted our markets at home, remaining on hand for the want of pur- 
chasers, or selling at prices little better than nominal. In the mean 
time the debt of the settler, now swelled by the continual accumula- 
tion of interest, was augmented to a sum beyond his ability or his 
hope of payment. Add to this that the construction of the great Erie 
Canal, while it conferred the greatest advantages upon the country 
through which it passed, operated in the same ratio against this by 
arresting the tide of emigration from it by the course of its channel 
to the great regions of the West, By the great reduction in the labor 
and expense of traveling and transportation, distance has, in effect, 
been diminished, and the lands of the United States, in the State of 
Ohio and Territory of Michigan, become accessible with less labor 
and expense than those on which we reside. The adoption of a new 
policy by the Government of the United States with regard to the 
national lands so introduced into the market, has also had a very se- 
rious effect upon this country. The reduction of the price of those 
lands to one dollar and twenty-five cents per acre, and the facility of 
transporting their products to market by the lake and the Grand Canal, 
have induced many of our citi/.ens who had the means of emigration 
thither to do so, and all are prevented from settling here who have 
the means of purchasing and paying for lands. 

" The Holland Land Company, impressed with a belief of the impe- 
rious necessity of the case, have reduced the price of their lands ac- 
cording to the exigency of the times, and by their low prices and the 
superior quality of the soil and advantages of location upon the great 
canal, draw off the settlers from us and prevent the sale of lands here. 
In short, the great change which has within a few years taken place 
in the value of all kinds of property everywhere; the great reduction 
of the relative value of lands in these counties, occasioned by the 
construction of the great canal ; the reduction in the price of the gov- 
ernment lands and the lands of the Holland Land Company; the di- 
version of the tide of emigration, capital, and enterprise to other 
channels ; the great amount of debt now due for lands which the whole 
value of real estate now in the hands of the settlers, including the 
improvements made by them; the utter impossibility of selling 
their lands at their estimated value, and their utter inability to dis- 
charge their debts, have produced a crisis in the affairs of the inhabi- 
tants of a most momentous character, compelling them to appeal to 
you for relief from burdens and difficulties too great to be longer 
borne. 

" Impressed with the truth of these considerations, your memorial- 
ists, on the part of the whole community whom they represent, earn- 
estly recommend the situation of this country to your consideration ; 
and fully that you have the power as well as the inclination to afford 
them the fullest relief, they respectfully suggest the propriety of adopt- 
ing, with regard to this agency, a policy similar to that lately taken 
up by the Holland Land Company, which has had the happy effect 
there of restoring peace and confidence, establishing prosperit3' and 
enterprise among the settlers, and effecting the collection of a larger 
sum of money for the proprietors than was ever before realized for 
their lands, and which will undoubtedly produce similar effects here. 
Should you adopt this course, gentlemen, we have no hesitation in 
saying, that while you most effectually promote the interest as well 
of the land-owners as of the settlers, you will cause your own names 
to be handed down to posterity among those of the greatest benefac- 
tors of mankind. 

"Dated Jan. 20, 1830." 

COL. TROUPES INSTRUCTIONS. 

About three months after the above memorial was pre- 
sented, Col. Robert Troup, chief agent of tlie Pulteney 
estate, issued the following letter of instruction to Hon. 
William W. McCay, sub-agent at Bath, in respect to the 
management of the estate in Steuben and Allegany Counties : 

"New York, March 14, 1830. 
"Dear Sir, — I am informed that the settlers on the Pulteney 
estate, in Steuben and Allegany Counties, suppose the debts they owe 



84 



HISTOKY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



the estate are so large as, for the most part, to exceed their ability to 
pay. 

"I am also informed thaf, in consequence of their supposed inabil- 
ity to pay their debts, the settlers entertain serious apprehensions 
that they may ultimately lose their farms, and thus be involved in 
ruin. 

"I have uniformly cherished the kindest feelings towards the set- 
tlers, and therefore it is difficult for me to express my extreme regret 
at the apprehensions which may agitate their minds. 

"As far as was compatible with a just regard for the interests of 
my principals, who act in the character of trustees and executors, I 
have uniformly endeavored to promote the welfare of the settlers in 
the course of policy I have pursued since my connection with the 
estate. Accordingly, I have on all occasions endeavored to treat the 
settlers with justice and liberality, and to show them every forbear- 
ance and indulgence called for by the difficulties attending the settle- 
ment of a new countrj'. I have moreover cheerfully made liberal 
contributions, from time to time, for promoting religion, opening 
roads, building bridges, and other public improvements. In so doing, 
I have also acted in perfect accordance with the wishes of my English 
friends. 

" For some time past I have entertained a V>elicf that the debts due 
from the settlers in your department of the agency were generally 
too large for their means of pnyment. I had therefore determined 
on what appeared to me a proper plan for reducing the debts to a 
reasonable aud equitable amount. My objects in determining on this 
plan were to animate the agricultural labors of the settlers, and to 
inspire them with confidence in their future prosperity and happiness, 
by convincing them that I had no desire whatever to deprive them 
of the hard-earned fruits of their industry. The plan had in view 
the fair appraisement of the buildings and other imjirovements on 
every lot, together with the present value of the cleared land, and the 
present value of the land remaining in a state of nature. The actual 
value of each lot being thus ascertained, I proposed, by making an 
abatement upon just and equitable principles, to reduce the contract 
debt to a sum below the appraised value, whenever the settler was 
ready to make a moderate payment on account of the balance. Be- 
sides such reduction of his debt, the settler was to be accommodated 
with a liberal enlargement of time for paying the balance, in easy 
installments. 

" I thought it would be plain to every considerate an* unprejudiced 
person, who became acquainted with this plan, that it was deeply 
founded in equity, and afforded the settler every assurance that he 
would finally be able, by his own exertions, to pay for his farm. 

" Soon after I had determined on the plan, I instructed you to put 
it forthwith in a train of execution, hy employing one of the assist- 
ants in the land-office to make the necessary a]>prftiscment of the 
value of the lots. The plan was accordingly put in a train of execu- 
tion ; but a good deal of time was necessary to a judicious and impar- 
tial appraisement of the lots, and it has consequently happened that 
the work has hitherto been performed only in some townships under 
your agency. 

*• It is still my intention to continue the execution of my plan. But 
1 have reason to believe that it may be imagined that, if a person con- 
nected with your agency is employed in appraising the value of the 
lots, he might be liable to a suspicion of not being sufficiently impar- 
tial. I therefore now reqviest you to lose no time in selecting, subject 
to my approbation, some independent, judicious, and upright farmer 
residing inStiniben or Allegany County, and no way connected with 
the esiate, to appraise the lots under contract in the several towns in 
your department. As this will be a work of considerable time and 
expense, I request you to engage the person you may select to com- 
mence with those townships that have not been already appraised by 
your assistant. It is possible that his appraisement may prove to be 
so correct and fair, on comparing them with the appraisements of the 
lots in other townships by the person you may select, as to lead me 
to judge that the lots already appraised need not be appraised again. 

" The person to be intrusted with the business of appraisement mvist 
eontirm the appraisement of the lots in every township by his oath, 
anil when the appraisement is returned to the land-office it must re- 
main subject to my approbation. 

" The agency has heretofore gone to some extent into the practice 
of taking wheat and cattle in the payment of debts, and I now direct 
you to make the practice general, and to continue it as long as the 
settlers shall appear faithfully to second my sincere desire to accom- 



modate them and it shall be found advantageous to the agency. The 
price at which the wheat is to be received during the winter months 
is to be fixed at seventy-five cents per bushel. This price, I am per- 
suaded, will secure to the settler a good living profit for his labor. It 
must nevertheless be remembered that the wheat to be received on 
contracts originally made payable in wheat must be taken at the 
price stipulated in the contracts. 

"At the time when the price of seventy-five cents per bushel is 
given for wheat it may so happen that the settler who has money to 
pay may sustain an injury from making the payment in moncj' and 
not in wheat. To prevent such injury, you are authorized to allow 
the settler a just abatement on his money payment, if he is willing 
to make it. 

" You will also receive cattle at fair and liberal cash prices. 

"When the settler comes to the office to receive the benefit of the 
reduction of his debt, I think it reasonable and just that you should 
demand of him a moderate payment on account of the balance of his 
debt, and I desire it to be expressly understood that, while the ap- 
praisements are in progress, the settlers are expected to make pay- 
ments as usual. They may rest satisfied that the payments made in 
the mean time shall not impair their right to have a reduction of their 
debts, but shall be considered in lieu of so much paid at the time of 
reduction, and shall accordingly be applied towards extinguishing 
the balances that may then be ascertained to be due. 

"It is my desire that no occupied or improved lots be advertised 
for sale until after the settlers have been favored with the opportunity 
of availing themselves of the benefits to arise from the reduction of 
their debts under the proposed appraisements. 

" Some time since I directed you to reduce for the future the selling 
prices of vusttld landt in your agency to a more moderate standard, 
and this direction you must continue to observe. 

" The details for carrying these instructions into effect must neces- 
sarily be a matter of sound discretion with you, and I request you to 
exercise that discretion in the same spirit of liberality that is mani- 
fested in this letter. 

"You will be pleased to communicate to the settlers in due season, 
through the medium of the newspapers printed at Bath and at An- 
gelica, such part of the details as they ought to be made acquainted 
with. 

"With great respect, I am, 

■" Dear sir, your humble servant, 

" Robert Troup. 

" Wm. W. M'Cay, Esu." 

FURTHER ACTION OF THE SETTLERS. 

During the interval of three months between the above 
letter of Col. Troup aud another containing his modified 
instructions, dated June 14, 1830, meetings were held by 
the settlers in many towns of the county, and a spirit of 
calm but determined resistance manifested. At an ad- 
journed meeting of the convention held in Bath, April 14, 
1830, it was 

" Resolved, As the sense of this meeting, that the instructions given 
by Col. Troup to his sub-agent in Bath under date of March 14, 1830, 
will not afford the necessary and reasonable relief required by the 
settlers upon the lands embraced in the agencies, and that the con- 
vention disapprove of the same. 

" Jieuolrrd, That the convention recommend to said settlers that 
they withhold all payments upon contracts upon the aforesaid lands 
until the necessary relief is granted." 

On the 6th of May a large meeting of the settlers in 
Urbana was held at Hammondsport, of which James 
Brundage was chairman and William Hastings secretary. 
The action of the above convention was approved, and it 
was 

" Resolved y That all further payments be withheld until the asked- 
for relief is granted. 

" Resolved, That if our grievances are not redressed our delegates 
use their endeavors with the convention to memorialize the next 
Legislature, praying that proper and expedient laws be enacted for 
the relief of this oppressed community.'* 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



85 



Such was the spirit and purport of the meetings held 
throughout the county. 

On the 14th of June, 1830, Col. Troup sent the follow- 
ing instructions to Mr. M'Cay : 

" New York, 1-lth June, 1830. 

'* Dear Sir, — I have received your letter of the 9th ultimo, with 
its inclosure. From them, and likewise from late proceedings of a 
public nature in Steuben County, I learn, with no little surprise, that 
my proposed plan for the relief of the settlers on the Pulteney Es- 
tate in Steuben and AUefjany Coniitien, as exhibited in my letter of 
instructions to you of the Hth March last, is disagreeable to them : 
and especially that part of the plan which prescribes an appraise- 
ment of the present value of the improvements on every lot as one 
of the items to be taken into the account of its total value. It seems 
that this pjirt of the plan is so disagreeable to many of the settlers 
that they have rejected it, and, in consequence of their rejection, 
have resolved to suspend all payments to the agency. The suspen- 
sion, I am informed, is to continue until I agree to their plan of 
relief, which, I have constantly understood, consists in my consenting 
arbitrarily to cut down their contract debts, without any discrimina- 
tion, in the cases of the settlers, to the present value of wild lands, 
exclusive of the value of the improvements on their lots, and in my 
further consenting to give them new contracts for the lots at the price 
of wild lands. 

Learning these to be the feelings and views of the settlers, it is 
necessary for me to furnish you with additional instructions for your 
government. 

" I very much regret that my plan of relief has proved so disagree- 
able to the settlers. I formed it on mature reflection, and without 
having the least possible motive of personal interest to bend my judg- 
ment from the straight line of rectitude. The faithful management 
of the estate intrusted to my charge places me on middle ground 
between my principals and the settlers. I have, on the one side, to 
perform to my principals the duties of diligence, justice, and integrity; 
and, on the other side, to perform to the settlers the duties of justice, 
liberality, and kindness. It was under a sense of these several duties^ 
most deeply impressed both on my mind and heart, that the plan was 
formed. And, such being my duties, I was afterwards very happy to 
find that the plan received the full approbation of able, discreet, and 
honest counsel, to whom I submitted it for their consideration, but 
more particularly for their consideration of the legal exercise of the 
powers delegated to me as an agent. 

" It appeared to me that, as a discreet and faithful land-agent, I 
would not be justified in acceding to the p/an of relief proposed by 
the sellfers. I thought it was founded on arbitrary principles, which, 
when carried into practice, would prove unjust to the persons I repre- 
sent, and unequal towards the settlers themselves. 

" The reasons for this opinion are obvious. 

*' The plan, by reducing debts dilTering widely from each other in 
age, amount, and character, would assume an arbitrary rule, subject- 
ing the estate to a heavy and, in a great majority of the cases, un- 
necessary loss on the debts in diiferent proportions from twenty-five 
to seventy-five per cent. It would not render equal justice to the 
settlers themselves; for the operation of an uniform rule of abate- 
ment on debts, of various descriptions, could not fail, in many eases, 
to exceed what the actual situation of the settlers in justice required. 
It would often place the settlers who had profitably enjoyed their 
farms for ten, twenty, or thirty years, and had paid little or nothing 
for them in the mean time, on a footing of equality with those who 
had purchased their farms but recently ; and on a more favorable 
footing than those who had made frequent payments, or had quite ex- 
tinguished their contract debts. That I have declined acceding to a 
plan possessing such very objectionable qualities will not seem ex- 
traordinary to any man who sets a due value on his property, and 
regards what is fair and just in his business transactions. 

'• I supposed, on the contrary, that »»?/ jtlan would afford all the 
relief to the settlers that was proper to be granted by a discreet and 
faithful land-agent, or that justice and equity demanded. This plan 
was grounded on the fair value of every lot, which was to be ascer- 
tained by appraising, separately, the present value of the improved 
land, and buildings, and the present value of the land remaining in a 
state of nature. That the appraisement might be perfectly impar- 
tial, it was to be made, under oath, by some independent, judicious. 



and honest farmer residing in Steuben or Allegany County, and not 
subject to the influence cither of the settlers or the land-office. The 
lot having been appraised, and its total value ascertained by uniting 
the value of its several parts, the contract debt was to be reduced, by 
an abatement on just and equitable principles, to a sum considerably 
below the appraised value of the farm. 

" But this reduction of the contract debt was not to take place in 
favor of every settler indiscriminately, a« there are settlers whose 
cases are so circumstanced as to render any relief to them neither 
necessary nor proper. In this class of cases are those, among others, 
of second purchasers, who have lately bought contracts of the first 
settlers, and paid them for their improvements, with express refer- 
ence to the balances due on the contract debts. 

"The principles of justice and equity, to regulate the abatement pro- 
posed, would naturally embrace various considerations, sueh a.s the 
greatness or smallness of the price originally agreed to be paid for 
the land, the accumulation of interest on the price, the present value 
of the property, the enterprise, industry, and general good conduct of 
the settler, his ability to pay, his hardships, losses, and misfortunes 
since he settled on the estate, and other circumstances furnishing just 
and equitable claims to liberality. In no instance, however, did I 
intend to charge, in the renewed contract, more than was due on the 
previous contract, though the value of the land should much exceed 
the debt due on it, my object being to benciit the settler, and not to 
injure him. But it should be remembered that the abatement, in- 
stead of being designed by me as an act of mere benevolence, was to 
be made as a matter of business; and therefore I meant to bound my 
liberality by that honest and sound discretion which it was my duty 
to observe in managing the pro]ierty of other persons. 

"Such are the princi|)les on which the lico plnim proposed for the 
relief of the settlers arc grounded ; and I believe that when the arbi- 
trary and unjust princil^les of the plan of the settlers are contrasted 
with the rational and just principles of my plan, the contrast will 
appear so glaring as to flash conviction on every reflecting and un- 
prejudiced mind, that my conduct, far from meriting censure from 
the settlers, is well entitled to their grateful acknowledgments. 

" But my proposed 7)^111 for the relief of the settlers went still farther. 
I granted them easy annual installments for paying the equitably re- 
duced balances due on their contracts ; and to facilitate their means 
of payment, as Steuben and Allegany Counties. depend on the uncer- 
tain and hazardous navigation of the Susquehanna for a market for 
the sale of produce, I permitted them to make payments in wheat 
and cattle, taking wheat at seventy-five cents per bushel, and cattle 
at liberal cash prices. It is matter of public notoriety that the price 
of seventy-five cents per bushel for wheat is considerably above the 
price that has for many years past prevailed in Steuben and Allegany 
Counties; and as it is admitted that seventy-five cents per bushel will 
yield the farmer a living profit, I readily agreed to allow that price. 

" Some of the contracts stipulate payments in wheat, but the greater 
portion of the contracts oblige the settlers to pay their purchase- 
moneys in cash. And yet I consented to take wheat and cattle in 
payment on the cash contracts, though at the certainty of heavy 
losses accruing to the agency from the operation. The losses will 
arise from the expense and risk attending the transportation to the 
seaboard, from the fluctuations of the market, and from bad debts; 
in all which respects the agency has heretofore suffered severely. 

" I presume I hazard nothing in saying that the facilities thus pro- 
posed to be granted to the settlers for the payment of the equitably 
reduced balances of their contract debts rendered my plan of relief 
complete. I call it complete, for, by its natural effects, the debts of 
the settlers obtaining relief would be reduced considerably below the 
present worth of their farms, time would be gained for paying the 
balances in easy installment.s, and a convenient and ready market, at 
liberal prices, would be provided for the sale of their produce. Had 
I carried my plan of relief to greater extent in essential particulars, 
I should have thought myself unworthy of the important trust con- 
fided to me by my principals; but I ask what more equitable and 
what more liberal can the settlers rea,sonably desire of me? This 
question will be promptly and rightly answered by every settler who 
takes pride in performing his honest engagements. 

" The settlers voluntarily came and purchased their farms, without 
the practice of any imposition by the agency, at the prices commonly 
asked by land-holders at the time, and after having explored the lots, 
and thereby qualified themselves to judge correctly of the situation, 
nature, and value of the lands. They have occupied the farms for 



86 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



many years, and supported their families with the productions of the 
soil ; and they have been treated by the agency with scrupulous jus- 
tice, and almost unexampled forbearance and kindness. 

" The settlers who have rejected the appraisement I had in view 
have unfortunately thus deprived me of the services of Mr. Grattan 
H. Wheeler in the prosecution of my plan of relief, Mr, AVheeler is 
known to be an independent, judicious, and honest farmer in Steuben 
County, and a respectable member of our Stnte Senate. I had selected 
him as the proper person to make the appraisement: but, being now 
deprived of the benefit of his services, I forbear to notice the qualifi- 
cations that eminently fitted him to e.^ecute the ofiice of appraiser in 
a manner satisfactory to all parties. 

** Since the appraisement of the lots by an independent, judicious, 
and honest farmer appears to be a feature of my plan of relief which 
is particularly disagreeable to many of the settlers, I shall not persist 
in having the appraisement made. With this exception, however, it 
is my fi.\ed purpose to carry the plan fairly into effect. 

*' You will therefore bo pleased to repeat your invitation to the set- 
tlers, in all the townships belonging to the estate, to make payments 
on the contract debts ; and to inform them that, on their making 
reasonable payments, you are authorized, in all cases where abate- 
ments are proper, to reduce the contract debts according to the equit- 
able and liberal principles of my plan of relief: and also to allow 
them easy annual installments for the payment of the balances. The 
applications for reducing the contract debts should claim your partic- 
ular attention, and you are requested to favor the applicants with 
every equitable and liberal relief their situation may require, and 
your information may qualify you to grant. With respect to applica- 
tions from settlers in the townships which Mr. Fowler has examined, 
I imagine you already have sutiicient light to guide your judgment; 
and as to applications from settlers in the townships which have not 
been examined, it is my desire that you grant them such relief as 
prudence may recommen 1 under the limited information within your 
reach. 

"I have heard, with much gratification, that, notwithstanding the 
settlers have been advised to the contrary, a respectable number of 
them have made payments, and taken new contracts at abated prices. 
I cannot help cherishing a hope that their prudent and upright con- 
duct will be followed by the other settlers in the several townships. 

** I shall wait a reasonable time on the settlers who have resolved to 
suspend payments, with the expectation that, on their calmer reflec- 
tion, they will see the good sense of abandoning the ground they have 
taken. But, if a reasonable time should elapse without receiving 
payments from them, it will then become my imperious duty, however 
painful to me its execution, to take tet/al meaaures to enforce the per- 
formance of contracts which the settlers have so willingly and fairly 
entered into. And, in taking such measixres, I do not entertain the 
smallest doubt but that the wholesome laws of the State, and its con- 
stituted authorities, will afl'ord the same just and effectual protection 
to the rights of my principals which they have uniformly afforded to 
the rights of all other owners of real property in the Stale. 

" I have thus explained, and I hope with cle:irness, the course of 
policy which, after dispassionate and deep deliberation, I have adopted 
for the coniluct of my agency. The course is sanctioned by my judg- 
ment and approved by my conscience. I shall pursue it with steady 
and firm steps, without turning to the right or to the left. It is not 
my intention to be the first land-agent in the State to set the danger- 
ous example of yielding to an attack on the rights of property ; nor 
is it my intention to submit to the dictation of any combination of 
men, be it ever so numerous, that is formed to force me from the 
direct path of duty in the management of the great trust committed 
to my charge. 

" Faithfully to fulfill these intentions I conceive to be a solemn obli- 
gation which, as an ageni, I owe to the interests of the worthy family 
that has honored me with its confidence. I conceive it likewise to be 
a solemn obligation which, as a citizen, I owe to the high reputation 
our State sustains for its wise, impartial, and energetic administration 
of the laws : to the rights of all the owners of real property in the 
State, whom, to a certain extent, on this occasion I may be truly said 
to represent ; and also to the welfare of every other class of my fellow- 
citizens, whose prosperity and happiness are inseparably connected 
with the preservation of the rights of property, — riyhia which consti- 
tute the main pillar that supports the fabric of our free and excellent 
government. 

" For the general information of the settlers, I request you to have 



this letter published in the Bath and Angelica newspapers; and in all 

your dealings with the settlers it is ray wish that you treat them with 
the courtesy and kindness becoming your station and the character 
of the agency. 

'* With great respect, 

" I am, dear sir, 

"Your humble servant, 

"Robert Troup, 
" Wm. AV. M'Cay, Esq." 



CHAPTER XVITI. 



SOCIETIES. 



Steuben County Medical Society — Steuben County Homoeopathto 
Medical Society — Southern Tier Ilomceopathic Medical Associa- 
tion — Hornellsville Academy of Medicine — Steuben County Agri- 
cultural Society. 

STEUBEN COUNTY MEDICAL SOCIETY. 

This society was organized prior to 1818, the records 
not showing the exact date. It consists of the major part 
of physicians of the county, convened for the purpose of 
professional and social advancement. Its first president, as 
shown by the minutes, was Dr. Warren Patchin, who was 
elected in the year 1818. The eldest living member is Dr. 
James Faulkner, now of Dansville, Livingston Co. He 
attended the first recorded meeting sixty-one years ago. 
The society has held since that date annual and semi- 
annual meetings at Bath, Dansville, Corning, Reading, and 
Hornellsville (Dansville and Reading were at date of or- 
ganization in Steuben County). The society has labored 
under some difficulties, chief of which has been the widely- 
separated location of its members. It has been useful to 
physicians of the county in a professional and social wa}', 
giving opportunity for consulting concerning ca.ses and com- 
paring modes of practice. This organization has been the 
greater prized, as many of its members have been in rural 
districts at a distance from professional brethren. The 
older members were exposed to many hardships. Their 
patients were widely scattered in small openings in the 
primitive forests; the roads, illy made, often mere bridle- 
paths. In the heat of the day and in the darkness of the 
night, in sunshine and in storm, the.se men have done an 
arduous, important, and often unrequited duty to the in- 
habitants of the county ; and, in the main, they have 
done it well. Many are the associations of joy and sorrow, 
sickness, accident, and death that will be recalled by the 
perusal of the following list of members of this honorable 
body. It will be seen that many have finished their labors 
and gone to their rewards. The first twenty names on the 
list were members prior to 1820. 

John D. Iliggins,'' Bath, 

Willis F. Clark.® 

Warren Patchin,-'-' Patchiusville. 

Samuel Gorton. ■■■■' 

James Faulkner, Dansville, 

Enos Barnes, died at Geneva. 

John Warner, ■•■"■ 

James Warden, died at Mead's Creek, 

Andrew Kingsbury,* 

* Deceased, 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



87 



Daniel Gilbert,* 

John P. Kenedy .■■■' 

Jacob Chatterton."^ 

Lyman N. Cook."* 

Philo Andrews.'^"' 

Walter Wolcott, died at Dundee. 

Thomas M. Bowcn, Dansville ; died at Dansville. 

Noah Niles,® Prattsburgh. 

Samuel Southworth.'* 

Simeon H. Goss."^' 

Joel Luther.* 

Robert F. Hoyt, Erwin, admitted 1820 ; died at Painted Post. 

Jonathan Lockwood,*" Tyrone, admitted 1821. 

Samuel Scoficld, admitted 1822. 

Silas B. Hibbard,® Reading, admitted 1823. 

James Cutler," Painted Post, admitted 1823. 

George W. Turner,* admitted 1823. 

Gustavus A. Rogers, Bath, admitted 1823; died at Chicago. 

Samuel B. Chidsey,* admitted 1823. 

Isaac L. Kidder, admitted 1824; removed. 

Milo Hiird,« admitted 1824. 

Levi S. Goodrich,* Howard, admitted 1824. 

David L. Wicks,* admitted 1824. 

Daiiel H. Orcutt, admitted 1824. 

M. C. Kellogg, admitted 1826. 

E. R. Pulling, Bath, admitted 1S26 ; died in 1844. 
Israel Chissom,* Italy Hill, admitted 1826. 

Isaac Wixom, admitted 1827. 

T. E. Gansevoort,* Bath, admitted 1S27. 

J. L. Livermore, admitted 1827. 

F. E. Bateman, Cohocton, admitted 1827. 
William Hunter,* Jasper, admitted 1828. 
Samuel Olin,* Hornellsville, admitted 1828. 
Levi Fay, admitted 1828. 

David Hochkiss, admitted 1828. 

Nathaniel Sheldon, admitted 1829. 

Manning Kelly, admitted 1829. 

Zenas S. Jackson,* Prattsburgh, admitted 1829. 

Sampson Stodard, admitted 1829. 

Winthrop E. Booth, admitted 1829; died at Watkins. 

David Ward,* admitted 1830. 

Delevan Stebbins, admitted 1831 ; removed. 

Norman Truesdell, admitted 1831. 

J. B. Wagner, Addison, admitted 1831. 

A. L. Comstock, admitted 1832. 

Ira L. Babcock, Bath, admitted 1833; removed to Norwalk, Ohio. 

Abijah B. Case, Howard, admitted 1833. 

A. S. Winslow, admitted 1834. 

Myron A. Smith, admitted 1835. 

William H. Bissell, admitted 1835; removed. 

Daniel H. Shipman, admitted 1835; died at Syracuse. 

Andrew Baker, Jr., admitted 1837; died at Norwich, Chenango 

Co. 
J. S. Jones, admitted 1837 ; removed. 
Daniel Seaver, admitted 1842; removed. 

Walter S. Cheney, Prattsburgh, admitted 1842 : died at Bath. 
Addison Niles, Bath, admitted 1842; died at Quincy, 111. 
P. D. H. Goff, admitted 1842 ; removed. 
Festus Demerest, admitted 1842 ; removed. 
Andrew D. Voorhees, Prattsburgh, admitted 1843; removed. 
Wickham R. Crocker, Cameron, admitted 1843 ; died at Cameron. 
C. W. C. Howard, Avoca, admitted 1843; removed. 
H. H. Hess,* Cohocton, admitted 1843. 
Rufus Talmadge, Pulteney, admitted 1843. 
Anson Andrews,* Reading, admitted 1843. 
J. C. Morse,* Bath, admitted 1843 ; removed. 
Newman Abbey, Reading, admitted 1843. 
William Gulick,* Tyrone, admitted 1843. 
Thomas Shannon, Savona, admitted 1844. 
Marsena Terry, Savona, admitted 1844 ; removed. 
S. Brownell, Bath, admitted 1844 ; died at Paducah, Ky. 
N. M. Harrington, Corning, admitted 1845. 
L. K. House, admitted 1845. 

* Deceased. 



N. M. Perry, Troupsburgh, admitted 1845. 

Stephen Hagadorn,* Bath, admitted 1845. 

John H. Read,* Bath, admitted 1845. 

Christopher Patterson, Avoca, admitted 1845. 

E. Van Kuren, Ilammondsport, admitted 1845. 

J. B. Graves, Corning, admitted 1846. 

George W. Pratt, Corning, admitted 1846 : editor Corning Journal. 

Peck, admitted 1847. 

Robert Bell, Monterey, admitted 1847. 

T. Skinner,* admitted 1847; removed. 

A. Robinson,* Hornellsville, admitted 1847. 

James Read,* Tyrone, admitted 1847. 

Andrew Blanck, admitted 1847 ; removed. 

John B. Flemming,* admitted 1847. 

Samuel Mitchell, Hornellsville, admitted 1849. 

P. K. Stodard, Pratt.'iburgh, admitted 1849. 

Joseph S. Dolson, Bath, admitted 1849. 

Cameron Patchin, Wayland, admitted 1850. 

E. Hall, admitted 1850; removed. 

A. T. Lyon, Savona, admitted 1851 ; died at Savona. 

Henry C. May, Corning, admitted 1856. 

William Gilbert, North Cohocton, admitted 1856; removed. 

Ira P. Smith, Bath, admitted 1865. 

Samuel Ensign, Bath, admitted 1865; removed. 

Augustus F. Mills, Corning, admitted 1865. 

Eli Allison, Wayne, admitted 1865. 

Dighton L. Case, Howard, admitted 1865. 

J. Straton Harlow,* Bath, admitted 1865. 

Reuben F. Parkhill, Howard, admitted 1865. 

E. S. Carpenter, Cohocton, admitted 1865. 
James W. Black,* Bath, admitted 1866. 

Andrew Purdy, admitted 1866 ; now a Methodist minister. 
W. H. Sheffield, admitted 1866; removed. 
H. A. Talmadge, Bradford, admitted 1866. 

F. M. Lockwood, Bradford, admitted 1866. 
John Mitchell, Addison, admitted 1866. 

D. J. Chittenden, Addison, admitted 1867; removed. 
Charles M. Graves,* Corning, admitted 1867. 
John Cooper, Cooper's Plains, admitted 1867; removed. 
C. S. Parkhill, Hornellsville, admitted 1867. 

F. Wylie, Bath, admitted 1867. 

J. A. Bennett, Prattsburgh, admitted 1868. 

.1. S. Jameson, Hornellsville, admitted 1868. 

C. H. Ward,* Hornellsville, admitted 1868. 

Joseph Robinson, Hornellsville, admitted 1868. 

R. P. Brown, Addison, admitted 1869. 

J. Van Dusen, Painted Post, admitted 1869; removed. 

S. F. Cridler, Hornellsville, admitted 1869. 

Benjamin Pickett, Canisteo, admitted 1869. 

C. W. Bennett, Bath, admitted 1869. 
Lester B. Healey, Cohocton, admitted 1870. 
W. T. Green, Hornellsville, admitted 1870. 
I. L. Goff, admitted 1870; removed. 

W. W. Smith, Avoca, admitted 1871. 

Moses T. Babcock, Hammondsport, admitted 1871. 

J. H. Trumbull, Hornellsville, admitted 1871. 

A. H. Cruttenden, Bath, admitted 1872. 

A. D. Bobbins, Corning, admitted 1872. 

D. E. Graves, admitted 1872; removed. 
H. R. Ainsworth, Addison, admitted 1872. 

E. Mullheron, Corning, admitted 1872; removed. 
Ambrose Kasson, Bath, admitted 1873. 

S. H. Hall, Hammondsport, admitted 1873; removed. 
J. B. Smith, Hornby, admitted 1874. 
Warren Stewart, Savona, admitted 1874. 

G. S. Gallagher, Cohocton, admitted 1874. 
M. D. Ellison, Canisteo, admitted 1874. 
John R. Selover, Bath, admitted 1874. 

L. N. Pinney, Painted Post, admitted 1875; removed. 
George F. Case,* Pulteney, admitted 1875. 
Frank Oulton, Savona, admitted 1876 ; removed. 
Mrs. Agnes Seeley, Bath, admitted 1876. 
E. A. Overhiser, Campbell, admitted 1877. 



* Deceased. 



88 



HISTOKY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Milton J. Baker, Horncllsville, admitted 1877. 
J. B. Dudley, Painted Post, admitted 1877. 
F. E. Cruttenden, Bath, admitted 1878. 
Ephraim AVinnie, Fremont, admitted 1878. 
Total membership, one hundred and fifty-eight. 

The following is a list of presidents, together with the 
year for which they were elected : 



1818. 


Warren Patchin. 


1847. 


R. H. Hoyt. 


1819. 


Enos Barnes. 


1848. 


A. Niles. 


1820. 


John Warren. 


1849. 


John D. Higgins. 


1821. 


Noah Niles. 


1850. 


Ira L. Babcoek. 


1822. 


James Warden. 


1851. 


Stephen Hagadorn. 


182.3. 


Enos Barnes. 


1856. 


A. B. Case. 


1824. 


Warren Patchin. 


1865. 


Joseph S. Dolson. 


1825. 


Robert H. Hoyt. 


1866. 


Samuel Mitchell. 


1826. 


Gustavus A. Rogers. 


1867. 


John Mitchell. 


1827. 


Isaac L. Kidder. 


1868. 


Christopher Patterson 


1828. 


John D. Higgins. 


1869. 


Eli Allison. 


1829. 


J. S. Livermore. 


1870. 


A. B. Case. 


18.30- 


-31. Ebenezer B. Pulling. 


1871. 


G. H. Van Dusen. 


1832. 


David Ward. 


1872. 


J. B. Graves. 


1833. 


Gustavus A. Rogers. 


187.3. 


Thomas Shannon. 


1834. 


T. E. Gansevoort. 


" 1874. 


H. R. Ainsworth. 


1835. 


Levi Goodrich. 


1875. 


H. C. May. 


1837. 


Gustavus A. Rogers. 


1876. 


W. W. Smith. 


1842-43. Warren Patchin. 


1877. 


M. F. Babcoek. 


1844- 


■46. A. B. Case. 


1878. 


Ira P. Smith. 



The following-named members of this society were army 
surgeons during the late war, viz. : Drs. Joseph S. Dolson, 
Ira P. Smith, F. Wylie, Bath; Dr. M. T. Babcoek, Ham- 
mondsport; Dr. Henry C. May, Corning; Dr. P. K. Stodard, 
Prattsburgh ; Dr. Seely Brownell, Bath ; Dr. John S. 
Jameson, Hornellsville. 

This society is now in a prosperous condition, with hopes 
of continued and increasing usefulness. 

THE STEUBEN COUNTY HOM(EOP.\THIC MEDICAL SOCIETY 

was organized May 25, 1867. President, A. De Wolfe, 
Bath ; Vice-President, W. S. Purdy, Addison ; Secretary, 
James M. Cadmus, Sonora ; Censors, B. F. Grant, Bath ; 
H. S. Benedict, Corning ; P. S. Hollett, Sonora. 

Charter Members.— A. De Wolfe, Bath ; W. S Purdy, 
Addison ; James M. Cadmus, Sonora ; B. F. Grant, Bath ; 
H. S. Benedict, Corning ; P. S. Hollett, Sonora ; W. J. 
Bryan, Corning. 

Regular Memhers. — P. H. Purdy, Bath ; W. E. Hath- 
away, Hornellsville ; W. D. Saxton, Liberty ; E.W.Bryan, 
Corning ; H. A. Whitfield, Wayland ; Charles Brown, Ham- 
mondsport; A. M. Gamman, Corning; B. F. Williamson, 
Prattsburgh ; J. L. Gage, Hornellsville ; C. E. Campbell, 
Hammondsport ; W. E. A. Gorton, Corning ; W. S. Purdy, 
Corning ; F. D. Purdy, Corning. 

Officers of the Society for 1879. — President, E. W. 
Bryan, Corning ; Vice-President, B. F. Williamson, Pratts- 
burgh; Secretary, A. M. Gamman, Corning ; Censors, B. 
F. Grant, Bath; A. M. Gamman, Corning; W. E. A. 
Gorton, Corning 

SOUTHERN TIER HOMCEOPATHIC MEDICAL ASSOCIATION 
OP THE STATE OP NEW YORK. 

A meeting was called and held at the office of Dr. E. D. 
Leonard, in the city of Elmira, N. Y., on Jan. 20, 1874, 
for the purpose of organizing a medical society for Southern 



Tier, New York. Dr. 0. Groom, of Horseheads, was chair- 
man, and Dr. E. M. White secretary of the meeting. 

Constitution and by-laws were adopted, and the follow- 
ing officers elected for the ensuing year: President, Henry 
Sayles, M.D., Elmira, N. Y. ; Vice-President, Dr. W. L. 
Purdy, Corning, N. Y. ; Secretary and Treasurer, Dr. W. J. 
Bryan, Corning, N. Y. ; Censors, Drs. N. R. Seeley, M. D., 
Elmira, N. Y. ; B. F. Grant, M.D., Bath, N. Y. ; E. W. 
Bryan, M.D., Ovid, N. Y. ; James M. Cadmus, M.D., 
Waverly, N. Y. ; William Gulick, M.D., Watkins, N. Y. 

The following were the first members of the association : 



Henry Sayles, M.D., 
W. L. Purdy, " 
William Gulick, ■' 
Orlando Groom, '' 
N. R. Seeley, " 
B. F. Grant, " 
L. L. Brown, " 
W. D. Saxton, " 
A. P. Hollett, " 
E. D. Leonard, " 
W. J. Bryan, " 
I. L. Corbin, ** 
W. T. Read, " 

John Burting, *' 



Elmira, N. Y. 
Corning, " 
Watkins, " 
Horseheads, N. Y. 
Elmira, " 

Bath, " 

Binghamton, " 
Cohocton, '* 

Havana, " 

Elmira, " 

Corning, " 

Athens, Pa. 
Big Flats, N. \. 
Corning, " 



Officers for 1875, elected January 19: President, Wil- 
liam Gulick, M.D., Watkins; Vice-President, N. R. Seeley, 
Elmira; Secretary and Treasurer, W. J. Bryan, M.D., 
Corning. 

Officers for 1876, elected January 18 : President, W. L. 
Purdy, M.D., Corning; Vice-President, K F. Grant, M.D., 
Bath ; Secretary and Ti-easurer, W. J. Bryan, M.D., 
Corning ; Censors, N. R. Seeley, M.D., Elmira; B. F. Grant, 
M.D., Bath ; E. W. Bryan, M.D., Ovid, N. Y. ; James 
M. Cadmus, M.D., Waverly, N. Y. ; William Gulick, M.D., 
Watkins, N. Y. 

Officers of 1876 were re-elected on January 16, 1877. 

Officers for 1878, elected January 15: President, W. S. 
Purdy, M.D., Corning ; Vice-President, J. L. Corbin, M.D., 
Athens, Pa. ; Secretary axA Treasurer, A. P. Hollett, M.D., 
Havana, N. Y. ; Censors, E. W. Bryan, M.D., Corning, 
N. Y. ; William Gulick, M.D., Watkins, N. Y. ; N. R. 
Seeley, M.D., Elmira, N. Y. ; 0. Groom, M.D., Horse- 
heads, N. Y. ; A. M. Gamman, M.D., Corning, N. Y. 

At the meeting on Jan. 15, 1878, Drs. E. W. Bryan 
and A. M. Gamman were appointed a committee to revise 
the constitution and by-laws. At the meeting held in Corn- 
ing, N. Y., on April 16, 1878, they reported, and the fol- 
lowing act of incorporation was executed and adopted in 
the place of the constitution : 

" AN ACT TO INCORPORATE 

" The Southern Tier Hom<eoputhlc Medical Assueiation of the Stale 
of New York. 

" This is to certify, that we, the undersigned, citizens of the United 
States, and of the State of New York, residing in the counties of 
Steuben, Chemung, Schuyler, Seneca, Tioga, Broome, Yates, and Alle- 
gany, in accordance with the requirements of an act of the Legislature 
of the State of New York, entitled 'An act for the incorporation of 
benevolent, charitable, scientific, and missionary societies,' passed, 
April 12, 1848, have associated ourselves together for the purpose of 
organizing a medical society to be known by the name of the * South- 
ern Tier Homceopathic Medical Association of the State of New 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



89 



York/ for the purpose of scientific investigation, tlie advancement of 
our linowledge in the practice of medicine and surgery, to facilitate 
the instruction of medical students in the treatment of disease, and 
also for the purpose of granting, after due examination, certificates of 
<[uaIification to practice medicine and surgery. The association shall 
hold its annual meeting on the third Tuesday of January of each 
year, in the village of Corning, Steuben Co., N. Y., when they shall 
elect a president, vice-president, secretary, and treasurer, who, together 
with five members of the association, who shall be elected at the same 
time, shall constitute a Board of Directors, and they shall continue 
in office one year or until their successors are elected ; and the follow- 
ing-named persons shall constitute the board of directors for the first 
year, or until the annual meeting in January, 1879 : William S. 
Purdy, President; I. L. Corbin, Vice-President; A. P. Ilollett, Sec- 
retary and Treasurer, N. R. Seeley, B. F. Grant, William Gulick, E. 
W. liryan, 0. P. Barden. 

" And the said association shall at its next meeting, on the third 
Tuesday of July, ISTS, adopt such by-laws as a majority shall think 
best to regulate the holding of meetings, admission of members, and 
(he transaction of such other business as m:iy be necessary to carry 
out the objects of the association in .accordance with the rec^uirements 
of the statutes of the State of New York hereinafter referred to, and 
all amendments thereto. 

"Dated Corning, N. Y., April Itl. ISrS. 

" W. S. Punnv, [l.s.] 

"N. R. Seelky, [l.s.] 

"Edward W. Br van, [l.s.] 
" Wm. E. a. Gorto.v, [l.s.] 
" A. P. Hollett, [l.s.] 

" B. F. Williamson, [l.s.] 
" a. M. GAM.MAN." [l.s.] 

"State of New Y'ork, ) 
County of Steuben, j "• • 

"On the Ifith day of April, a.d. 1878, before me, a Justice of the 
Peace in and for said county, personally came W. S. Purdy, N. R. 
Seeley, Edward W. Bryan, Wm. E. A. Gorton, A. P. Holleft, B. F. 
AVilliamson,-a.nd A. M. Gamman, known to me to be the same persons 
described in and who executed the within instrument, and acknowl- 
edged that they executed the same. 

"George Hitchcock, 
^^ Justice of the Peace. 

"I do hereby consent to and approve of the within certificate. 
" Dated April 16, 1878. 

"James L. Angle, 

" Justice Supreme Court, 

"Seventh District. 



> ss. : 



"Filed April 22, 1878." 

"State of New York, 
Steuben County Clerk's Office 

I Seal of I " I, Lucius A. Waldo, Clerk of said County, 
[ Steuben Comity. J and also Clerk of the County and Supreme 
Courts therein. Courts of Record, having a common seal, do hereby 
certify that I have compared the foregoing copy of an article of in- 
corporation with the original of the same, now remaining on file in 
my office, and that it is a correct transcript therefrom, and of the 
whole of said original. In testimony whereof, I have hereunto sub- 
scribed my name and affixed my oflicial seal, the seal of saiil courts, 
at Bath, this 22d day of April, 1878. 

"Thos. R. Rutherford, Dp. Clerk." 

By-laws were adopted in accordance with the act of in- 
corporation. 

The following members of the association have died, and 
suitable resolutions of regret have been adopted. 

Henry Sayles, M.D., of Elmira, N. Y. 
P. S. Hollett, M.D., of Sonora, Steuben Co., N. Y. 
■ W. J. Bryan, M.D., of Corning, N. Y. 
H. Hughes, M.D., of Savona, Steuben Co., N. Y. 

The following have been elected members of the associa- 
tion from time to time. The meetings of the association 
have also been largely attended by physicii^ns not menjbers. 



Henry Sayles, M.D., Elmira, N. Y. 
W. S. Purdy, M.D., Corning, N. Y. 
William Gulick, M.b., AVatkins, N. Y. 
Orlando Groom, M.D., Horscheads, N. Y. 
N. R. Seeley, M.D., Elmira, N. Y. 
I. L. Corbin, M.D., Athens, Pa. 

B. F. Grant, M.D., Bath, N. Y. 

T. L. Brown, M.D., Binghamton, N. Y. 
W. D. Saxton, M.D., Cohocton, N. Y. 

A. P. Hollett, M.D., Havana, N. Y. 
E. D. Leonard, M.D., Elmira, N. \'. 

W. J. Bryan, M.D. (dc;id). Corning, N. Y. 

T. W. Read, M.D., Big Flats, N. Y. 

John Burling, M.D. (removed). Corning. N. Y. 

H. Hughes, M.D. (dead), Savona, N. Y. 

P. S. Hollett, M.D. (dead), Sonora, N. Y. 

I. B. Wcscott, M.D. (West), Horseheads, N. Y. 

Mrs. H. E. Brown, M.D. (Brooklyn), Corning, N. Y. 

Charles Brown, M.D. (removed), Hammondsport, N. Y. 

E. W. Bryan, M.D., Corning, N. Y. 

Frank Tompkins, M.D., Penn Yan, N. Y. 

James M. Cadmus, M.D., Wavcrly, N. Y. 

L. W. Parkhurst, M.D., Elmira, N. Y. 

Alex. V. Stobbs, M.D., Mecklenburgh, N. Y. 

C. E. Sayler, M.D., Elmira, N. Y. 
H. C. Coon, M.D., Alfred, N. Y. 

B. F. Williamson, M.D,, Prattsburgh, N. Y. 
A. M. Gamman, M.D., Corning, N. Y. 

0. S. Barden, M.D,, Tioga, P.a. 

E. W. Rogers, M.D,, Crystal Springs, N. Y. 
Wm. E. A. Gorton, M.D., Corning, N. Y. 

F. W. Adriance, M.D., Watkins, N. Y. 

H0RNELL9VILLE ACADEMY OF MEDICINE. 

This association was organized Dec. 17, 1873, and holds 
its meetings on the first Wednesday evening in each month. 
The first officers were as follows : Dr. J. W. Robinson, 
President; Dr. Samuel Mitchell, Vice-President ; Dr. 0. 
G. Hubbard, Secretary; Dr. J. H. Trumbull, Treasurer. 

membership. 
D. F. Cridler, S. E. Shattuck, C. G. Hubbard, C. S. Parkhill, S. F. 
Curry, J. H. Trumbull, J. W. Robinson, M. J. Baker, E. Beck- 
with, Hornellsville ; D. L. Case, R. F. Parkhill, Howard ; R. P. 
Brown, John Mitchell, Addison ; C. E. Annabel, Cameron ; J. W. 
Burchard, Fremont; E. Winnie, Haskinville; Z. Deldine, AVni. 
H. Hagadorn, Almond; M. D. Ellison, Canisteo ; J. B. Graves, 
Corning; H. P. Sanders, Mark Sheppard, Alfred; J. E. Walker, 
Arkport; J. K. Richardson, Greenwood; L. V. Rathbun, Rex- 
ville; W. W. Crandall, Andover. 

Officers for 1878.— D. F. Cridler, President; Samuel 
Mitchell, Vice-President ; C. G. Hubbard, Secretary ; J. 
H. Trumbull, Treasurer. 

THE STEUBEN COUNTY AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. 

It is proper in giving a history of this society to refer 
incidentally to the agricultural organizations which had 
existed in this county prior to the year 1853, when this 
society was established. 

The first one of which there are any authentic records 
left is the society organized in 1841, although many of the 
older inhabitants can well remember the many county fairs, 
so called, which were held at Bath in the earlier times, 
under the auspices of Dugald Cameron, of Bath, Capt. 
Joel Pratt and Judge Robert Porter, of Prattsburgh, and 
many other leading men of the county. 

In the early spring of 1841, a meeting of the citizens of 
the county was called at the court-house, in Bath, to cour 



90 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YOEK. 



sider the practicability of organizing a county agricultural 
society, of which meeting Ziba A. Leland was chairman, 
and Henry Brother and Robert B. Van Valkenburgh were 
secretaries, and Z. A. Leland, 0. F. Marshal, Jacob Van 
Valkenburgh, Israel R. Wood, Theron Loomis and Henry 
Brother a committee to draft a constitution and by-laws, 
and to report at an adjomned meeting to be held on the 
1st day of June following. 

At the subsequent meeting a constitution and by-laws 
were adopted, and the following officers duly elected : Presi- 
dent, Otto F. Marshal ; Vice-Presidents, John Cooper, Jr., 
Israel R. Wood, and Erastus Skinner ; Secretaries, Wm. S. 
Hubbell and Ziba A. Leland ; Treasurer, Henry Brother. 

A fair was held this year, in the month of October, at 
■ Bath, and immediately after its close the members met at 
the court-house and elected the following officers for the 
ensuing year : 

President, Lazarus Hammond ; Vice-Presidents, O. F. 
Marshal, Israel R. Wood, and Lyman Balcnm; Secretaries, 
Theron Loomis and Ziba A. Leland; and Treasurer, Henry 
Brother. In comparison with the amount of premiums 
now awarded by the society, it may interest some to know 
that the society then gave only one hundred and seventy 
dollars in premiums. 

For the year 1843, Lazarus Hammond was re-elected 
President; Wm. Baker, Israel R. Wood, and Otto F. Mar- 
shal Vice-Presidents; James Shannon and Robert Campbell, 
Jr., Secretaries ; and Henry Brother, Treasurer. 

For the year 1844, Israel R. Wood was chosen Presi- 
dent ; David Smith, John J. Poppino, and Daniel N. Ben- 
nett, Vice-Presidents ; Wm. Cook and Lay Noble, Secreta- 
ries ; John Richardson, Treasurer. The fair of this year 
seems to have been the last one held by this society, and 
immediately after the close of the fiiir, which was upon 
the river-flats in the village of Bath, southwest of the 
Pulteney Land-Office, the society disbanded; and from that 
time Steuben County was without a county agricultural 
association until the year 1853, when the organization of 
the present society was effected, under the provisions of 
chapter 1G9 of laws of 1841. 

On the 18th day of May, 1853, upon application made 
to Philo P. Hubbell, then clerk of the county, said clerk 
gave public notice, as the statute required, that on Wednes- 
day, June 22, 1853, a meeting would be held at the court- 
house in Bath for the purpose of organizing a county agri- 
cultural society. This meeting was largely attended by 
the leading farmers of the county,— Hon. Goldsmith Den- 
niston presiding and Robert B. Van Valkenburgh acting as 
secretary, — and an organization then completed, and the 
following officers elected : President, Goldsmith Denniston ; 
Vice-Presidents, A. F. Marshall, J. B. Mitchell, A. B. 
Dickinson, Lyman Balcom, Redmond S. Davis, and John 
Van Wie; Treasurer, George Edwards; Corresponding 
Secretary, R. B. Van Valkenburgh ; and Recording Sec- 
retary, George S. Ellas. 

The first annual fair of the society was held at Bath, on 
the 12th and 13th of October, 1853, in the open field, on 
the farm of Robert Campbell, at the junction of Morris 
and Steuben Streets, temporary structures having been 
erected for the purposes of the exhibition. 



Early in 1854, the new board of officers elected entered 
into an agreement with the heirs of the late Dr. Ten Eyck 
Gansevoort, who then owned the portion of the society's 
present fair-grounds in Bath, — fronting on Washington 
Street, — to lease said lands of said heirs for a term of 
years ; and the same year said grounds were properly in- 
closed and the only e-xhibition building erected thereon 
that the society had until 1867, and on these grounds the 
society has since held all its annual festivals and fairs. 

The society seems to have had a prosperous career from 
the time these grounds were taken, tor while the total re- 
ceipts for the year 1853 were only two hundred and fifty- 
eight dollars and six cents, they reached the then large sum 
of nine hundred and sixty-six dollars and ninety-five cents 
in 1854 ; so that, by skillful and honest management, the 
society's officers were, in the course of two or three years, 
enabled to make a contract for the purchase of said prem- 
ises, and in 1862 they received a deed for the same, pay- 
ing therefor the sum of twelve hundred dollars. 

Almost immediately upon securing title to these lands, 
the members of the society began to feel that the buildings 
were insufficient and too inferior, and during the years 1863 
and 1864 several efforts were made to secure voluntary do- 
nations sufficient to warrant the society in attempting the 
improvements, but without success ; and yet the hard and 
gratuitous work done by Hon. David McMastcr, in this 
regard, in 1863 and 1864, made the task all the easier for 
those who followed him in the effort, in 1867. 

In 1866 the matter of new buildings and larger grounds 
and accommodations was brought up at the annual meeting, 
and after some discussion laid upon the table. 

At the annual meeting of 1867 the matter was more 
generally discussed, and Warren W. Willson, Jonathan 
Robie, Chas. N. Ackerson, Azariah C. Brundage, and Chas. 
H. Robie were appointed a committee to solicit funds for 
these improvements ; and they entered upon the work with 
a will, and in a short time secured donations to the amount 
of three thousand dollars, from the citizens of Bath and 
some of the other towns in the county. 

This movement, which resulted in the enlargement and 
improvement of the grounds, was directed by Robert B. 
Wilkes, who had just been elected the society's president ; 
and to his energy, sagacity, and untiring labors the .society 
is indebted more than to the efforts of any other man for 
what was then done. 

A special law was procured to be passed by the Legis- 
lature, enabling the society to mortgage its real estate, for 
the purpose of raising funds to buy additional lands in the 
the rear of the old grounds ; and with the money thus 
obtained, together with the voluntary donations received, 
new buildings and fences were erected at a cost of $4877.14, 
lands purchased costing the society $3125.47, and a new 
driving-park laid out and finished at a cost of $1593.07. 

The supervision and general direction of all these im- 
provements was given to Robert B. Wilkes, Charles N. 
Ackerson, and Warren W. Willson by the executive com- 
mittee, and the work well done. 

At the end of the year 1867 the society owed about 
$4000, $2639 of which was secured by mortgage on the 
society's lands, and running for twenty years. 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YOllK. 



91 



In 1872 new grand and judges' stands were erected upon 
the driving-park at a cost of §1085.18 ; and at the annual 
meeting of this year the constitution of the society was 
amended, so that an honorary life-niemhership could be 
conferred upon such old members of the society, of the 
age of not less than sixty years, who have been most active 
in their support of the society, the amendment providing 
for the election of three such honorary life-members at 
that meeting, and one at each succeeding annual meeting ; 
and this honor was then conferred upon Otto F. Marshal, 
Day Noble, and Reuben Robie. 

In 1873, $1165.04 were expended in grading the 
grounds, planting trees, erecting new and commodious 
cattle-, sheep-, and swine-pens and stalls, and in other 
permanent improvements; and in 187-1 a new dining-hall j 
was constructed, and other improvements made, at a cost j 
of S13G2.74. 

A manufacturers' hall, built in 1876 and costing $428.22, 
and additional cattle- and sheep-pens, horse-stalls, and poul- 
try-ball, constructed in 1877 at an expense of S552.97, com- 
plete the permanent improvements that are worthy of notice. 

The fairs of the society rank among the best given by 
any of the county societies ia the State, aud the society 
itself occupies a proa)inent positiou among similar organ- 
izations. It has a large membership, not confined alone to 
the people of Steuben County, and its influence upon the 
industrial classes of the county particularly is very bene- 
ficial. Among its members can be selected many who 
were prominent in the society organized ia 1841, and have 
since the organization of this society been its staunchest 
friends and most faithful workers. Its property in the vil- 
lage of Bath, upon which there is only an indebtedness of 
§200, is very valuable. The buildings are convenient, 
tasteful, and well con.structed, and the grounds and conve- 
niences in the best condition and exactly suited to the uses 
of the societ}'. 

The following are the officers serving the society for the 
year 1878: President, Martin W. Noble; Vice-Presidents, 
Frank Aulls, J. M. Hopkins, Clarence Myotte, Thomas 
Hallett, Thomas Conover, Willard C. Morse, B. V. Lewis, 
and John L. Smith ; Secretary, Reuben E. Robie ; Trea.s- 
urer, Edwin C. Cook ; General Superintendent, Charles N. 
Ackerson. 

The following are the persons who have occupied the 
positions of president, secretary, treasurer, and general 
superintendent of the society, and the years for which they 
were elected : 

Presidents. — Goldsmith Denniston, 1853, '64 ; Uri Bal- 
com, 1856; Lyman Balcom, 1857, '66 ; Daniel Gray, 1859 ; 
John W. Taggart, 1860; Grattan H. Wheeler, 1861; 
Samuel Balcom, 1865; Robert B. Wilkes, 1867-68; 
Frank J. Marshal, 1869 ; Charles H. Robie, 1870-71 ; 
Samuel E. Haskin, 1872-73 ; Azariah C. Brundage, 
1874-75 ; Nathaniel B. Stanton, 1876 ; Martin W. Noble, 
1877-78; J. M. Hopkins, 1879. 

Secretaries. — Robert B. Van Valkenburgh, 1853 ; Geo. 
S. Ellas, 1853-61 ; David McMaster, 1854-55 ; T. M. 
McCay, 1854-56 ; Robert M. Lyon, 1857-65 ; Alexis H. 
Cruttenden, 1862-64; Reuben E. Robie, 1866-78. 

Treasurers. — George Edwards, 1853; Ilcubeu Robie, 



1854-60 ; Ambrose S. Howell, 1861 ; Alvah E. Brown, 
1862-63; Geo. S. Haverling, 1864-65 ; Geo. W. Hallook, 
1866-74; Edwin C. Cook, 1875-78. 

General Superintendents. — James Lyon, 1867-68; Chas. 
H. Robie, 1869 ; John L. Smith, 1870 ; Charles N. Acker- 
son, 1871-78. 

The following are the persons who have been elected to 
an honorary life-membership in this society, and the years 
when they were severally elected: Otto F. Marshal, 1872 ; 
Lay Noble, 1872; Reuben Robie, 1872; Goldsmith Den- 
niston, 1873; Lyman Balcom, 1874; Abram Brundage, 
1875; Henry McElwee, 1876; David McMaster, 1877; 
Henry Brother, 1878. 



CHAPTER XIX. 

NEW YORK STATE SOLDIERS' AND SAILORS- 
HOME. 

Inception of the Institution— Its Successful Establishment by the 
Grand Army of the Republic— Location of the Site at Bath — Con- 
current Resolution of the Legislature — Laying of the Corner-Stone 
—Description of Iho Buildings- Opening of the Home— Trustees 
and Officers for ISTil. 

INCEPTION OF THE INSTITUTION. 

The first attempt to establish a Soldiers' Home in the 
State of New York was made by ex-Governor Edwin D. JI or- 
gan, in the year 1863, immediately after his term of office 
had expired. Governor Morgan and others procured the 
passage of an act by the Legislature, on the 24lh of April, 
1863, to incorporate "The Soldiers' Homo," the following 
persons being designated therein as the incorporators: 

Amaziah B. James. 
Robert Lansing. 
Wm. H. Ferry. 
Peter A. Porter. 



Gen. Winficld Scott. 
Gen. Geo. B. McClellan. 
Gen. John B. Wool. 
Washington Hunt. 
Francis Kernan. 
Millard Fillmore. 
August Belmont. 
Wm. B. Astur. 
Benj. N. Huntington. 
J. Sullivan Thorns, 
Rev. Francis Winton, D.D. 
John n. Brower. 
George Beach. 
John Bowdish. 
David Rumsey. 
Charles P. Wood. 
Thomas W. Olcott. 
William E. Dodge. 
A. B. Conger. 
Erastus Corning. 
Charles P. Daly. 
Nathan C. Ely. 
John S. Gould. 
Robert P. Getty. 
George Dayton. 
Governeur Kemble. 
Oswald Ottcndorfer. 
Hamilton Fish. 
Edwin D. Morgan. 
Geo. Opdyke. 
Lockwood L. Doty. 
David Devlin. 
Edward Dodd. 
Wm. A. Wheeler. 
Joseph MuUin. 



Elias W. Leavenworth. 
Samuel G. Andrews. 
Peter Caggcr. 
Isaac Sherman. 
William Kelly. 
John A. King. 
John T. Hoffman. 
John Anderson, 
David Banlvs, Jr. 
James B. Nicholson. 
Wm. Cassidy. 
Dean Richmond. 
Amasa J. Parker. 
Wm. Curtis Noyes. 
George Dawson. 
John W. Avery. 
Samuel Sloan. 
Gen. Jas. S. W.xdsworlh. 
Thomas H. Faile. 
B radish Johnson. 
John Stryker. 
John B. Hall. 
Henry Grinnell. 
John Kelly. 
John F. Seymour. 
Daniel E. Delevan. 
Thurluw Weed. 
Elias B. Holmes. 
Peter Ilowe. 
George G. Scott. 
Wm. C. Beards' ey. 



92 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



D. B. St. John. 

J. Dean Hawley. 

J. Oakley Vanderpool. 

Alexander Stewart, 

Gen. C. W. Saaford. 

Rl. Rev. Bishop Hughes. 

Rev. D. Weston. 



Robert B. Minium. 
Rev. Morgan Dix. 
Martin Grover. 
Smith Ely, Jr. 
Frederick Jnliand. 
Thomas Stephens. 



Great interest was manifested in carrying out this project, 
and handsome and most liberal contributions were offered 
by Governor Morgan, Mr. Lenox, the late Mr. Wolfe, of 
New York City, and others. The work would, undoubt- 
edly, have been carried forward, and the Home then erected, 
had not the trustees, upon canvassing the State, in order to 
learn how many inmates it would then be necessary to pro- 
vide accommodations for, discovered that there were but 
few soldiers or sailors whose friends would allow them to 
become inmates of an asylum. Obtaining this informa- 
tion, the trustees folded their arms, believing that the time 
had not then arrived when a Soldiers' Home was needed. 

SECOND EFFORT. 

The second effort was made by the Grand Army of the 
Republic, which organization annually sent a committee 
from its encampment to the Legislature, asking that some 
action be taken in regard to this matter. 

In the year 1872, through the personal efforts of Gen. 
Henry A. Barnum, then commanding the Department of 
New York, G. A. R., the Legislature passed an act incor- 
porating the " New York Soldiers' Home," which provided 
that said institution should be created and maintained by 
the State. The following are the persons named therein as 
trustees of said Home : 



Henry A. Barnum. 
Jno. C. Robinson. 
Henry W. Slooum. 
AVm. Johnson. 
James Jourdan. 
John H. Martindale. 
Clinton D. McDougal. 
Timothy Sullivan. 
Jno. C. Caruiichael. 
Joseph Forbes. 
Edmund L. Cole. 



John Hammond. 
James McQuade. 
Wm. F. Rogers. 
John B. Murray. 
Wm. M. Gregg. 
David C. Stoddard. 
J. B. Kiddoo. 
Adolphe Nolte. 
N. M. Curtiss. 
James E. Jones. 



The act, however, failed to provide any appropriation, 
and none was made. On account of the diversity of opin- 
ion as to where the institution should be located, and from 
other causes, — although each annual encampment of the 
G. A. R., in the years 1873 and 1874, sent a committee to 
the Legislature for that purpose, — no appropriation was 
ever made, and the trustees became discouraged. 

It was at this time that a feeling became manifest among 
a few of the members of the G. A. R., of appealing direct 
to the people for aid to build and establish a home for the 
disabled soldiers and sailors who were or might be debarred 
the privilege of entering the homes provided by the Na- 
tional Government. 

With this object in view, E. C. Parkinson, of Brooklyn, 
procured subscriptions of one hundred dollars each from 
the following persons : 



John B. Norris. 
John F. Henry. 

A, S. Barnes. 

B. B. Hagerty. 



C. P. Dixon. 
Wm. C. Kingsley. 
J. S. T. Stranahan. 
Philip S. Crooke. 



all citizens of Brooklyn, — the first having been obtained 
Jan. 4, 1875, and the others within a few days thereafter ; 
said subscriptions having been made upon the condition 
that at least ten thousand dollars should be pledged before 
payment thereof would be required. 

At the annual encampment of the G. A. R., Depart- 
ment of New York, held at Rochester, Jan. 20 and 21, 
1875, ill accordance with a recommendation made by E. C. 
Parkinson, Department Inspector, in his annual report, a 
committee of fifteen comrades was appointed to consider 
the feasibility of establishing a Soldiers' Home, and to 
report at the next semi-annual encampment, the following 
persons having been appointed such committee : 



John B. Murray. 
Stewart L. Woodford. 
Henry W. Slocum. 
Geo. H. Sharpe. 
Wm. F. Rogers. 
E. Jardine. 
E. C. Parkinson. 
T. J. Quin. 



M. S. Hicks. 
L. W. Fiske. 
E. J. Loomis. 
B. A. Willis. 
E. L. Cole. 
James E. Curtis. 
John Palmer. 



The report of said committee was that one hundred and 
eighty-eight acres of land, lying on Lake Keuka, would bo 
donated by the citizens of Penn Yan and vicinity. No 
positive action was taken upon the report of the committee, 
and it was discharged. At the annual encampment of the 
Grand Army of the Republic, Department of New York, 
held at Albany, Jan. 25 and 26, 1876, the following per- 
sons were appointed a committee, with power to add six 
additional names, having full power to take such action as 
in their judgment might seem proper in regard to the es- 
tablishment of a Soldiers' Home, and to fill vacancies, etc. 



Seymour Dexter. 
William F. Rogers. 
Frauk H. Sheppard. 
J. A. Lewis. 
E. L. Cole. 
J. H. Curtis. 
E. B. Gere. 
A. H. Nash. 



E. C. Parkinson. 

B. F. Finly. 
Willard Bullard. 
L. W. Fiske. 

C. R. Becker. 
M. F. Sheppard. 
R. L. Fox. 



On the day of their appointment the members of the 
committee met in Albany, and proceeded to effect an or- 
ganization. Mr. J. H. Curtis and C. R. Becker declining 
to serve, John Palmer and S. P. Corliss, of Albany, were 
appointed to fill the vacancies. 

The following committee was appointed on organization 
and plan : Seymour Dexter, Willard Bullard, and R. L. Fox. 

A committee on location was also appointed. The bill 
of incorporation was drafted by Hon. Seymour Dexter, of 
Elmira, presented in the Assembly by Hon. Eugene B. 
Gere, of Owego, and taken charge of in the Senate by 
Hon. L. Bradford Prince, of Queens County. The bill 
was duly passed and signed by the Governor, Samuel J. 
Tildeii, on the 15th of May, 1876. 

By the terras of the bill of incorporation the above com- 
mittee of fifteen, with six other gentlemen to be by them 
selected, together with the Governor and Comptroller of 
the State, and the Commander of the Grand Army of the 
Republic of the State of New York, formed the first Board 
of Trustees. A meeting for the selection of the six addi- 
tional trustees, and the or anization of the board, was held 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



93 



at the headquarters of the Grand Armjr of the Republic, 
Department of New York, 111 Broadway, New York, June 
1, 1876. At said meeting John F. Henry and Henry W. 
Sage, of Brooklyn ; Henry W. Bellows, of New York City ; 
Chas. G. Craft, of Albany ; Farley Holmes, of Penn Yan ; 
and Frederick Davis, Jr., of Watkios, were duly chosen as 
the additional trustees; and thereupon the board was duly 
organized by the election of E. C. Parkinson, President ; 
J. A. Lewis, Secretary ; and John F. Henry, Treasurer. 

Committees were appointed on plan of organization and 
location. The committee on location were direcled to give 
notice to all places in the State desiring to offer inducements 
for the site of the Home, to send to the committee their 
proposals by the tenth day of July following, and that the 
committee would meet in the city of Ehnira on said day for 
the purpose of visiting the various localities from which 
proposals were received. Propositions were received from 
the citizens of Watkins, Penn Yan, Lake Keuka, and Bath. 
Several days were spent by the committee in carefully ex- 
amining all these locations, and the various advantages and 
inducements offered by each. After mature deliberation 
the committee reported to the board at a meeting held in 
the city of Eimira, June 14, in favor of Bath. On the 
report being made and much discussion arising, it was de- 
cided that the entire Board of Trustees should visit the sites 
offered by Bath, Lake Keuka, and Watkins, which was 
done forthwith ; and at an adjourned meeting held at Wat- 
kins, on June 15, the report of the committee was adopted. 

The location offered by the citizens of Bath was a farm, 
situated about one mile west of the village of Bath, on the 
Conhocton River, known as the Rider farm, consisting of 
two hundred and twenty acres. Li addition to said farm 
the citizens of Bath donated the sum of six thousand dol- 
lars in cash towards the erection of the buildings. 

A meeting of the committee on plan and organization 
was held at Bath during the last week in September, 1876, 
at which time it was decided to invite architects to submit 
plans for the proposed Soldiers' Home buildings to an ad- 
journed meeting of the committee, to be held at Bath on 
the 16th of October following. It was determined that 
three buildings should be erected, — two buildings each about 
one hundred and twenty-five feet long by thirty wide, and 
a third building one hundred and twenty-five feet long and 
sixty wide, — all to be three stories in height, built of brick 
with suitable trimmings. In accordance with such decision 
of the committee, a circular was issued and sent to all ar- 
chitects who desired to compete in the presentation of plans 
at said adjourned meeting. Plans were submitted by the 
following-named architects : I. G. Perry, of Binghamton ; 
M. E. Bcebe, of Buff\ilo ; John Y. Culyer, of Brooklyn ; 
L. J. O'Connor, of New York City ; Craft, of Sara- 
toga Springs ; W. H. Hamilton, of Utica ; Warner & Cut- 
ler, of Rochester. None of the plans proving entirely satis- 
factory, further consideration of the same was postponed 
until October 26, at which time modified plans were sub- 
mitted by Messrs. Warner, Culyer, Beebe, and Perry. 
After full consideration of said plans, those submitted by 
Messrs. Warner & Cutler, of Rochester, were accepted, and 
Mr. Warner was duly employed as the architect for the 
erection of the buildings. 



In November a stone quarry was opened upon the farm, 
from which sufficient stone for all the foundations, and all 
the cut stone excepting window-sills, were obtained and 
placed upon the ground ; the cutting of the stone continued 
during the winter. All the sand used in the construction 
of the buildings is obtained on the farm. About the middle 
of April, 1877, ground was broken for the buildings, much of 
the materials for the same having already been delivered. 

The following gentlemen constituted the Board of Trus- 
tees for 1877: the Governor of New York; the Comp- 
troller of New York ; James Tanner, Commander G. A. R., 
Department of New York ; E. C. Parkinson, Brooklyn, 
N. Y. ; J. A. Lewis, Brooklyn, N. Y. ; John P. Henry, 
Brooklyn, N. Y. ; Henry W. Sage, Brooklyn, N. Y. ; E. 
W. Brueninghausen, New York ; Louis Schlam, New York ; 
Sinclair Tousey, New York; John Palmer, Albany; E. L. 
Judson, Albany ; S. P. Corliss, Albany ; E. L. Cole, Troy; 
R. L. Fox, Oneonta; F. H. Shepard, Utica; L. W. Fiske, 
Boonville ; Seymour Dexter, Eimira ; W. F. Rogers, Buf- 
falo ; M. F. Sheppard, Penn Yan; Farley Holmes, Penn 
Yan ; A. H. Nash, Geneva ; William Rumsey, Bath ; Ira 
Davenport, Bath. 

Officers of the Board. — E. C. Parkin.son, President; J. 
A. Lewis, Secretary ; William Rumsey, Counsel ; John F. 
Henry, Treasurer. 

LAYING THE CORNER-STONE. 

Wednesday, June 13, 1877, will be a memorable day in 
the annals of Bath, for on that day was laid the corner- 
stone of a building which will be not only a memento of 
the gratitude of the State to its heroes, but a proud monu- 
ment of the patriotic liberality of the citizens of this village. 
In the hearts of the soldiers of the Union, the citizens of 
Bath will always be held in warm affection. 

At an early hour the streets were alive with visitors from 
the surrounding country. It was a gala day, and all Steu- 
ben County, and a goodly portion of the State, came to 
assist in the ceremonies. Flags and banners were sus- 
pended everywhere, and bands of music enlivened every 
one by playing popular melodies. 

Shortly after two o'clock the procession formed in front 
of the Park, and at the signal marched by Liberty and 
Washington Streets in the following order : 

Greisinger's Band. 

Custer Post, No. 81. 

Veterans, white and colored. 

Capt. Linderman's Battery, Buffalo. 

Pier's Band, Corning. 

Delegates to Semi-Annual Encampment of G. A. R. 

Carriages, containing department commander, presiding officer, 
orator of the day, the department staff, representatives of the press, 
soldiers of the war of 1812, President of the Board of Trustees, vill.age 
authorities, and Trustees of the Home, clergymen, and other invited 
guests. 

Citizens generally. 

The road was thronged with people on foot and in car- 
riages. When near the Home grounds, the battery lefl 
the column and took position on the hill above the Home, 
whence it fired salutes at intervals during the ceremony. 
The main building was beautifully decorated with flags, and 
was roofed over. On the northeast corner a platform was 
erected for the speakers and officials. Among the distin- 



94 



HISTORY OP STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



guished personages on it, besides the speakers, were Gen. 
Henry W. Slocum, of Brooklyn, who commanded the left 
wing of Sherman's army on the march to the sea. Rev. 
Father Farrell, of St. Joseph's Church, and Mr. Grady, of 
New York City, Rev. Henry Hylaiid Garnett, and ex- 
Lieutenant-Governor John C. Robinson. Fully fifteen 
thousand people were on the ground. In the distance 
could be seen Frank Leslie's artist, with his big camera, 
photographing the scene. 

E. C. Parkinson, President of the Board of Trustees, 
introduced Hon. Sherman S. Rogers, of Buffalo, who acted 
as presiding officer. Elocjuent addresses were made by the 
chairman, by the Rev. Henry Ward Beecher, and Depart- 
ment Commander Tanner. Mr. Albeit Clark, Superintend- 
ent of Construction at the time, spread the mortar, and the 
corner-stone was lowered into its place and formally laid by 
Comrade Tanner, amid the cheers of the crowd. 

TRANSFERENCE TO THE ST.\TE. 

In pursuance of an act of the Legislature, passed March 



a meeting held November 13, was appointed Superintendent 
of the Home. 

DESCRIPTION OP THE HOME. 

The ftrm upon which the Home is located consists of 
two hundred and forty-one and one-half acres, and lies 
about a mile and a half northwest of the village of Bath. 
It is in the beautiful Conhocton Valley, which at this point 
is about half a mile wide, and is shut in by hills which rise to 
a height of from six to eight hundred feet. The Conhocton 
River runs through the easterly portion of the farm, drain- 
ing the land thoroughly, and with its swift current carrying 
away all the drainage and sewage from the buildings. 

The soil is a rich alluvium, with clay and sandy loam. 
About ninety acres of the farm lie in the valley, and the 
balance to the westward consists of high rolling land. It 
is all tillable with the exception of thirty acres of wood- 
land, situated in the northwest corner of the property. 

There is an excellent quarry on the farm, from which all 
the stone used in the foundations was taken, and sufficient 
may be taken from it to build foundations for any building 




NEW YORK STATE SOLDIERS AND SAILORS HOME, BATH, N. Y. 



11, 1878, the Home was transferred by deed to the State, 
and the following Board of Trustees appointed by the 
Governor, to hold office for one, two, and 'three years re- 
spectively, from the 15th of January, 1879: 

Board of Tiiislees. — The Governor, ex-nfficio ; the At- 
torney-General, ex-ojicio ; Henry W. Slocum, Brooklyn, 
N. Y. ; James McQuade, New York City ; Isaac F. Quinby, 
Rochester, N. Y. ; William F. Rogers, Buffalo, N. Y.; 
Nirom M. Crane, Hornellsville, N. Y. ; Byron B. Taggart, 
Watertown, N. Y. ; Ansel J. McCall, Bath, N. Y. ; Jona- 
than Robie, Bath, N. Y. ; John F. Little, Bath, N. Y. 

Officers of the Board. — Henry W. Slocum, President; 
Isaac F. Quinby, Vice-President; Nirom M. Crane, Treas- 
urer ; John F. Little, Secretary. 

Executive Committee. — William F. Rogers, James Mc- 
Quade, A. J. McCall, B. B. Taggart, Jonathan Robie. 

E. C. Parkinson was appointed Superintendent of Con- 
struction June 7, 1878, to complete the buildings, and at 



that may be required in future. This quarry is a valuable 
acquisition, as it has already saved, and will in future save, 
a large sum in construction expenses. 

The water-supply is practically unlimited. At several 
points on the land are springs of beautiful water, which even 
in the hottest summer weather is delightfully cool, pure, 
and palatable. The main spriog, from which the buildings 
are supplied, is located on the land of C. Lang, adjoining 
the Home farm. The spring, and the right of way to it, 
weie purchased from Mr. Lang. A stream sufficient to fill 
a three-inch pipe issues from the spring, and is conducted to 
a reservoir located on the Home farm, about one thousand 
feet from the spring and fifty feet below its level. This 
reservoir will hold three hundred thousand gallons of water, 
and is one hundred and thirty feet higher than the water- 
table of the buildings, thus furnishing a water-supply suffi- 
cient for all purposes, with sufficient " head" for use in case 
of fire, and to carry the water over the top of the buildings. 



HISTOKY OF STP:UBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



95 



The reservoir is about eighteen liundred feet from the Home, 
and the water is conducted thither by a six-inch iron main. 

Tiic buildings of the Home consist of one large main 
building, one hundred and twenty-five feet long by sixty 
feet wide, and two lateral buildings, each one hundred and 
twenty-five feet long by thirty feet wide. All the build- 
ings are three stories high, and are built of the best qual- 
ity Hurseheads brick. The walls are double, consisting 
of two eight-inch walls, with a space of two inches between. 
Under each building is a tliomuglily dry cellar, eight feet 
high. The barracks, or smaller buildings, are located one 
on each side of the m'ain building, and distant sixty-five feet 
therefrom. Their rear ends are situated opposite the centre 
of the main building, so that they project just half their 
length in front of it. A wide covered veranda runs com- 
pletely around each. The first floor of the main building 
is used as the dining-liall and kitchen. The ceiling is six- 
teen feet from the floor, and is supported by iron columns 
which stand on brick piers built in the cellar. In the 
dining-room will be placed twenty-two tables, at which five 
or six hundred soldiers will take rations. At the rear of 
the dining-room is the kitchen. Here are three euormous 
coflfee-pots, of bright copper, which will hold about one 
hundred and seventy-five gallons. Here also is a splendid 
cooking-range of the most approved style, twelve feet long, 
with three fires and three ovens, and all other improve- 
ments that could be imagined. There are also four enor- 
mous jacket-kettles for cooking meats and vegetables, soup- 
kettles holding two hundred and sixty-five gallons, and a 
water-tank. On the east side of the kitchen, as in all the 
other rooms, there is a hose-attachment, through which a 
stream of water can be thrown into an inch-hose in case 
the kitchen should take fire. On the other side of the 
kitchen is a sink ten feet in length, where the dishes will 
be washed. The water from this sink will be drawn off 
into a tank outside, where the grease will be skimmed off 
for soap. The two upper floors of this building and all 
floors of the barracks are used for dormitories, each having 
rooms at the front for the ofiicers in charge, and rooms 
in the rear for wash-rooms and water-closets. 

There is no useless ornamentation on the buildings. They 
are plain and neat, there being no sacrifice of the space or 
material for mere purposes of adornment. The windows 
have stone lintels and cap-pieces. In the centre of the 
lateral buildings three windows on each floor are grouped, 
the lintels and cap-pieces being of white stone. An arched 
piece'of ornamented work, consisting of gray and blue stone 
set into the brick-work in concentric semicircles, springs 
from the side of the top group, and the whole is sur- 
mounted by a peaked wing of the roof, producing a pleas- 
ing eftect without elaborate ornamentation. The present 
barracks accommodations are estimated to be sufiicient for 
five hundred men, and with this number in the dormitories, 
the air space for each man will be six hundred cubic feet. 
In the rear of the main building is an addition, one story 
high, in which are the bakery and ovens. 

Fifty feet in rear of the main building is a one-story 
brick building, which contains the laundry, the bath-rooms, 
engine-room, and boiler-room. From this latter point the 
main sewer starts. It is a twelve-inch vitrified pipe, into 



which all the pipes from the dormitories, bath-rooms, water- 
closets, etc., lead. The flow of water is so strong that the 
sewage is instantly swept away, and is carried by this main 
pipe to the Conhocton River, into which it empties at a dis- 
tance of twelve hundred feet below the buildings. There 
is thus no danger of malarial diseases from sewer-gas, and 
the perfect sewage and drainage make the location of the 
home all that can be desired for salubrity. Adjoining the 
boiler-room is a brick shaft nine feet square at the base and 
eighty-six feet high. Into this runs the main foul-air duct 
from under the centre of the main building. All the foul- 
air ducts run into this main one, and the noxious vapors are 
drawn into the high shaft by a powerful upward current of 
air. This current is caused by the heated iron smoke-stack 
from the boilers running up through the centre of the shaft, 
and also by a coil of two hundred feet of steam-pipe at the 
top of the shaft. The powerful draft thus created sends 
the foul air far above the buildings, where it is speedily 
dissipated and rendered innoxious. 

The buildings are heated by steam-radiators, direct and 
indirect, the pure air coming in from the outside of the 
building through ducts and carried to the building over 
stack-radiators, thus heating the pure air on its passage 
to the rooms, which it enters by the usual style of " regis- 
ter." Two low-pressure boilers supply the steam for heat- 
ing purposes. The cooking is also done by steam, which is 
supplied from a fifteen horse-power boiler. Attached to this 
is a ten horse-power engine, which is u.sed to do the laundry 
work. The steam-heating apparatus was put in by E. H. 
Cook & Co., of Elmira. 

The buildings are lighted with gas, which is manufac- 
tured from crude petroleum in a building seventy-five feet 
in rear of the boiler-room. The light is clear, white, and 
brilliant, fully equal to the best of coal gas and decidedly 
superior to the average. 

On the farm there is one good dwelling-house, the old home- 
stead, several tenement-houses, and several barns, which can 
be used for the storage of grain, etc., raised on the ground. 

THE OFFICERS AT THE HOME 
are E. C. Parkinson, Superintendent; Daniel O'Driscoll, 
Post-Adjutant; and A. H. Nash, Secretary. 

These gentlemen are veterans of the war, well qualified 
by experience in camp and field to take charge of such an 
institution, and the excellent order that prevails shows that 
they do their duty faithfully and intelligently. The work 
of organizing an institution like this is peculiarly arduous, 
and requires an amount of forethought and executive ability 
that few can appreciate.* 



CHAPTER XX. 

GRAPE-GROWING AND \FINE-MAK1NG. 

The Grape District — Grape Culture — Wine Companies — Process of 
Wine-Malting — Marketing Grapes. 

THE GRAPE DISTRICT. 

In the production of grapes and wine Steuben is the 
banner county of the State. The section of Steuben 

- For much of the matter of this chapter credit is due the Sleiiben 
Farmer's Advocate of Jan. 31, 1879. 



96 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



County adapted to grape-culture is that portion bordering 
on Crooiied Lake, in the towns of Pulteney, Wayne, and 
Urbana, and in Pleasant Valley, at the head of the lake in 
the last-mentioned town. This district lies in latitude 
forty-two degrees thirty minutes north, and longitude thirty 
minutes west of Washington, at an elevation above tide- 
water of nearly seven hundred feet. The valley of Pleas- 
ant Valley and Crooked Lake has an indefinite beginning 
near Bath, and extends in a northeasterly direction eight 
miles, with an average width of two miles, to the head of 
the lake where the village of Hammond-sport is situated, 
the direction of the lake being mainly the same for twenty 
miles farther to Penn Yaii. This lake is three hundred 
and fifty feet in depth, of pure, clear water, and seldom 
freezes over at the head in the coldest winters. It has two 
branches, separated by a promontory of great elevation 
called Bluff Point. The circumference of the entire lake, 
and that portion of the valley in vineyards, is something 
over sixty miles. 

The soil is a clay loam largely mixed with shale, gravel, 
and stone of black slate. The face of the country border- 
ing the lake and valley is remarkably uneven and hilly, and 
has in places a slope of forty degrees. This belt or border 
of the valley and lake is deeply cut and gashed at various 
distances by rushing, dashing streams (at certain seasons of 
the year), with ravines a hundred feet deep or more, with 
cascades, at intervals, of rare beauty, and again by laugh- 
ing, dancing rivulets, draining the border, the plateaus, and 
hills which lie back from the lake at every varying distance 
and height. It is upon these slopes or borders that the 
vineyards of this justly-celebrated grape and wine region 
have their location. The belt occupied by the vine is from 
a quarter of a mile to a mile in width. 

The circumstances and material elements which conspire 
to make this a grape locality of earliness and healthfulness 
of the vine, above most others, are the composition and 
formation of the soil, the perfect drainage by nature, the 
influence of the lake, and the links of mountain heights 
surrounding it ; besides it is believed that Canandaigua 
Lake north, and Ontario and Seneca near by, lend their 
influence in lengthening the season beyond that natural to 
the latitude, so tempering the atmosphere in moisture and 
warmth as to result in a location fur the vine of great health- 
fulness, and in giving to the fruit a flavor untainted of soil 
or anything of a foreign nature. 

GRAPE-CULTURE. 

Vine-culture as a business commenced in this region in 
1854, by the planting of Catawba and Isabella varieties, 
which had been grown in gardens for twenty years before, 
having been first introduced into Pleasant Valley by Rev. 
William Bostwick. 

As early as 1836, Mr. J. W. Prentiss, of Pulteney, had 
obtained a few cuttings of Mr. Bostwick, and planted them 
on an elevation of eight hundred feet above the lake, and 
about two miles back from its western shore. From these 
he continued the experiment year after year, until he had 
a vineyard of three acres. 

In 1854, Andrew Reisenger, a German vine-dresser, 
came into Pulteney, eight miles north of Hammondsport, 



and planted about an acre and a half on the hill-side on the 
banks of the lake with Catawbas and Isabellas, mostly the 
former. The soil was a heavy clay, and he trenched it in 
the German mode two and a half feet deep. Reisenger's 
experiment was rather a failure, and was ultimately aban- 
doned by him. But in 1855, Orlando Shepherd and Judge 
Jacob Larrowc brought vines from there to Pleasant Valley, 
and set out about half an acre each on the hill-side, near 
Hammondsport. 

The minds of the people in the valley have received a 
strong impetus towards grape-culture from several causes. 
The first of these was the uniform proHficacy and excellence 
of the grape on their lands under almost any treatment ; 
second, the great success and profits of Longworth and 
others at Cincinnati in its culture, and the example nearer by, 
in Avon, and also that of Mr. McKay, of Naples, Ontario 
Co., who had cultivated a vineyard of several acres from 
about 1848, with great profit; and finally, the agricultural 
newspapers of that period were specially engaged in calling 
attention to the subject. An influx into the neighborhood 
of industrious and honest Germans, familiar with grape- 
culture and wine-making, gave the people an opportunity 
to obtain further information on the subject. They became 
satisfied that their soil and climate were adapted to that 
culture, and the Germans supplied them with experienced 
laborers. They, therefore, did not await the result of Shep- 
herd's and Larrowe's experiment. In 1858 both of these 
gentlemen increased their vineyards to two or three acres 
each ; Bell and McMaster set out six or eight acres of vines ; 
Edwin P. Smith, two acres; Grattan H. Wheeler, four 
acres; Charles D. Champlin, one acre; Stanley B. Fair- 
child, one acre ; Timothy M. Younglove, one acre. 

In the ftill of 1858, Aaron Y. Baker, of Pleasant Valley, 
went to Ohio, and examined the vineyards at Kelley's 
Island, four hundred acres of which were probably then in 
bearing. He brought back thirty thousand cuttings, and 
his report of what he saw further stimulated the enterprise 
of his townsmen. But we can no longer trace the history 
of individual enterprise. 

In 1859 and 1860 full two hundred acres of vines were set 
out. The surface since planted has extended to about five 
thousand acres, a large proportion of which are in bearing. 
The present vineyard region extends along the hill-slopes 
on the west side of Pleasant Valley and the west shore of 
Crooked Lake for a distance of ten or twelve miles, and 
occupies a productive area of considerable extent on the 
east side in the town of Wayne. 

The varieties now chiefly grown are Catawba, Isabella, 
Delaware, Diana, lona, and Concord, while there are many 
others grown in less quantities. Their rank for wine has 
been graded about as follows : first, lona ; then Delaware ; 
then Catawba. Diana, for white wine ; Norton's Virginia 
Seedling, Ives Seedling, Isabella, Clinton, and Concord, for 
red wine. 

The average annual yield, taking the entire acreage in 
bearing, is estimated at three thousand pounds per acre. 
Some vineyards of Catawbas, Isabellas, and Concords do 
sometimes yield four tons, and even more, per acre. Other 
varieties, as Delaware, Diana, lona, and many others, do not 
yield as much under like circumstances. 



HISTORY OP STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



97 



The fiicilities for shipping the products of the vineyards, 
either as grapes or wine, from this section are ample and 
convenient. Hammondsport, at the head of the lake, is 
connected with Bath by railroad, which has a station at the 
Pleasant Valley Wine-Uellars, two miles south of the former 
place and six miles from the latter. Penn Yan, at the foot 
of the lake, is not only a port for the steamers which make 
daily trips between there and Hammondsport, but is also sit- 
uated on the Northern Central Railroad, connecting both 
with the Erie and the New York Central. The steamers 
land regularly at the dock of the Urbana Wine Company, 
whose cellars are located on the west side of the lake, a few 
miles below Hammondsport. They also cruise along the 
lake-shore, and take on at every dock the packages of grapes 
for shipping. The vintage takes place from the 20th of 
September to the 20th of October. There are shipped to 
New York and other places, as fruit for the table, from 
eight to nine hundred tons each year. Of the other por- 
tion of the whole crop, the larger share is made into wine, 
some into brandy. 

WINE COMPANIES. 

Incidental to such extensive vineyards, where marketing 
for table use was neither profitable nor practicable on so 
large a scale, came wine-making, which is now thoroughly 
organized and systematized as an industry of no inconsider- 
able magnitude. There are three organized and prosperous 
wiue companies within the grape-growing zone of this 
county, whose history we shall now proceed to give in the 
order of their organization, beginning with the pioneer 
institution. 

THE PLE.\SANT VALLEY VVI.NE COMPANY. 

This company was organized in 1860. The original cor- 
porators were William Baker, Aaron Y. Baker, Charles D. 
Champlin, Grattan H. Wheeler, Timothy M. Younglove, 
Deloss Rose, G. H. Bruudage, E. Brundage, Bell & Mc- 
Master, Dugald Cameron, and J. W. Davis. It was 
through the efforts of the late C. D. Champlin that this 
company was formed, and who was its manager until his 
death, January, 1875. It was his energy, perseverance, 
and business ability that made the business a success and 
made a reputation for its product, which is second to none 
of the kind produced upon the American continent. Their 
vaults and buildings are situated about two miles from Ham- 
mondsport, on the Bath and Hammondsport Railroad. Their 
vaults are four in number, each 100 by 22 feet, with a 
capacity of stowing 1,000,000 bottles of champagne and 
100,000 gallons of still wine. 

The officers at present are Hon. Ira Davenport, Presi- 
dent and Treasurer ; A. S. Tuttle, Vice-President ; D. 
Bauder, Secretary ; and Jules Masson, Superintendent. 
The company own but a small experimental vineyard, con- 
sisting of about five acres, where all the new varieties are 
grown and tested for wine purposes. They control, through 
its stockholders, nearly 250 acres of the finest vineyards in 
this section. 

This company, in the first year of its organization, used 
about 18 tons of grapes, which steadily increased until 
1874, when they consumed nearly 1500 tons. Since that 
13 



time until the present it has ranged between 500 to 1000 
tons yearly, — 12 to 15 pounds of grapes will produce a 
gallon of wine. They began the manufacture of cham- 
pagne in 18G5, which year they bottled 20,000 bottles, 
which steadily increased until 1870, when they bottled 
150,000 bottles, which has been about the average up to 
the present They distilled from 1000 (o 1500 gallons 
of brandy annually up to 1875, since which they have not 
distilled any. The capital is nominally $20,000, but the 
earnings have been used to enlarge their works, storage, and 
stock, until they have nearly §200,000 invested. 

THE URBAN.*. WINE COMPANY. 

The Urbana Wine Company, located at Hammondsport, 
in this county, was organized in the spring of 1865, with 
a capital stock of two hundred and fifty thousand dollars, 
and owning two hundred and twenty-five acres of grape 
land, carefully selected, and much of it then set to grapes. 
The first officers chosen were John W. Davis, President; 
H. H. Cook, Secretary and Treasurer; and A. J. Switzer, 
Superintendent and General Managing Agent. 

To superintend the manufacture of wine the company 
secured the services of Charles Le Breton, a native of 
Nantes, in France, who had been for several years con- 
nected with important European wine-cellars, and whose 
practical experience eminently insured .success. The build- 
ings of the company, which occupy a beautiful site on the 
lake-shore about half-way between Hammondsport and 
Bluff Point, were begun in 1865 and completed in the 
following summer. They consist of three neatly-con- 
structed stone dwellings, a "leeparate fire-proof building 
for the distilling of brandy, and the main stone structure 
containing the cellars and wine-house. The cellars are one 
hundred by twenty-two feet in the clear, and are separated 
by a heavy stone wall and arched above at the height of 
eighteen feet in the centre. The main building, including 
the cellars, is sixty-five feet at the front elevation from the 
ground to the ridge, and cost the company thirty-five thou- 
sand dollars, exclusive of the fixtures, which are certainly 
no small item of expense when counted in detail. 

The first elected officers of this company continued to 
discharge their respective duties till February, 1871, when 
the stockholders at their annual meeting elected the follow- 
ing: President, D. M. Hildrith, New York; Vice-Presi- 
dent, Clark Bell, New York ; Treasurer, H. H. Cook, 
Bath ; Secretary, A. Smedburg, New York ; General 
Superintendent, A. J. Switzer, Hammondsport ; Board 
of Directors, D. M. Hildrith, New Y'ork ; Clark Bell, New 
York; Henry H. Cook, Bath ; E. Eldridge, Elmira ; Gen. 
W. W. Averell, A. Smedburg, New York ; Dr. Fred. B. 
Lent, New York ; Harlo Hakes, Hornellsville ; John W. 
Davis, Hammondsport. 

LAKE KEUKA WINE COMPANY. 

The Lake Keuka Wine Company was organized Oct. 1, 
1878, and owns the works known as the " Crooked Lake 
Wine-Cellars," .situated in the fine grape-growing section 
on Lake Keuka. W. A. Tomer, Secretary ; Charles Le 
Breton, Superintendent. 

^.T. lie Bretoq was for twelve years in charge as winsr 



98 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



maker of the Urbana Wine CompaDy, and his name is 
favorably mentioned in connection with awards of the Paris 
Exposition of 1878. 

PROCESS OF WINE-MAKING. 

Still Wine. — The fruit is brought to the wine-house, 
where it is carefully tested with the must scale, the price 
being graduated by the amount of saccharine matter con- 
tained in the grape. Good, well-ripened Isabellas range 
from seventy to seventy-five degrees of the saccharometer, 
Catawbas eighty to eighty-five degrees, Delawares and lonas 
occasionally reaching one hundred and ten degrees. 

The grapes are then ground through a grating-mill, set 
sufficiently close to break the berries without cracking any 
of the seeds. From the mill the pulp foils into a ferment- 
ing-lub or directly on the press, for here is determined the 
kind of wine to be made. If it falls on the press it is 
pressed and deposited in large cakes in the cellar as soon 
as convenient, so that no coloring matter contained in the 
skin is mixed with the wine, leaving it pure and white. 
This is called press wine. If it falls into the tub it is left 
to stand a short time (if white wine is wanted) to allow 
the wine to settle apart from the pulp, when the wine is 
drawn from the faucet, and no wine is taken except what 
will run ofiF without pressing, which is termed " cream 
wine." If a colored or red wine is de.sired it is allowed 
to ferment on the skin from two to four weeks, and is then 
drawn or pressed, as is desired. What remains in the tub 
after the wiue is drawn is allowed to ferment, and some 
time during the year, usually in March or April, is distilled, 
and from this is obtained th^ brandy. When the largest 
f|uantity of cream wine is made the most and best brandy 
is made, while from pressed husks the yield is small. 

The average yield of press wine from good, well-ripened 
grapes is about eight gallons to the hundred pounds, while 
the cream only yields five or six gallons. It is estimated 
that one hundred pounds of grapes will make about one 
gallon of brandy, so that what is taken out in wine will 
lessen its yield in brandy. These figures are subject to wide 
alterations, according to quality and condition of the fruit, 
but are given to show what may be expected of the grape. 
If the grape has been grown upon a favored locality, prop- 
erly trained and cultivated, as the season is favorable, its 
yield is much more valuable than when reverses follow from 
the season of blossoming to harvest. The greatest amount 
of sunshine and the least amount of water that will grow 
and mature the fruit seem to be the height of excellence. 

Whether the wine is leached or pressed, it is stored in 
large casks in the cellar, to ferment, and is racked when 
sufficiently cured and '■'■fined." The settling of these casks 
is termed " lees" and is put with the husks and termed 
" brandy material." 

Spurkling Wine. — In order to make sparkling wine or 
champagne, it must first go into and be a good article of still- 
wine. Sparkling wine is made by inducing a second fermen- 
tiition in still-wine, which is then corked down, and the gas 
which the fermentation engenders is held in and forced to 
mingle with the wine, and ever after seeking its liberty 
when loosed from its confinement. This gives the wine a 
sprightly and lively taste, peculiarly palatable and exhila- 



rating. It is the knowledge and skill in creating and con- 
trolling the amount of gas in the wine which is so valuable 
to a wine-maker and wine-making. Indeed, it is one of the 
nicest points, and requires the most careful attention, for a 
little too much pressure bursts the bottles, and all is lost ; 
too little, and the wine is worthless. The grape is perhaps 
the most delicate and sensitive fruit grown ; and it is sur- 
prising, even to those who are accustomed to the grape and 
its habits, to learn, as experience often shows, how the 
quality of the fruit may be varied by the location and sur- 
roundings while growing. So, too, nice care is required 
to know when the wine is in just the right fermentation for 
bottling. The bottles are filled by a machine (imported 
from France) with great facility and with the greatest ac- 
curacy, so that none will be too full and none with loss than 
enough. Thoy are then corked by another machine, which 
at once presses the cork and drives it home, when it passes 
to the grafi'e machine, and is there secured in the same 
speedy and perfect manner by a graffe or gripe (a late 
French importation) made of small half-round iron, passing 
over the cork and fastening under the flange of the bottle 
on each side. The bottles are then laid down on the side, 
so that the wine comes in contact with the cork, causing it 
to swell and make still more secure that which was firmly 
fixed before. 

Although the wine when bottled is as well cleared and 
nicely y?"e(Z as skill can do it, yet, at the exj)iration of a 
j'car, there are found to be dirty streaks of sediment deposi- 
ted on the lower side of the bottle. If through accident 
or carelessness this sediment becomes disturbed, the bottle 
has again to go down on its side for another long rest, and 
the operation is retarded for months. This is why strangers 
are warned in every such manufactory to keep their hands 
ofi" the bottles. 

When the wine has lain a sufficient length of time to 
deposit its sediment and properly ripen, the bottle is placed 
on a table with the same side down it occupied during its 
long rest, slightly inclining, the cork downward. An ex- 
pert shakes each bottle twice a day from four to six weeks, 
by seizing it by the bottom and giving it a quick, rotary, 
shaking motion each day, inclining the cork more and more 
downwards. By so doing the sediment is gradually slid 
down from the side of the bottle until it rests on the cork, 
and the wine is clear. The bottles are then removed from 
the table and piled in large boxes, cork down, to wait their 
turn for disgorging. When this is done they are hoisted 
to a room above (always cork down), when the expert seizes 
one, with the neck of the bottle in his left hand and the 
bottom in his arm-pit ; he removes the grafle and allows the 
cork to fly out with a report like a pistol, when all the sedi- 
ment and a small portion of the wine is thrown out. Then 
for the first in a long time the bottle is turned bottom down 
or placed upon its proper base. This process is termed 
disgorging. By a nicely-constructed graduated scale, an 
amount of syrup (made from rock candy dissolved in wine) 
is injected into the wine, without allowing much of the gas 
to escape. The bottle is again corked, and the cork graffed 
the same as the first time, but with a new and much finer 
cork. The first cork cost three cents and the last one five, 
all of which are imported, as are also all the machinery and 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTr, NEW YORK. 



99 



bottles used in the wine-making establishments. The cork 
is next covered with foil, when neat and tasty labels are 
placed upon the bottles and they are packed in straw ready 
for shipment. 

This gives but a faint idea of the labor and expense of 
making sparkling wine, for it is estimated that each bottle, 
from the time it arrives at the wine-house and before it 
leaves, requires to be handled two hundred times in order 
to perfect a good article of sparkling wine. 

BOX MAKING. 

The extensive shipping of grapes necessitated an inven- 
tion which has grown into a new and important branch of 
industry. We refer to box-making, which is carried on by 
several steam establishments in the grape district. To illus- 
trate the extent of this business we will take one factory, 
that, for instance, lately run by the Fairchild Bros., at 



Hammondsport. Commencing in the infancy of the grape- 
growing, they kept pace with its progress, manufacturing as 
follows: 1863,20,000; 1864,50,000; 1865,70,000; all 
being sold at home. In 1867 were made 100,000 boxes, 
25,000 going to other grape districts in the State. In 1868, 
their sales were 180,000, of which 85,000 were foreign sales, 
going to the States of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Virginia, 
North Carolina, Kentucky, and California. In 1870, they 
made and sold 300,000 boxes, 150,000 going to the States 
named. Without doubt, they have sold as high as 100,000 
boxes in a year to their home trade. 

Three-pound boxes, eighteen in a case, have been the 
approved and almost universally adopted method of packing 
grapes for market until the present season. Baskets, hold- 
ing from five to twenty-five pounds, have this year been 
used quite extensively, and promi.se in the future to hold 
an important place among the packages for shipping. 



CHAPTER XXI. 

STATISTICS. 

TABLE I.— POPULATION. 

Shomiiig the Population of the Connty hi/ Toicns, and the Proportion of Native and Fnrcifjn Born Inhabitants at the State Census of 1875, 



Inhabi asts of 



Stecben Coonty 

A'ldison 

Avoca 

Bath 

Bradford 

Cameron 

Campbell 

Caiiisteo 

Caton 

C/ohoctOD 

Corning 

Dansville 

Erwln 

Fremont 

Greenwood 

Hartsville 

Hornliy 

Hornellsville.. 

Howard 

Jasper 

Lindley 

PrattsUurgh..., 

Pulteney 

Rathbone 

Thurston 

Troupabnrgh.. 

Tnscarora 

Urbana 

Wayland 

Wayne 

West Union..., 

Wheeler 

Woodhull 



73,838 
Z,.593 
1,77G 
6,704 

901 
l,60'.l 
'.^,089 
2,94S 
1,614 
3,161 
6,796 
1,855 
2,023 
1,122 
1,320 

963 
1,317 
8,858 
2,131 
1,661 
1,481 
2,518 
1,444 
1,389 
1,388 
2,315 
1,478 
2,117 
2,623 

853 
1,317 
1,387 
1,977 



Born in the United States. 



67,127 
2,363 
1,713 
0,025 

970 
1,503 
1,910 
2,823 
1,555 
2,814 
.5,670 
1,684 
1,819 
1,089 
1,185 

916 
1,271 
7,455 
1,993 
1.627 
1.401 
2,378 
1,389 
1,259 
1,342 
2,249 
1,:«I 
1,928 
2,127 

834 
1,077 
1,371 
1,936 



60,199 
2,041 
1,621 
6.487 

886 
1,439 
1,7.55 
2,.541 
1,252 
2,650 
4,937 
1,6.37 
1,640 
1,024 
1,106 

843 
1,160 
6,524 
1,849 
1,485 
1.109 
2,222 
1,294 
1,126 
1,209 
1,892 
1,175 
1,758 
2,029 

780 

956 
1,305 
1,667 



o o 






43,140 

1,389 

1,103 

4,020 

633 

1,276 

1,265 

1,880 

769 

1,904 

3,273 

1,138 

1,311 

789 

882 

699 

748 

3,998 

1.440 

1,189 

775 

1,516 

952 

866 

924 

1,.502 

842 

1,372 

1,557 

462 

692 

1,019 

1,055 



6,218 
203 
102 

4;il 

149 

68 

209 

223 

114 

395 

6U3 

252 

93 

69 

86 

116 

223 

1,038 

93 

50 

75 

358 

130 

62 

99 

48 

80 

139 

298 

192 

115 

99 

107 



10,841 
449 
416 

1,036 
104 
95 
281 
438 
369 
361 

1,101 
147 
236 
166 
138 
129 
189 

1,488 
316 
246 
259 
348 
212 
198 
186 
342 
253 
247 
174 
126 
149 
187 
405 



3,237 

166 
38 

155 
23 
45 
55 

128 

212 
49 

382 
67 

104 
20 
21 
21 
55 

371 
46 
60 

233 
23 
18 
41 
54 

264 

141 
36 
12 
11 
65 
22 

2C9 



BOEtt IN fOSEION COONTRIES. 



6,711 

230 
63 

679 
21 
46 

179 

125 
79 

347 
1,120 

171 

201 
33 

135 

47 

46 

1,403 

138 
34 
80 

140 
65 

130 
46 
66 
87 

189 

496 
19 

240 
16 
11 



1,602 
5 
14 



29 

254 

211 

105 

11 

14 

6 

7 

3 

289 

6 

6 
6 
4 
2 
7 
1 
7 
55 
165 

"i 

3 



3,635 

178 
22 

4.57 
19 
36 

131 
70 
19 
31 

709 
28 

151 
3 

124 
21 
30 

831 

102 
12 
18 
52 
14 
92 
22 
55 
51 
81 
5 
9 

206 
6 
20 



100 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



TABLE II.— POPULATION. 

Showing ht/ Towns the number of Persons, of FomiUen, aud of Juhahited Houses, and the average unmher nf Persons to a Funtifi/, aud Persojis 

to an Jnhahited House, in t^ifenbeu County, from the State Census of 1875. 



CiTiL Divisions. 



Steuben Covntt. 

Aiidiaun , 

AVOCM , 

Balli 

Bradford 

CHnieron 

Campbell 

Ciinisteo 

Caton 

Cohocton 

Corning 

Dansville 

Erwin 

Frpmoiit 

Greenwood.,., 

Hartavilk- 

Hornby 



Persons. 


Familiei 


73,838 


16,092 


2,593 


562 


1,776 


419 


6,704 


1,472 


•J91 


221 


1,009 


329 


2,1189 


423 


2,948 


615 


1,634 


373 


3,161 


681 


0.796 


1,466 


1,855 


390 


2,023 


421 


1,122 


262 


1,320 


283 


903 


2o;i 


1,317 


298 



Tnbaliited 
Houses. 


Persons 

to a 
Family. 


15,147 


4.69 


514 


4.61 


393 


4.24 


1,389 


4.56 


■ 216 


448 


325 


4.89 


423 


494 


681 


4.79 


367 


4.38 


662 


4.64 


1,328 


4.64 


377 


4.76 


417 


4.81 


262 


4.28 


278 


4.00 


192 


4.74 


286 


4.42 



Persons 

to an 

Inhiiljited 

House*. 



4.87 
5.04 
4.52 
4 83 
4.01 
4.95 
4.94 
5.07 
4.58 
4.85 
6.12 
4.92 
4.85 
4.28 
4.75 
6.02 
4.62 



Civil Divikioni:. 



Hornellsville.. 

Howiird 

Jasper 

Lindlcy 

Praltsburgh... 

Pnlteney 

Pathiioiie 

Thurstun 

Troiiiisbnrgh . 

Tuscaroia. 

L'rbaiia 

"Wavland 

AVayiie 

M'est Union... 

Wlii-i'ler 

Woodliull 



,858 
,131 
,001 
,481 
,518 
444 
,3S9 
,388 
,315 
,478 
,117 
,623 
863 
,317 
,367 
,977 



Inhabited 
Houses. 



469 
371 
303 

680 
369 
304 
303 
485 
317 
461 
579 
206 
247 
327 
469 



1,072 
460 
365 
288 
555 
338 
286 
291 
479 
3111 
461 
468 
197 
239 
321 
449 



Persons 

to a 
Family. 



4.69 
4.54 
4.48 
4.89 
4.30 
4.02 
4.67 
4.58 
4.77 
4.66 
4.69 
4.53 
4.14 
5.33 
4.24 
4.21 



Persons 

to an 

Inhabited 

House. 



5.30 
4.03 
4.68 
5.14 
4.64 
4.27 
4.87 
4.77 
4.83 
4.91 
4.59 
5.60 
4.33 
6.51 
4.32 
4.40 



Shnwinr/tfre Different Htlifjionn Datou 



TABLE III.— CHURCHES. 

nntittiia ht Steuheii Oniiiili/^ with the Niiwher ttf Church Orffniiiztitions, Edifees^ SIttiiujs, Memhcrnhip, and 
Value of Church Property, from the State Cenitus for 1875. 





a 
.2 

1 

o 


i 


Sittings. 


Membership. 


Value of Church 
Proporty. 




§ 

1 

1 
o 


1 

1 


i 


a. 

i. 
1 


Value of Chnroh 
Property. 


Afriran Methodiat Episcopal... 


1 


1 

26 
4 
1 
5 
3 

44 
1 

16 
8 

11 


80 
8,400 
1,250 

2.50 
1,060 

750 
14,780 

200 
5,150 
2,1411 
6,025 


25 S600 

2,217 114,000 

191 8,500 

30 2,1100 
260 9,(WM) 
147 1--m\ 




_ 
3 


1 

1 


260 


34 
100 

273 
70 
60 
80 
90 


S 2,000 
3,000 

14,1100 
5,500 
1,175 
8,000 
4,700 


1 Haptist j 26 


Seventh-Day Baptist 


Christian Connection 


4 

\ 

3 
44 

1 
16 

8 
11 




4 ! 1 9nn 


United Methodist 


3 
1 
3 
3 


950 

200 
900 
800 


EvanRoliciO Lutheran 


Free-Will Baptist 




Jlethodist Episcopal 

IHethodist Protestant 


3,358 

60 

1,734 

681 

4,595 


234,275 
1,550 
179,200 
138,250 
133,600 


Wesleyan Hethudist 








Total 


137 


136 




S8GT,200 




43,885 


13,99,'> 







TABLE IV.— AGRICULTURAL. 
Sh'iuiiig by Towns the Area of Farm Lanth ; the Valve of Farmt, of Farm Diilldiiiys, of Live Stock, and of Jmplemeuta ; 

and the Amount of Agricultural Productions. 



the Area of Crops, 



Area or Land in 
Farms. 



Civil Divisions. 



Present Cash Value. 



Actkh, 

Steubf.x Covntt '503,014 

Addison { 6,146 

Avoca 15,859 

Bath I 38.620 

Bradf..rd , 9,902 

Cameron ' 15,029 

Campbell 11,950 

Canisleo 13,.5.52 

Caton 14,530 

Cohciclon 21,641 

Corning 9,053 

Dan.sville 21,023 

Erwin 6,473 

Fremont 12,810 

Greenwood 13,427 

Hartsville 11,284 

Hurnby 15,239 

Ilornellsville 14,180 

Howard 24,190 

.lasper 18,709 

Lindley i 6,851 

]'r;ittsbnrgh 27,410 

Pnlteney 1 16,: 

Kathbone 10.854 

Thurston 9'895 

Tronpsbnrgh 25,171 

Tn.scaroia 12,208 

Urbana 18,915 



Way land . 

Wayne 

West Union... 

Wheeler 

Woodhull 



10,743 
10,533 
14,8.54 
17,865 
20,567 



Unimproved. 



^ 



AcTfs. I 

203,895 

2,7,531 

3,016 

12,708 
3,776 
6,896 
6,512 

14,666 
3,888 
7,208 
5,6;i6 
5,940 
7,079 
4,939 
2,303 
6,745 
4,032 
6,883 
0,480 
8,516 

10,480 
7,578 
3,480 
4,870 
3,437 

11,977 
8,535 
6,002 
e,.S74 
2,32! 
2,100 
0,705 
6,729 



Acres. 

110,607 

0,045 

1,903 

6,084 

607 
3,826 
7,171 

812 
4,087 
0,308 
7,028 
4,228 
6,.552 

343 
7,072 
3,081 
3,701 
2.126 
1,807 
2,309 



050 

417 

6,034 

8,208 

1.58 

1,624 

1,047 

300 

217 

8,301 

2,401 

6,065 



Dollars. 
28,002.402 
439,782 
883,700 

2,615,270 
529,328 
631.645 
585,525 
918,8501 
829,942 

1,532,663 
774,9601 

1,320,390 
089,200 
646,466 
473.625 
627,612 
094,520 

1,278,875 

1,071,400 
704,710 
416,715 

1,575,455 

1,142,6251 
601,525 
513,816,: 
918,825 
599,130 

1,400,619 
838,980 
717,.i44 
449,414 
890.440 
823,940 






Dollars. 

3,549,.322 

54,650 

136,100 

338.775 

81,690 

102,825: 

94,695 

103,190 

103,670 

201,710 

114,890 

169,025 

64,100 

74,985 

52,600 

53.660 

97,975 

96,330 

139,600 

107,690 

57,489 

209,010 

160,780 

95.150 

75 970 

80,000 

81,601 

158,700 

114,115 

91,070 

40,220 

109,915 

84,830 



Dollars. 
4.208,005 

65,002 
139,710 
333,767 

79,815 
132,890 
105,065 
120,915 
137,987 
200,284 
104,897 
141,385 

05,165 

93,202 
110,465 

95,917 
121,788 
123,485 
182,516 
147,405 

63,150 
226,825 
132,472 
104,421 

94,140 
211,240 
116,140 
144,437 
134,446 

87,803 
103,247 
123,807 
164,826 



Dollars. 

1,135,772 
14,433 
43,015 
111,912 
19,708 
35,100 
43,199 
29,017 
37,395 
72,328 
39,013 
43,900 
15,094 
30,208 
10,024 
29,200 
30,403 
36,025 
49,688 
40,065 
17,868 
62,449 
40,8671 
26,680 
26,647 
49,510 
29,.505 
31,902 
52,876 
23,!)51 
22,395 
31,558 
34,782 



o a 

= a 

< 



Dollars. 

2,939,718 

35,202 

lai,785 

220131 
32,632 
78,843 
57,033 
74,;'03 
95,882 

153,390 
93,157 

100,345 
71900 
68,706 
66,896 
59,646 
93,018 
90,770 

130,421 
94,216 
30,018 

170,937 

127,181 
6.5,540 
55,777 

121,132 
68,639 

155,276 
94,994 
60,432 
68,404 
86,938! 

111,956 



..4cr^». 

155,697 

1,732 

5.466 

12,475 
3,432 
4,340 
2,876 
2,999 
3,707 
8,883 
I 3,021 
7,782 
1,967 
4,425 
3,137 
2,510 
3,829 
4,263 
8,425 
4,335 
1,056 

10,666 
6.171 
3,153 
3,264 
5,792 
3,343 
6,140 
6,007 
4,807 
3,223 
6,633 
5,318 



Grass Lands. 



Acres. 

166,354 

2,181 

4,328 

11,825 
2,904 
0,116 
3,759 
6,573 
4,200 
5,420 
2,077 
4,980 
1,930 
3.480 
6,905 
6,083 
4,878 
6,648 
0,930 
7,269 
2,390 
0,926 
3,563 
4,010 
2,080 

11,177 
4,841 
5,588 
3,332 
3,369 
6,034 
6,103: 
8,960 



Acres. 

126,616 
1,678 
3,1126 
8,121 
2,199 
4,231 
3,265 
3,304 
5,145 
4,114 
2,651 
4,208 
1,356 
2,901 
3,960 
3,338 
5,661 
3,740 
6,724 
6,403 
1,017 
6,.533 
3,156, 
2,591 
2,557 
7,986 
3,692 
3,936 
3,785 
1,708 
3,611 
3,899 
6,2.30 1 



Tom. 
127,o:il 
1,742 
2,947 
8,137 
1,868 
4,024 
3,813 
3,740 
6,143 
4,659 
2,746 
4,413 
1,721 
2,763 
3,549 
3,462 
5.184 
3,904 
5,799 
6,447 
2,484 
5,768 
2,811 
2,718 
2,717 
7,886 
3,725 
3,870 
4,001 
1,642 
3,090 
3,684 
6,168 



Bushels. 

5,24:i 

29 

85 

242 

273 



274 

40 

51 

093 

15 

209 

89 

335 

29 

110 

179 

134 

309 

163 

50 

237 

636 

71 

122 

44 

31 

36 

261 

216 

98 

179 

17 



Acres. 

7,327 

16 

239 

1,:«9 

354 

115 

112 

100 

47 

472 

06 

486 

27 

62 

6 

33 

19 

30 

196 



892 
4:i7 

05 
107 
111 
7 
803 
244 
421 

23 
283 
107 



Acres. 
10,458 

60 
441 
1,673 
459 
145 
197 
169 

69 
625 
109 
932 

61 

124 

2 

49 

38 
131 
2;i2 

73 



1,193 

725 

96 

247 

160 

30 

895 

401 

654 

21 

396 

101 



Biisliflt. 

134,301 

307 

4,399 

21,191 

4.693 

3,0:15 

1,906 

2,116 

1,133 

9,711 

1,606 

11,491 

602 

863 

100 

767 

385 

705 

3,007 

1,426 

18,249 
7,667 
1,598 
3,452 
2,691 
102 

11,727 
5,912 
5,768 
610 
4,'.99 
2,143 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



101 



TABLE v.— AGRICULTURAL. 

Shoiciiij hy Towns the Area of Farm Lands : the Value of Farmn, of Farm Biti/tiin/jB, of Live Stoek and of Implements ; the Area of 

Crops, and the Amount of Agrieullnral Productions, — (Continued.) 



Civil Divisions. 



Buckwheat. 



Acres. 
Stkubpn County... 22,301 

Addison I 2o.5 

Avoca I 4(»5 

Biith 1,784 



Bradford 
Cameron.-. 
Campbell... 
Canisteo.... 

Caton 

Cfjhocton .. 

Corninj; 

Daiisville... 

Krwin 

FrenK'nt ... 
Greenwood, 
HartfVille. 

Hiirnhy 

Hornellsville.... 

Howard 

.Jasper 

Lindley 

Prattsliurgll... 

Piilteney 

Rathlione 

Tliurston 

Troiipsburgli. 

Tuscarora 

Ihbana 

Wayland 

Wayne 

West Union... 

Wheeler 

Woodhull 



786 
906 
381 
481 
91 j7 
742 
54:! 
606 
220 
081 
621 
331 
800 
320 

1,323 
972 
177 

1,168 
630 
651 
629 

1,038 
583 
821 
502 
556 
473 
004 

1,265 



A errs. 

19,360 

332 

656 

1,105 

636 

1,173 

12 

328 

68 

548 

742 

863 

213 

711 

10 

408 

874 

346 

1,222 

1,037 

104 

1,260 

84 

771 

70S 

929 

44. 

6 

700 

748 

426 

753 

1,365 



Pro- 
duced. 



1874. 



Btisliels. 
446,907 

6,052 

9,339 
37,222 
14,449 
25,113 

6.718 

9,753 
16,825 
13,021 
10,340 
12,825 

4,438 
11,216 
14,275 

7,065 
16,211 

4,984 
24,804 
20,660 

3,360 
22.699 

8,820 
12,884 
10,696 
23,520 
12,841 
16,978 

9,842 
10,238 

9,634 
13,405 
27,888 



Indian Corn. 



1874. 1875. 



I 



Acres, 
12,798 

. 232 
537 

1,759 
410 
219 
409 
320 
324 
631 
576 
695 

an 

23.? 

75 
110 
176 
402 
455 

93 
283 
487 
569 
262 
331 
330 
381 
466 
496 
400 
100 
365 
345 



Acres. 

15,524 

309 

690 

2,081 
450 
207 
478 
338 
463 
776 
663 
741 
490 
298 
77 
162 
236 
562 
571 
1116 
319 
607 
669 
351 
469 
322 
486 
551 
644 
548 1 
77' 
520 1 
417 



Pro- 
duced. 



1874. 



Bushels. 

408.091 

7,.630 

20,650 

(.1,286 

14,415 

10,-60 

15,405 

11,992 

9,476 

22,618 

22,734 

20,370 

16,102 

7,231 

2,835 

3,544 

6,083 

15.979 

14,390 

2,284 

13,091 

18,665 

20,114 

9,0;8 

11,289 

10,243 

12,101 

16,024 

19,100 

25,905 

2,303 

13.259 

12,256 





Oats. 


Area. 


Pro- 




duced. 
1874. 


1874. 


1875. 


Acres. 


Acres. 


Bushels. 


04,964 


73,621 


1,633,018 


013 


773 


17,505 


2,176 


2,398 


62,716 


4,872 


5,581 


105,011 


1,433 


1,447 


23,848 


2,116 


2,163 


60,016 


1,160 


1,200 


29,415 


1,358 


1,763 


40,676 


1,728 


2,011 


44,137 


3,450 


3,882 


88,952 


1,265 


1,361 


35,981 


2,594 


3,147 


75,715 


604 


639 


18,642 


2.252 


2.891 


50,322 


1,769 


1,879 


47,411 


1,182 


1,433 


33,797 


l,9il 


2,1192 


44,223 


1,674 


1,962 


47,586 


4,040 


4,746 


93,115 


2,011 


2,439 


64,337 


454 


542 


13,487 


4,752 


5,110 


115,892 


1,909 


2,358 


45,769 


1,216 


1,511 


31,303 


1,269 


1,458 


31,413 


2,713 


2,966 


76,429 


1,330 


1,562 


34,184 


2,180 


2,302 


45,810 


2,406 


2,975 


09,359 


1,623 


1,595 


31,617 


1,906 


2,030 


56,416 


2,903 


3,040 


66,367 


2,096 


2,376 


53,667 





Eye. 




Area 


Sown. 


Pro- 
duced. 

1874. 


1873. 


1874. 


Acres. 


Acres. 


Bush. 


6,189 


7,995 


71,173 


4 


1 


29 


492 


513 


5,501 


616 


727 


6,4:M 


290 


426 


2,.321 


3 


29 


30 


31 


50 


396 


24 


9 


304 


37 


51 


238 


929 


1,099 


10,368 


49 


49 


386 


797 


041 


10,146 


22 


38 


248 


170 


168 


1,451 


12 


6 


164 


28 


31 


317 


109 


107 


010 


89 


49 


912 


214 


223 


2,231 


7 


n 


49 


3 


19 


66 


349 


650 


4,226 


50 


102 


263 


52 


71 


438 


103 


106 


1,063 


54 


88 


686 


20 


50 


171 


209 


429 


2,199 


1,129 


1,300 


16,594 


121 


214 


1,170 


7 


31 


116 


236 


340 


2,302 


33 


67 


441 



Spbino Wheat. 



Pro- 
duced. 



1874. 1875. 1874. 



.4cre8. 
11,473 

47 
377 
1,021 
337 
196 
132 
146 
166 
800 

96 
1,038 

28 
321 

94 
125 
105 
.306 
814 
145 

.59 

1,041 

389 

102 

91 
209 
210 
842 
082 
173 
153 
634 
206 



Acres. 
7,946 

16 
246 
732 
216 
148 
106 
129 
135 
451 
108 
509 

90 
193 

70 
110 

83 
198 
665 
147 

33 
.501 
302 

73 
103 
301 
184 
057 
661 
162 
113 
278 
220 



Bushels. 
106,210 

448 
3,195 
8,665 
2,320 
2,263 
1,313 
1,678 
1,556 
8,453 

991 
8,074 

266 
2,306 

062 
1,346 
1,142 
2,073 
7,7(11 
1,659 

579 
9,886 
3,989 
1,080 

808 
3,827 
1,931 
6,120 
9,078 
1,233 
1,707 
4,028 
2,541 






Winter Wheat. 


Area 


Sown. 


Pro- 
duced. 

1874. 


1873. 


1874. 


Acres. 


Acres. 


Bushels. 


17,095 


22,177 


236,591 


202 


367 


2,496 


010 


988 


7,877 


2,198 


2,792 


30,481 


483 


672 


4,454 


331 


362 


4,214 


023 


762 


8.700 


708 


903 


10,530 


177 


301 


2,036 


777 


1,067 


10,965 


475 


615 


8,801 


1,909 


1,866 


28,004 


360 


642 


7,246 


280 


216 


2,742 


153 


260 


2,289 


2,52 


302 


3,431 


191 


264 


2,187 


730 


1,063 


10,561 


465 


420 


4,971 


263 


329 


3,009 


357 


428 


5,477 


695 


004 


9,760 


945 


1,014 


10,318 


597 


695 


6,424 


427 


572 


4,722 


480 


609 


7,443 


234 


438 


2,743 


648 


833 


9,302 


612 


703 


9,021 


690 


612 


6,776 


37 


67 


361 


503 


781 


5,645 


291 


332 


4,511 



TABLE VL— AGRICULTURAL. 

Showing hy Toicng the Area of Fnnn Lands ; the Value nf Farm», of Farm Bmidings, of Live Stock, and of ImpUmenta ; the Area of Cfops, 

and the Amount of Agn'cultnrul Productiona. — (Continued.) 



Civil Divisions. 



Steuben County.. 

Addison , 

Avoca 

Bath 

Bradford , 

CaiTieron , 

Campbell 

Canisteo , 

Oiton 

Cohocton 

Cornin;; , 

Dansvillo 

Erwin 

Fremont 

Greenwnml 

Hartsville 

>IornIiy 

Hornellsville... 

Howard 

.Jasper 

Liiiciley 

Piattsbiirgh. ... 

Piilteney 

Rittlibune 

Thurston 

Tnitipsburgli... 

Tuscarora 

UrItHna 

Wayland 

AVayne 

West Union 

Wheeler. 

Woodhull 



Area. 


1874. 


1875. 


.4cr««. 


Acres. 


7,817 


9,912 


121 


127 


297 


401 


413 


408 


04 


80 1 


193 


195 


133 


114 


118 


l:« 


278 


275 


895 


l,-549 


168 


192 i 


647 


1,054 


57 


43 


■M- 


461 


178 


19i 


120 


142 


202 


209 


221 


263 


3.53 


302 


179 


177 


81 


74 


645 


862 ! 


144 


138 


1.58 


14s 


141 


130 


233 


219 


170 


102 


137 


149 


375 


6,58 


88 


93 


214 


208 , 


277 


444 1 


2.60 


267 1 

1 



Pro- 
duced, 



Apple Orchards. 



Grapes. 



Maple-Sugar. 



Bushels. 

1,003,836 
17,233 
39,883 
61,184 

9,494 
18,486 
16,130 
16,401 
31,060 
110,117 
21,172 
89,424' 

8,451 
39,740 
26,120; 
16,7281 
20,4)6 
26,343 
44,678 
22,560 

0,886 
70,727 
14,113 
10,510| 
10,341 
28,801 
23,518 
14,826 
45,087 

8,854 
33,912 
36,330 
38,270 



Trees. 



Number. 

481,979 ! 

7,363 
17,168 
37,942 

7,656 
13,029 
11,900 

9,230 
23,013 
32,713 
13,987 
16,036 

3,713 
14,229 

7,025 
11,330 
17,942 
11.734 
23.526 
13,500 

5,883 
27,750 
17,707 
10,495 
10.942 
17,953 
13,493 
10,620 
17,210 

9,021 

8,664 
15,001 
16,0!11 



Cider 



Fruit 

dSced. """'''• 
1874. 1874, 



Bushels. 
567,411 

4,835 
28,104 
50,830 

4,017 
18,120 
11,698 
11,838 
18,184 
40,353 
1.5,044 
24,733 

4,343 
20,912 

8,786 
11,921 
15,395 
15,036 
20,146 
11,4:58 

5,409 
39,793 
17,476 

8,4.52 
10,171 
10,000 
l:i,176 
27,100 
20,677 
11,217 

4,743 
10,487 
28,077 



Bar. 

13,504 

103 

451 

1,313 
215 
317 
:i85 
26:) 
443 
929 
465 
013 
119 
3:17 
97 
170 
415 
323 
673 
244 
20.1 
839 
009 
200 
204 
234 
2011 
673 
798 
293 
11 
410 
099 



Fruit 
pro- 
duced. 



Pounds. 

4,2:15,720 

126 



Wine 
made. 



Gals. 
73,5(0 



12,.563i 
200 



1,025 



100 

050 

9,020 

2,000 



150 

io'i 
"iii 



425 



630 

300 

450 

700 

1,440 

1,210 

1,220,643 

33,060 

1,500 

20 

880 

2,015,835 

100 

332.300 



1 



Sugar 
made. 



Pounds. 
142,621 



14,876 

1,645 

160 



123 
1,750 
5,002 
3,390 



Syrup 
made. 



Gals. 
6,200 



489 

288 

27 



1,410 



13,508 

8,464 

9,240 

1,282 

:100 

10,0:10 

15,140 

35 

6,889 

450 

250 

771 

23,705 

315 



46 

62 

320 

208 

3 

408 



1 



614 
75 
76 

104 
47 

673 

193 
15 

482 
33 
38 

110 
1,244 
34 



40 

50 

13,995 

2,160 

2,306 



26 
103 
216 
204 



Honey 

col- 
lected 
in 

1874. 



Pounds. 

109,317 

235 

4,970 

9,979 

2,901 

3,;iO() 

2,585 

3,990 

6,936 

7,400 

0.80 

850 



9,:135 



1,440 
5,500 
1,250 
4,267 
1,:150 
2,722 
6,273 
2,155 
5,170 
3,6:i3 
6,205 
3,:!22 
1,912 
3,6:10 
3,352 



1,825 
2,700 



Horses on Farms. 
Junel, 1876. 



Colts 
of 

1875. 



No. 

1,204 

16 



28 
61 
27 
26 
42 
62 
21 
61 
20 
IS 
16 
19 
29 
42 
45 
23 
20 
61 
40 
30 
45 
90 
34 
24 
63 
26 
22 
37 
43 



Colts 

of 
1874. 



A'o. 
1,319 
22 
38 
79 
24 
45 
32 
46 
47 
97 
26 
77 
16 
27 
23 
24 
30 
40 
65 
26 
16 
70 
29 
41 
37 
63 
44 
21 
77 
23 
27 
36 
61 



Two 
years 
old 
and 



No. 
16,119 
221 
496 
1,339 
316 
446 
383 
4.34 
493 
871 
442 
700 
161 
414 
299 
297 
481 
478 
716 
5:10 
193 
880 
562 
405 
357 
613 
.395 
603 
6:i6 
366 
383 
661 
600 



E£ 



Xo. 

34:1 

8 

36 

6 

9 

4 

13 

15 

13 

15 

20 

7 

5 



Poultry. 






Value 


Value 


Value 


of 


owned 


sold. 


epgs 
sold. 


1876. 


1874. 


1874. 


Dots. 


Vols. 


Volt. 


80,307 


37,502 


65,257 


1,2,54 


419 


594 


2,620 


1,211 


2,634 


6,870 


3,889 


5,712 


1,714 


780 


1,620 


1,402 


412 


876 


2,076 


950 


1,352 


2,105 


274 


1,122 


2,686 


1,749 


2,062 


4,163 


1,986 


4,16:1 


2,402 


1,1:17 


1,5.64 


2,377 


584 


2,712 


896 


91 


80 


2,262 


894 


1,858 


633 


643 


390 


1,190 


5:12 


903 


2,6:S3 


1,8:16 


2,168 


1,874 


1,097 


1,0.V5 


3,572 


1,388 


2.955 


2,057 


514 


2,521 


1,463 


480 


774 


5,821 


2,623 


7,112 


3,107 


2,381) 


3,304 


1,9:13 


595 


920 


2,412 


1,006 


1,818 


4,1:10 


3,088 


3,031 


2,6:10 


1,486 


1,736 


2,699 


1,180 


1,840 


2,112 


476 


2,074 


1,831 


847 


2,010 


1,200 


1,078 


813 


2.616 


828 


2,083' 


3,692 


1,095 


1,399 



102 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



TABLE Vir.— AGRICULTURAL. 

Sliowitir/ hi/ Toinnn the Area of Farm Lands, the Value of Farmn, of Farm Bnildinjs, of Line Stock, and of Lnpleinenti, the Area of Crops, and 

the Amount of Agricnltural Productions, — (Continued.) 



Civil Divisions. 



Steuben Couxtt. 

Addison 

Avoca 

Bath 

Bradford 

Cameron 

Campbell 

Cani^teo 

Caton 

Cohocton 

Corning 

Dansville 

Erwin 

Fremont 

Greenwood 

Hartsville 

Hornby 

Hornellsville... 

Howard 

Jasper 

LiiKlley 

Prattsbiirgh. .. 

Pulleney 

Riitlibune 

Thiii-ston 

Tronpsburgh... 

TuscarorH 

Urbana 

Wayland 

Wayne 

We-*t Union.... 

Wheeler 

WoodhuU 



Ne*t Cattle ox Fahms 
June 1, 1876. 



Heifers. 



No. 
5,:«6 
l:i2 
106 
652 

68 

96 
253 
143 
236 
247 
123 
188 
100 
157 
126 
101 
169 
118 
319 
183 

61 
164 
108 
199 
174 
218 
317 

72 
157 

92 
120 
107 
131 



Ab. 

8,100 
139 
180 
634 
118 
156 
257 
209 
279 
314 
168 
279 
104 
118 
298 
204 
250 
166 
332 
370 
174 
239 
208 
250 
207 
622 
318 
148 
335 
116 
387 
169 
352 



No. No. 
10,123 5,609 



1G9 
264 
706 
148 
195 
23G 
283 
334 
357 
186 
298 
128 
206 
376 
244 
309 
250 
609 
439 
234 
341 
194 
345 
224 
892 
355 
W 
327 
122 
42 i 
233 
615 



150 

91 
317 
120 

85 
186 
204 
146 
218 

86 
128 
109 
1.32 
216 
109 
262 

66 
176 
240 

76 
261 

76 
141 
141 
411 
302 
112 
347 

411 
278 

84 
391 



A'o. 
5,804 

63 

48 
471 
107 

46 
406 
106 
102 
183 

66 
218 
273 

SO 
106 
142 
223 
284 

91 
165 

89 
2.66 
149 
143 
181 
660 
168 
210 
106 

821 
246 

98 
248 



Milch-Cows. 

Average 

Number Kept. 



1874. 1875. 



No. 

34,882 

446 

1,310 

2,740 

425 

1,134 

8(KI 

1,143 

1,015 

1,142 

699 

967 

328 

886 

1,36B 

1,943 

994 

839 

2,224 

1,676 

553 

1,180 

703 

841 

718 

2,627 

1,144 

767 

1,0"5 

450 

1,212 

863 

1,734 



No. 
35,695 

463 
1,320 
2,719 

423 
1,241 

806 
1,165 

953 
1,230 

708 

953 

259 

766 
1,521 
1,136 
1,030 

858 
2,101 
1,812 

557 
1,166 

739 

887 

736 
2,683, 
1,174 

809 
1,000 

4!4 
1,409 

829 
1,805 




Lbs. 

3,568,394 

62,7-)8 

116,685 

331.378 

67,5611 

88,996 

78,537 

99,875 

96,634 

178,018 

77,276 

150,225 

33,448 

7'.',ld8 

65,927 

70,474 

92,999 

63,808 

183,006 

112,753 

4.5.558 

177,704 

116,072 

94,114 

76,713 

172,804 

108,715 

128,066 

183,720 

86,556 

77,597 

109,101 

143,188 



TABLE VIIL— AGRICULTURAL. 
ShoiDtny the Number and Size of Farms in Steuben County at the Census of 1875, by Towns, 



Civil Divisions. 



Number of Farms. 



Steuben County 

Addison 

Avona 

Bath 

Bradford 

Cameron 

Campbell 

Catijsteo 

Caton 

Cohocton 

Corning 

Dansville 

Erwin 

Fremont 

Greenwood.... 

Hartsville 

Hornby 






7900 
161 
182 
616 
1.59 
256 
234 
204 
300 
359 
220 
244 
86 
172 
181 
175 
219 



1080 
25 
20 
66 
15 
37 
41 
27 
74 
55 
46 
30 
7 
18 
6 
9 
30 



2807 
63 
63 
198 
66 
99 
94 
73 
132 
128 
75 
73 
14 
72 
53 
52 
79 







s 


1 


-a 

c 
s 


1- 

c 
S 


•0 

c 


T3 

C 


8 


i 


3245 


27 


46 




98 




253 




61 




106 


i 


81 




97 


1 


70 




132 




67 




137 


1 


56 


2 


82 




118 




107 




92 


3 



Civil Divisions. 



HornelLsville.. 

Howard 

Jasper 

Lindle.v 

Prattsbnrgh... 

Pnlten..y 

Ratlilione 

Thnrston 

Troupsburgh.. 

Tuscjirora 

Urbana 

Wavliind 

W.tyne 

West Union.... 

Whc-eler 

Woodhnll 



Number of Farms. 



172 
358 
282 
178 
389 
266 
199 
193 
388 
246 
259 
305 
163 
214 
228 
295 





d 


d 












u 








o 




•a 




c 


a 




s 


p 
















c 


B 










o 










2 




29 


10 


8 


36 


6 


5 


30 


10 


8 


30 


26 


36 


63 


26 


20 


46 


7 


6 


18 


4 


1 


27 


6 


9 


56 


16 


It 


39 


28 


28 


.32 


8 


26 


76 


15 


13 


20 


3 


2 


17 


4 


7 


30 


2 


3 


37 



51 

142 

117 

67 

109 

89 

82 

86 

172 

87 

55 

110 

55 

76 

68 

117 



86 
159 
122 
49 
147 
82 
84 
75 
146 
82 
112 
80 
51 
113 
118 
136 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



103 



TABLE IX.— WOOL. 

Showing hy Totrns, for the years 1855, 1864, 1865, 1874, and 1875, the Number of Sheep Shorn, the Total Weight of the CUp, and the Average 

Weight of the Fleeces, 



Civil Divisions. 



Steubfn County 

Addison 

Avoca 

Buih 

Bradfoid 

Cameron 

Campbell 

Ctinistco 

Catun 

Cohocton 

Corning 

Dansville 

Erwin 

Fremont 

Greenwood 

Hartsville 

llornliy 

Hornellsville 

Howard 

Jasper 

Lindley 

Prattsl'urgh 

Pulteney ' 4iU81 

Rathbone 



Tburston 

Troupsbnrgh. 

Tnscarora 

Uibanit 

"Wayland 

"Wayne 

"West Union.. 

Wheeler 

Woodhull 





Number of Fleeces. 






ToTAi, Cup. 




1855. 


1864. 


1865. 


1874. 


1875. 


1865. 


1864. 


1865. 


1874. 


1875. 


101,484 


226,695 


233,823 


84,897 


80,617 


336,333 


890,065 


922,892 


404,282 


393,020 


1,803 


483 


326 


215 


199 


6,468 


2,082 


798 


955 


043 


3,007 


8,713 


10,089 


2,948 


2,303 


9,310 


38,448 


38,978 


13,205 


10,818 


11,71'2 


21,628 


21,349 


10,056 


9,763 


38,126 


84,968 


84,727 


48,960 


62,758 


2,178 


5,920 


6,(158 


2,364 


1,807 


7,808 


24,293 


23,384 


10,730 


8,466 


1,010 


6,541 


5,525 


1,359 


1,001 


6,2o2 


20,077 


21,206 


6,704 


8,468 


1,219 


6,506 


6,514 


1,023 


916 


3.483 


13,063 


12,415 


4,675 


3,9(5 


1,888 


6,742 


0,786 


1,727 


1,095 


5,589 


22,227 


14,061 


7,347 


7,291 


1,514 


3,810 


4,166 


1,879 


1,045 


4,870 


13,418 


8,553 


7,694 


4,085 


4,044 


10,126 


11,057 


4,170 


3,361 


14,252 


40,297 


46,269 


20,667 


16.347 


527 


2,109 


2,023 


605 


539 


1,516 


7,608 


7,316 


2,467 


2,215 


6,219 


10,573 


6,586 


4,794 


6,027 


20,410 


74,14(1 


44,578 


24,338 


25,745 


802 


1,740 


1,348 


602 


378 


2,991 


7,256 


6,773 


2,211 


1,778 


2,129 


6,977 


7,328 


1,498 


1,608 


8,648 


28,(109 


28,(J10 


6,836 


6,980 


1,300 


8,699 


6,901 


984 


1,333 


4,698 


20,074 


20,469 


3,94:i 


6,279 


2,449 


6,2(12 


6.405 


896 


851 


9,776 


20,787 


22,(J38 


4,366 


4,317 


1,093 


3,778 


4,841 


1,022 


1,522 


7,619 


13,180 


19,221 


6,638 


6,453 


1,977 


6,145 


6,863 


1,9(J6 


1,734 


6,243 


25,330 


26,819 


8,563 


11,050 


6,346 


12,489 


15,427 


2,358 


2,304 


17,203 


48,790 


69,586 


10,868 


11,053 


3,656 


7,332 


8,281 


2,371 


2,120 


13,370 


28,078 


31,440 


11,059 


9,376 


819 


1,852 


2,119 


328 


420 


2,700 


4,307 


8,305 


1,240 


1,651 


8,877 


17,570 


19,179 


9,647 


10,284 


30,383 


74,088 


80,928 


48,448 


53,147 


4,981 


8,602 


10,006 


3,970 


1,174 


16,750 


36,616 


38,852 


20,4.i6 


6,200 




2,422 


2,781 


1,022 


1,038 




8,139 
8,768 


10 387 


4 505 


4,009 
4,989 


1,098 


2,621 


2,858 


1,088 


998 


4.405 


10,585 


6,185 


3,243 


6,381 


8,113 


1,816 


2,020 


10,870 


22,754 


25,402 


8,094 


9,233 




4,135 
14,820 


3 951 


1,592 
7,790 


1,525 
8,132 




14 088 


13 536 


6 708 


5,889 
38,447 


10,318 


16J63 


29,352 


57,278 


78,366 


36,920 


1,451 


5,894 


6,434 


1,704 


1,874 


6,987 


26,590 


26,208 


8,882 


9,711 


3,289 


5,210 


6,617 


2,908 


2,848 


111,749 


22,898 


23,213 


14,736 


13,947 


681 


2,704 


3,197 


1,391 


1,475 


1,372 


8,635 


10,400 


6,236 


5,504 


9,887 


12,680 


13,390 


6,945 


6,928 


31,876 


61,487 


60,687 


35,199 


34,793 


1,401 


6,291 


6,542 


1,529 


1,706 


4,477 


19,302 


19,734 


6,491 


7,149 



Average Weight of Fleece. 


1865. 


1864. 


1865. 


1874. 


1876. 


3.31 


3.95 


3.96 


4.76 


4.88 


3.47 


4.31 


2.45 


4.44 


4.74 


3.04 


4.41 


3.86 


4 48 


4.70 


3.26 j 3.93 


3.97 


4.87 


.6.41 


3.68 4.10 


3.86 


4.56 


4.46 


3.24 i 3.62 


3.85 


4,93 


6.29 


2.86 j 2.37 


2.25 


4,47 


4.27 


2.96 1 3.30 


2.16 


4,25 


4.30 


3.22 i3.52 


2.06 


4,09 


3.91 


3,52 1 3.98 


4.18 


4,96 


4.80 


2.88 


3.56 


3.62 


4,08 


4.11 


3.28 


4.47 


6,77 


5,08 


5.12 


3.47 


4.17 


4.28 


4.41 


4.70 


4.06 


4.03 


3,82 


4,56 


4.34 


3.31 


3.52 


3,47 


4,01 


3.90 


3.99 


4.00 


4.08 


4,87 


5.07 


3.77 


3.49 


3.97 


4.09 


4.24 


3.16 


4.12 


3.91 


4.49 


6.37 


3.22 


3.91 


3.86 


4.60 


4.80 


3.76 


3.83 


3.80 


4,66 


4.42 


3..30 


2,33 


3,92 


3,78 


3.93 


3.42 


4.22 


4.22 


5,07 


6.17 


3.36 


4.26 


3.88 


6,15 


6.34 




3.36 


3.73 


4.47 


4.73 


4.01 


3.35 


3.70 


4.77 


6.00 


3.35 


3,67 


3.14 


4.46 


4..57 




3.41 


3.43 


4.21 


3.80 


2.84 


3.86 


4.97 


4,74 


4,73 


4.13 


4.34 


4.07 


5,21 


5.18 


3.27 


4.40 


4.13 


6.07 


4.90 


2.36 


3.19 


3.25 


3.76 


3.77 


3.22 


4.85 


4..52 


5,07 


5.02 


3.20 


3.65 


3.5C 


4.26 


4.19 



CHAPTER XXII. 

MILITARY HISTOBT. 

Steuben in the War of 1S12 — In the Mexican War. 

Steuben County was active in the war of 1812. 
Three companies of militia were ordered out for three 
months' service at the beginning of the war, — two were 
independent companies of riflemen, and the third a com- 
pany drafted from the regiment. Capt. James Sanford 
commanded one of the rifle companies, which belonged 
chiefly to the town of Wayne ; the other, which belonged 
to the town of Urbana, and mustered about fifty men, was 
commanded by Capt. Abraham Brundage. William White, 
of Pulteney, was his first lieutenant, and Stephen Garner 
ensign. These were organized with two rifie companies 
from Allegany County, and the battalion thus formed was 
commanded by Maj. Asa Gaylord, of Urbana. Maj. Gay- 
lord died upon the lines, and the command devolved upon 
Col. Dobbins. 

The drafted company was composed of every eighth man 
of the regiment, and was commanded by Capt. Jonas 
Cleland, of Cohocton. Samuel D. Wells, of Cohocton, 
and John Gillet were lieutenants, and John Kennedy 
ensign. 

" These companies reached the frontiers just at the time 
when Col. Van Rensselaer, with an army of militia, was 
about to make an attack upon the works and forces of the 
British at Queenstown Heights. Capt. Cleland, with many 
of his men, volunteered to cross the boundary. . . . The 



men on the shore of the Niagara, at the foot of a precipi- 
tious bank, were fired upon by the British batteries on the 
opposite side, the grape-shot rattling furiously against tlie 
rocks overhead. The captain advised his men to seek a 
less exposed position, and disappeared with some soldiers. 
He appeared again on the field of battle, over the river, in 
the course of the forenoon, and complaining of illness re- 
turned to the American side. Lieut. Gillet and Ensisrn 
Kennedy remained under the fire of the British batteries 
with most of the men, crossed the river, and went into the 
battle. 

" The command devolved upon Gillet. It was doubted 
whether he would prove a brave officer, but, to the surpri.se 
of all, he ' rushed into the fight as if he had just found his 
element,' whirled his sword, rai.sed his powerful voice and 
cheered on his men. After receiving a dangerous and 
almost mortal wound he continued to fight, swinging his 
hat and brandishing his sword, till he finally sank and fell 
from pain and exhaustion. 

" Ensign Kennedy then took command, hastily forming 
the scattering squad which had gathered on that side of 
the river into a company. At one time they were con- 
fronted by the Indians, whom they drove into a wood. 
While exchanging an irregular fire with these enemies 
among the trees, Benjamin Welles, a young man from Bath, 
who stood beside Kennedy, looking over a fence, was shot 
thorough the head and mortally wounded. At the final 
engagement of this random, but often gallantly-fought 
battle, Kennedy and his men were in the line formed to 
meet the British reinforcements which were just coming 



104 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



up. Gen. Wadsworth, upon whom the command devolved 
after the fall of Van Rensselaer, went through their lines 
in a rough-and-ready style, with hat and coat off, explain- 
ing to the inexperienced oiEeers his plan. To avoid the 
fire of the British, the men were ordered to retire below the 
brow of the hill upon which they were ranged and up 
which the enemy would march. When the British ap- 
peared upon the top of the hill, the militia were to fire 
from below. The slaughter would be great ; tliey were 
then to charge bayonets, and in the confusion might be suc- 
cessful, though the decisiveness of a charge of bayonets up 
a hill against veterans by militia, who before that day had 
never been under fire, might well have been doubted. The 
first part of the plan succeeded famously. As the British 
appeared above the hill a fire was delivered which was very 
destructive ; but a misapprehension of the word of com- 
mand by part of the line caused disorder ; the fire was 
returned by the enemy ; the militia suffered considerable 
loss, and fell back overpowered to the river, where most of 
them were made prisoners. Of the Steuben County men, 
two were killed and three wounded." 

Ensign Kennedy, in this and other engagements, gained 
the reputation of a brave and resolute officer. At the 
sortie of Fort J]rie he ordered his men to lie flat upon the 
ground, but he himself paced back and forwards by their 
heads under a close and heavy fire from the British, because 
he thought " being an officer it would not do" for him to lie 
down. 

" In the second year of the war two companies were 
drafted from the Steuben County militia, and sent to the 
Niagara frontier, under the command of Capts. James 
Reed, of Urbana, and Jonathan Rowley, of Daiisville, faith- 
ful and reliable officers. Capt. Reed refused to go as a 
drafted officer, but reported himself to the general of the 
division at the commencement of the war as ready to march 
at the head of a company as a volunteer whenever he should 
be called upon. Both the companies were principally levied 
from the northern part of the county. Of Capt. Rowley's 
company, John Short and John E. MulhoUand were lieu- 
tenants, and George Knouse and Timothy Goodrich were 
ensigns. Of Capt. Reed's company, George Teeplcs and 
Anthony Swarthout were lieutenants, and Jabez Hopkins 
and O. Cook ensigns. These conipauies served about four 
months. All of the officers and most of the men volun- 
teered to cross into Canada, and were stationed at Fort 
George." 

Judge McMaster, from whose very interesting little work, 
" History of the Settlement of Steuben County," the facts 
for this account have been drawn, says, " We have not suc- 
ceeded in learning anything about the draft for the last year 
of the war, if any was made, nor concerning the militia of 
this county who were engaged at Fort Erie." 

The following incident is related by one of the Steuben 
County militia who was engaged in one of the battles on 
the Canada line as sergeant of a company : his company 
was ordered into action, and before long found itself con- 
fronted by a rank of British red-coats. When within a 
distance of ten rods from their enemies, the militia halted 
and were ordered to fire. Muskets came instantly to the 
shoulder, and were pointed at the British with the deadly 



aim of rifles at a wolf hunt ;* but to the dismay of the 
soldiers there was a universal "flash in the pan," not a gun 
went off. The sergeant knew in an instant what was the 
cause of the failure. The muskets had been stacked out 
of doors during the night, and a little shower which fell 
towards morning had thoroughly soaked the powder in them. 
It was his business to have seen to it that the muskets were 
cared for, and upon him afterwards fell the blame of the 
disaster. Nothing could be done till the charges were drawn. 
There were but two ball-screws in the company. The cap- 
tain took one and the sergeant the other, and beginning 
their labors in the middle of the rank, worked towards the 
ends. A more uncomfortable position for untried militia 
can hardly be imagined. The men, as described by the 
sergeant, " looked .strangely, as he had never seen them 
before." The British brought their muskets with disagree- 
able precision into position, and fired. The bullets whistled 
over the heads of the militia. The British loaded their 
guns again. Again the frightful row of muzzles looked the 
militia in the face; again they heard the alarming com- 
mand, /?re .' and again two-score bullets whistled over their 
heads. A third time the British brought their muskets to 
the ground, and went through all the terrible ceremonies 
of biting cartridges, drawing ramrods, and priming in full 
view of the uneasy militia. The moistened cartridges were 
by this time almost drawn, and while the enemy were about 
to fire, the sergeant stood beside the last man. He was pale 
and excited. ''Be quick, sergeant; be quick, for God's 
sake !" he said. They could hear the British officer saying 
to his men, " you fire over their heads," and instructing 
them to aim lower. The muzzles this time dropped a little 
below the former range ; smoke burst forth from them, and 
seven militia fell dead and wounded. The sergeant had 
just finished his ill-timed job, and was handing the musket 
to the private beside him, when a bullet struck the unfor- 
tunate man between the eyes and killed him. The fire of 
the British was now returned with effect. Reinforcements 
came upon the field, and the engagement became hot. An 
officer on horseback was very active in forming the enemy's 
line, riding to and fro, giving loud orders, and making him- 
self extremely useful. " Mark that fellow," said the sergeant 
to his right-hand man. Both fired at the same instant. 
The officer fell from his horse, and was carried off the field 
by his men. They afterwards learned that he was a colonel, 
and that one of his legs was broken 

STEUBEN IN THE MEXICAN W.\R. 

During the Mexican war, early in the summer of 1846, 
President Polk decided on sending a force of volunteers 
by sea to the Pacific coast. Col. Jonathan D. Stevenson, 
then of New York City, now of San Francisco, was em- 
powered to raise a regiment in the State of New York, to 
be known as the 7th Regiment of New I'^ork Volunteers, 
for service on the Pacific coast and to colonize our new con- 
quest there. The regiment was to contain ten companies of 
one hundred men each, rank and file. 

Steuben County was designated as the place for raising 

^ They had been fiimiliar with wolf-hunts in the woods of Steuben 
and Allegany. 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



105 



one company. William E. Shannon, of Bath, at once vol- 
unteered to raise the A company. In a very brief space of 
time Shannon had enlisted the full complement, and the 
company was organized by the election of William E. Shan- 
non, captain ; Henry Magee, first lieutenant, and Palmer V. 
Ilulett, second lieutenant ; J. C. Van Loren, first sergeant, 
H. D. Alden, second sergeant. Nelson Boch, third, and J. 
E. Crandall, fourth ; James Williams, first corporal, J. S. 
Vincent, second corporal, S. H. Lamb, third, and Z. R. 
Lovelace fourth corporal. 

Privates. — William H. Skinn, David J. Harmon, Henry 
Peckham, Charles S. Phillips, James Aldrich, William H. 
Van Loren, Henry Magee, Joseph Evuns, Francis S. Schoc- 
key. Comfort Bennett, Jeremiah Van Kuren, Bascom Goit, 
Charles Whitehead, Emery Stickley, Anthony D. Jones, 
Ezra Whitehead, Cyrus Wallace, Calvin Bennett, Henry 
M. Osgood, A. J. Ward, David W. Bunce, Hiram Chase, 
Josiah Wood, Peter Gary, Jesse S. Cooper, Oliver J. Goit, 
Walter B. Mapes, Edgar M. Barum, Philander Paine, Cor- 
nelius Rosenkrautz, Elijah Witherell, James Perriue, Mar- 
tin S. Goit, Robert B. Given, David P. Graves, Matha 
Sharp, Elijah ^L Smith, John C. Emerson, Erastus F. 
Morris, Isaac Whittam, George W. Mapes, Denin D. Mur- 
phy, James A. Mapes, Horace Mapes, Joseph Craple, Ben- 
jamin Magee, Morris Coon, Finley M. Pawling, Henry Hop- 
kins, Calvin Hitt, William M. Gibbs, James M. Vail, Sid 
Abrun, Lyman Smith, D. H. Carpenter, John B. Lock, 
John E. Truesdale, Philander Van Aukee, Wra. J. Brown, 
Warren S. Hodgman, H. S. Biles, G. E. McAllister, Wm. 
Baker, J. Syke Baldwin, Caleb Hendy, Ira Johnson, Na- 
thaniel Simonson, George W. Sloan, Lamon Reno, John 
Magee, Lawrence Ackley, D. J. Thompson. 

On the Lst day of August, 18-46, the company left Bath, 
with the warm congratulations of its citizens, for the city 
of New York, where the regiment was to rendezvous. On 
its arrival it was accepted and mustered into service as Com- 
pany " I," and went into camp on Governor's Island. 
While on the way and before sailing quite a number of the 
volunteers grew homesick and deserted, but their places 
were speedily supplied with new recruits. The regiment 
was a number of weeks in camp. Company I, with D, G, 
and E, on the 26th of September, 1846, embarked on board 
the good ship Stisaii Drew, and sailed for their destination. 
After a prosperous voyage of some six months, with brief 
calls at Rio and Valparaiso, on the 20th of March, 1847, 
the ship entered the Golden Horn, and cast anchor in the 
beautiful bay of San Francisco. On the 1st day of April, 
of that year. Company I, with D, E, and G, were taken on 
board the United States ship Lexington, and landed at 
Monterey on the 2^)th of the same month, and remained 
there some ten months. Company I was then ordered 
to San Diego, and took passage on a coasting vessel for San 
Pedro, and from that place marched overland to the quaint 
old town. 

The company remained there until mustered out of ser- 
vice, on the 25th day of September, 1848, just two years 
from its departure from New York City. Capt. Shannon 
died of cholera in Sacramento City, Nov. 3, 1850. Lieuts. 
Hulett and Magee are now living in California. A few of 
the privates of that company still survive, — John C. Emer- 
14 



son, of Bath, Joseph Evans, of Newark, N. J., Elijah M. 
Smith, of San Francisco, Calvin Hitt, of Minnesota, are the 
only ones from the vicinity of Bath that are now known to 
be living. 



CHAPTER XXIIL 

MILITAKY HISTORY— (Continued). 

Stoubea in the War of the Rebellion — Summary of Regiments .sent to 
the Field— The 2.'ia New York Infantry— Buttery E of the 1st New 
York Light Artillery — Stth Regiment. 

The late civil war which had been threatened by the 
South was precipitated by an attack upon Fort Sumter on 
Sunday, April 14, 1861. On Monday following, Abraham 
Lincoln called for .seventy-five thousand volunteer.s to aid in 
suppre-ssing the Rebellion. Under this call Steuben County, 
acting promptly with Chemung, sent forth in June, 1861, 
the 23d New York Infantry, which was the first regiment 
mustered into the service from the Seventh Congressional 
District. 

Early in the same summer, Capt. John Slocum, of Bath, 
raised and commanded a company which was organized as 
Battery E of the 1st New York Light Artillery, and mus- 
tered into the United States Service at Elmira. The 34th 
New York Infantry, containing two companies from Steu- 
ben County, was mustered at Elmira, June 5, 1861. The 
8Gth New York Volunteers (Steuben Rangers) was organ- 
ized and sent to the front in the fall of 1861. The 50th 
Engineers, mustered Sept. 18, 1861, was partly made up 
of Steuben County men, and also the 104th New York 
Infantry, mustered during the winter of 1861-62. Then 
came the 107th New York Infantry, chiefly a Steuben 
regiment, mustered in August, 1862 ; the 141st Infantry, 
mustered during the same month ; the 161st Infantry, .sent 
forward in October, 1862 ; the 179th Infiintry, which was 
made up partially from this county, mustered from July, 
1863, to August, 1864; the 188th and 189th Infantry, 
mustered in October, 1864. 

Thus it will be seen that from the beginning to the end 
of the memorable four years' struggle for the national ex- 
istence, Steuben was constantly sending her sons into the 
service. Most of them made glorious records in the prin- 
cipal campaigns and battles of the war, participated in the 
last great conflict with the Rebellion, when its power was 
finally broken in front of Richmond, in 1865, and rejoiced 
in the surrender of Lee and Johnston, and the final triumph 
of the Union cause. 

We give in several following chapters the histories of the 
regiments and parts of regiments, so far as we have been 
able to obtain data, and at the end of the respective town 
histories the roster or military record of each town. 

THE TWENTY-THIRD NEW YORK VOLUNTEERS. 

The 23d Regiment New York State Volunteers was 

organized at Elmira, and on the 6th day of July, 1861, 

was mustered into the United States service. This was the 

first regiment from the Twenty-seventh Congressional Dis- 

I trict. 



106 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



The regiment was officered as follows : Colonel, Henry C. 
Hoffman ; Lieutenant-Colonel, Nirom M. Crane ; Major, 
William M. Gregg; Adjutant, William W. Hayt; Quarter- 
master, Myron H. Mandevillc ; Surgeon, Seymour Cliurcliill ; 
Assistant Surgeon, William A. Madill ; Chaplain, Ezra F. 
Crane ; Sergeant-Major, Archibald N. Devoe ; Quarter- 
master-Sergeant, Hiram Smith ; Drum-Major, Miles Terrill ; 
Fife-Major, Julius C. Smead. 

Compariy A. — Captain, Theodore Schlick ; First Lieu- 
tenant, Cornelius F. Mowers ; Seeond Lieutenant, George 
E. Biles. 

Compuiiy B. — Captain, Marshall M. Loydon ; First 
Lieutenant, Lemuel K. Bradley ; Second Lieutenant, Wm. 
Cole. 

Compariy C. — Captain, Samuel Barstow ; First Lieu- 
tenant, Moses M. Van Benschoten ; Second Lieutenant, 
Charles O. Durland. 

Compnuy D. — Captain, Luzern Todd ; First Lieutenant, 
Newton T. Colby ; Second Lieutenant, William H. Jones. 

Compmiy E. — Captain, George H. Powers; First Lieu- 
tenant, John H. Pierce ; Second Lieutenant, Hugh J. 
Baldwin. 

Cumpavy F. — Captain, William W. Dingledey ; First 
Lieutenant, Melville C. Wilkinson ; Second Lieutenant, 
Samuel N. Benedict. 

Company G. — Captain, Frank B. Doty ; First Lieuten- 
ant, Ira Cone ; Second Lieutenant, John Pronti.ss. 

Company II. — Captain, M. C. Clark ; First Lieutenant, 
A. D. Waters ; Second Lieutenant, B. B. Andrews. 

Company I. — Captain, James D. Chapman ; First Lieu- 
tenant, A. 0. Durland ; Second Lieutenant, Samuel W. 
Cass. 

Company K. — Captain, Nathaniel B. Fowler ; First 
Lieutenant, Florence Sullivan ; Second Lieutenant, Rodney 
W. Steele. 

The regiment left Elmira, and upon arriving in Wash- 
ington encamped on Meridian Hill, two miles north of the 
city. July 17 it was reviewed by President Lincoln and 
Secretary Seward, and a fine stand of colors presented by 
the patriotic ladies of Elmira. The beautiful banner was 
presented by General A. S. Diven, and received by Colonel 
Hoffman, who responded in a brief address, thanking them 
for the beautiful testimoni.il of their kindness and con- 
fidence. 

On the 31st of July, from the camp of the 23d could be 
distinctly heard the ominous booming of cannon from the 
disastrous battle-field of Bull Ilun. During the day ru- 
mors came floating into the city that the Union arms were 
victorious, but night brought the disheartening truth that 
the great army was falling back upon Washington, and 
that the terrible battle of Bull Run had been fought and 
lost. 

July 23 the regiment crossed the Potomac into Virginia 
and encamped at Fort Runyon. On the 5th of August 
they moved to Arlington Heights, and on the 7th estab- 
lished a picket line from the road at Hunter's Chapel to the 
house of a Mr. Pearl, near Ball's Cross-Roads. While in 
camp at Arlington, the 23d was brigaded with the 21st and 
35th New York Volunteers, under command of General 
James S. Wadsworth. The regiment remained here until 



September 28, nothing of any importance happening to 
relieve the monotony of camp-life. 

September 28 a general advance of the army was ordered, 
and it moved to Upton's Hill only to find the place evac- 
uated, and what from a distance seemed to be formidable 
cannon proved to be stove-pipe mounted on wheels. On 
Upton's Hill, at a locality named by the men of the 23d 
Upton's Dale, the regiment went into winter quarters. The 
three months, December, January, and February, that the 
regiment remained in this pleasant camp were passed in 
drills, reviews, and picket. 

Nothing occurred to break the ceaseless monotony of 
camp-life. " All quiet on the Potomac !" was the sentence 
flashed along the wires day after day, until it became a 
stereotyped head-line for the press, read in Northern homes 
till patience ceased to be a virtue, and the people clamored 
for a move of the Army of the Potomac. 

At length, on the lOth of March, orders were given for 
an advance, the grand, well-disciplined legion moved, and 
the nation breathed freer. As the army moved forward the 
23d shared in the general chagrin in finding that the formi- 
dable host of the enemy had folded their tents and silently 
stole away, leaving their pursuers in possession of the banks 
of earthworks, over which protruded tlie ominous-looking 
" Quaker guns" of Manassas. 

On the 14th of Jlarch the command of the brigade was 
transferred from Gen. Wadsworth to Col. Rogers, of the 
21st. 

March 15 the regiment started for Alexandria, for the 
purpose of shipping on transports. The roads at this time 
were in an almost impassable condition, in consequence of 
the heavy rains that had recently fallen, and after strug- 
gling one day in the mud the regiment returned to its old 
camp. Here they remained two days, and moving one 
mile farther on, encamped at Bailey's Cro.ss-Roads. They 
remained in this camp until April 4, during which time 
Gen. Patrick took command of the brigade. From here 
the 23d proceeded to Fairfax, and from thence to Manassas, 
and on to Bristoe. April 19 finds the regiment bivouacked 
at the foot of Fredericksburg Heights, from which point 
the city was subsequently bombarded. 

The enemy evacuated the city on the 1st of May, and on 
the 7th instant. Gen. Patrick, having been appointed mili- 
tary governor of the city, detailed the 23d as guard and 
patrol. This regiment raised for the first time the Union 
banner in this rebel town. The 23d remained here about 
two weeks, when a general advance was made, and after a 
series of fiitiguing marches it returned to Fredericksburg, 
reaching Elk Run June 9. 

On the 27th of June the regiment encamped at " Camp 
Rufus King," on the Belle Plain road, about three miles 
from the Rappahannock River. This camp was located on 
lands owned by the wealthy planter King in the earlier days 
of the Old Dominion. While encamped on this beautiful 
spot two interesting ceremonies took place, that of the pre- 
sentation of a sword to Col. Hoffman by the non-commis- 
sioned officers of his command, and one to Liout.-Col. 
Crane by the privates of the regiment. A few days later 
a handsome sword was presented to Maj. William M. Gregg 
by the officers of the line. 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



107 



July 24 the reginient started on a reconnaissance towards 
Gordonsville, which, without entering into particulars, may 
be justly regarded as the most extraordinary reconnaissance 
during the campaign. 

On the 10th of August marcliing orders were received 
and regiment moved towards Culpepper, and on the 16th 
arrived at the foot of Cedar Mountain, and remained two 
days on the battlefield. 

August 18 the wagon-trains were sent to the rear, and 
the regiment received orders to march at a moment's notice. 
They proceeded to Rappahannock Station, and were actively 
engaged in that battle, fought August 21 and 22. 

A member of the I'egiment, speaking of this conflict, 
says,— 

" We moved up the river opposite the first ford north of 
tliu station, and encamped for the night. During the night 
tlie enemy crossed with a force of artillery and cavalry, and 
took position in a corn-field and wood near the ford. The 
fight was opened about eight o'clock A.M. by Gen. Patrick's 
brigade. The enemy opened his battery from the corn- 
field, but was soon driven from this position by Reynolds' 
battery and Battery B, 4th United States. As the sua 
was sinking down the horizon we advanced to the river, 
under a raking fire of artillery and musketry, and took 
jiusition near the bank of the river, but owing to our small 
force we were compelled to retire. The 23d fell back over 
a rise of ground raked by the enemy's artillery, column en 
masse, and in perfect order, while the shells burst fearfully 
above and around it." 

Lieut.-Col. Crane in his ofiicial report of this battle says, 
" This was the first time that my regiment had been under 
fire of artillery. I was highly pleased with the conduct of 
the men. They were cool and prompt to obey orders. Both 
men and officers behaved like veterans ; not a man flinched 
from his duty." 

On the morning of the 23d the battle opened with heavy 
artillery, and lasted several hours. During the forenoon of 
this day the regiment started for Warrenton, and finally, 
having come within one mile of the town, bivouacked on 
the Sulphur Springs road. 

The regiment participated in the battle of White Sulphur 
Springs, a spirited and lively contest. 

Next came the march to Gainesville, one of the most 
severe marches of the campaign, in consequence of the 
oppressive heat and scarcity of water. When within six 
miles of the town the regiment halted for breakfast. 
After the scanty meal had been taken and all the extra 
ammunition destroyed the command pre.s.sed on, and dur- 
ing the afternoon the advance division was fixed upon, 
but it was not until the sun began to sink below the 
western horizon that the first shot was fired at the battle 
of Gainesville. The attack was opened by Gen. Gibbon's 
Brigade, supported by Gen. Doubleday, Gen. Patrick's 
Brigade holding the left. In this engagement the 23d, 
although on the field, was not entirely engaged. The 
battle lasted but one hour and ten minutes, during which 
time Gibbon's Brigade lost eight hundred men. Gen. 
Patrick's Brigade, to which the 23d was attached, held 
the field until the wounded were cared for, and at three 
o'clock A.M. started for Manassas Plains, which place was 



reached during the afternoon, the men almost exhausted 
from want of sleep, food, and water. 

The regiment had scarcely stacked their arms for rest 
when Sykes' Brigade of regulars passed en route to the 
Bull Run battlefield, when Gen. Patrick rode rapidly up 
and cried out, '• Prepare to march !" 

The brigade was soon in line, when Gen. Patrick ad- 
dressed them in the following words : " My men, we return 
to the battle-ground of last night. You fight in good 
company. You follow the regulars. They're my old com- 
panions-in-arms. You fight well ; I've no fault to find. 
Keep well closed up and prompt to obey orders. Col. 
Rogers, lead off" by the right flank." The regiment par- 
ticipated in the battle in the afternoon. On the following 
morning opened what has gone down to history as the 
'•second battle of Bull Run," one of the deadliest contests 
of the Rebellion. From the numbers of the enemy and 
their close proximity, it required no prophetic eye to see 
that a fierce battle was imminent. 

The 23d, then numbering only two hundred and twenty- 
five in line, went into this battle with Col. Crane in com- 
mand. 

The following description of the battle is taken from Col. 
Crane's official report : 

" This morning (August 30j, after giving time to get 
coffee, the brigade changed positions two or three times to 
different parts of the field. No enemy in force was dis- 
covered, notwithstanding our batteries kept throwing shell 
into the woods to draw them out or bring forth a response, 
but all continued silent. 

" About two P.M. our division was placed under com- 
mand of Fitz-John Porter, and with his corps ordered to 
advance. It was the prevailing opinion that the enemy 
had retired, having been defeated on the previous day. 
We advanced. King's Division having the right and form- 
ing four lines of battle. My regiment was the third line 
of the division. (Gen. Hatch was now in command. Gen. 
King having been relieved for the affair at Gainesville, 
on the 28th.) We now moved forward to a thick wood. 
Here the skirmishers commenced firing, and soon the ad- 
vanced lines opened with terrific volleys of musketry We 
pushed on. Soon the bullets flew around us as thick as 
hail. Now commenced in earnest the final battle of Bull 
Run. The enemy's artillery opened upon us with shot 
and shell, and this, with their musketry, made a storm of 
their fire. Our artillery, in the rear of the woods, could give 
us no support. 

" Thus the battle raged for about one and one-half hours, 
until our front lines were broken and the dead and wounded 
lay in heaps. The enemy lay behind a railway embank- 
ment, and so well protected that our men charged in vain 
upon them, sometimes upon the ditch, and fought hand-to- 
hand. Sykes' Brigade of regulars on our left was forced 
back, our two front lines were decimated and broken, and 
our (Patrick's) brigade badly cut to pieces. Col. Pratt, 
of the 20th New York State Militia, was killed and the 
regiment scattered and demoralized. The 21st was used up, 
and the left wing of the 35th decimated. These had all 
left the field and fallen back. 

" I had heard no order to retire, and remained in the 



lOS 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



woods some little time, my regiment being almost alone. I 
finally gave the order to retire (right of companies to the 
roar), and did so in as perfect order as on battalion drill. 
In this action I lost a number of men and officers wounded, 
but only a few killed. Providence has thus far seemed to 
favor us. 

" On emerging from the woods I met Gen. Patrick, 
and saw at once that the battle was going against us, as 
the enemy had turned our left, and the fighting was terrific 
of musketry and artillery on that part of the field. Our bri- 
giide was got together (what was left), and we took a position 
in rear of a battery, and the men were ordered to lie down. 

" We lay in this position about half an hour, then were 
ordered towards the rear and left. As we moved over the 
field the enemy continued to throw shot and shell at us, 
but fortunately none of my rejjinient were hurt. As we 
came out upon the pike. Gen. McDowell rode up, his 
horse all covered with foam and dust, and he himself look- 
ing nearly exhausted with fatigue and excitement, and or- 
dered us towards Centreville. We continued the march, 
and soon learned that the army were on the retreat to 
Washington. 

" We arrived at Centreville about ten P.M., worn out and 
exhausted. We lay down upon the ground so completely 
tired that we did not mind the rain that commenced, but 
slept soundly till morning and wet to the skin." 

The following day was one of the deepest dejection to 
the Army of the Potomac. The army was in full retreat, 
surging back upon Washington, followed by the victorious 
arms of the Confederacy within thirty miles of the capital, 
and confidence in the generals gone. 

Col. Crane farther on in his report says, " It was about 
nine A.M. when we received the news that Gen. McClellan 
was again in command of the Army of the Potomac. The 
efiect was wonderful and thrilling. For miles along the 
lines of that battle-shattered and disheartened army cheer 
upon cheer rent the air, and the sound swelled and rolled 
along like a wave. Officers sprang into their saddles with 
a bound, soldiers grasped their muskets with eagerness and 
sprang to their places in the ranks, and, at the order for- 
ward, all moved as if invigorated with renewed life. We 
all felt that we were again a host, and could and would save 
our capital and country." 

The regiment marched on towards Fairfax, where it re- 
mained overnight, and on the followini; morning proceeded 
on in the direction of Centreville, finally meeting the balance 
of the brigade, and countermarched. 

" About this time," says Col. Crane, " we learned that 
the enemy were about to make an attack at a point near 
Chantilly. Our brigade was moved in that direction, and 
the 35th, 21st, and 23d were placed in the old rebel rifle- 
pit to protect the right of our line of battle. About sun- 
down the enemy attacked our left, and the battle lasted 
until about nine P.M. The firing of musketry and artillery 
was incessant, and this with the terrific thunder and light- 
ning rendered the scene grand and terrific. The enemy 
were repulsed with considerable loss. We remained here 
until the following afternoon, when we were ordered to 
march to Upton's Hill. We set out immediately, and 
reached that place about midnight." 



Thus ended the disastrous campaign closing with the 
second battle of Bull Run. 

The 23d remained at Upton's Hill four days, and then 
commenced the march into Maryland ; and September 14 
finds them in the battle of South Mountain. In this en- 
gagement both officers and men behaved splendidly, and 
received many encomiums of praise from their superior 
officers for their bravery and coolness. The regiment next 
participated in the battle of Antietam. In speaking of 
this battle. Col. Hoflfman, in his official report, says, " The 
officers and men of my command who went into the action 
behaved most admirably, never deranging their alij;nment 
during the surgings backward and forward of the lines, 
obeying with promptitude every order, and all the time 
remaining firm, steady, and never moving until they had 
received the full order. Their conduct was all that I could 
wish. We had one field, one stafl", thirteen line officers, 
and two hundred and twenty-three enlisted men. Our 
casualties were four killed and thirty-five wounded." 

After various marches and skirmishes as well as changes 
of command and camps, November 25 finds the regiment 
in camp near Brooks' Station. 

Here the 23d remained until December 9, when it broke 
camp and moved forward. It went into the battle of Fred- 
ericksburg, and, by its courage, perseverance, and soldierly 
bearing, added fresh laurels to those already won on many 
a hard-contested field. 

We append Col. Hofirnan's official report of this battle : 

"Headquarters 23n N. Y. Vols.. Pratt's Point, Va., 

"Jan. 2, 1863. 
"Lieut. H. P. Tavlor, Licuten.int ami Acting Adjutant-Gcneval 3d 

Brigade, 1st Division, 1st Army Corps : 

" Sir, — In pursuauce of orders, I have the honor to report the part 
taken by my eommand in the late action at Fredericlisburg, Decem- 
ber 12, 13, 14, and 15, to be as follows : 

"On the morning of the 11th of December we moved with the 
brigade from our bivouac near White Oak Church, on the Belle Plain 
road, with the intention, as I supposed, of crossing the Rappahan- 
nock. We marched but about one and a half miles when wc were 
halted, and remained all that day and night, owing to the difficulty 
and delay in haying the bridges. 

" That night (11th) the bridges were completed, and at early dawn 
we moved down to the northern bank of the river, at a point about 
one and a half miles below Fredericksburg, and near the lower bridges, 
where we remained while the rest of Gen. Franklin's left graml di- 
vision were crossing. The morning was very foggy until about noon, 
and we did not cross until about two p. si., we being about the 
last. Soon after the crossing was effected (which was without inter- 
ruption) we were massed, with other troops of the 1st Division, near 
the residence of Mr. Burnard, when the enemy for the first timeopened 
upon us from a battery located on the hill opposite, the first shot 
striking and bursting in the ground in the flank of my regiment, 
wounding one man. 

"They threw about twelve or fifteen shot and shell with remark- 
ably good range while in this position, which resulted in but trifling 
damage, owing to the fuses in their shell being out either too short or 
too long. 

" We soon moved, with the rest of the brigade and division, to a 
point directly in front of said Burnard's house, and deployed our line 
and stacked arms. 

"(ten. Smith's Corps (6th) was deployed on our right, his line 
running parallel to the river, and fronting southwardly and from the 
river. The lines of our corps {1st), after the deployment, fronted 
easterly and down the river, the line running perpendicular to the 
river, the left resting upon it, and the right joining the left of Gen. 
Smith's line, and forming a right angle thereto. In this position 
we lay behind our stacked arms all night. 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



109 



" The moniing of the 13th was also foggy, hut the fog lifted early, 
and skirmishing commenced along the line, which grew into a general 
engagement with artillery and small-arms. 

" We wore moved in close-massed columns down the river under a 
heavy artillery fire from the enemy's hatteries, some one and a half 
miles, when the enemy was found in our front, well posted in pine 
woods, and protected by natural rifle-pits. 

*' They were soon dislodged by our artillery, when we advanced with 
the rest of the division to within about one mile of Massaponi,\ Creek. 
This position we held all day, amid a most terrible artillery fire. To- 
wards evening the enemy concentrated a very hot artillery fire upon 
us, with the evident intention of turning our flank. 

" The position was maintained, however, although the brigade on 
our left, the commander of which misunderstood the order, fell back 
with his command, skirmishers and all, just before dark, whereas his 
order directed that he should withdraw his brigade a short distance as 
soon as the darkness would cover his movement from the view of the 
enemy, but to leave his skirmishers as they were as pickets. This 
movement being observed by the foe, and supposing they had accom- 
plished their design, and that we were falling back, they advanced 
their line so far that their batteries were within thirty or forty rods 
of our pickets, and poured a perfect shower of grape promiscuously 
over the j)lain. until about one hour after dark. 

''They finally becnme convinced of their error, ceased firing, with- 
drew their lines, and all was quiet until morning, except an occasional 
shot between pickets. 

"On the 14th and 16th we held the same position without inter- 
ruption, except an occasional round from their artillery and sharp 
]iicket firing, which was kept up most of the time, day and night, 
with great briskness. 

" The picket lines were so close to our advanced position that many 
of their shots did execution in our ranks. 

"On the night of the 15th we were withdrawn to the north side of 
the Rappahannock about midnight, leaving two companies (G and Bj 
on the picket lines not informed (except their commanding officers) 
that we had retired. 

" Companies G and B were placed on picket at dusk on the evening 
of the 15th, and by some misunderstanding or inadvertence on the 
part of the officer left in charge of the picket, were not informed to 
retire at the proper time and with the rest of the line, and remained 
about one hour after the rest had left, and at daylight they fell 
slowly hack, keeping their deployment and stirring up many strag- 
glers :ind sick, who had sought refuge and resting-place around the 
hospital buildings, barns, stacks, river-bank, etc., and finally were 
the last to cross the bridge, it being taken up immediately behind 
them. 

" The steadiness and coolness of the otficers and men of my com- 
mand, with very few exceptions, were highly commendable through- 
out, especially those of Companies A and F, who were on picket during 
the night of the 13th, and Company I on the Hth, and Company I) 
on the night of 14th and during the day of the 15th. 

" Of the cool and deliberate bravery exhibited by the oflicers of the 
two companies G and B, under the peculiarly perilous circumstances 
in which they found themselves, I cannot in justice speak but in 
terms of especial commendation. 

" In the action we had engaged one field officer, one acting staff 
oflicer (adjutant), fourteen line officers, and nine (U) companies, em- 
bracing 276 enlisted men. 

" Company C was detached. We took three (3) prisoners. We 
had three (3) stragglers. 

" H. C. Hoffman, Colonel Commaudiiitj.'^ 

On the 17th the 23d moved down near the bank of the 
river, and went into camp, where it remained until the 20th, 
when it receiving marching orders, and proceeded to Belle 
Plain and went into winter quarters. This march closed 
the active campaign that commenced at Fairfax Court- 
House, March 10, and ended at Belle Plain, Dec. 20. 

The regiment remained in camp here during the winter 
and spring of 1863. April 20 the army moved, and the 
23d was assigned to the defenses of Aquia, and was there 
in the fortifications during the battle of Chaucellorsville. 



A member of the regiment says, " At the sound of boom- 
ing cannon and the blaze of battle, which could be distinctly 
heard and seen, the spirit of the 23d was aroused, and many 
longed to go and help their noble comrades fight out the 
battle which all were sanguine must result in a great victory 
to our arms." 

The term of enlistment of the 23d having now expired, 
arrangements were made for the homeward trip, and on 
the 11th of May the battle-scarred regiment left the sacred 
soil of old Virginia, and on the evening of the 13th came 
within view of the " welcome spires and green shade-trees 
of Elmira." A sad accident occurred while en route near 
Marysville. Capt. Clark, of Company H, was instantly 
killed while in the act of climbing on the rear car just as 
the train was passing under a bridge. His head struck the 
bridge, and he was knocked ofl' the car, his body falling on 
the rocks by the .side of the track. When found, a few 
moments after, life was extinct. 

Upon the arrival of the regiment in Elmira it formed in 
line in front of the Delevan House, and an address of wel- 
come was delivered by Mayor Spaulding, which was briefly 
responded to by Col. Hoffman, after which they marched 
to the old barracks of the 23d, where a bounteous repast 
was prepared by the ladies of Elmira. 

In the language of the Elmira Advertiser, " It was a 
magnificent reception and worthy the patriotic people of 
Elmira, and gladdened the hearts of the men to honor 
whom the demonstration was made ; but it gladdened far 
more when they were allowed to throw oif their knapsacks 
and war-gear and go home to their own firesides, to their 
fathers and mothers, brothers, sisters, wives, and sweet- 
hearts. Wednesday, the 13th of May, will be ever green 
in the memory of the soldiers of the 23d and their friends.'' 

It was, indeed, a fitting reception of the battle-.searred 
regiment of the Southern Tier, the first from the Twenty- 
seventh Congressional District. 

The following is a list of the killed and missing, and 
also of those who died from wounds or disease in the 23d : 

Jeremiah V. Bogart, killed in second battle of Bull Run, Aug. 30, 1862. 

Ell Decker, died of fever, Dec. 3, 1861. 

David Farron, killed at Antietam, .Sept. 17, 1862. 

William March, killed at Fredericksburg, Va., May 25, 1862. 

John M. Mowers, died of fever. Dee. 31, 1861. 

Herkimer Shults, died of fever, Dec. 18, 1861. 

S. Williams, killed at Antietam, Sept. 17, 1862. 

Christopher Brennan, died at Falmouth, July 4, 1862. 

Henry Brown, killed at Antietam, Sept. 17, 1862. 

Thomas Carroll, killed at Ball's Cross-Roads, Aug. 17, 1861. 

Charles W. Tice, died Aug. 5, 1862, of wounds received at Antietam. 

Alexander J. Jaynes, died Dec. 15, 1861. 

Harlow Arms, died March 24, I8G3. 

David J. Perenc, supposed to have been killed at Rappahannock 

Station, Aug. 21, 1862. 
Jerome Gorton, supposed to have been killed at Antietam, Sept. 17, 

1862. 
Henry E. Gilbert, died Deo. 1, 1862. 
George C. Ames, died Oct. 7, 1862, of wounds received at Antietam, 

Sept. 17, 1862. 
Richard B. Hurd, killed at Fredericksburg, Dec. 13, 1862. 
Thomas Van Horn, died Dec. 21, 1861. 
Israel Marquart, died Nov. 18, 1861. 
James Pease, died Aug. 16, 1861. 
Edmund Campbell, died in November, 1862, of wounds received at 

Antietam, Sept. 17, 1862. 
William Decker, died Dec. 16, 1861. 



11(1 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Elias Dodge, died in January, 1863. 

Hamilton Squires, died Dee. 4, 1861. 

Henrj C. Cooper, died Dec. 4, 1861. 

F. B. Tiffany, died Dee. 12, 1861. 

A. M. Taylor, died Dec. 29, 1861. 

Samuel W. Kelly, died Jan. la, 186.3, of wounds received at Freder- 
icksburg, Dec. i:!, 1862. 

J. F. Bosworth, died Sept. 29, 18G1. 

J. W. Parmatin, died Oct. 2, 1862, of wounds received at Antietam. 

R. W. Steele, died Dec. 7, 1S61. ■ 

L. L. Bacon, died Sept. 6, 1861. 

J. W. Burke, died of consumption after his discharge, Oct. 1, 1861. 

A. D. Griffen, died in February, 1862. 

J. E. B. Ma.\son, died Feb. 17, 1862, of wounds received from acci- 
dental discharge of a pistol. 

James Simmons, killed at Fredericksburg, Dec. 13, 1S62. 

Olin L. Bennett, killed at Antietam, Sept. 17, 1862. 

Uriah F. Faurer, died at Fredericksburg, Aug. 7, 1862. 

Charles Hathaway, died from wounds received at Antietam. 

C. P. Smith, died Aug. 26, 1801. 

S. F. Mc(5ee, died Feb. IS, 1802. 

Charles McOmber, killed at Fredericksburg, Dec. 12, 1862. 

William D. Munagle, drowned in the Rappahannock, May 10, 1862. 

BATTERY E, FIRST NEW YORK ARTILLERY. 

Among the organizations that went out from this county 
near the beginning of the rebellion was Battery E, 1st New 
York Light Artillery, organized at Bath, in the summer of 
1861. The original ofiicers of this battery were Capt. John 
Siocum, First Lieuts. Charles C. Wheeler and William 
Rumsey, and Second Lieut. Robert H. Gansevoort. Capt. 
Siocum resigned soon after the battery reached Washington, 
but soon re-entered the service in an infantry regiment, and 
did excellent service. Lieut. Wheeler was promoted to 
captain and E. H. Undcrhill to second lieutenant. Robert 
J. Parker, of St. Lawrence County, served as first lieu- 
tenant in the battery, but was never commissioned. 

Under Capt. Wheeler the battery served on the Peninsula 
and down to and through the battle of Antietam. The 
first gun fired on the Peninsula as the Army of the Poto- 
mac advanced to Yorktown was fired by this battery. 

The battery had inscribed on its guidons the names of the 
following battles in which it won distinction : Yorktown, 
Lee's Mills, William.sburg, Mechanicsville, Savage Station, 
White Oak Swamp, Malvern Hill, Chancellorsville, Gettys- 
burg, Mine Run, Wilderness, Spottsylvania, North Anna, 
Tolopotomy, Bethesda Church, Petersburg. It was finally 
mustered out of service June 16, 1865. 

Lieut. Rumsey did not serve with the battery, being ad- 
jutant of the regiment, and as such served at its head- 
quarters in the field. At the battle of Fair Oaks he was 
severely wounded. At the same battle the colonel, G. D. 
Bailey, was killed, as was also Maj. I). H. Van Valken- 
burgh, who was a native of Steuben County. 

Lieut. Rumsey was detached from the regiment in De- 
cember, 1862, and ordered to duty with Geu. W. W. Averill, 
who was also a native of this county. He served with Gen. 
Averill as his adjutant-general in the Army of the Poto- 
mac, and in West Virginia in the numerous engagements 
and raids in which that gallant officer was engaged. 

Lieut. Rumsey was promoted to major and assistant ad- 
jutant-general by President Lincoln, for gallant service at 
the engagement at Mooresfield, in which Gen. Averill with 
thirteen hundred men surprised and routed Gen. McCaus- 



lin with three thousand five hundred. In this engagement 
Averill killed, wounded, and captured more of the enemy 
than there were men in his own command. 

Maj. Rumsey was promoted by President Johnson to 
be brevet lieutenant-colonel for " distinguished services 
during the campaign of May, June, and July, 1864," and 
was afterwards promoted to brevet colonel by Governor 
Fenton. 

Lieut. Underbill was with the battery during all of its 
service. He was noted for reckless daring to an extent re- 
markable even among daring soldiers. When the battery 
was mustered out of service he commanded it as captain. 

Capt. Wheeler was not a native of Steuben County, but 
was living in the county when the war broke out, and 
entered the service in this battery. He was an excellent 
soldier, and under his command the battery won great 
distinction. 

THE THIRTY-FOURTH REGIMENT. 

This regiment was organized at Albany, N. Y., to serve 
two years. The companies of which it was composed were 
raised in the counties of Albany, Clinton, Essex, Herkimer, 
and Steuben. It was mustered into the service of the 
United States June 15, 1861, and mustered out at the ex- 
piration of its term of service, June 30, 1863. It was en- 
gaged in the battles of Fair Oaks, Glcndale, Antietam, and 
Fredericksburg. 

Companies I and E of this regiment were from Steuben 
County. Company I was raised in Urbana and Pulteney, 
and organized at Hammondsport. William H. King, Cap- 
tain ; Alfred T. Atwood, First Lieutenant ; Monroe Brun- 
dage. Second Lieutenant ; Sergeants, Henry C. Lyon, John 
Finnegan, Lemuel C. Benham, Oren Emmitt, Eugene B. 
Larrowe; Corporals, James C. Harrington, Llewlyn McCabe, 
George W. Williams, and A. C. Brundage. 

Company E was raised at Addison and immediate vi- 
cinity. Henry Baldwin, Captain ; James R. Carr, First 
Lieutenant; Edwin F. Smith and Henry W. Sanford, 
Second Lieutenants. Edwin F. Smith was promoted to 
first lieutenant Dec. 23, 1861. Henry W. Sanford was 
promoted to first lieutenant April 12, 1862. George W. 
Wildrich, of Woodhull, promoted to second lieutenant 
Dec. 23, 1861; resigned April 10, 1862. Capt. Wil- 
liam H. King, Company I, breveted lieutenant-colonel 
United States Volunteers. Monroe Brundage promoted to 
captain Feb. 10, 1863. (See biography of Captain Brun- 
dage in History of Bath.) 



CHAPTER XXIV. 

MILITAEY HISTOEY— (Continued). 

Steuben in the War of the Rebellion (Continued)— The Eighty-Si.vth 
Regiment. 

The 86th New York Volunteers (Steuben Rangers) was 
organized in the summer and fall of 1861, in Elmira, 
N. Y., by Col. B. P. Bailey, and was composed of eight com- 
panies from Steuben County, one from Chemung, and one 
from Onondaga. The following is the roster of the field, 
line, and staff on the departure from that place : 




Phuto. by Evans, Corning. 



General Jacob H. Lansing was born in the city of 
Albany, N. Y., March 9, 1824. His paternal ancestor 
came to this country from Holland about the year 1620, 
with the Van Rensselaers and many other prominent 
families who became the first settlers in the vicinity of 
Albany. 

His great-grandfathers, on both sides, were officers in the 
war for independence, and his grandfather, Jacob Lansing, 
was a captain in the State troops in the war of 1812. 

His father, James Lansing, was a merchant, lived most 
of his life in Albany, and died at the residence of his son 
in Corning, in 1869, aged seventy. His mother, Sarah 
McMurrey, died in Albany in 1828, at the age of about 
twenty-seven. 

Their children were two sons, the youngest, Charles 
Pjdward, dying while young. Mr. Lansing apprenticed 
himself to learn the watch-making trade at the age of fif- 
teen, serving out a term of six years. 

LTpon reaching his majority he for two years worked as 
journeyman, and in the year 1847 went to Rochester, and 
soon after to Syracuse, and in 1848, in March, settled in Cor- 
ning, and established business for himself, which he con- 
tinued until 1858. From that time until the beginning 
of the Rebellion he carried on business for William Walker, 
of Corning. 

In August, 1861, he volunteered in the service of his 
country as a private of Company C, and upon the organi- 
zation of the 86th Regiment New York Volunteers, Col. 
T?. V. Bailey commanding, was elected captain of his com- 
))any, with rank from August, 1861. After and including 
tlie battle of .second Bull Run the regiment was attached 
to the 2d and 3d Corps of the Army of the Potomac, where 



it remained until the close of the war. While with the 2d 
Corps, the old 3d Corps proper was known as " Birney's 
Division of the 2d Corps." 

After the battle of Chancellorsville, on account of the loss 
of superior officers, and for meritorious services, Capt. Lan- 
sing was promoted to major. May 3, 1863; and after the 
battle of Gettysburg he was made lieutenant-colonel, with 
commission dated June 12, 1863. In April, 1864, at 
Brandy Station, he was promoted to the rank of colonel, 
and commissioned June 25, 1864. Colonel Lansing re- 
mained in the service until November, 1864, and was dis- 
charged on account of wounds and disabilities, upon his own 
application, in front of Petersburg, Nov. 13, 1864, and came 
home and was not connected with the service any more du- 
ring the war of the Rebellion. In 1866 he was made briga- 
dier-general N. G. S. N. Y., commanding 20th Brigade, com- 
prising the counties of Steuben, Chemung, and Schuyler. He 
remained in command until 1877, when the brigade was dis- 
banded, under orders from general headquarters at Albany. 

On his arrival in Corning in 1865 he started the jewelry 
business on Blarket Street, which he still continues. Gen- 
eral Lansing has ever been a member of the Democratic 
party, and was always interested in the growth and prosper- 
ity of the village of Corning. In 1858 and 1859 he was 
president of the village of Corning ; was one of the orig- 
inators of the fire department in 1851, and for many years 
connected with the same officially. He is P. M. of Painted 
Post Lodge, No. 117, F. and A. M. 

In 1847, Oct. 26, he married Sarah A., daughter of 
William H. Oliver, of Argyle, Washington Co., N. Y. 
They have an only daughter, Mrs. Alexander L. Ewing, 
of Elmira, N. Y. 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Ill 



Field and Staff. — -Colonel, Benajah P. Bailoy, Corning ; 
Lieutenant-Colonel, Barna J. Cliapin, Daiisville; Major, 
Seymour G. Rhinevault, Wooilhull ; Adjutant, Charles W. 
Gillet, Addison; Regimental Quartermaster, Byron Spence, 
Starkey ; Surgeon, John S. Jameson, Hornellsvillc ; Assist- 
ant Surgeon, Farand Wylie, Bath ; Chaplain, Jonathan 
Watts, Corning ; Sergeant-Major, Henry W. Fuller, Corn- 
ing; Regimental Qujrtermaster-Sergeant, Samuel Leavitt, 
Elmira ; Regimental Commissary-Sergeant, George P. 
Baker, Corning; Hospital Steward, William Sayer. 

Band. — Horatio G. K. Anderson (leader), John J. 
Bowen, Reuben E. Stetson, Geo. E. Gray, Mortimore W. 
Rose, Isaac L. Kress, Walter W. Slingcrland, John M. 
Tenny, James A. Wilkie, Geo. Bridgden, William G. 
Wright, Estes T. Sturtevant, Geo. J. Benjamin, Rankin B. 
Rose. 

C'linpaiii/ A, Syracuse. — Captain, Benjamin L. Higgins ; 
First Lieutenant, William H. Gault ; Second Lieutenant, 
Prentice Holmes; and eighty-three non-commissioned 
officers and privates. 

Company B, Addison. — Captain, William B. Angle; 
First Lieutenant, Charles W. Gillet (promoted to adjutant 
by order of Col. Bailey); Second Lieutenant, Hiram J. 
niaiicliard ; and ninety-five non-commissioned officers and 
privates. 

Company C, Corning. — Captain, Jacob H. Lansing; 
First Lieutenant, Leonard Scott ; Second Lieutenant, Jo- 
seph H. Tull, Penn.sylvania ; and ninety-two non-commis- 
sioned officers and privates. 

Company D, Hornellsville. — Captain, Daniel S. Ells- 
worth ; First Lieutenant, Arthur S. Baker ; Second Lieu- 
tenant, Leini H. Crary; and eighty-nine non-commissioned 
officers and privates. 

Company E, Elmira. — Captain, Thomas F. Shoemaker; 
First Lieutenant, John G. Coply; Second Lieutenant, Geo. 
A. Packer ; and ninety-five non-commissioned officers and 
privates. 

Company F, Llndley. — Captain, Henry G. Harrower, 
Lindley ; First Lieutenant, Samuel Maurice Slorgan, Lind- 
ley ; Second Lieutenant, Michael B. Stafford, Albany ; and 
ninety-one non-commissioned officers and privates. 

Company G, Canisteo. — Captain, James Bennett, Can- 
isteo; First Lieutenant, Nathan S. Baker, Canisteo; Second 
Lieutenant, John Fulton, Canisteo ; and eighty-four non- 
commissioned officers and privates. 

Company H, Steuben County. — Captain, William Ten- 
broeck ; First Lieutenant, Wm. G. Raymond ; Second 
Lieutenant, James Carpenter, Jr. ; and ninety-five non- 
commissioned officers and privates. 

Company I, Cooper's Plains, Steuben Co. — Captain, 
Amos W. Sherwood, Cooper's Plains; First Lieutenant, 
Jackson A. Woodward, Cooper's Plains; Second Lieuten- 
ant, Foster P. Wood, Addison ; and eighty non-commis- 
sioned officers and privates. 

Company K, Woodhull, Steuben Co. — Captain, Seymour 
G. Rhinevault, Woodhull ; promoted to major Nov. 22, 
18GI ; First Lieutenant, Chas. H. Wombongh, Addison ; 
promoted to captain Nov. 22, 1861 ; Second Lieutenant, 
John N. Warner, Woodhull ; and ninety-six non-commis- 
sioned officers and privates. 



The regiment had a number of recruits before leaving 
Elmira, which took place about the 1st of December, 1861, 
going by the way of Williamsport and Baltimore, arriving 
at the latter place late in the afternoon. Marching through 
the city from depot to depot by company front, with guns 
loaded and bayonets fixed, they reached Washington early 
next morning. Camped first on Kendall Green, thence 
moved to Bladensburg, remained there about one week, 
and then crossed the eastern branch of the Potomac, and 
pitched camp on Good Hope Hill, Md. The regiment re- 
mained at this place most of the time until March, 1862. 
Once during that time having received orders to join the 
Army of the Potomac at Camp Griffin, Va., the regiment 
remained there about two weeks. About the 1st of March 
it was broken into detachments, and did guard duty in and 
around Washington : Capt. Higgins with two companies 
at Old Capitol prison, Capt. Lansing with three companies 
at Georgetown, Capt. VVombough with one company on 
Nineteenth Street, Cajrt. Sherwood with one company at 
the Central Guard- House, Capt. Bennett with one company 
at the Long Bridge, and Lieut. Stafford with a detachment 
at the Seventh Street wharf. The field officers did duty 
as officers of the day for the district. During this time 
there was a change in the line and staff of the regiment. 
Quartermaster Spence resigned, and D. F. Brown, who had 
been commissioned by Governor E. D. Morgan first lieu- 
tenant in the 86th Regiment, Aug. 10, 1862, was appointed 
quartermaster in his place. Lieut. Morgan, of Company F, 
was detached from his company and placed on the staff of 
Gen. Robinson. Lieuts. John G. Copley and Arthur S. 
Baker were detailed for duty in the provost-marshal's office 
at Washington by order of Col. Doster, provost-marshal 
for the District of Columbia. Capt. Bennett, of Company 
G, died while on duty here. The regimental band was also 
mustered out of service here by orders from headquarters 
of the army. 

The regiment remained in Washington until the 23d 
day of August, when it joined the Army of the Potomac, 
under Gen. Pope. It reached Alexandria the same day 
and moved to Cloud's Mills, and was placed in the brigade 
of Brig.-Gen. A. Saunders Piatt, Gen. Sturges command- 
ing division, and from that time moved with the army of 
Gen. Pope, arriving on the battle-field of Bull Run on the 
afternoon of the 29th, where it was immediately formed 
for a charge by Gen. McDowell in person. The regiment 
made a gallant charge, led by Col. Bailey, losing many 
men and one officer. Lieut. Joseph H. Tull, of Company 
C, was badly wounded, and remained on the field six days, 
when he was brought to Washington, and was under medi- 
cal treatment for over eight months. He was finally dis- 
charged, and is now living in that city. This was the regi- 
ment's first experience in battle, and it gave them a name 
for a fighting regiment which they nobly sustained during 
the war. After the battle it fell back to Centreville. and 
participated in all the skirmishing that took place on that 
retreat. It was in reserve on the march, and during the 
battle of Antietaiu under Gen. McClellan. It moved witii 
the army after the retreating enemy until they reached 
Manassas Junction, when, by orders of Gen. McClellan, 
Piatt's Brigade, consisting of the 86th and 124th New 



112 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUxVTY, NEW YORK. 



York Volunteers and the 122d Pennsylvania Volunteers, 
were sent up and through Manassas Gap to support the 
cavalry under Gen. W. W. Averill. They met the enemy 
and drove them through Front Royal, joining the army 
after an absence of two days, and finding that Gen. Mc- 
Clellan had been relieved by Gen. Burnside. The regi- 
ment participated in the battle of Fredericksburg, and then 
moved to Falmouth, on the opposite side of the river, going 
into winter quarters. Nothing transpired while here, with 
the exception of the Burnside mud march, until Gen. 
Hooker's move on Chancellorsville. The regiment was 
now and had been connected with the old 3d Army Corps 
since the battle of Bull Run, and had been most of the 
time commanded by Lieut.-Col. Chapin, Col. Bailey being 
disqualified for duty on account of age and the exposure 
incident to the Bull Run campaign. About this time 
Major Rhinevault resigned, and Capt. Higgins, of Company 
A, was commissioned major. The brigade consisted of the 
86th and 124th New York and the 122d Pennsylvania, 
under Gen. A. S. Piatt. The division was commanded by 
Gen. Whipple, and the corps by Gen. Sioklas. 

On the 28th of April, 1863, marching orders were re- 
ceived, and the regiment bade adieu to their four months' 
winter quarters, moving in an easterly direction until mid- 
night, when it bivouacked near Belle Plain, on the Rappa- 
hannock, the men in heavy marching order, with eighty 
rounds of ammunition. April 30 countermarched past 
their old quarters, and reached the United States Ford on 
the morning of May 1, crossing the pontoons laid there for 
that purpose. After cro.ssing they soon struck tiie enemy. 
Those acquainted with the hi.story of the battle of Chancel- 
lorsville know that the 3d Corps did most of the fighting. 
The 86tli came in for their full .share, as the list of casual- 
ties given in the correspondence appended to this chapter 
will show. 

On Saturday afternoon, when the 11th Corps broke, the 
3d was sent to their assi.stance, and stayed the rout. Sun- 
day is one of the days ever to be remembered by those who 
now survive, and were with the regiment on that day. 
At first placed in support of batteries, a short time after 
the whole division made a charge to the right of the Chan- 
cellor Hou.se, the SlJth on the left of the line, next the 
plank-road — and such a charge ! — the 86th losing fully one- 
third of their men, most of whom were left on the field 
when the regiment retired. The lo.ss of oflicers was very 
large. Lieut.-Col. Chapin was killed and carried from the 
field; Major Higgins was badly wounded; Acting Adj. 
Stafford wounded in the hip ; Capt. Angle, of Co. B, and 
Capt. Ellsworth, of Co. D, killed (the last two named ofli- 
cers were carried into the Chancellor House, and are sup- 
posed to have been burned with the building); Lieut. 
Woodward, of Co. I, was fiitally wounded, and several 
others slightly. After the charge the regiment was put to 
work building rifle-pits for their own protection, Capt. 
Lansing in command as senior officer. On Monday Gen. 
Whipple, division commander, was fatally wounded. On 
Tuesday the regiment recrossed the river, and were soon at 
their old quarters at Falmouth, and remained there until 
the 6th of June, 1863, when an order was received for the 
86th and the 121th to accompany a large body of cavalry 



on a secret expedition. They started that day in a heavy 
rain, in light marching order, with five days' rations. Major 
Lansing in command, he having been promoted since the 
battle of Chancellorsville. The regiment arrived at Beverly 
Ford, on the Rappahannock, on the evening of the 8th, 
and bivouacked for the night. Early the next morning they 
waded the river, the water reaching the waists of the men ; 
they were hurried forward, and soon struck the enemy in 
a thick wood, a short distance from the ford. They drove 
the enemy through and from the wood, the latter charging 
several times to retake it without success. Late in the day 
the regiment advanced within eight miles of Brandy Sta- 
tion, and then retired to the position they occupied in the 
morning. This was mostly a cavalry fight, the infantry 
acting as support. The 86th suffered to the extent of 
thirteen killed and wounded ; the enemy's loss must have 
been greater. Many were left within our lines, among 
them a major and a lieutenant. 

The regiment expected to be ordered back to Falmouth, 
but instead was placed on duty guarding the fords and 
Rappahannock Bridge, until the advance brigade of the 
Army of the Potomac joined them on the 12th. 

Whipple's Division having ceased to exi.st, on account of 
the terrible loss it sustained at Chancellorsville, and the 
muster-out of several regiments immediately after, the 
86th and 124th New York Volunteers, together with Ber- 
dan's Sharpshooters, were attached to the brigade of Gen. 
J. H. Hobart Ward, in Birney's Division of the 3d Army 
Corps. At this place Lieut.-Col. Higgins returned and 
assumed command of the 86th Regiment. 

On the morning of the 14th the 3d Corps started from 
Bealton Station, hurrying back towards Washington, and 
bivouacked for the night at Catlett's Station. They moved 
the next morning, passing through Bristoe Station and 
Manassas Junction. This was a terrible march, on account 
of the heat. Very many were sun-struck. They reached 
the old Bull Run battle-field on the 16th, continued the 
march on the 17th, and camped at Gum Springs on the 
night of the 19th. This was a very dark night, so dark 
that a person could not possibly see an object two feet from 
him; and the only way to get the different regiments into 
position was by sound. They moved again on the 23d, 
crossed the Potomac, on pontoons, at Edwards' Ferry, 
reached Emmettsburg on the evening of the 30th, passing 
Poolesville, Middletown, and Frederick City. At this place 
orders were received informing the command that Gen. 
Hooker had been relieved, and Gen. George G. Meade, of 
the 5th Corps, placed in command of the Army of the 
Potomac. 

On the 1st of July moved through Emmettsburg, march- 
ing at quick time for Gettysburg; could hear firing in that 
direction, and felt sure the battle had commenced. For- 
ward was the cry, and on they pushed. They slept that 
night on the field, with guns beside them. The next 
morning Gen. Ward led his brigade to the position assigned 
it. The 86th numbered about three hundred rank and file, 
and was placed on the right of the 124th, near Little 
Round Top, in a piece of wood, with the 20th Indiana on 
its right. Early in the afternoon the rebel artillery opened 
a furious cannonade upon our lines, and about three o'clock 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



113 



the iiifiintry advanced to the attack. Gen. Longstreet's 
Corps was hurled against the old 3d Corps in four lines, 
while the 3d had but one. Ward's Brigade stood firm, and 
drove the enemy back, one line after the other. Almost 
the first man wounded in the 86th was Col. Higgins, and 
he was sent from the field, leaving Maj. Lansing again in 
command. The loss to the regiment here was terrible. 
Capt. John Warner, of Company K, fell, and several other 
officers were wounded and taken prisoners. Among the 
latter was Lieut. Seeley, of Company K, acting adjutant. 
The loss to the rank and file was severe. It was almost 
dark when the lines at the right and lefb gave way, and 
orders were received for the SUth to retire. They did so in 
line of battle, and were highly complimented by Gen. Ward, 
in presence of the whole division, for their gallant conduct on 
that occasion. Gen. Sickles having been wounded. Gen. 
Birney took command of tlie corps. Gen. Ward of the di- 
vision, and Col. Berdan of the brigade. 

On the next morning the SClh was placed farther to the 
right in the lines, and near where Gen. I'ickett made his 
charge that day, but was not called on to do any work. 

On the morning of the -ith it was observed that the 
enemy's vedettes had disappeared i'rom our front. That 
night a heavy rain set iu, and on the morning of the 5th 
the regiment assisted in burying the dead. 

The regiment moved forward on the 6th, with the army 
in pursuit of the enemy, and reached Mechanicstown on the 
7tli. It passed through Frederick City on the 8th, and on 
the 'Jth changed direction and moved down the Hagerstown 
road, through Middletown, and over South Mountain. On 
the 10th reached Millport, and on the 11th rested for the 
night near Roxbury Mill, in line of battle. On the 14th 
heard that the enemy had crossed the Potomac with all his 
transportation and stores. On the 17th crossed the Poto- 
mac at Harper's Ferry, and passed the night at Hills- 
borough. On the 20th reached Upperville. Gen. French 
was now in command of the 3d Corps. On the 22d 
reached Manassas Gap. On the 23d moved up the Gap, 
Ward's Brigade in advance. Struck the enemy near Front 
Royal, and, after severe fighting, sent them double-quick 
to the other side of the mountain. On the 24th retraced 
our steps through the Gap, and on the 26th reached War- 
renton. This ended the campaign of Gettysburg. 

It will be seen by this that on the 6th of June the 86th 
Regiment left Falmouth in light marching order, with five 
days' rations, expecting to return by that time, but, instead, 
they were fifty-four days without a change of clothing ex- 
cept such as they had with them, — a thing not very con- 
ducive to cleanliness or health. 

Here Col. Higgins again took command, and Maj. Lan- 
sing was ordered to Elmira, N. Y., with two officers and 
six sergeants, on recruiting service. 

On the last day of July, 1863, the brigade moved to 
Sulphur Springs and pitched camp, doing picket duty and 
drilling until the 15th day of September. On the 16th 
crossed the Rappahannock at Freedman's Ford. On the 
17th camped near Culpepper. On the 8th of October the 
whole division was iu line, and soon was on its way back 
to Centreviile, reaching that place on the 14th. On the 
I'Jtli moved southward again. On the 30th camped at 
15 



Bealton Station, and remained there until the 7th of No- 
vember. On that day the 3d Corps moved to Kelly's 
Ford, on the Rappahannock, in full sight of the enemy, 
and, under a galling fire, obtained full possession of the 
ford, capturing a large number of prisoners. On the 8th 
advanced as far as Brandy Station, crossed the Rapidan 
on the 26th, at Jacob's Ford, and on the 27th (Ward's 
Brigade being in reserve) struck the rebels about six 
o'clock A.M. About sundown the 86th and 124th New 
York Volunteers were called upon, as the 17th Maine had 
just been driven. The two regiments sprang quickly for- 
ward and occupied the space vacated by the 17th Maine, 
and checked the enemy, although their batteries rained a 
shower of shell upon them, and the infantry endeavored to 
drive them back. The lo-ss of the 86th was severe, four 
being killed and thirty-two wounded, Col. Higgins among 
the latter. 

That night the enemy retired from the field. On the 
29th advanced to near Mine Run, and found the enemy 
heavily intrenched. The picket line crossed the run during 
the night, and an assault was ordered, but finally counter- 
manded. They were then ordered to retrace their steps, 
which was done, crossing the Rapidan at Culpepper Mine 
Ford, being pressed hard by the rebel cavalry. The army 
moved to near Brandy Station, and went into winter 
quarters. At this point Lieut.-Col. Lansing and party 
again joined their regiment. 

The loss of the regiment up to this time had been very 
severe ; there was hardly a company that had the same 
officers that started with them, and some of them none. 
Company A had none; Company B one; Company C none; 
Company D one. on detached service ; Company B two, 
one of whom was detached ; Company F one ; Company G 
one ; Company H none ; Company I one ; Company K 
none. 

In the field and staff it was the same. B. L. Higgins, 
now colonel, badly wounded and in the hospital. He was 
mustered out. J. H. Lansing was lieutenant-colonel ; M. 
B. Stafford was major (formerly lieutenant of Company 
F) ; James Cherry was adjutant (formerly sergeant of 
Co. I); D. F. Brown was quartermaster. Company A 
was commanded by Capt. Jerry Ryan, promoted from the 
ranks ; Company B, by Lieut. Booth, promoted from the 
ranks ; Company C, by Capt. Robert Barton, promoted 
from .sergeant ; Company D, by Lieut. N. H. Vincent, 
promoted from sergeant ; Company E, by Lieut. Geo. A. 
Packer, original ; Company F, by Capt. H. G. Harrower, 
original ; Company G, by Capt. N. S. Baker, promoted from 
lieutenant; Company H, by Lieut. Stone, promoted from 
private ; Company I, by Capt. Foster P. Wood, promoted 
from second lieutenant ; Company K, by Capt. John Finney, 
promoted from the ranks. 

The companies averaged from ten to forty non-commis- 
sioned officers and privates, the whole regiment numbering 
less than three hundred for duty ; although many more 
were carried on the rolls, such, as the sick and wounded in 
ho-spitals, and tho.sc on detached service. 

During the month of December, 1863, an order was issued 
from Washington, that if those soldiers who had enlisted 
for three years and whose term of service had about ex- 



114 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



pired, would re-enlist for the war as veteran volunteers, 
they should receive their bounty and be permitted to re- 
turn to their homes in a body with a furlough of thirty 
days. Nearly all (two hundred and forty-five) of the non- 
commissioned officers and privates of the 86tli re-enlisted 
and returned to Elmira, N. Y., where tliey were furloughed 
for thirty days. 

At the expiration of their furlough they joined their bri- 
gade at Brandy Station. While at Elmira, Capt. L. Todd, 
of Corning, who had served two years in the 23d New York 
Volunteers, was commissioned a captain in the 86th, as- 
signed to duty as captain of Company B, and returned with 
the resriment to the field. Several of the non-commissioned 
officers were also commissioned, but we are unable to give 
their names. 

The regiment remained at Brandy Station until May 4, 
1864, doing the usual picket duty, drilling, and making an 
occasional demonstration towards the enemy. During the 
month of April, the old 3d Corps was broken up, and the 
divisions that Gen. French brought into it after the battle 
of Gettysburg were assigned to tlie 6th Corps, and the old 
3d Corps proper was assigned to the 2d Corps, to be known 
as Birney's Division of the 2d Corps, retaining and wearing 
the od Corps badge. 

]<]arly in march U. S. Grant was made lieutenant-general, 
with conimand of all the armies of the United States, and 
made his heiidquarters with the Army of the Potomac. 
On the 1st and 2d days of May, 1864, the regiment was 
inspected, and on the 4th six days' rations and fifty rounds 
of ammunition were issued to each man, and Gen. George 
G. Meade's address read to them. At this time the regi- 
ment numbered three hundred rank and file, some having re- 
turned from the hospitals. At eleven o'clock P..M. the army 
moved towards the llapidan, the 2d Corps crossing on pon- 
toons at Ely's Ford, and bivouacking near the old battle- 
field of Chancellorsville, moved at five a.m. on the 5th. 
Ward's brigade reached Todd's Tavern about nine a.m., 
when they countermarched towards the Wilderness Tavern. 
The battle had commenced, and the 86th was soon in the 
hottest of it, — from about two o'clock p.m. until darkness 
put a stop to further manoeuvres. The firing was terrible, 
both from musketry and artillery. The woods were so 
thick that it was impossible to see the rebel lines. About 
eight o'clock p.m. both armies ceased firing and lay down to 
take a few hours' rest. The 86th suffered no loss in killed, 
but several were wounded. 

At five o'clock the next morning the army was again in 
motion, pushing the enemy slowly ; but it was hot work, 
and quite a number of the 86th fell killed or wounded. 
The rebels continued to give ground until about eleven a.m., 
when they turned and nearly overwhelmed the entire corps, 
and sent it flying back towards the rear. This was a fearful 
time. The men were so demoralized that it was utterly 
impossible for the officers to rally them, until they reached 
the rifle-pits that had been constructed during the morning. 
The corps was re-formed behind these works, and rested, 
cooking coffee, and eating, for the first time that day. 
About three o'clock p.m. the Confederates advanced again. 
The 86th were in the front line of works, and were obliged 
to retire with the rest to the second line. The rebels took 



possession of the first line, but they were soon forced to fall 
back, leaving their dead and wounded behind them. The 
2d Corps returned to the first line, and remained there all 
that night and part of the next day. About daylight on 
the 8th the 86th got their hard-tack and coffee, and about 
eight A.M. moved to Todd's Tavern, and there 'formed in 
line of battle through the woods. They were attacked 
by the rebels, but repulsed them without much trouble. 
On the 9th moved to and crossed the Po River, meeting 
with but little resistance. On the 10th re-crossed the Po, 
after a hard day's work. Ward's Brigade was massed in 
column of regiments, four paces apart, at the base of a 
thickly-wooded hill, with the 86th on the right. Troops 
were going into position on the right and left of the bri- 
gade. After the formation news came to the regimental 
commanders of the brigade, that they should see personally 
that every man's gun was uncapped and bayonets fixed in 
their command, and that at a given signal they should ad- 
vance, double-quick, with a yell. There were eight regi- 
ments in the brigade, and the formation was as follows : 
86th New York Volunteers, 124th New York, 3d Maine, 
99th Pennsylvania, 141st Pennsylvania, 20th Indiana, 
110th Pennsylvania, and 40th New York Volunteers; and 
so close and compact that the field-officers were obliged to 
take position on the flanks of their commands. At the signal 
given the brigade started at a rapid pace. The picket line 
of the rebels was soon reached, they giving warning of the 
approach. Presently they came to the opening, and such 
a sight ! In front a massive line of works, while between 
that and the column the ground was strewn with timber. 
The cry was forward, and the 86th, moving on amidst shot 
and shell, reached the work. They had nothing but the bay- 
onet, and were unable to remain long, as their support could 
not reach them. The order for retreat was given, and those 
that remained went to the wood for cover as quickly as pos- 
sible. The 86th went into that charge more than two hun- 
dred strong. They left in and around the works of the 
enemy one hundred and sixteen men, besides several offi- 
cers, and at roll-call next morning but eighty-four answered 
to their names. This was the heaviest loss that the regi- 
ment ever sustained. They now numbered less than a 
company, for duty, and when paraded the companies num- 
bered some two rank and file, with possibly one officer. The 
regiment returned to their position in the lines, remaining 
there until late in the afternoon of the 11th, when the 2d 
Corps was moved to the right of the rebel lines, to a place 
known as the Brown House. The strictest silence was 
ordered. Arrived there about two o'clock A.M. ; formed in 
two lines, the 86th being in the first ; the command was al- 
lowed to rest without breaking their formation. At about 
five o'clock A.M. the order to advance was given in a low 
tone. The line sprang forward, and moved as quickly as 
the nature of the ground would admit. They soon struck 
the rebel pickets, who fired and fled, and were pursued so 
closely that many were captured before they could reach the 
works. The storming column went over the works, cap- 
turing Gen. Johnson, and nearly his whole division, with 
all their artillery. The rebels made several attempts to 
retake the works, but failed, with heavy loss. The fighting 
here was terrible all the 12th and a part of the 13th, and 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



115 



the casualties were large. The 86th suffered severely. At 
this point Gen. Ward was relieved from command of the 
brigade, and Col. Eagan, of the 40th New York, as senior 
colonel, assumed command. 

On the 14th Birney's entire division was withdrawn a 
short distance to the rear, and commenced throwing up a 
new line of works. This movement was observed by the 
enemy, who sent forward a small force to occupy the aban- 
doned works, when the 86th and 124th were directed to 
advance and drive them out. Hastily forming, they dashed 
forward, under the command of Col. Lansing, and speedily 
drove them out and recaptured the works. At this place, 
on the ISth, a shell from the rebels struck among the 86th, 
injuring four of its number ; among them Capt. Todd of 
Company B, who was supposed to be mortally wounded 
and sent to the rear, but who recovered and joined his com- 
pany, serving until the final muster-out. Early on the 
19th, Eagan's Brigade moved about a mile to the rear, and 
there rested until about five o'clock p.m. ; this was the first 
rest the 86th had been allowed since the opening of the 
campaign, having been under fire constantly. About this 
time heavy firing was heard in the direction of the Fred- 
ericksburg road, and shortly a mounted orderly dashed up to 
brigade headquarters, and the next moment the assembly 
was sounded. Leaving tents standing and knapsacks strewn 
about, the brigade started double-quick for the scene of 
action. It proved to be an attack of Ewell on our wagon- 
train, and aheavyfighton thepart of Tylerto protect thesame. 
Tyler's troops were exhausted, and when Eagan's Brigade 
readied the scene they moved quickly over Tyler's troops 
and dashed after the flying rebels, whom they followed until 
darkness put an end to the chase. The brigade then re- 
traced their steps, bringing with them a large number of 
prisoners, and the brigade bivouacked that night near where 
they struck the enemy, and at daylight on the 20th re- 
turned to the place they had left the day before. On the 
22d moved forward, crossed the Mattapony, and rested for 
the night. On the 23d reached the North Anna, near 
the Chesterfield Bridge ; here found the enemy strongly 
intrenched. At the bridge they had two redoubts heavily 
manned. About five o'clock p.m. the order was given to 
make an assault. The 86th and 124th New York, to tlie 
left of the road leading to the bridge, were but a few 
moments crossing the flats, leaving many of their number 
dead and wounded along the route. Just before reaching 
the works the enemy became satisfied that they could not 
hold them, hurried their guns over the bridge, and hastily 
fled, leaving quite a number of prisoners in our hands. 
The next morning cros.sed the bridge under a heavy fire. 
After crossing, the 86th and 124th were deployed as skir- 
mishers, and advanced, driving the rebel skirmishers for 
about one mile. Col. Lansing was badly wounded in the 
left fore-arm by a sharpshooter and left the field, Maj. 
Stafford, of the 86th, assuming command. That night the 
regiments were withdrawn, and recrossed to the north side 
of the river. On the 28th crossed the Pamunkey at Nel- 
son's Ford and erected a line of works near the river, after 
which attacked the enemy and drove them into their main 
line. The picket lines were but a few rods apart, and kept 
up a deadly fire. More dreaded than all were the sharp- 



shooters, who kept picking off officers and men, and although 
no general engagement took place, many were added to the 
death-roll. 

On the night of June 1, the 2d Corps started for Cold 
Harbor, and in the assault at that place the 86th were in 
reserve. After operations were suspended, they were set 
to work with the pick and shovel, and continued at this 
labor most of the time until the 12th, when they moved, 
and on the morning of the 14th reached Wilcox's Land- 
ing, and were transferred by steamboats to the south side 
of the James River. On the morning of the 15th the 
advance was resumed towards Petersburg. On the 16th 
Eagan's Brigade made an assault, but were unsuccessful. 
Here Col. Eagan, commanding the brigade, was severely 
wounded, and Col. Madill, of the 141st Pennsylvania, took 
command. On the 18th a general assault was ordered, — 
but for some reason deferred until later in the day, when 
the assault was made, — but the troops were repulsed with 
considerable loss (since the crossing of the James the loss 
of the S6th had been heavy, both in officers and men). That 
night was spent in throwing up works within short range 
of the enemy. On the 20th the brigade was relieved, and 
on the 21st moved to and took position on the left of the 
Jerusalem Plank-Road. On the 22d had a skirmish with 
the rebels. The 86th had an addition to their number 
here; the veterans of the 70th Regiment New York Vol- 
unteers, one hundred and thirty in all, were transferred to 
the 86th; they now numbered about two hundred and forty 
for duty. From this time until the 26th of July the regi- 
ment was kept busy building rifle-pits, and moving from 
one part of the works to another, almo.st con.stantly under 
fire. On that day Hancock's command was ordered to pro- 
ceed to Deep Bottom as a diversion in favor of the Burn- 
side mine explosion, and returned to the lines near Peters- 
burg on the night of the 28th. The mine explosion took 
place on the night of the 29th or the morning of the 30th, 
and ended in a failure, with heavy loss. 

An official report of the losses of this brigade from May 
4 to July 31, 1864, states the killed, wounded, and mis.sing 
at one hundred and twenty-six officers and two thousand 
five hundred and forty-three men. 

About the 1st of August, Col. Lan.sing returned and 
took command, and on the 12ih Hancock's Corps moved to 
City Point and bivouacked for the night, and on the 13th 
embarked on board steamboats, and remained until mid- 
night, when at a signal they steamed up the James, reaching 
Deep Bottom about four o'clock a.m., and disembarked. 
Gen. Mott was now in command of the division, and 
Gen. De Trobriund of this brigade, almost immediately 
struck the enemy. The 86th was ordered to the front as 
skirmishers, and remained on the line during the engage- 
ment, which was severe; the loss of the 86th was light. 

On the 18th Hancock's command was again on its way 
towards Petersburg, reaching there on the 19th. The 86th 
was placed in the front line of works, to the right of the 
Jerusalem Plank-Road, and remained there and in Forts 
Michael and Scott for about two weeks, constantly under 
fire, when the regiment was moved into Fort Sedgwick 
(called by the boys Fort Hell), on the plank-road running 
into Petersburg, and at a point where the lines were but a 



116 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



short distance apart. The picket line at one point in front 
of the works was only fifteen paces from the rebel line, and 
the rebel fort opposite (Fort Mahone) about twelve hundred 
yards. The fort was a very large inclosed work, containing 
three regiments, — the 73d and 86th New York and the 99th 
Pennsylvania, — two batteries of guns, and twelve mortars. 
The scenes here at times were terrific ; no one dared to 
remain within their bomb-proofs, as they would not resist a 
shell ; the firing was liable to be opened at any moment, 
generally occurring about twice in twenty-four hours, often 
lasting two or three hours at a time, sometimes calling the 
men out two or three times during the night ; at such times 
a person could count from ten to thirty shells in the air, 
all pointed for these works, and it was of daily occurrence 
that from one to ten would be killed. In these night at- 
tacks the pickets in front of the works would have a hard 
time, and were obliged to lie as flat to the ground as possi- 
ble ; if a man raised his head on either side a score of bul- 
lets were fired at it. At this place the pickets could only 
be relieved after nightfall, and were frequently obliged to 
crawl back and forth on their hands and kt)ees On the 
la.st of September the regiment was relieved, and moved to 
the extreme left of the line, where they were set to work 
cutting roads through a strip of woods and building a re- 
doubt, returning after an absence of three days to their old 
quarters. The regiment remained there until the 24th, 
when it moved with the corps, reaching the Weldon road 
on the evening of the 26th. On the morning of the 27th 
cros.sed Hatcher's Run, and soon struck the enemy. Gen. 
De Trobriand's Brigade was now on the extreme left ; the 
73d and 86th, with the 124th Now York, were advanced 
as skirmishers about half a mile, remaining there all day, 
covering the front and flank of the brigade. The skirmish- 
line was formed in a dense wood, excepting to the right, 
where the 124th New York was posted. The rebels had a 
battery placed opposite this point, and after a lurious cannon- 
ade they advanced for a charge, but were repulsed by the 
skirmish-line, assisted by the 2d U. S. Sharpshooters. The 
movement on the part of the Union forces having failed 
to accomplish the purpose intended, the order to retire was 
given, and about ten o'clock P.M. the brigade was marched 
back to the Vaughan road, and there bivouacked until noon 
the next day, when the march was resumed, and that even- 
ing the regiment was again in its old (|uarters. The loss 
on the skirmish-lines that day was three ofiicers and about 
thirty men. 

The regiment remained here (Fort Sedgwick) until No- 
vember 29. On the 13th of November Col. Lansing was 
discharged, on his own application, and Maj. Stafford was 
mustered in as lieutenant-colonel commanding. On the 
afternoon of the 29th orders were received to pack up and 
be in readiness to move. About sundown a division of the 
9th Corps came marching up to relieve the troops in the 
front line. The rebels, seeing the movement, opened a 
furious cannonade, during which Lieut.-Col. Stafford was 
mortally wounded, dying within a few hours. This was a 
serious loss to the regiment, as he was a good soldier and a 
gallant officer. Starting with the regiment in 1861 as a 
second lieutenant of Company F, and rising by merit to 
the command of the regiment a.s lieutenant-colonel, he was 



beloved, honored, and respected by all in the command. In 
the evening the regiment was quietly withdrawn, — now in 
command of Maj. Nathan A. Vincent, formerly a private 
of Company D, — and on the 30th marched about six miles, 
and shortly after started on what is known as the Weldon 
raid. Returning to near Petersburg, went into winter quar- 
ters, and remained there until the 4th day of February, 
1865, doing the usual picket duty, and making thorough 
preparations for the spring campaign. On that day re- 
ceived orders to prepare for a march. On the 5th they 
marched to and encountered the enemy near Hatcher's 
Run. The brigade forded the run in battle line, pushing 
the rebel pickets about one mile, but were brought to a 
halt by the rebels, posted behind their main line of works. 
They were immediately set to building works for protection. 
On the t)th the brigade was relieved by a portion of the 
5th Corps. That night learned that the new lino had been 
permanently extended across the run. On the 9th was 
moved about one mile to the right, and assigned position 
in the new line ; remained here until the final advance, 
March 28, 1865, participating in all the engagements until 
the surrender of Gen. Lee, April 9, 1865, at Appomattox 
Court-Hou.se. After the surrender started homeward bound. 
At Burkesville Junction, on the 14th, heard of the assas- 
sination of President Lincoln ; moved through Richmond 
and Fredericksburg, reaching Washington about the middle 
of May, and camped near Fairfax Seminary ; participated 
in the grand review in Washington City. On the 29th 
day of May, 1865, Lieut. D. F. Brown was mustered out 
of the service by reason of General Order No. 26, Head- 
quarters Army of the Potomac, made May 17, 1865. After 
the grand review the regiment prepared for the trip home 
and the final muster-out, which occurred at Elmira, N. Y., 
July 4, 1865. 

EXTRACTS FROM CORRESPONDENCE 

The following extracts from letters written by Lieut. D. 
F. Brown, quartermaster of the 86th Regiment New York 
Volunteers, and published in the Corning Journal from 
time to time during the war, contain fuller statements of 
the casualties as they took place in the regiment : 

"FnEDERicKsBUBG, May 7, 186.3, 

" De.ar Sni, — .Amid the excitement and confusion of the past few 
days, I hnve had but little time or inclination to write 

" Our brave Lieut. -Col. Chapin fell about eleven o'clock a.m., while 
leading his men in that fearful contest. Cajjt. W. W. Angle, Company 
B, was mortally wounded, and has not since been heard of. Capt. D. 
S. Ellsworth, Company D, was killed instantly, a rifle-ball passing 
through his temples. Lieut. M. B. Stafford, Company F, and acting 
adjutant, was severely wounded in the thigh. Lieut. A. J. Woodward, 
Company I, received a very severe wound in both knees. Lieut. 
Nathan H. Vincent, Company D, was slightly wounded in several 
places. After the fall of Ellsworth, the command of the company 
devolved on him. Gen. Whipple rode up, and seeing him covered 
with blood, requested him to go the rear, but he refused to leave his 
company. Capt. N. Warner and Capt. J. H. Lansing, I am happy to 
say, came out unhurt, though constantly exposed to the enemy's fire. 
The officei-s behaved admirably, and the men followed their e.\ample 
in deeds of daring. Both officers and men received a flattering com- 
pliment from Gen. Whipple. Among the privates seven were killed 
and seventy-one wounded. I have not been able to get the names of 
the killed and wounded. We deplore deeply the loss of Lieut.-Col. 
Chapin. His death has cast a gloom over the whole command. The 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



117 



loss of Ciipt. Angle and Capt. Ellsworth will bo severely felt by the 
regiment. 

"After the death of Col. Chapin, the command of the regiment 
devolved upon Capt. J. H. Lansing, who discharged the duties 'of his 
new position with great coolness and bravery. On several occasions 
with his men, he charged on the rebel batteries and drove them 
from their works. Tuesday the whole army fell back to the place 
occupied before the advance. D. F. Brown." 

** In the FiELit, Gettysritrg, July 4, 1863. 

*• Dear Sir, — Two months have elapsed since I have communicated 
with you ; they have been eventful months. On the fith of June last, 
our brigade broke camp at Falmouth, and moved up the river about 
twenty-three miles, to Beverly Ford, where, on the 11th, we encoun- 
tered the enemy. Our regiment was at that time commanded by Maj. 
J. II. Lansing, he having assumed the command on the memorable field 
of Chancellorsville. Lieut. -Col. lliggins had not sufficiently recovered 
from the wounds received at Chancellorsville to enable him to take the 
field, but hearing that the army was in motion, he ha>tened to join his 
command, which he accomplished two days after the battle. The 
engagement at the Ford was mostly between cavalfy, and it was a 
sharp and severe contest. The loss in our regiment was about thirty 
in killed and wounded. The enemy was handsomely repulsed, and 
driven back about five miles. The officers and men of the S6th nobly 
KU.stuined their well-earned reputation, and added another proof of 
their courage and their devotion to the cause of our common country. 

*• 0.1 the Hth of June the wholearioy was in motion. Our direction 
was northward. We passel Manass.is. Bull Run, and Centreville. 
Oh, wh;it associations are connectel with the.'^e names! How mauy 
homes have been darkened by the war-cloud that burst with such 
maddening fury on these memorable fields ! How many hearts have 
been wrun.4 with anguish by the loss of fathers, brothers, sons, and 
friends, who pou e I out their blood and laid down their lives upon 
thcs3 huge, roj!«-bui;t altars of their country ! We crossed the Poto- 
mac on the 2(ith, at Edwards' Perry, and on the 1st day of July our 
corps reached the battle-field of (Tcttysburg. 

"On the 2d instant the battle became general. The 3d Corps \vas 
on our left wing, against which the enemy massed his forces, and made 
a desperate charge for the purpose of breaking it. The contest was 
the most desperale ami deadly of the war. Lieut. -Col. Higgins clearly 
demonstrated his ability to command. He received a wound in his 
side from a rifle-ball, and was taken from the field. The command 
then devolved upon Maj. Lansing, who added another proof to his 
well-earned reputation for coolness and courage. I will here mention 
an inndent. While the SGthand the I24:th New York Volunteers were 
making a charge upon the enemy, Gen. Ward sat on his horse watch- 
ing the movement, and as they fell back in perfect order, after ac- 
complishing their object, the general rode up to Maj. Lansing and re- 
marked, ' I never saw men behave better. Major, your men have 
nobly won the red diamond, the Kearney badge.' The major replied, 
* We feel proud of the blue badge, but if you wish it we will adopt the 
red.' The blue badge was the one used by the 3d Division, which is 
broken up, but we still wore the badge. . . . 

" Capt. J. N. Warner, Co. K, was killed instantly. He was a brave 
and able officer. Lieut. Hammond, Co. A, lost a leg; Lieut. Blanch- 
ard, Co. B, was wounded in the hand; Lieut. Packer, Co. E, wounded 
in hand; Lieut. Seeley, Co. K, acting adjutant, was present dur- 
ing the engagement, but afterwards went on the field to look after 
the body of Capt. Warner, and he has not been heard from since. 
The following is a list of the killed and wounded not heretofore men- 
tioned : 

'' Killed.— Co. A, Sergt. J. Boies, John Hart: Co. B, L. Piatt, J. 
Taylor: Co. D, Calvin L. Stearns; Co. F, George Tremain, John 
Topple; Co. H, Jeremiah Everitt; Co. I, A. C. Palmer, J. M. Black- 
man; Co. K, Hyman Hazeltine. 

*' Wunnilcd. — Co. A, Jeremiah Fisher, Francis Keller, Gilbert 
Rogers, Corp. R. Smith, W. S. Chafee, James W. Chafee; Co. B, 
Sergt. A. Shauger, Corp. A. Amidon, J. W. Rose, C. L. Odell, L. R. 
Root; Co. C, J. Deard; Co. D, J. Bovier, G. Powell, W. E. Stewart; 
Co. E, R. Wasliburn; Co. F, Allen W. Beeman, J. E. Brown, Sergt. 
S. Tremain; Co. G, E. E, Thompson, S. Hall, J. Iladley, Jr., L. 
Maddison, F. Gregory, W. Thomas, Corp. V. Allison; Co. H, Sergt. 
James Moidt, Corp. J. W. Ostrander, H. Dawley, W. S. Miller, P. 
Pierce, H. Cook; Co. I, F. J. Horton, J. Smith, J. Carrigan, Sergt. 
A. J. Northrup; Co. K, Corp. W. Owen, Corp. N. W. Wiuship, since 



dead; J. K. Fisk, since dead; Robert Laning, since dead; W. E. 
Stewart, A. Simpson. 

"The Union loss was heavy, but nothing compared with the 
enemy's. His dead are unburied, and the ground is literally cov- 
ered; in places they lay in ridges. Our victory is complete. This is 
our nation's birthday. Oh, what hallowed memories cluster around 
it! Thought travels back to the sanguinary fields of the Revolution, 
when liberty perched upon the banner of the triumphant free. Here 
the enemy of the same principle lies prostrate at her feet. This day 
is commemorated here by the warm blood of slaughtered thousands, 
palpitating on the soil of our noble Keystone State. 

"Yours in the cause of liberty, 

"D. F, Brows, Q.-M." 

"In thi-: Field, Brandy Station, Va., Dec. fi, 1S63. 

"Dear Sir, — I have unavoidably delayed giving to the numerous 
friends of our regiment in old Steuben the result of the recent en- 
gagement beyond the Rapidan, as I have hardly had a moment to 
devote to the matter. 

" At a late hour on the night of the 25th ultimo the bugle sounded 
the interesting call (o ' pack up.' Every man was busy in his arrange- 
ments for a march until the prompt command of Col, Higgins was 
given to fall in. The river was crossed on the 2fith at Jacob's Mill. 
On the 27th an engagement took place. The 3d Corps became en- 
gaged about ten o'clock a.m. At two o'clock p.m. the 1st Division 
was ordered up to meet the enemy. Our brigade, commanded by 
Gen. Ward, was selected to make the charge, and the S6th and 124tb 
New York Volunteers was selected as the storming-party. A short 
time previous to the charge Col. Higgins was borne from the field, a 
musket-ball having taken off a finger and passed through both thighs. 
Maj. Staff"ord then took command, and led the S6th in one of the 
most desperate conflicts that it ever experienced. Our regiment and 
the 12'4th alone regained the ground that had been lost by the 3d 
Division, and by sundown had driven the enemy sixty rods farther 
than any portion of our line had extended, and they held the ground 
during the entire night. You can form some idea of the severity of 
the engagement, when I assure you the two regiments engaged ex- 
pended sixteen thousand rounds of cartridges. Maj. Stafford went 
back several times for ammunition. Capts. Harrower and Baker 
were appointed acting field-officers to assist Maj. Stafford during 
the engagement, and Lieut. Packer was acting adjutant. The com- 
panies of the S6th were commanded as follows : Lieut. Holms, Co. 
A; Lieut. Booth, Co. B; Capt Robert Barton, Co. C; Capt. N. H, 
Vincent, Co. D; Lieut. J, G, Copley, Co. E : Lieut. Henry Thurber, 
Co, F; Lieut. A. B. Stanton, Co. G; Lieut. Stone, Co. H; Lieut. 
AVood, Co. I; Capt. Phinney, Co. K. 

"Gen. Ward paid a flattering compliment to the officers and men, 
and said he was proud of them. The general at first supposed that 
the regiment had been cut off and taken prisoners, and when he 
learned what they had accomplished he remarked to the major, in a 
playful manner, that he took his men out to find more comfortable 
lodgings with Gen. Lee. 

"The killed in our regiment in this engagement were Russel Tay- 
lor, First Sergeant, Co. G; John Baxter, Sergeant, Co. C; George 
Wright, Co. C; George H. W. Celover, Co. H. 

"The wounded were as follows: 1st Sergt. J. Ryon, Corp. Nicholas 
Longuot, Jacob Horb, James White, Lewis Hart, James Chaffee, 
David Hoyt, all of Co. A; Ist Sergt. F. D. Loomis, Daniel Alden, 
Nathan Phenix, of Co. B ; Lieut. Henry Thurber, George Babcock, 
George Murdock, of Co. F; Corp. A. Allen, Franklin Hallock, Asel 
Wilson, John Wallace, Lafayette Taylor, Foster Gregory, of Co. G; 
Corp. Jesse Barton, D. L, Rowley, of Co. H ; Wesley Simons, of Co. 
I; Corp. David Countruman, Corp. H. Hillrun, J. C. Sabin, Charles 
Wood, Thomas Fanand, Asa Cross, of Co. K. 

" Most of the wounds were slight. While marching to the Rapidan, 
on the 26th, Albertus Russell, of Co. E, was killed, and AY. S. Kelley, 
of Co. D, was wounded, Ity the accidental discharge of a gun. 

"The intelligence of the death of John Baxter will fall with op- 
pressive weight upon his family and friends, but they can be assured 
that he died while nobly battling in the defense of his country. He 
lost none of his moral principles by his associations in the army. He 
was regarded by his ofiicers, and all who knew him, as a brave soldier. 

"To-day Lieut. -Col. Lansing arrived, and was heartily greeted by 
the whole regiment. The command will now devolve on him, and I 



118 



HISTORY OP STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



should judge from his looks that his absence has not diminished his 
ambition or courage. 

*' I remain yours, etc., 

" D. F. Brown." 

" In the Field, near Spottsylvania CouRT-HorsE, Va., 

"May 10, 1864. 

"Dear Sir, — May 6, the battle opened at an early hour in the 
morning, and was continued with great fury during the day. The 
86th bore well their part in the engagement, making frequent charges 
on the enemy's works. Capt. J. G. Copely, Co. E, is wounded in the 
arm and leg; Capt. Robert Barton, Co. C, is wounded in the side; 
Capt. N. S. Baker, Co. G, is wounded in the face; Lieut. W. W. Card 
is wounded in the thigh; Lieut. H. C. Thurber, Co. F, in the foot; 
others of the killed and wounded in the regiment, whose names I 
have not yet learned. 

"May 7, fighting commenced nt an early hour, and our regiment 
was engaged all day. The officers mentioned as wounded yesterday 
are doing well : none are considered dangerous. In addition to the 
above, H. Haliett, of Co. G, Calvin Adams, of Co. B, Henry Willick, 
of Co. I, Henry Tenbrook, of Co. H, and Charles Bailey, of Co. I, are 
among the killed. The wounded are as follows: 

''Company A. — Sergt. Gilbert Hayncs, arm; Corp. John Feistner, 
arm; J, Smith, thigh; and Geo. Mazen, leg. 

*' Company B. — Sergt. Dennis Talbert, shoulder; Corp. John Ami- 
don, face; John Hillion, William Batchee, shoulder. 

" C'tiipauy C. — Sergt. Geo. M. Clute, arm; John Houghtaling, 
hand; Philip Swick, abdomen; W. Dawley, arm. 

** Company D. — Sergt. A. C. Rogers, arm; Milo Tucker, hand; J. 
E.Baker, hip; Fnmcis Hurlburt. foot; T.Campbell, leg; L. Duel, 
thigh; Henry O'Connor, thigh; Peter Spencer, arm; Isaac Trow- 
bridge, thigh. 

''Company .£^.— Sergt. E. D. Kemps, leg; Corp. H. H. Cole, foot; 
W. E. Cilley, head; H. Hewiit. shuuKler ; R. R. Sweet, hand. 

"Company F. — L. E. Warren, side; B. F. Alexander, hand; M. 
Enchard, leg. 

*' Company 0. — Sergt. Valli.son, leg: C. Boughton, leg; J. Wright, 
foot. 

*' Comj)aiiy H. — Sergt. W. Bartle, shoulder; Corp. D. S. Cook, 
hand; E. Potter, arm; Jesse K. Barton, han 1: John Bastle, hanii : 
A. Slater, hand. 

"Company I. — W. A. Crout. thigh; Thomas McTigue, arm; G. 
Feredenburgh, back. 

" Company A'. — Sergt. G. Mcrring, leg: T. F. Ferrand, leg; J. W. 
Barber, head: W. Lanning, hand; L. Medbury, hand. 

"The above are all the killed anl woundei in the regiment at this 
time. Lieut.-Col. Lansing was hit on the leg by a spent ball, and a 
ball passed through Major Stafford's hat, producing no injury to 
either. 

'* May 9, the S6th was on skirniish-line, having been sent out the 
night previous. They came in at twelve m. Capts. Todd, Harrower, 
Stone, Phinney, and Wood have been in command of their companies 
during this protracted battle, and are well. Lieut. Jerry Ryan com- 
manded Co. A. 

"May 10, sharp fighting all day in the vicinity of the court- 
house. The Sfith was engaged towards night. Have not heard of 
any casualties in our regiment. Just before dark a charge was made 
on the enemy's works, and our forces carried them. The musketry 
was the heaviest I ever heard. All so far goes finely. 

" Yours, in our country's cause, 

"D. F. Browx, Q.-M." 

" In the Field, May 12, 1864. 

"Dear Sir, — I wrote you on the 10th inst.. and gave you a list of 
casualties in the 86th up to that time. There was a severe engage- 
ment on the 10th, in which our regiment participated. The battle 
continued all day, and a little before dark a charge was made on the 
enemy's works. The 86th Regiment led the charge, having a hand-to- 
hand fight. The following are the names of the killed and wounded, 
so far as I have been able to ascertain : 

"Company A, Syracuse. — William Fuller, back; Sergt. Sam. Ing- 
ham, arm; George Lawson, shoulder; James White, thigh; Dan. 
Palmer, leg; John Brown. 

"Company By Addison. — Charles B. Jordan, chest; Sergt. N. 
Reynolds, thigh. 



" Company (7, Corning. — Henry Lanning, leg ; Charles Comfort, 
arm and abdomen; Sergt. W. Mcintosh, knee; Edwin Harridan, 
shoulder; Samuel Stevens, killed; Corp. Sam. Merring, killed ; Mar- 
tin MTihr, killed ; Corp. F. E. Clark, hand ; Jacob Rarrick, both legs ; 
Cyrus A. Hurd, missing; Asa Carner, missing; Perry AVashburn, 
missing. 

" Company I), Hornellsville. — Capt. N. H. Vincent, arm and thigh, 
severe; Samuel Banta, shoulder, severe ; Sergt. John Mcintosh, foot ; 
L. Hazeltine, arm and thigh; Chas. Hough, s!ight ; A. Silsbee, ab- 
domen, severe. 

" Company E, Elmira. — Charles Hart, arm ; Sergt. W. H. Andrews, 
leg; Thos. Weaver, finger; Jacob Hanick, thigh. 

"Company F, Lindley. — .Joshua Vankuran, arm; Lewis Clark, 
hand: Oscar Monroe, missing ; Sergt. J. J, Talbot, missing. 

"Company G, Canisteo. — Corp. G. Delat, slight; Luther Matti^on, 
arm; John Fulton, pelvis, severe. 

" Company H, Troupsburg. — Capt. Samuel F. Stone, killed ; J. C. 
Fairbanks, finger; Sergt. Philip Bartle, face; Corp. Jerry AVillinms, 
finger; Geo. Cummings, arm; Alphouzo Rowley, arm ; W.Steven?, 
arm ; John Fletcher. 

"Company 1, Cooper's Plains. — Color Sergt. Daniel Carson, knee, 
severe; William Bettis, chest; Corp. Clark Spicer, head; Charles 
Cobb, back ; J. D. Thompson, leg. 

" Company K, Woodhull. — Charles Fisk, thigh ; Ben. Miller, finger; 
Capt. John Phinney. leg and arm; Hugh Clark, killed: Sergt. James 
Crowl, killed; Lieut. J. B. Spencer, wounded. 

" The above are all I have been able to find. There are doubtless 
others wounded on the 10th. We lost in the charge one hundred and 
sixteen in killed and wounded and missing. Capt. Stone was in- 
stantly killed by a shell, and Capt. Vincent severely wounded by the 
same shell. They were both excellent officers, and their loss, with that 
of Capt. Phinney, will be severely felt. Lieut. James Cherry, adjutant, 
was severely wounded in the thigh. 

" Col. Lansing. Maj. Stafford, Capt. Harrower, Capt. Todd and AVood 
are not hurt. The men are in good spirits. All looks favorable. 

"Yours, etc., 

"D. F. Brown, Q.-M." 

" In the Field near Petersbitrg, Va., June 27, 1864. 

"Dear Sir, — I suppose you have heard through Maj. Stafford of 
the casualties in the regiment sinoo the battle of the North Anna on 
the 12th. We left our lines at Cold Harbor, and on the loth we 
crossed the Chickahominy, and on the 16th crossed the James at M'll- 
cox Landing, near Powhatan. It was a magnificent spectacle to 
witness the crossing of the James River by our army. A large num- 
ber of steamboats, and numerous other waler-craft. rendered the scene 
the gayest and liveliest of anything you can imagine, and as each 
boat moved from the shore laden with its living freight, cheer after 
cheer from thousands of brave hearts rang out upon the air, remind- 
ing one of a picnic on a grand scale. The constant booming of can- 
non, however, in the direction of Petersburg, broke the enchantment 
of the scene, and reminded us that we were making no pleasure trip, 
but would soon be grappling with the huge monster of secession on 
another bloody field. On the afternoon of the 16th, while our divi- 
sion was massed behind one of the earthworks just taken from the 
enemy, Lieut. A. B. Stanton was hit by a piece of shell, and died a 
short time alter. Lieut. Stanton came out with the regiment, and had 
been in every engagement through which it had passed. His last 
words were, * I have served my country faithfully. I must now die 
for it.' On the same day, G. Blackman, Co. E, was wounded in the 
shoulder; Henry McFall, wounded in shoulder. 

"June 18, our regiment made a charge, and after a sharp contest 
was repulsed. The loss was as follows : Lieut. Charles S. Carr, Co. I, 
wounded in wrist; Sergt. Steven Chase, color-bearer, Co. H, head; 
Edward Schofield, Co. F, hand; E. Allington, Co. F. wounded in ab- 
domen, since died ; Oliver Campbell, Co. G, arm ; Milo Tucker, Co. D, 
band. 

"June 22, 1864, the veterans of the 70th Regiment, N. Y. Vols., 
one hundred and thirty in all, were transferred to the 86th. The 
regiment now numbers two hundred and forty men present. 

"June 27, Maj. Stafford still unhurt, and is in command of the 
regiment. 

" Yours in the cause of liberty, 

"D. F; Brown, Q.-M." 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



119 



"In the Field BEFonE PETEnsBimc, Va., Oct. 7, 1864. 

" Dear Sir, — Having received our ballots to-day, we are reminded 
that tbe time has arrived for us to discharge the sacred duty of voting. 
We are thankful that, through the liberal policy of our noble State, 
the soldier is permitted to vote. They say but little about politics, 
but they think and feel much, 

*' Our regiment numbers now about three hundred present for duty. 
Tbe men are in good health and spirits. Col. Lansing is in com- 
mand, and although there is no forward movement since the affair at 
Deep Bottom, yet he has found enough to occupy bi.s attention. Our 
regiment has been in the rifle-j)its in the extreme front, within speak- 
ing distance of the enemy, for several weeks past, exposed to the tire 
of the sharpshooters. For two weeks past tbe 86th held Forts Michael 
and Scott, which constitute a portion of our front line of works. 
An attack was made several nights ago on our pickets, a little to our 
left, which resulted in a repulse of the enemy, with a loss of several 
killed and wounded, and about one hundred prisoners. Capt. nar- 
rower was in command of the picket lino on that occasion, and for 
his prudent and brave conduct received a flattering compliment, in a 
general order from our corps commander. 
*' Yours, etc., 

" D. F. Brow.\, Q.-M." 

GEN. NIROM M. CRANE. 

Gen. Nirom M. Crane was born in Penn Yan, Yates 
Co., N. Y., Dec. 13, 1828. The family of Crane is of 
English descent, and the ancestor of the family, Henry 
Crane, — born 1635, — came to America about the year 1660, 
as record is found of his descent as son of John Crane, of 
Norfolk, England. Gen. Crane traces his descent from 
Capt. John Crane, son of Henry Crane, who was born in 
1664, and commanded a company in an expedition against 
Canada, in 1711, and died in New York, as the result of 
hardship and exposure in that campaign. 

His grandfather, Daniel Crane, — born 1756, — was a sol- 
dier during the Revolutionary war. He, with others, being 
at church when the news of the battle of Concord came, at 
once enlisted in the service of his country. 

About the year 1806 he removed from Connecticut with 
his family, and settled in Yates Co., N. Y., in what is 
now the town of Benton, — then a wilderness. Hence he 
was a pioneer in that county, and there spent the remainder 
of his life as a farmer, dying at about the age of seventy. 

Gen. Crane's father, Nirom Crane, one of nine children, 
was a volunteer and ranked as second lieutenant of a rifle 
company in the war of 1812 ; was engaged in the battle of 
Queenstown Heights, Canada. He led a quiet life as a 
farmer, and died, at the age of sixty-one, in the year 1845, 
leaving two sons and five daughters who reached maturity, 
of whom the subject of this notice was the youngest. 

At the age of fifteen he became a clerk in a general 
merchandise store in Wayne, this county, and continued as 
such, in that place and Penn Yan, during the remainder of 
his minority. 

In the year 1849 he established himself in business as a 
merchant at Wayne, which he continued successfully for 
three years, and removed to Hornellsville, where he carried 
on mercantile business until 1856, when, being chosen 
vice-president of the Bank of Hornellsville (the first bank 
established there), he remained in connection with the busi- 
ness of that bank until it was closed, in 1859. He at 
once started a private bank, the business of which he car- 
ried on until the breaking out of the war of the Rebellion. 

In April, 1861, inspired with that patriotism and loyalty 



to country so characteristic of his ancestors, he raised a 
company of volunteers, and in May following, as lieutenant- 
colonel of the 23d New York Volunteers (called the South- 
ern Tier Rifles), hastened to the capital, reaching Arlington 
Heights the next morning after the battle of Bull Run. 

As lieutenant-colonel he commanded the regiment through 
Pope's campaign, and led it successively in the more im- 
portant battles of Rappahannock, Groveton, Bull Run 
(second), Chantilly, South Mountain, and Antietam. 

After the latter battle he was detailed as acting in- 
spector-general on the stafi" of the 1st Army Corps of the 
Army of the Potomac, commanded by Maj.-Gen. John F. 
Reynolds, where he remained until after the close of the 
battle of Fredericksburg, and on which he officiated as 
aide-de-camp to Gen. Reynolds, and was complimented 
in general orders for gallantry on the battle-field by him. 
Subsequently he was assigned assistant provost-marshal- 
general on the staff of Gen. Hooker, in the Army of the 
Potomac, where he remained until the expiration of his term 
of service of two years, when, after only two weeks' respite 
at home he returned to his regiment as colonel of the 107th 
New York Volunteers, joined the regiment at Leesburg, 
Va., then on the march to Gettysburg. In the battle of 
Gettysburg he had command of the regiment in the thick- 
est of the fight, yet losing only a few men. 

His corps (the 20th) was then sent, under command of 
Gen. Hooker, to join Sherman at Chattanooga. To fol- 
low his career through " Sherman's march to the sea'' 
would be to give an outline sketch of the victories, priva- 
tions, marches, etc., of that renowned campaign, the princi- 
pal of which were Resaca, Cassville, Dallas, Peach-Tree 
Creek, and Atlanta, and the taking of Savannah, followed 
by the march through the Carolinas, and the capture and 
surrender of Johnston's army. 

During the campaign in South Carolina, for gallant and 
meritorious conduct, he was brevetted brigadier-general 
with rank from March, 1865. 

Gen. Crane was mustered out of the service in June, 
1865, and returned home. 

In the fall of the same year he opened a private bank, 
under the name of N. M. Crane & Co., which he continues 
to carry on. 

In 1869 he was chosen county clerk, which oflice he held 
one term. 

Upon the organization of the Soldiers' and Sailors' Home, 
at Bath, N. Y., Gen. Crane was appointed by Governor 
Robinson as one of the nine trustees, and is also the treas- 
urer of that institution. 

Gen. Crane has been identified with the Republican 
party since its organization, although not in any sense of 
the term a professional politician. 

In the year 1852, Oct. 19, he married Marie Louise, 
second daughter of Matthew MacDowell, of Wayne, Steu- 
ben Co., a lady of rare culture, and descended from English 
ancestry on the maternal, and Scotch ancestry on the pater- 
nal side. 

Their children are Sidney H., Marion Louise, and Guy 
MacDowell. 



120 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY. NEW YORK. 



CHAPTER XXV. 

MILITARY HISTORT-(Continued). 
Steuben in the War of the Rebellion — (Continued). 

THE ONE HUNDRED AND SEVENTH REGIMENT. 

Tats regiment was organized during the dark hours of 
1862, when the novelty of military life had ceased, and 
fierce war with all its horrors stood out in awful vision be- 
fore the people of this country. The disastrous battles of 
1861, and the unsuccessful Peninsula campaign of the Army 
of the Potomac, had cast a gloom over the North, and 
served to add additional vigor to the already victorious 
arms of the Confederacy. It was during this hour, when 
the pall of despondency seemed to be settling down upon 
the North, that President Lincoln issued a call, July 1, for 
three hundred thousand more men. 

Gen. A. S. Diven was at that time member of Congress 
from the Twenty-seventh District. Near midnight, on one 
sultry summer night in July, he was called upon at his 
residence in Washington by Gen. Van Valkenburgh, of 
Steuben, and Mr. Pomeroy, of Auburn, both members of 
Congress from New York, with the message that Secretary 
Seward wished to see him immediately. He immediately 
answered the summons, and the secretary, addressing him 
abruptly, said, " Will you go home and raise a regiment in 
your district ? Pomeroy is going. Van Valkenburgh is 
going, and you must go. I mean to invite every member 
of Congress to do so, and thus raise regiments by districts." 
Gen. Diven was prompt to answer " yes," and on the fol- 
lowing morning left Washington for Elmira. Although at 
first meeting with much discouragement, able men soon 
rallied to his support. It is said of Rev. Thoilias K. 
Beecher that he laid aside his clerical duties, and with 
Gen. Diven traversed Schuyler, Chemung, Steuben, and 
Allegany Counties, holding two meetings every day. 

Recruiting was rapid. The finst company was mustered 
into the United States service in July, and on the evening 
of August 13 the 107th Regiment New York State Vol- 
unteers left Elmira eii route to Washington. 

The regiment was mustered into the service from July 
31 to August 31, 1862. It was the first regiment organ- 
ized under the call for the three hundred thousand men, 
and received a banner from the State in recognition of that 
fact. 

The following were the field and staif officers : Colonel, 
Robert B. Van Valkenburgh ; Lieutenant-Colonel, Alexan- 
der S. Diven ; Major, Gabriel L. Smith; Adjutant, Hull 
Fanton ; Quartermaster, E. P. Graves ; Quartermaster- 
Sergeant, L. B. Chidsay ; Chaplain, Ezra F. Crane ; Sur- 
geon, Patrick H. Flood ; Assistant Surgeon, James D. 
Hewitt; Sergeant-Major, John R. Lindsay; Commissary- 
Sergeant, Henry Inscho; Hospital Steward, John M. Flood. 

Five companies of this regiment were raised in the fol- 
lowing towns of Steuben County : Company C at Painted 
Post, Company F at Addison, Company G at Bath, Com- 
pany I at Corning, and Company K at Hornellsville. The 
companies of the regiment were organized as follows : 

Company A. — Captain, Ezra F. Crane; First Lieutenant, 
Melville C. Wilkinson ; Second Lieutenant, John M. Losie. 



Company B. — Captain, Lathrop Baldwin ; First Lieu- 
tenant, Martin V. B. Bachman ; Second Lieutenant, George 
Swain. 

Company C. — Captain, William F. Fox ; First Lieu- 
tenant, Charles J. Fox ; Second Lieutenant, Irving Bron- 
son. 

Company I). — Captain, Hector M. Stocum ; First Lieu- 
tenant, Samuel A. Benedict ; Seeond Lieutenant, Odell D. 
Reynolds. 

Company E. — Captain, William L. Morgan ; First Lieu- 
tenant, William L. Morgan, Jr. ; Second Lieutenant, Har- 
low Atwood. 

Company F. — Captain, James H Miles ; First Lieuten- 
ant, J. Milton Roe ; Second Lieutenant, John F. Knox. 

Company G. — Captain, John J. Lamon ; First Lieuten- 
ant, G. H. Brigham ; Second Lieutenant, Ezra Gleason. 

Company H. — Captain, Erastus C. Clark ; First Lieu- 
tenant, Henry D. Donnelly ; Second Lieutenant, Lewis 0. 
Sayler. 

Company I. — Captain, Newton T. Colby ; First Lieu- 
tenant, Benjamin C. Wilson; Second Lieutenant, Nathaniel 
E. Rutter. 

Company K. — Captain, Allen N. Sill ; First Lieutenant, 
John M. Goodrich; Second Lieutenant, Alonzo B. Howard. 

On the 15th the regiment arrived at Washington, and 
after a review by President Lincoln went into camp on Ar- 
lington Heights, where, August 19, they were first in bat- 
talion drill. August 22 marching orders were received, 
and on the following day the regiment moved to Fort Lyon, 
near Alexandria, Va. 

The 107th w;xs brigaded Sept. 1, 1862, with the 35th 
JIassachusetts and two Pennsylvania regiments, forming 
the 5th Brigade of Whipple's Division, Reserve Corps, 
Colonel Van Valkenburgh commanding. 

Sept. 6 orders were received to join Gen. McClellan's 
army, moving northward to repel Gen. Lee's invasion of 
Maryland, and at seven p.m. they were in line of march. 

In speaking of this movement Gen. Diven said, " How 
glorious the August moon looked down upon us as we broke 
camp at Arlington, and with songs of triumph crossed the 
Potomac to join the army for the defense of Washington ! 
How from our camp at Frederick City we saw the smoke 
of battle and heard the roar of dread artillery, and marked 
the strife in which we were soon to mingle! how after a 
night of fatiguing march we encamped at daybreak on the 
scene of an ensanguined battle of a day before ! how all day 
with cautious march we advanced in the track of the brave 
victors of South Mountain ! how eagerly we burned to be 
sharers in the strife that was making heroes of our friends 
in other regiments ! how we envied the glory that sur- 
rounded the 23d !" Ah ! this gallant regiment had not 
long to wait. The night of the 17th of September they 
lay on their arms, and ere the " gray-eyed morn smiled on 
the frowning night" was heard the rattle of musketry, and 
the ominous booming of artillery, reverberated over the 
army, told only too well that the battle of Antietam had 
opened. As Gen. Diven remarked in an address delivered 
at the regimental association in 1873, " Comrades, you re- 
member the rest of that day." 

Yes, the surviving members of the 107th will not soon 



HISTOKY OF STEUBEN COUNTr, NEW YORK. 



121 



forget the liorrors of that September day. It was an all- 
day's contest, and almost a hand-to-hand struggle. Night 
put an end to the contest, and ninety of those brave men 
who marched out to meet the enemy in the morning, at 
night lay upon the field, killed and wounded. This was 
the 107th'.s baptism of fire, and nobly did it pass through 
the deadly contest. 

Gen. Gordon, in his official report of the battle, bestowed 
many encomiums of praise upon this regiment for its bravery 
and soldierly bearing. He says, "The 107th New York 
Regiment, Col. Van Valkenburgh, I held in reserve, throw- 
ing them into the edge of a piece of woods on the left, 
which, I was informed by an aid of Gen. Hooker, who met 
me advancing, must be held at all hazards." Again, in the 
same report, he says, " The rebel lines again advancing, I 
threw forward a portion of ray brigade to support those 
nearly in front, while the 107th New York was directed to 
support Capt. Cotheran's battery on the left. This fine 
regiment, but just organized and brought into the field, in 
this battle for the first time under fire, moved with steadi- 
ness to its perilous position, and maintained its ground until 
recalled, though exposed to a front fire from the enemy, 
and a fire over its head from batteries in its rear." He 
add.s, " 1 have no word; but those of praise for their con- 
duct." 

Capt. Cotheran, whose battery the regiment supported, 
pays it the following tribute in his official report: " The 
107th Regiment, New York Volunteers, Col. R. B. Van 
Valkenburgh, is entitled to great credit for both coolness and 
courage, and the admir.iblc manner in which it supported 
my battery during the fight. This being the first time this 
regiment was under fire, I most cheerfully bear testimony 
to the excellent bearing of both officers and men, while 
occupying the uncomfortable position of being the recipi- 
ents of the enemy's fire while they were unable to return 
it." 

Not one moment elapised, from the beginning to the 
close of this .sanguinary struggle, that the 107th was not 
under fire. 

The following vivid summary of this battle, in which the 
107th took so conspicuous a position, is given by Gen. 
Gordon : " From sunrise to sunset the waves of battle ebbed 
and flowed. Men wrestled with each other in lines of regi- 
ments, brigades, and divisions, while regiments, brigades, 
and divisions faded away under a terrible fire, leaving long 
lines of dead to mark where stood the living. Fields of 
corn were trampled into shreds, forests were battered and 
scathed, huge limbs went crashing to earth, sent by shell 
and round shot. Grape and canister mingled their hissing 
scream in this hellish carnival ; yet within all this, and 
throughout it all, the patriots of the North wrestled with 
hearts strong and unshaken ; wrestled with the rebel horde 
that thronged and pressed upon them, never yielding, 
though sometimes halting to gather up their strength, then 
with one mighty bound, throwing themselves upon their 
foes, to drive them into their protecting forests beyond. 
We indeed at night slept upon the bloody field of our vic- 
tory." The regiment was at this time in the 3d Brigade, 
1st Division, of the 12th Corps. 

On the day following the battle the regiment lay upop 
16 



the field, and on the 19th marching orders were received, 
and they started in pursuit of the vanquished foe. They 
moved to Maryland Heights, and weut into camp, Septem- 
ber 2i. While here the ranks were greatly decimated by 
fever, which raged to such an extent that at the review by 
President Lincoln, October 2, not three hundred men were 
able to report for duty. The hospitals were filled with vic- 
tims of the disease, and their camp at Maryland Heights 
was indeed a sorrowful one, where so many of the brave 
men, who bad pas.sed the fire of battle, sank before this 
destroyer, and were buried in the winding-sheet, for no 
coffins, not even of the rudest manufacture, could at one 
time be obtained. The first death in this camp was that 
of Corp. Joseph Couse, of Company H, and he was buried 
in a rough box, made by Sergt. Abram White, oi' old fence- 
boards. 

The 107th remained at Maryland Heights until late in 
October, when they moved to Antietam Ford. Here they 
remained a few weeks, and on the 10th of December moved 
into Virginia, passing through Harper's Ferry, thence across 
the Shenandoah, and down the Leesburg Valley to Fairfax 
Station. The regiment halted here for a short time and 
then proceeded towards Frederick.sburg; subsequently went 
into camp at a place called Hope Landing, on Aquia Creek. 

An official report forwarded to the War Department 
about this time says, " The 107th remained in camp at 
Fairfax Station, Va., until the morning of the 19th of 
January, when it broke camp and commenced marching 
southward towards Stafford Court-House, together with the 
12th Army Corps (Maj.-Gen. H. W. Slocum). The 
march was continued from day to day for five days during 
the worst possible storm imaginable, fording the swollen 
streams and making our way along seemingly impassable 
roads. The evening of Friday arrived at Staffiird Court- 
House. Here the regiment was paid up to the 31st of 
October, 1862, which was the first pay received. Re- 
mained in bivouac near Stafford until Tuesday, January 
27, when we marched to Hope Landing, on the Aquia 
Creek ; remained in bivouac there for a few days, and then 
moved to a camp nearer the creek and commenced building 
winter quarters for the fourth time. February 13 finds 
the regiment still here. Sickness is alarmingly on the in- 
crease, and regimentally matters looked gloomy. Only 
some four hundred men left for duty, the balance of the 
ten hundred and nineteen of six months ago dead, wounded, 
or absent sick." 

Camp life at Hope Landing had been pleasant and duty 
easy, and but for the sickness that prevailed, cau.sed by the 
winter, fatigue, and exposure, this camp might have been 
left with regret. But not so. The regiment had been 
greatly thinned by disease, and on April 27 they cheerfully 
broke camp and marched, under the command of gallant, 
fighting Joe Hooker, towards the Rappahannock. The 
order of march was gladly hailed, and Gen. Diven re- 
marked. " Never prisoner left a dungeon more eagerly 
than we our camp when wo marched forth under the 
proud banner of the 12th Army Corps." 

The spring campaign was active as it was disastrous. 
Not one week had elapsed after leaving the camp at Hope 
Landing ere the 107th participated in the terrible battle 



122 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUiNTY, NEW YORK. 



of Chancellorsville, adding fresh laurels to those already 
won on the hard-contested field of Antietam. 

This regiment having fought gallantly at Antietam, and 
left that sanguinary field crowned with the laurels of vic- 
tory, never harbored the thought of a possible defeat, and 
with the same coolness and determination that marked 
their career there, did they move upon the enemy at Chan- 
cellorsville. On the evening of the second day, believing 
the foe was defeated, marched out to join in capturing a 
conquered army ; but they reckoned without their host. 
The advance soon became a retreat, and, instead of victory, 
it was defeat. Soon afler the regiment marched out they 
were ordered back to their position on double-quick, and 
met the flying columns of the IVth Corps, driven before 
the fierce onslaught of Stonewall Jackson like chaff before 
the wind. Right gallantly did the lU7th attempt to stay 
the flight of the fleeing and stop the pursuit of the pur- 
suing until the night came on, when the confusion was like 
unto pandemonium itself During the night the regiment 
again formed in line of battle, and until daybreak over their 
heads blazed the shrieking shot and shell. 

At early dawn, without time to consume the scanty pro- 
visions that had been sent them, they entered the fight, and 
for hours that passed like minutes struggled with the foe, until 
the last round of ammunition was exhausted, and then, with 
fixed bayonets, stood, as they supposed, until reinforcements 
had come to take their place. Then in orderly march, 
proud of their endurance, the regiment retired. The rein- 
forcements, however, outstripped them in the retreat ; and, 
under a murderous fire, they formed a new line near the 
Chancellorsville House, only to be driven from it by the 
artillery oi' the victorious foe. The battle of Chancellors- 
ville was fought and lost. 

It was a bloody day for the 107th. Many a home in 
the Twenty-seventh Congressional District was rendered 
desolate by this day's carnage. At least one-third of the 
force engaged was lost. Fearfully were the ranks of the 
107th thinned, but not dishonored. Every survivor who 
participated in that day's fight felt conscious of having 
performed his duty, and thenceforward the regiment was 

counted veteran. 

" Thej never fail who die 
In a great cause. The block may soak their gore; 
Their heads may sodden in the sun; their limbs 
Be strung to city gates or castle walls: 
But still their spirits walk abroad, though years . 
Elapse, and others share as dark a doom. 
They but augment the deep and sweejiing thoughts 
Which overspread all others, and conduct 
The world at last to freedom.'* 

From the disastrous Chancellorsville battle-ground the 
107th marched to Stafford Court-House, where they went 
into camp and remained during the month of May. While 
here the regiment parted with their brave Col. Diven and 
efficient Adjutant Fanton, who resigned and returned to 
their homes. The command of the regiment now devolved 
upon Lieut.-Col. Colby, 

June 12 the camp presented a lively appearance, as 
orders had been received to march at a moment's notice, 
and on the following day, at six o'clock, the forces moved 
northward to repel the invasion of I|ee. This w^s the be- 
ginning of the Gettysburg campaign. 



On the 24th of June the newly-appointed colonel, N. M. 
Crane, joined the regiment and assumed command. July 
1 the 107th reached Gettysburg, Pa., and prepared for the 
deadly contest of the morrow. The morrow came, and with 
it every indication of a terrible struggle. Everything tend- 
ing to encumber the men was thrown aside, guns were 
primed afresh, and a few words of encouragement and direc- 
tion given by the gallant colonel. Then each man took 
his place and awaited the order that should .summon them 
to the front, where the sanguinary battle of Gettysburg 
was raging in all its fury. The regiment, however, was 
not actively engaged, and the loss was small. 

July 5 the regiment left the Gettysburg battle-field, 
and followed in the pursuit of the retreating enemy. On 
the IJth, Gen. Lee, hard pressed, escaped across the 
Potomac, closely followed by the Union army, under the 
command of Gen. Meade. They continued their march 
through Virginia, reaching Kelley's Ford August 1, where 
they went into camp, and remained until September IG, 
when the line of march was taken up to Bealton Station, 
from whence the 107th was transported to Stevenson, Ala., 
to reinforce the Army of the West. From October, 1868, 
to April, 18G4, the regiment — with the exception of Com- 
panies B and K, which were sent to Shelbyville, Tenn. — 
lay at Wartrace, Bell Buckle, and Wartrace Bridge, doing 
guard and picket duty. 

During this time the 107th received, by transfer from the 
disbanded 145th Regiment and by recruits, two hundred 
and fifty men, and was enabled to completely recuperate for 
the first time from the fatigue of its constant service since 
entering the field. 

On the 20th of April, 1864 (the regiment then six hun- 
dred strong), they broke camp, and then commenced Sher- 
man's memorable march. May 15 was fought the battle 
of Resaea, and the 107th lost two killed and seventeen 
wounded. 

Sherman hotly pursued the retreating forces of John- 
ston until May 25, when, coming upon his army at Dallas, 
a sharp contest ensued, in which the 107th lost nearly two 
hundred men. 

The following account of this battle is from the pen of 
A. S. Fitch, of Elmira, who was a member of the regi- 
ment : 

" This battle of Dallas, fought mainly by one division 
(the 1st) of the 20th Army Corps, was a desperate, earnest 
attempt to force from their chosen position a large force of 
the enemy closely massed and defended by almost impreg- 
nable works. That it failed has been intimated. That it 
was not by lack of valor or determined effort on the part of 
our .soldiers, I trust I shall make apparent to all. It was 
for a long time considered by our men a rash and terrible 
blunder on the part of our commanding generals. Be this 
as it may, the honest and manly Sherman, as usual, shoul- 
ders the entire responsibility of the affkir, by the simple an- 
nouncement, in that part of his official report which covers 
this engagement, ' all (his was done by my order.' 

" It was one of those unfortunate affairs, in which a great 
sacrifice of precious life was made, yet nothing substantial 
was accomplished. The fact that in one short hour this 
one division lost nearly twelve hundred men, killed and 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



123 



wounded, proves the magnitude of the aflFair. And here, 
too, the entire army were brought to a halt, and after ten 
days of incessant fighting and manoeuvring had proved the 
enemy's position ahnost impregnable, a flank movement 
was resorted to, which alone compelled him to abandon it. 

" Two days after the repulse of our troops, a heavy force 
of the enemy attempted to assault and carry McPherson's 
position, farther to the right. It was defended by earth- 
works and artillery, and the brave boys of McPherson re- 
pulsed his every attempt, killing and wounding nearly three 
thousand of his men, and driving him back shattered and 
routed to his works. This, in a measure, ' squared' the 
accounts and compensated for the disastrous result on the 
25th, and months afterwards we learned from a captured 
rebel officer that their loss in our front on the 25th was 
very severe, particularly in their second line, which, being 
less sheltered by the works, received the brunt of our 
terrible musketry fire and suffered severely. 

" The 107th Regiment lost a much larger number killed 
and wounded in this engagement than any other regiment 
engaged, and far more than in any other of its operations ; 
hence to them did it become the great event of their three 
years' service, and they richly deserve the right to regard 
it as such. 

" The morning of the eventful 25th of May came. Re- 
veille was sounded at 3.30 o'clock, and at 8.30 the column 
got under way. It moved slowly forward until noon, when 
a halt of an hour was made, after which we moved out on a 
by-road leading to the little town of Dallas. The marching 
was easy, the weather fine, and our men went forward in 
high spirits, hoping soon to reach this objective point in 
the line of march ; and as no enemy showed itself, every- 
thing bid fair to work for a ready accomplishment of that 
object. 

" But suddenly a halt was sounded. Then came the 
order ' ahout face and ' inarch' Something wa.s the matter 
surely. Had our advance struck that long expected ' snag,' 
or was there trouble to the rear ? We were marched rap- 
idly back for a mile or two, then leaving the road the column 
struck across a field, down into a ravine, across a creek, 
known by the euphonious name of Pumpkin-Vine Creek, 
and up a steep ascent to a thinly-wooded table-land, where 
we found artillery in position, and the intiintry of Geary's 
2d Division partially intrenched. Matters certainly looked 
serious. Orderlies were galloping to and fro giving orders, 
and as we went into position one piece of our artillery began 
shelling the woods in our front. The boys of our regiment 
had a tradition that this marching back left in front always 
foreshadowed difificulties and trouble, and speedily came to 
the conclusion that there was an enemy in front that we 
.should soon meet. The line was formed on the crest of a 
hill, the 1st Division taking the place where Geary's Division 
had previously occupied. The 2d Brigade, to which the 
107th belonged, held the right. 

'• We now learned that, early in the day, Gen. Hooker, 
with his staff, came upon a rebel picket, posted at the cross- 
ing of Pumpkin- Vine Creek, which fired upon him and fled. 
The general, with his escort, pushed boldly ahead, and soon 
came upon a body of rebel cavalry. A sharp fight ensued, 
the escort driving oft' the enemy unaided. 



" Shortly afterwards the 2d Division, which was on a 
different road than that which the 1st had taken, came upon 
a large force of rebel infiintry ; a severe fight followed, the 
enemy being driven into a new and formidable line of works, 
where they succeeded in checking the advance of our troops 
with severe loss. It thus being evident that the enemy were 
in large force here. Gen. Hooker ordered the 1st and 3d 
Divisions back to the support of Geary, and by five o'clock 
P.M. the entire corps were in line of battle, the 107th Regi- 
ment occupying a position as before stated. 

" We lay for .some time quietly waiting some response to 
the shells of our battery, and preparing for the shock that 
seemed imminent and close at hand. Yet there was no 
shrinking back or expression of dismay on the faces of the 
veterans of the 107th. Every one felt that there was hot 
work to be done, but so often had they faced the whirlwind 
of battle, and tasted of its fiery experiences, none thought 
of faltering in this new hour of danger. 

" No reply being provoked by the shells of our battery, 
the bugle sounded an advance, and the long Une moved 
down the hill, across the ravine, and up the other side with 
beautiful precision ; a level, thinly-wooded section stretched 
before, and forward the line swept, our skirmishers coming 
up with, and rapidly driving back those of the enemy, until 
they seemed to be making a precipitate retreat. Forward, 
double-quick, sounded the shrill bugle^' Forward, double- 
quick !' shouted the officers — and away at the double-quick 
sprang our elated men. It was an imposing sight. The 
entire brigade were sweeping rapidly forward with as true 
a front as if on drill. Gen. Williams, who rode close 
behind the line, remarked that it was as strict an alignment 
as if on dress parade ; the line moved as one man, eager to 
overtake what seemed to be a fleeing enemy. But how 
terribly were we mistaken ! Suddenly our skirmish line 
seemed to slacken its advance, then come to a stand-still ; 
not so the main line. Still at the double-quick it went 
crashing forward, nearly running down and over the wa- 
vering line of skirmi.shers. The word to us was still ybr- 
ward, and on we went until we were in the very breath of 
the hell fire that was to sweep through our ranks. But 
now the pace slacken.s — before us we hear the sharp crack- 
ling of musketry. There goes a man fallen to the ground 
wounded — there another ; the line halts, and in what a 
fearful place ! Directly before us, so near we can see the 
embrasures of the batteries, frowned a line of massive earth- 
works, bristling with cannon, behind which, massed in 
heavy force, lay the enemy. We were fairly trapped — we 
could not retreat — we must stand our ground. The ranks 
closed up bravely. To the right of the 107th Regiment 
was the gallant old 3d Wisconsin. It was some comfort to 
us to know they were so near and held the flank. The fire 
of the enemy began to increase. Our men leveled their 
rifles and the whole line was ablaze with the discharge. 
Then out from that dark covert leaped such a discharge 
of death-dealing missiles as never before was met in all our 
experience. Shot, shell, grape, canister and minie came 
tearing through our ranks, mowing a terrible swath of death 
and destruction. At this first fire of the enemy fell full one- 
half of those lost during the engagement. It was sickening, 
fearful. 



124 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



" Company F occupied a position directly across an open 
road that led through the woods, and from its increased 
exposure suffered more than any other company. Brave 
Capt. Knox, who commanded it, was far ahead of his men, 
waving his sword and endeavoring to cheer them on, when 
he was struck by a piece of shell and fell mortally wounded. 
In quick succession fell its first and second lieutenants, 
the former severely wounded, the last dead, while at the 
first volley fell nearly one-half of the entire company. And 
so along the line men and officers were falling like grain 
before the reaper. But, praise God ! the gallant old regi- 
ment stood fast, and went not backward a single step. The 
broken ranks close up, the line blazed forth its volley again 
and again, and though the hell in our front vomited out its 
fiery discharges thick and fast, there was no confusion or 
disorder. The gaps caused by our fiiliing men were quickly 
filled by the survivors, and the ranks, though fearfully de- 
pleted, remained unbroken. We should surely have relief 
soon, for ammunition already began to fail, and this un- 
equal contest could not last long. But nearly an hour 
passed, and no relief came, and still the contest went on. 
The line of the regiment had become such a mere skeleton 
that the men found a partial cover behind the trees, and 
replenishing their cartridge-boxes from those of their fallen 
comrades, kept up a steady tire upon the enemy's position, 
striving, by watching the flash of his cannon, to pick oiF the 
men who served them. Col. Crane now dispatched Adj. 
Benedict to Gen. Ruger, who commanded the brigade, with 
the message to hurry up the relief, as his line was a mere 
skeleton, and nearly out of ammunition. Back came the 
adjutant with the stern command from the general, '■to 
have his men fix bayonets, and hold the ground at all haz- 
ards'.' If the enemy should make a sally and charge 
upon our shattered line, nothing could save us from disas- 
trous overthrow, for there was no force within supporting 
distance. Fortunately, however, the enemy, either from 
being too much crippled himself, or from an ignorance of 
the condition of affairs in his front, did not venture from 
the cover of his works, and we were thus saved from com- 
plete annihilation. 

" The gloom of night began to gather around the devoted 
regiment, and we could distinguish the enemy's position 
only by the flashes of his cannon and musketry. Suddenly 
a thrill of joy ran through every heart, as, looking back, 
we saw the long-looked for relief Never was relief more 
welcome or more needed. The long line of fresh troops 
came up, halted, and fixed bayonets, and took their position 
where, for over an hour, we had stood and fought in the 
face of a fire seldom if ever equaled in severity during the 
war. Cautiously the scattered men were gathered in, and 
slowly moving back, lying down occasionally to escape the 
shells of the enemy, as he at times redoubled his fire, we 
at last got out of range, and were safe. Soon after, as night 
set in, the fire of the rebel battery slackened, and the fight 
became a mere desultory skirmish fire between the two 
lines. 

" It quickly grew dark, and, exhausted and heavy-hearted, 
our men lay down to rest. Not a company but mourned 
the loss of some favorite member ; not a man but had lost 
some comrade dearly loved. 



" The morning of the 26th dawned with a clear sky and 
bright sun, and under its cheerful influences the depressed 
spirits of our men rose to their wonted level, and no active 
operations being ordered, time and opportunity were given 
to look about and ascertain the precise result of yesterday's 
contest. Parties were detailed to bring in and bury the 
dead, and the regiment was brought together and put in 
line to the rear of the field of operations of the previous 
day, and now we learned the actual loss during that fright- 
ful hour's work. 

" Twenty-four of the regiment's bravest and best men 
fell dead on the field. Twelve more of the wounded died 
during the night. Beside these one hundred and thirty-two 
crippled and mutilated forms found refuge in the hospitals, 
there to linger for a few days in agony worse than death, or 
to escape to a life of hopeless deformity and suffering. 

" Among the dead were the very flower of the regiment. 
Company B lost three of its very best men, in the persons of 
McGuire, Greves, and Vreeland, all shot dead, while among 
those fatally wounded was the tried and trusty Corp. Mun- 
son, well known to many friends here as a most exemplary 
and Christian young man. Company D, in the death of 
young William Van Auken. lost a splendid soldier and a 
faithful and beloved comrade. Company F, as has been 
stated, was terribly cut up, and mourned, in the death of 
Capt. Knox and Lieut. Hill, two as brave and accomplished 
officers as ever drew sword. Company K lost another true 
and Christian young man, Sergt. Eugene Thacher. Com- 
pany A lost its noble First Sergt. Hammond, and by the 
severe wounding of Capt. John M. Losie (_who suffered the 
amputation of a leg) were deprived of a brave and efficient 
commander. Two other fine soldiers were Sergt. Ben Force, 
of Company H, and Corp. Charles Newberry, of Company 
I. Both fell dead while bravely fighting ; men that could 
illy be spared, their death caused a vacancy hard to be so 
well filled again. But among so many gallant ones fallen 
it is useless to attempt a mention of all. Each fallen one 
was a hero, and will be ever remembered as such by his 
surviving comrades, and a nation's gratitude will, we trust, 
ever be accorded to them, as a part of that great host who 
laid down their lives that the nation might live. 

" The ranks of the regiment, though so fearfully depleted, 
were now fully reformed, and its gallant members were ready 
for the next ordeal that the campaign might develop." 

Fighting and skirmishing were continued on the following 
day, and, although the enemy was intrenched, on the 5th 
of June he retreated. Sherman lost no time, but followed 
hard upon the retreating foe. He crowded Johnston from 
one position to another, and from June 6 to 14 was a series 
of marches, countermarches, and skirmishes. On the 15th 
the enemy opened an attack on our forces at Pine Knob, 
and, after a hard fight, was repulsed with heavy loss. 

Again there was a retreat by the enemy, and again the 
victorious army of Sherman followed in hot pursuit. The 
battle of Culp's Farm was fought on the 22d, and on the 
27ih followed the battle of Kenesaw. 

On went the flying foe before the intrepid Sherman. 
Peach-Tree Creek battle was fought the 20th, and here 
the gallant Major Baldwin was mortally wounded, June 
22. After hard fighting, Sherman secured a position in 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



125 



front of Atlanta, and laid siege to the city, which was 
finally evacuated by the enemy September 2, and the 
107th Regiment was among the first to enter the city. 
In this siege the regiment lost about sixty killed and 
wounded. 

The regiment remained at Atlanta some time performing 
provost-guard duty, and on the 15th of September left 
Atlanta with Sherman on his memorable " March to the 
Sea." On the 26th a skirmish was had at Sandersville, 
and December 9, Redoubt No. 3, nine miles from Savannah, 
was captured, and December 21 the city was evacuated by 
the enemy and the campaign closed. This was one of the 
greatest campaigns of the war, and it is an honor to be 
able to say, " I marched with Sherman from Atlanta to the 
sea !" It may justly be written that the lOTtli during this 
campaign added fresh laurels to those already won while 
with the Army of the Potomac, and it is well known that 
Gen. Sherman held this regiment in the highest esteem ; 
and in 1875 he said, " I surely know no regiment that I 
would prefer to meet, whose services both East and West 
make them justly proud." 

.\fter the evacuation of Savannah, the 107th went into 
camp on tha Georgia side of the river, where they remained 
until Jan. 17, 1865, when they moved with the army for 
the campaign through the Carolinas, and participated in 
the battle of Avorysboro', N. C, March 16, and Black 
River, N. C, March 19. On the 24th they readied 
Goldsboro' and went into camp, ending the march of sixty- 
six days, — distance, five hundred miles, — the total casual- 
ties of the campaign being about forty. Left camp at 
Goldsboro' April 10, and, after a series of marches, — pass- 
ing through Richmond and other places, — the 25th finds 
the regiment in camp near Bladensburg, Md., preparing 
the muster-out rolls. June 6 they bade farewell to South- 
ern soil, and on the 8th reached Elmira, on the 9th turned 
over their camp and garrison equipage, on the 10th were 
paid off and mustered out of service, and the 107th passed 
into history. 



Summary of Marches. — The following is a summary of 
marches of the regiment : 

Year. Miles. 

18B2.— Before leaving Arlington Heights 20 

1862. — First campaign in Maryland 175 

1862.— To Antietam Ford froni Maryland Heights 10 

1862. — Winter campaign to Fairfax and Stafford Court- 

House 150 

1863. — Campaign to Chancellorsville 75 

1863. — Second campaign in Maryland and Pennsyl- 
vania 350 

1863. — Marches on the Rappahannock and in Ten- 
nessee 300 

1864. — Campaign to .\tlanta and the sea 600 

1365. — Campaign through Carolinas 500 

1865. — Homeward march to Washington 400 

Total 2580 

Summary of Campaigns. — The regiment campaigned 
in the following States: Pennsylvania, Maryland, West 
Virginia, Virginia, North Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Ten- 
nessee, and passed through Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky. 

Summary of Battles. — The regiment participated in the 
following battles and skirmishes, viz. : 

Antietam, Md., Sept. 17, 1862. 



Chancellorsville, Va., May 1-3, 1863. 

Getty.sburg, Pa., July 1-3, 1863. 

Resaca, Ga., May 15, 1864. 

Dallas, Ga., May 25, 1864. 

CassviUe, Ga., May 19, 1864. 

Pine Knob, Ga., June 15, 1864. 

Culp's Farm, Ga., June 22, 1864. 

Kenesaw, Ga., June 27, 1864. 

Peach-Tree Creek, Ga., July 20, 1864. 

Siege of Atlanta, July 23 to Aug. 24, 1864. 

Sandersville, Ga., Nov. 26, 1864. 

Redoubt No. 3, Savannah, Ga., Dec. 9, 1864. 

Argyle Island and siege of Savannah, Dec. 11-22, 1864. 

Averysboro', N. C, March 16, 1865. 

Black River, N. C, March 19, 1865. 

Roll of Honor. — During the month of January, 1876, 
Maj. Charles J. Fox and A. S. Fitch, the efficient secretary 
of the 107th Association, visited Albany, and upon appli- 
cation at the oflice of the adjutant-general were furnished 
with the muster-out rolls of the regiment, from which were 
copied the lists of the dead of the several companies, with 
date, place, and cause of death. This list comprises only 
those who died before receiving their discharge from the 
service. Many sick and wounded were discharged, came 
home, and died ; none such are reported in this list. 

Fieltl (n,d Staff. 

Lieut.-Col. Lathrop Baldwin, died July 30, 1864, of wounds received 

at Peach-Treo Creek, Ga., July 20, 1864. 
Com.-Sergt. Henry Inscho, died April 9, 1863. 

Oomjianif A. 

Cornelius Hammond, first sergeant, killed at Dallas, May 25, 1864. 

Charles Bolton, sergeant, died at Chattanooga, Tenn., June 20, 1864, 
of wounds received at Dallas, May 25, 1864. 

John B. Arnot, died at Bolivar Heights, Oct. 23, 1862. 

Silas H. Betson, died at Hope Landing, Va., March 3, 1863. 

Abram Decatur, died at Bolivar Heights, Va., Oct. 13, 1862. 

Augustus Demick, died at Fairfax Court-House, Va., Oct. 12, 1862. 

John M. French, died Sept. 19, 1862, from wounds received at Antie- 
tam. 

William Hill, died at Jcffcrsonville, Dec. 2, 1864. 

William J. Graves, died at Atlanta, Oct. 24, 1864. 

Charles H. Luce, died at Washington, D. C, Jan 21, 1863. 

George McPherson, died at David's Island, N. Y., April 5, 1865. 

George Ramsey, died at Washington, D. C, July 25, 1863. 

Henry P. Smith, died at Bolivar Heights, Va., Oct. 13, 1862. 

Henry Stevens, died at Atlanta, Ga., Sept. 19, 1S64. 

Company B. 

Marcus M. Munson, corporal, died at Kingston, Ga., June 4, 1864, 

from wounds received at Dallas. 
Guy Rathbone, corporal, died in South Carolina, Jan. 25, 1865. 
Jonathan H. Barlow, died at Washington, D. C, Jan. 20, 1863. 
John Bright, died in Nashville, Tenn., June 27, 1864, of wounds 

received at Dallas. 
Harrison D. Cooper, died at Nashville, Tenn., July 7, 1864, from 

wounds received at Dallas. 
Hay Griene, killed at the battle of Dallas, May 25, 1864. 
Harvey Harrington, died at Antietam, Md., Sept. 18, 1862, from 

wounds received at the battle of Antietam. 
Henry C. Howland, died near Atlanta, Ga., July 22, 1864, from 

wounds received while on skirmish line. 
Jacob W. Jackson, died at Philadelphia, Oct. 8, 1862. 
Charles S. Keener, died at Kingston, Ga., July 31, 1864, of wounds 

received at Dallas. 
Martin McGuire, killed at Dallas, M.ay 25, 1864. 
Stephen Rickey, died at Summit House, Md., Deo. 22, 1862. 



126 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Oscar M. Root, died at Louisville, Ky., Aug. 24, 1864, from wounds 

received at Dallas. 
Van Buren Stage, died at Harper's Ferry, Oct. l.S, 1862. 
Charles J. Terwilliger, died at Harper's Ferry, Va., Oct. 15, 1862. 
Frederick Lostensen, died at Nashville, Tenn., Jan. 28, 1864, from 

accidental wounds. 
Louis N. Vreel.and, killed at Dallas. 
Levi B. V.an Gelder, died at Nashville, Tcnn., July 29, 1S64, from 

wounds received at Dallas. 

Compaiiif C. 

Jeremiah B. Wood, sergeant, Dallas, Ga., May 30, 1864. 

William K. Christler, corporal, killed at Averysboro*, N. C, March 

17, 1864. 
John McCarrick, Atlanta, Ga.. Oct. 11, 1864. 
David Able, Harper's Ferry, Oct. 29, 1862. 
Andrew Brockway, killed at Dallas, May 25, 1864. 
Oscar F. Bradley, Nashville, Tenn., Sept. 15, 1864. 
Archilest Campbell, Atlanta, Oct. 25, 1864. 
George Compton, Hope Landing, Va., March 3, 1863. 
Michael Crampton, New York, March 19, 1864. 
Patrick Dore, killed at Atlanta, Aug. 11, 1864. 
Clement Drehcr, killed at Dallas, May 25, 1864. 
Louis Matthias, Newbern, N. C, May 25, 1864, of wounds received at 

Averysboro'. 
Clark Richardson, Aquia, Va., May 8, 1863, of wounds received at 

Chancellorsville. 
William Parks, Aquia Bay, March 17, 1863. 
Francis S. Steinbeck, killed at Dallas, May 25, 1864. 
William Williams, killed at Rockingham, N. C, March 8, 1864. 

C<tinj>aii}/ D. 

William E. Van Auken, sergeant, killed at Dalbis, May 25, 1864. 

Ford, sergeant, killed at Dallas, iMay 25, 1864. 

Be.ach Beardsley, corporal, Fairfa.\ Seminary, Va., Aug. 11, 1863. 

William J. Personius, sergeant, Atlanta, Ga., Oct. 5, 1864. 

Henry Armstrong, mortally wounded at the battle of Dallas, May 25, 

1864, and died same day. 
Patrick Callahan. Antietam, Md., Sept. 17, 1862, of wounds received 

in battle. 
M. Dayton, Harper's Ferry, Va., Oct. 28, 1862. 
Nathaniel Finch, Philadelphia, Pa., Dec. 27, 1862. 
Isaac N. Lobdell, David's Island, N. Y., April 29, 1865. 
Isaac Slawson, Richmond, Va., Feb. 18, 1863, prisoner. 

Compinii/ E. 

Guy C. Adams, sergeant, killed on skirmish line, at Atlanta, Ga., 
Aug. 3, 1864. 

Peter C. Compton, sergeant, died June 30, 1864, of wounds received 
at Dallas, May 25, 1864. 

Daniel B. Scott, corporal, mortally wounded on skirmish line, Aug. 
17, 1864; died on the following d.ay. 

William Dickinson, corporal, killed at Rockingham, N. C, March 8, 
1865. 

Martin Bloss, corporal, Louisville, Ky., Dec. 16, 1864, of wounds re- 
ceived at Pine Knob. 

Charles Wiilover, corporal, Har]>er's Ferry, Va., Oct. 26, 1862. 

Erastus Busking, date and place not given. 

William Church, Chattanooga, Tenn., Aug. 2, 1862. 

AVilliam Cooper, Harper's Ferry, Va., April 11, 1864. 

Stephen Corwin, killed at Atlanta, Ga., Aug. 3, 1864. 

Joseph V. Hoyt, wounded at Atlanta, Ga. ; died Jiily 30, 1864. 

Josiah ILand, Wilmington, Del., Nov. 7, 1862. 

John Lalor, Hope Landing, Va., Feb. 21, 1863. 

William Ladow, Chattanooga, Tenn., Jan. 1, 1864. 

Elias Raiker, wounded at Averysboro'; died March 19, 1865. 

Edward Sherman, Harper's Ferry, Va., Nov. 8, 1862. 

Andrew Van Camp, Harper's Ferry, Va., Nov. 3, 1862. 

CoiUJHtJil/ F. 

Capt. John F. Kno.x, Kingston, Ga., in May, 1864, of wounds re- 
ceived at Dallas. 
Lieut. John D. Hill, killed at Dallas, May 25, 1864. 
Sergt. Amos Rogers, Harper's Ferry, Va., Oct. 7, 1862. 



Daniel F. Hathaway, Nov. 3, 1862. 

David Latonrette, Sept. 18, 1864. 

Henry B. Aldrich, Nov. 16, 1862. 

Enos P. Barnes, Nov. 16, 1862. 

John Brewer, Feb. 6, 1863. 

Daniel Cummings, March 31, 1863. 

Wm. H. Hatch, killed at Chancellorsville. Va., May 3, 1863. 

James B. Jones, June 5, 1864. of wounds received at Dallas. 

Albert A. Johnson, June 1, 1864, of wounds received at Dallas. 

Theophilus Krnmloff, Feb. 18, 1863. 

James Kelly, killed at Dallas, May 25, 1864. 

Abraham Miller, Oct. 16, 1862. 

David B. Moranville, March 28, 1863. 

Samuel Miller, killed at Dallas, May 25, 1864. 

James D. Molson, wounded at Dallas : died May 25, 1864. 

Fred'k Mellcn, Oct. 7, 1864. 

James B. Neliis, Sept. 7, 1864, of wounds received at Dallas. 

Edwin M. Reynolds, Nov. 21, 1862. 

Gilbert C. Sticklee, Oct. 1, 1862. 

David Siraonson, killed at Kenesaw, Ga., June 16, 1864. 

James B. Taft, wounded at Dallas; died June 9, 1864. 

Parley S. White, Nov. 2, 1862. 

Fred'k W. Wagner, June 10, 1863. 

A. D. Watson, March 5, 1863. 

Wm. H. Young, wounded at Dallas ; died May 26, 1864. 

Companif G. 
Samuel Kinney, sergeant, wounded: died at Atlanta, Ga., Aug. 17, 

1864. 
Horace Hotchkiss, sergeant, killed at Chancellorsville, May 3, 1863. 
John E. Stratton, killed at Chancellorsville, May 3, 1863. 
Adam Tomer, killed at Dallas. May 25, 1864. 
Albert V. Borden, Harper's Ferry, Oct. 25, 1862. 
J. H. Greek, Nashville, Tenn., Feb. 17, 1865. 
T. M. Aederman, killed at Dalltis, May 25, 1864. 
Abram Denniston, Washington, D. 0., Feb. 6, 1863. 
Edward Dickinson, Nashville, Tenn., July 20, 1864. 
Wm. L. Everitt, killed at Antietam, Sept. 17, 1862. 
Alonzo Johnson, killed at Antietam, Sept. 17, 1862. 
Wm. Jackson, died from wounds received at Dallas, May 25, 1864. 
John Kallaher, killed at .Antietam, Sept. 17, 1862. 
James W. Lovell, Hope Landing, Va., May 7, 1863. 
Walter B. Long, killed .at Dallas, May 25, 1864. 
Edmond Lewis, Tullahoma, Tenn., April 24, 1864. 
James McCullough, Hope Landing, Va., March 1, 1863. 
Fayette McCarty, Bell Buckle, Tenn., April IS, 1864. 
John Morgan, killed at .\verysboro', N. C, March 16, 1865. 
Eleazer J. Mowers, killed at Atlanta, Ga.. Aug. 17, 1864. 
Nelson A. Robinson, Smoketown, Md., Deo. 13, 1862. 
Jesse E. Stevens, killed at Antietam, Md., Sept. 17, 1862. 
D.avid B. Sanford, killed at Dallaii, May 25, 1861. 
Jonathan E. Smith, Chattanooga, Tenn., Nov. 18, 1864. 
E. Taylor, Nashville, Tenn., Aug. 10, 1864. 
Francis Wheaton, Harper's Ferry, Oct. 10, 1862. 
James Wilco.K, Chattanooga, Tenn., June 30, 1864. 
John Morrell, Division Hospital, Aug. 19, 1864. 

Compantf H. 

Benjamin Force, sergeant, killed at Dallas, May 25, 1864. 

Nathan F. Dykeman, sergeant, Washington, D. C, May 29, 1865 ; 
killed by cars. 

Joseph Couse, Maryland Heights, Oct. 1, 1862. 

Edwin W. Shaw, Hope Landing, Va., April 2.3, 1863. 

John R. Ackcrly, Hope Landing, Va., Feb. 25, 1863. 

Anthony Boyce, killed at Culp's Farm, Va., June 22, 1864. 

Cyrus J. Covin, killed at Antietam, Sept. 17, 1862. 

Myron Couch, killed at Dallas, Ga., May 25, 1864. 

Geo. W. Cutler, Hope Landing, Va., March 5, 1863. 

Andrew Dewitt, Hope Landing, Va., April 5, 1863. 

M. S. Dawson, died at Frederick City, Md., Oct. 1, 1862, of wounds 
received at Antietam. 

Jason J. Youraans, Nashville, Tenn., Aug. 8, 1864, of wounds re- 
ceived at Dallas. 

Stephen Edwards, Savannah, Ga., Feb. 15, 1865. 

John Griffith, Chattanooga, Tenn., Aug. 21, 1864, of wounds received 
at Atlanta. 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



127 



Hiram L. Ilawley, Kcnesaw, Va., July 1, 1864. 

Isaac Middleton, killed at Atlanta, July 2L', 1864. 

Johnson B. Margeson, killed at Dallas, May 25, 1S64. 

Charles Mathews, Harper's Ferry, A'^a., Oct. 13, 1862. 

Hiram Paddock, Hope Landing, Va., March 2, 1863. 

Dewayne Patterson, Washington, D. C, Jan. 22, 1863. 

Daniel A. Stewart, Baltimore, Sept. 13, 1863. 

John D. M. Van Vleet, Chattanooga, Tenn., June 24, 1864, of wounds 

received at Dallas. 
Ethan Worden, Harper's Ferry, Oct. 22, 1862. 

Vtniipuity I. 

Nat E. Rutler, captain, killed at Chancellorsville, May 1, 1863. 

Geo. W. Bragg, sergeant, killed at Atlanta, Ga., July 26, 1864. 

Gideon Belman, Harper's Ferry, Oct. 22, 1862. 

Calvin Burlinghaine, Hope Landing, Va., Feb. 2, 1863. 

Daniel F. Corwin, killed at Antietam, Sept. 17, 1862. 

Levi Carpenter, killed at Dallas, May 25, 1864. 

John J. Decker, killed at Dallas, May 25, 1864. 

John Dougherty, killed at Atlanta, Aug. 5, 1S64, 

Albert N. Jaynes, Frederick, Md., Feb. 11, 1863. 

Samuel Johnson, Harper's Ferry, Oct. 30, 1862. 

Elias Newberry, killed at Dallas, May 25, 1864. 

John Powell, New Albany, Ind., Aug. 31, 1864. 

Alfred S. Walters, Nashville, Tenn., Jan. 29, 1865. 

Company K. 

0. W. Marey, sergeant, killed at Dallas. May 25, 1864. . 
Eugene Q. Thatcher, sergeant, killed at Dallas, May 25, 1864. 
Alman W. Burrell. sergeant, Philadelphia, June 6. 1863. 
Austin Lockwood. Nashville. Aug. 5, 1864. 
Chas. Alden, killed at Dallas, May 25, 1864. 
Henry Brewer, Harper's Ferry, Oct. 16, 1864, 
Patrick Brauman, drowned near Nashville, Tenn., Aug. 6, 1864. 
E. J. Coleman, Wilmington, March 30, 1865. 
G. S. Cone, Aquia Bay, March 12, 1863. 
Philander Dowley, Murfreesboro', Tenn., March 14, 1864. 
James Fuller, Aquia Bay, Feb. 17, 1863. 
Simeon M. Goff, Chattanooga, Sept. 17, 1864. 
Eugene E. Howe, killed at Chancellorsville, May 3, 1863. 
Wm. H. Horton, killed at Dallas, May 25, 1864. 
William Harrison, Dalton, Ga., Feb. 18, 1864. 
C. L. Johnson, Annapolis, Md., March 12, 1865. 
Wm. R. Kelley, Harper's Ferry, Oct. 9, 1862. 
Lewis Knickerbocker, .4quia Bay, Va., March 19, 1863. 
Theo. F. Morris, killed at Chancellorsville, May 3, 1863. 
Jerome B. Newton, killed at Resaca, Ga., May 15, 1864. 
Adin Orrasby, Covington, Ky., May 18, 1864. 
John W. Ryan, Harper's Ferry, Va., Oct. 9, 1862. 
Henry H. Rasco, Aquia Bay, Va., May 12, 1863. 
Chas. H. Storms, Chattanooga, June 19, 1864. 
Martin Sage, Maryland Heights, Oct. 4, 1862. 

John Van Dyke, New York, Sept. 10, 1863, from wounds received at 
Gettysburg. 



UEr.\PlTl-L.\TION. 

Field and staff. 2 

Co. A 14 

" B ;: 18 

" C 16 

" D 10 

" E 17 

" F 28 

" G 28 

" H 23 

" 1 13 

" K 26 

Total 195 

Died of wounds or killed 88 

" disease 107 



CHAPTER XXVI. 

MILITARY HISTORY-(Continued). 

The One Hundred and Forty-First — The One Hundred and Sixty- 
First. 

THE ONE HUNDRED AND FORTY-FIRST. 

The 141st Regiment New York Volunteers was organ- 
ized at Elmira during August, 1862. At the time, by the 
disasters of the Pcninsuhi, it became needful to raise addi- 
tional troops to beat back the defiant legions of the South, 
who were bent, on account of their successes, upon a gen- 
eral invasion of the North. The want of troops was so 
imminent that two full regiments were raised in a short 
time from this congressional district. The 107th was the 
first to perfect its organization, and the 141st soon followed 
suit. Col. S. G. Hathaway was selected from the first to 
be its colonel, and he added his powerful and eflBcient in- 
fluence to hasten its organization. The maximum number 
of men were recruited before the last day of August, but 
the regiment was not ordered to the front until Sept. 15, 
1862. After reaching Washington, D. C, it went into 
camp at Laurel, Md., to do guard duty on the railroad 
between Baltimore and Washington, and construct military 
fortifications in the vicinity of Laurel. It was relieved 
November 24 of the same year and ordered to Miner's 
Hill, Va., and joined Gen. Cowden's Brigade, of Aber- 
crombie's Division, in the defenses of Washington. Here 
it took its first lesson in picket duty, and perfected itself in 
warlike discipline and defense. 

The roster of the oflBcers of the regiment at that time 
was as follows : Colonel, Samuel G. Hathaway, Jr. ; Lieu- 
tenant-Colonel, James C. Beecher ; Major, John W. 
Dininny ; Adjutant, Robert M. McDowell ; Surgeon, 
Joseph W. Robinson ; Assistant Surgeons, 0. S. Green- 
man, M. T. Babcock. 

Company A. — Captain, Charles W. Clauharty ; First 
Lieutenant, William P. Ross ; Second Lieutenant, John 
Strawbridge. 

Gompany B. — Captain, Andrew D. Compton ; First 
Lieutenant, Stephen F. Griflith ; Second Lieutenant, Robert 
F. Hedges. 

Company C — Captain, Elisha G. Baldwin ; First Lieu- 
tenant, James McMillan ; Second Lieutenant, Robert F. 
Stewart. 

Company D. — Captain, Charles A. Fuller; First Lieu- 
tenant, William Merrill ; Second Lieutenant, Joseph Town- 
send. 

Company E. — Captain, William K. Logie ; First Lieu- 
tenant, John A. Shultz ; Second Lieutenant, E. J. Belding. 

Company F. — Captain, Andrew J. Rnssell ; First Lieu- 
tenant, John Barton ; Second Lieutenant, Wm. L. Collins. 

Company G. — Captain, Daniel N. Aldrich ; First Lieu- 
tenant, John W. Hammond; Second Lieutenant, John H. 
Rowley. 

Company H. — Captain, William A. Bronson ; First 
Lieutenant, Stephen S. Roscoe ; Second Lieutenant, James 
W. Smith. 

Company I. — Captain, E. L. Patrick ; First Lieutenant, 
R. A. Hall ; Second Lieutenant, George Tubbs. 



128 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUiNTY, NEW YORK. 



Company K. — Captain, Wilbur F. Tuttle; First Lieu- 
tenant, George E. Whiton ; Second Lieutenant, Joseph A. 
Frisbie. 

Companies A and B were organized in Schuyler County; 
Companies C, I, and K in Chemung County ; Companies 
D, E, F, G, and H in Steuben County. 

Feb. 12, 1863, the regiment moved from Miner's Hill to 
Arlington Heights. At this time Col. Hathaway and Lieut. - 
Col. Beecher resigned their respective positions. Maj. 
Dininny was promoted to the colonelcy. Capt. Wm. K. 
Logic, Company E, was advanced to be lieutenant-colonel, 
and Capt. E. L. Patrick, Company I, to be major. April 
15 the division broke camp, and was sent to Suffolk, Va., 
to the department then commanded by ex-Governor John A. 
Dix. That vicinity was soon relieved of the presence of the 
enemy, and the regiment was not engaged in any general 
battle. May 3 it was ordered back, via Portress Monroe, 
to West Point, up York River, at the confluence of the 
Mattapony and Pamunkey Rivers. 

Gen. Gordon now assumed command of the division, 
numbering eight thousand men, consisting of infantry, 
cavalry, and artillery. The regiment tarried three weeks, 
and engaged in building rifle-pits and fortifications until the 
command was suddenly ordered back to Yorktown. While 
here Col. Dininny resigned his commission, and Lieut.- 
Col. Logic was promoted to the vacant place, Maj. Patrick 
to the lieutenant-colonelcy, and Capt. Chas. W. Clauharty, 
Company A, senior captain, whose just rights had been 
hitherto ignored, was advanced to the majorship. On the 
9th of June the regiment took up the march to Williams- 
burg. The weather on thi.s march was exceedingly hot and 
dry, and the men sufl^ered extremely from excessive heat 
and thirst. June 11 the march was resumed, reaching 
Diascund Bridge June 13, where it remained, far in advance 
of the rest of the troops, in a low, marshy, and unhealthy 
locality, and the duty was constant, onerous, and harassing. 
At this point the regiment had its first brush with the 
enemy, David McCann (Capt. McDowell's company) being 
the first victim to the rebel bullets. 

On June 26 the regiment resumed its march to White 
House Landing, and joined Gen. Dix's whole command, 
numbering some thirty thousand, on an expedition towards 
Richmond, — which should have been captured at that time, 
while Gen. Lee and very nearly his entire armies were 
invading Maryland and Southern Pennsylvania. Gordon's 
Division advanced as far as Bottom Bridge, only twelve or 
fifteen miles from Richmond, skirmishing frequently and 
getting a healthy practical experience of shot and shell. 
Engagements were frequent between the pickets, but no 
general battle took place until the 8th of July, when orders 
were received to abandon the expedition, and the troops 
were transferred to the Army of the Potomac. For four 
or five months the bill of fare served up partook of so much 
sameness that the regiment suffered extremely in general 
health. Their staple diet, as well as luxuries, consisted of 
hard-tack, bacon, and coffee, served up ad infinitum, with 
no ringing of the changes. July 8 it took up the line of 
march to Williamsburg. The severity of the Peninsular 
campaign was now apparent in the hard marches made, 
which were the immediate causes of more sickness and 



death in the 141st than was subsequently experienced. 
Rain fell in torrents for days ; and in one day twenty-seven 
miles were gained through mud and rain, to find a watery 
couch at night. The weather was so hot that the men's 
feet were scalded in their wet shoes and stockings. Hun- 
dreds went into Yorktown barefooted and feet blistering 
sore ; but there could be no delay, — it was laid out to cap- 
ture Lee in Maryland. The regiment left the place by 
transport, and proceeded direct to Frederick City, Md., 
ariving there July 14. The same night the whole Confed- 
erate army made a safe retreat across the Potomac. Gor- 
don's Division was now disbanded and the troops trans- 
ferred to the 11th and 12th Corps. 

The 141st was consigned to the 2d Brigade, 3d Division, 
11th Corps; Gen. Howard commanding the corps, Carl 
Schurz the division, and Col. Krzyzanowski the brigade. 
The regiment joined the corps at Berlin, Md , after three 
days' march from Frederick City. July IK it crossed the 
Potomac, and arrived at Warrington Junction the 2.5th. 
It remained in this locality for some time, marching, coun- 
termarching, changing camp, and drilling until September 
24, when the order came to move. The 11th and 12th 
Corps, under the command of Gens. Howard and Slocum, 
both under the command of Maj. -Gen. Joe Hooker, were 
transferred to the Army of the Cumberland, then in Ten- 
nessee. The regiment arrived at Bridgeport, Ala., October 
2, and went into camp on the banks of the Tennessee River, 
having traveled in eight days about fourteen hundred miles. 
Rosecrans was then shut up in Chattanooga on short ra- 
tions, — transportation being fifty miles around by wagons, 
while by the railroad through Chattanooga Valley it was 
only twenty-eight miles, — the enemy holding the road and 
threatening beleaguered Chattanooga from the heights of 
Lookout Mountain. The gallant Hooker took the job to 
open this valley, which was accomplished in just forty-eight 
hours, ending with the famous moonlight " Battle of Wau- 
hatchie" on the night of October 28. This opened the 
railroad nearly to Chattanooga, and the Army of the Cum- 
berland " dubbed" Hooker's men as " Cracker Boys," as it 
had not seen but one cracker per day for a month, until 
Hooker's men supplied their haversacks from their own. 
The 141st took part in the above action, which was fought 
on our side entirely by Eastern troops. 

Wauhatchie is about five miles from Chattanooga, at the 
base of Lookout Mountain. The regiment participated in 
the glorious battle of Lookout Mountain, or the " Battle 
above the Clouds," where Hooker and the 11th and 12th 
Corps won immortal glory. 

In the mean time Gen. Grant had taken command at Chat- 
tanooga. After the pursuit of the enemy for two days, the 
11th and 15th Corps were headed for Knoxville, where 
Longstreet was making a threatening siege ; but upon the 
approach of Sherman and Howard with their brave troops, 
he beat a hasty retreat over the Virginia line for safety. 
This ended the march in that direction, and the regiment 
returned to its old camp at the base of Lookout Mountain, 
having in twenty-four days marched in mud and rain about 
three hundred miles. It remained in winter quarters until 
Jan. 24, 18G4, when the 2d Brigade was ordered to Shell 
Mound, twenty-two miles from Chattanooga and six from 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



129 



Bridgeport, Ala., where it remained doing the usual picket 
duty, drilling, etc., until the 2d day of May, when it joined 
the 1st Brigade, 1st Division, 2()th Corp.s, — the 11th and 
12th having been con.solidated, forming the 20th, — under 
the command of Gen. Hooker, and immediately in conjunc- 
tion with the armies of the Cumberland, Tennessee, and 
Ohio, made for Ringgold to attack the enemy, under com- 
mand of Joe Johnston. The battle of Resaca followed that 
of Ringgold, in which the regiment lost ninety-five men in 
killed and wounded. Lieut. Barber, universally respected 
as a Christian, and a courteou.s and brave oflficer, fell in- 
stantly killed ; and several officers were wounded.' and a 
number of non-commissioned officers and privates were 
killed and wounded. The 141,st also fought gallantly at 
Dallas, Pine Mountain, and at Peach-Tree Creek, — the 
latter being the opening siege of Atlanta, where Col. Logic 
and Lieuts. Warren and Babbitt were killed. Lieut. -Col. 
A. J. McNett (who had been appointed to the position late 
in the December previous, in place of Lieut. -Col. Patrick, 
resigned) lost his right arm. Maj. Clauharty, Adj. Hazard, 
and Lieut. Shapper were severely wounded ; Capt. Towns- 
end and Lieut. Willor were slightly wounded. Half the 
regiment was disabled, but stood its ground nobly under 
Capt. Baldwin, who succeeded to the immediate command 
of the regiment during the slaughter of its officers and men, 
and victory continued to perch on their banners. More 
fighting was at hand, and Atlanta fell September 2. The 
20th Corps, having previously fldlen back to the Chatta- 
hoochie, as a feint to the enemy and to cover the rear of the 
Union army, was the first to enter Atlanta. 

Lieut.-Col. McNett was promoted to be colonel ; Maj. 
Clauharty, lieutenant-colonel ; Capt. Baldwin, major ; Adjt. 
Hazard, captain ; Lieut. Grey, adjutant ; and four months 
previous, Capt. Robert M. IMcDowell was appointed by 
Gen. Hooker chief topographical engineer of the 20th 
Corps, on his staff. 

Soon after Sherman's "march to the sea" was beeun. and, 
after about a six weeks' campaign, entered the city of Sa- 
vannah, Dec. 21, 186-1. Jan. 17, 1865, leaving Savannah, 
Sherman's resistless legions swept northward through the 
Carolinas towards Virginia, constantly engaged in skir- 
mishing with the enemy, but in no general engagements 
until, the 17th and 19th of March, the battles of Averys- 
boro' and Bentonville were fought. Here, amid swamps 
and under every discouragement, the noble old l-tlst gained 
its last glory in severe battles ; and in its last campaign 
marched over five hundred miles, at the most inclement 
season of the year. 

After Johnson's surrender the march was taken home- 
ward from Raleigh, N. C, to Alexandria and Washington, 
and. May 24, participated in the great review in Washing- 
ton, and soon after was mustered out of service. 

The regiment reached home June 13, 1865. It was 
met at the depot by the committee of arrangements, who 
escorted it to the William Street Hospital, where, with the 
137th Regiment, which arrived on the same train, they 
were furnished with a comfortable breakfast at the hands 
of a corps of ladies, who had worked assiduously all night 
to get the entertainment ready by the time of their arrival. 
After heartily discussing their meal, both regiments were 
17 



marched to Camp Chemung, where permission had been 
previously obtained for them to pitch their tents. In a 
.short time after reaching the ground, back of the encamp- 
ment of the 19th Regiment, tents were struck and every- 
thing was got in readiness for a good rest after their weari- 
some marches and long ride. 

During the day the 141st was visited by a host of friends 
and acquaintances who were eager to welcome back the re- 
maining veterans, the heroes of desperate battles and victo- 
rious campaigns. The regiment was given a distinguished 
reception and dinner, and a beautiful address of welcome 
was delivered by Hon. Stephen McDonald, in Wisner 
Park. 

Below we give the roster of officers. The regiment 
numbered three hundred and eighty men when mustered 
out. From first to last the regiment had enlisted about 
twelve hundred men. 

Lieutenant-Colonel, A. J. McNett, promoted to colonel, 
not mustered ; Major, Charles W. Clauharty, promoted to 
lieutenant-colonel, not mustered; Adjutant, George E. 
Gray ; Quartermaster, E. Belding ; Surgeon, G. S. Beaks ; 
Assistant Surgeon, 0. S. Greenman ; Assistant Surgeon, 
M. T. Babcociv. 

Cmnpany A. — Captain, W. P. Ross; First Lieutenant, 
C. E. Coryell ; Second Lieutenant, . 

Company B. — Captain, W. H. Bradford ; First Lieu- 
tenant, J. F. Carroll ; Second Lieutenant, . 

Company C. — Captain, E. G. Baldwin, promoted to 
major, not mustered ; First Lieutenant, Jud Griswold ; 
Second Lieutenant, . 

Company D. — Captain, W. Merrill ; First Lieutenant, 
C. Osmun ; Second Lieutenant, C. H. Freeman. 

Company E. — Captain, Archie Baxter. 

Company F. — Captain, A. J. Russell ; First Lieutenant, 
M. V. Sherwood; Second Lieutenant, L. B. Scott. 

Company G. — Captain, P. C. Mitchell ; First Lieuten- 
ant, M. G. Shappee ; Second Lieutenant, . 

Company H. — Captain, George Tubbs ; First Lieuten- 
ant, F. C. Willor ; Second Lieutenant, A. Stewart. 

Company /.—Captain, R. M. McDowell, brevetted 
Major United States Volunteers; First Lieutenant, J. B. 
Rathbone ; Second Lieutenant, William M. Ware. 

Company K. — Captain, G. L. Whiton ; First Lieuten- 
ant, M. J. Hogarth ; Second Lieutenant, George W. Rogers; 
Second Lieutenant, William H. Brown, not assigned. 

The following is a list of the killed, and also of those 
who died of disease or wounds, in the 141st Regiment, 
taken from its muster-out rolls in the office of the Adju- 
tant-General at Albany : 

C'tmpatit/ A, 

Charles F. Babbit, died of wounds, July 21, 1864. 
James C. Burtt, died of wounds, July 26, 1864. 
William W. Koons, died of wounds, Aug. 4, 1864. 
Curtis J. Chanibeilin, died Nov. 23, 1863. 
Hiram H. Piatt, died May 9, 1864. 
Asa Bullard, killed July 20, 1864. 
Chester K. Chapman, died Dec. 6, 1363. 
Delos DimicU, died July 9, 1864. 
George Dalrymplc, died Nov. 14, 1863. 
Jackson Dickens, died June 1, 1863. 
Henry B. Griffin, killed May 15, 1S64. 



130 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Osoiir C. Griffin, killed May 25, 1864. 

Franklin C. Grant, died of wounds, Nov. 10, 1863. 

John Hager, killed May 15, 1861, 

Horace W. Hart, died July 14, 1863. 

David McClary, died Nov. 14, 1864. 

Stephen Mead, died of wounds, July 30, 1864. 

Henry Miller, killed accidentally, Dec. 5, 1863. 

Daniel C. Norris, died June 6, 1863. 

Denet C. Prunnell, died Nov. 2, 1862. 

Francis L. Royce, died June 29, 1863. 

William W. Sutton, died July 2, 1863. 

Charles D. Van Vleit, died April 13, 1863. 

Irvin Wetherell, died April 13, 1853. 

Cniiipavy B. 

George P. McCoy, died Oct. 13, 1862. 
James 0. Murray, died Jan. 25, 1863. 
Henry S. Wood, died Aug. 16, 1863. 
Andrew Archibald, died Aug. 5, 1863. 
Louis Clark, died Dec. 5, 1863. 
Ira B. Cooper, died March 9, 1864. 
Gideon Ellis, died March 3, 1861. 
William Francisco, died Jan. 31, 1864. 
Isaiah Forrest, died Oct. 10, 1864. 
Artemus F. Green, died Dec. 11, 1863. 
Eaton Jones, died Dec. 29, 1864. 
John Looney, died Aug. 20, 1863. 
Jackson McDon.-ild, died May 18, 1864. 
Henry B. Palmer, died March 13, 1863. 
William Powell, died March 19, 1864. 
Edwin Libolt, died Jan. 24, 1863. 
Philetus Stoll, died Nov. 4, 1863. 
George W. Scott, died April 20, 1864. 
Myron E. Triphagcn, died Oct. 29, 1863. 
Wellington C. Uurd, died Oct, 19, 1863. 
Mark B. Wakeman, die<l July 27, 1863. 
Stephen Wilson, died July 15, 1864. 
Manley Van Gelder, died April 29, 1864. 
Charles Dennison, killed May 25, 1864. 

Company C. 

Wesley Breese, died Aug. 2, 1863. 

Benjamin G. Thompson, killed July 20, 1864. 

Isaac E. Bailey, died of wounds, Oct. 5, 1864. 

Dwight Murphy, died April 4, 1864. 

Elliott M. Noycs, killerl May 15, 1S64. 

Judd Albcrtson, died of wounds, July 21, 1864. 

William H. Allington, died of wounds, June II, 1864. 

James F. Benjamin, died of woiinils, June 14, 1864. 

William C. Carnrike, killed July 20, 1864. 

George H. Carnrike, killed May 15, 1S64. 

Hiram G. Colson, died of wounds, May 16, 1864. 

Gabriel N. Cooley, died July 13, 1863. 

Henry L. Cartwright, died Dec. 23, 1864. 

Lorenzo D. Cartwright, died March 2, 1865. 

William H. Decker, died of wounds, July 21, 1864. 

William Edwards, died Dec. 25, 1864. 

Horace G. Edwards, killed July 20, 1864. 

James Elyea, died Dec. 23, 1863. 

Corydon M. Giliett, died Feb. 17, 1865. 

Shoemaker Hill, died of wounds, June 6, 1864. 

John C. Hanmer, died June 1, 1863. 

James D. Huff, died Dee. 10, 1864. 

Eli Kennedy, died Nov. 25, 1863. 

Charles A. Swarthout, killed July 20, 1864. 

William Stevens, died of wounds, June 19, 1864. 

Samuel A. Smith, died Jan. 3, 1865. 

Roswell H. Sleighton, died Jan. 15, 1865. 

Judson Scribner, died Jan. 16, 1865. 

Francis Van Wormer, died Nov. 25, 1863. 

Richard Weaver, died of wounds, Sept. 1, 1863. 

Elisha Wright, died Aug. 12, 1863. 

Edwin Weed, died Aug. 11, 1863. 

Daniel Watts, died April 26, 1865. 



Couipatiy D. 

Edwin Merrill, killed May 25, 1864. 

-John Q. Adams, died of wounds, July 27, 1864. 

William Cole, died March 17, 1865. 

Charles A. Haradon, died Oct. 25, 1863. 

Elisha Booth, died of wounds, May 19, 1863. 

.\lfred Countryman, died July 19, 1863. 

Henry Coburn, died Sept. 18, 1864. 

Andrew Catsley, died Dec. 15, 1864. 

Lionell T. De Carr, killed June 22, 1864. 

William Davis, died of wounds, Oct. 8, 1864. 

Israel Elliot, died Sept. 30, 1864. 

Frederick Gluer, died April 13, 1864. 

WiUiam F. Hubbard, died March 27, 1863. 

Minor T. Millard, died Oct. 22, 1863. 

Sylvanus W. Millard, died April 10, 1865. 

Nicholas Revill, died Nov. 22, 1863. 

George E. Stevens, died July 20, 1863. 

Charles L. Satterlee, died Jan. 27, 1864. 

Denis M. Stevens, died Aug. 24, 1863. 

Henry Thorp, killed July 20, 1864. 

Lorenzo D. Taylor, died Sept. (no date given), 1864. 

Henry Williams, died Aug. 16, 1863. 

William J. Wilson, died April 1, 1864. 



Con, 



pa„y 



E. 



Chester M. Wire, died Jan. 22, 1865. 

Joseph M. Dunton, died March 22, 1865. 

Andrew Benneway, killed July 20, 1864. 

William F. Thomson, died June 4. 1864. 

Hez Fo.'!, died Nov. 13, 1862. 

Charles E. Hughes, died Aug. 9, 1863. 

William S. Allen, died Nov. 17, 1863. 

John K. Austin, died May 17, 1864. 

Abram Carpenter, died Feb. 21, 1863. 

Franklin P. Carpenter, died Jan. 18, 1864. 

James Cook, died Dec. 16, 1863. 

Ira C. Dowd, died Dec. 13, 1863. 

John W. Evans, died June 13, 1863. 

David Franklin, killed May 15, 1864. 

Milo Gorton, killed May 15, 1864. 

Albert F. Lynch, died Jan. 1, 1864. 

Edwin Marcy, died March 2, 1863. 

John G. Prouty, died March 9, 1864. 

James E. Seares, died Dec. 8, 1863. 

Henry W. Squires, died Feb. 12, 1864. 

William C. Youmans, died of wounds, date not known. 

Compauij F. 

Amos D. Mason, died Dec. 24, 1863. 

Alfred W. Bush, died Feb. 3, 1864. 

John Corbett, died March — , 1864. 

Orin Conderman, killed May 25, 1864. 

Russell B. Carrington, died; no date given. 

John Gray, died ; no date given. 

Samuel D Lovelace, died Sept. — , 1864. 

Alexander Maynard, died Aug. — , 1863. 

George Owston, died Sept. 1, 1864. 

Leander P.artridge, died of wounds, Aug. 7, 1864. 

Thomas Robinson, died July — , 1863. 

Samuel E. Ryder, drowned June 16, 1862. 

Nelson B. Root, died Aug. — , 1863. 

Lyman Wellington, died Dec. 29, 1863. 

Daniel O'Day, die.l Aug. — , 1863. 

Cuwpaiii/ G. 

Capt. Daniel N. Aldrich, died Aug. 11, 1863. 
First Lieut. Alfred E. Barber, killed May 15, 1S64. 
William S. McCrea, died Sept. 21, 1864. 
Andrew T. Grant, died of wounds, July 21, 1864. 
Charles Kester, died July 2, 1864. 
M. T. Aldrich, died Sept. 15, 1863. 
Henry Blaickman, died Oct. 1, 1863. 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



131 



Edson L. Burr, died Jan. 6, 1864. 

Jacob II. Cole, died June 16, 1S64. 

Burrows Cole, died June 9, 1864. 

James V. Fairchild, died June 3, 1863. 

Henry W. Gernon, killed July 20, 1864. 

James H. llurd, died June 3, 1863. 

Byron Hurd, died of wounds, June 2, 1864. 

Ira Kinney, died Nov. 3, 1863. 

Oscar R. Leonger, died of wounds, Aug. 12, 1864. 

John R. Miller, died May 15, 1864. 

John L. Carnegie, died Jan. 25, 1865. 

Martin S. Prentice, died Dec. 3, 1863. 

Amos C. SteSvart, died : date not known. 

George Simons, died Nov. 7, 1863. 

Henry Stewart, died June 12, 1863. 

Thomas Schoonover, killed July 20, 1864. 

Hiram J. Whitehead, died of wounds, July 20, 1864. 

Lyman Wright, killed May 15, 1864. 

Company H, 

First Lieut. Theodore M. Warren, killed July 20, 1864. 

Dewitt C. Hamilton, killed May 15, 1864. 

George P. Burnham, died Jan. 12, 1864. 

Samuel T. Stewart, died May 24, 1863. 

James W. Stewart, died Nov. T, 1863. 

Henry Abbe, died Nov. 19, 1863. 

Albert E. Butler, died Aug. 6, 1864. 

Thomas Crusen, died April — , 1864. 

.Tohn Campbell, died May 11, 1863. 

Alfred Downs, died Aug. 30, 1863. 

Jacob Grcss. died July 15, 1863. 

Benjamin F. Greeley, died March 19, 1865. 

Cassius M. Hadley, died Jan. 6, 1865. 

Joseph Howland, died March — , 1864. 

Oliver P. Jenks, died of wounds, Nov, 28, 1863. 

George W. Jeffers, died of wounds, May 18, 1864. 

Daniel Kelly, died Feb, 21, 1864. 

Palmer G. Linsay, died Aug. 21, 1864. 

Jacob Norton, killed July 20, 1864, 

William H, Olmsted, died Feb, — , 1865. 

Erastus L. Preston, died Feb, 28, 1864. 

Albert Pierce, ilied of wounds, July 24, 1864. 

Clark Stewart, died Nov. 29, 1863. 

William Vaughan, died Dec. 14, 1864. 

Benjamin S. Welch, died Dec. 10, 1864. 

VowjHuii/ I. 

William T. Cary, died of wounds. May 31, 1864. 

Cornelius Doolittle, died Feb. 17, 1864. 

George Brees, killed July 20, 1864. 

Ezra G. Mallory, died Nov. 24, 1863. 

Levi G. Ellis, died Jan. 31, 1865, 

George W. Griffin, died March 16, 1865. 

George Haxton, died Sept. 27, 1864. 

George Hinches, died April 3, 1865. 

John J. Jenkins, died Dec. 29, 1863. 

Daniel Luther, died of wounds, Aug. 19, 1864. 

Stephen Morris, died March 5, 1864. 

David McCann, killed June 16, 1863. 

George Owens, died April 20, 1864. 

James E. Proctor, died May 15, 1864. 

Alfred W. Phillips, died Feb, 21, 1865. 

Thomas Simon, killed May 15, 1864. 

Theodore Vance, died April ID, 1863. 

James Wheeler, died Aug. lO, 1863. 

Joseph Wheat, died Aug. 28, 1863. 

ComjHiny K. 
First Lieut, Eugene Egbert, died Dec. (no date given), 1864. 
Edwin Branch, died Nov, 16, 1863. 
John L. Burt, killed June 22, 1864. 
Frank Bloss, killed July 20, 1864. 
Lemuel 0. Chambcrlin, killed May 15, 1S64. 
Hiram H. Cummings, killed May 15, 1864. 
John Fisher, killed May 25, 1864. 



Richard Giiy, killed July 20, 1864. 

Erastus E. Haskill, died June 19, 1864, 

John W. Hapeman, died Aug. 2, 1863. 

Godfrey Lenharl, killed May 15, 1864. 

Andrew J. McCann, died (time and place not known). 

Ephraim Miller, died of wounds, Dec. 16, 1864. 

John Marsh, died of wounds, Dec, 7, 1864, 

Michael McMann, died Feb, 6, 1865, 

Daniel R, Olty, died Aug. 7, 1863. 

William Steinlein, killed May 15, 1864. 

THE ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTY-FIRST REGIMENT, 

The raising of this regiment was authorized by Governor 
E. D. Morgan, in the .summer of 1862, and on the 15th of 
August, 1862, recruiting commenced. Oct. 25 the regi- 
ment was reported full, and on the 27th of the same month 
was organized and mustered into the United States service 
at Elmira, N. Y., by Maj. A. T. Lee, as the 161st Regi- 
ment. 

The following were the regimental and line officers : 
Colonel, G. T. Harrower ; Lieutenant-Colonel, Marvin D. 
Stillwell ; Major, Charles Straun ; Adjutant, William B. 
Kinsey ; Quartermaster, Marcus E. Brown ; Surgeon, Lewis 
Darling ; First Assistant Surgeon, Joseph S. Dolson ; 
Second Assistant Surgeon, Charles M. Pierce ; Chaplain, 
Thomas J. O, Wooden ; Sergeant-Major, Philip L. Beach; 
Quartermaster-Sergeant, J, C. Beeman ; Commissary-Ser- 
geant, Rnfus S. Alderman ; Hospital Steward, George M. 
Beard. 

Company A. — Captain, B. F. Van Tuyl ; First Lieu- 
tenant, John Gibson ; Second Lieutenant, S, S. Fairchild. 

Company B. — Captain, Horace B. Brown ; First Lieu- 
tenant, George R. White ; Second Lieutenant, William H. 
Clark. 

Company C. — Captain, Robert R. R, Dumars; First 
Lieutenant, Orlando N, Smith ; Second Lieutenant, D, D. 
Kniffin. 

Company D. — Captain, George E. Biles; First Lieu- 
tenant, James M. Cadmus ; Second Lieutenant, T. Scott 
De Wolf 

Company E. — Captain, Peter H. Durland ; First Lieu- 
tenant, Robt. J. Burnham ; Second Lieutenant, George 0. 
Howell. 

Company F. — Captain, John Slocum ; First Lieutenant, 
John F. Little ; Second Lieutenant, James Faucett. 

Company G. — Captain, Edmund Fitzpatrick; First Lieu- 
tenant, John P. Worthing. 

Company H. — Captain, Willis E. Craig; First Lieu- 
tenant, Nelson P. Weldrick ; Second Lieutenant, Geo. B. 
Herrick. 

Company I. — Captain, Samuel A. Walling ; First Lieu- 
tenant, Myron Powers ; Second Lieutenant, Edwin A. 
^Draper. . 

Company K. — Captain, Geo, M. Tillson ; First Lieuten- 
ant, Mathew B. Luddington ; Second Lieutenant, Henry 
O. Jewell. 

The regiment left Elmira November 17, and proceeded 
to New York, and encamped at Union Course, where they 
remained until December 4, when, having received orders 
to join the expedition of Gen. Banks, the regiment, now 
five hundred and thirty-nine strong, embarked on the 
steamer Northern Light, and, with the fleet, sailed under 



132 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



sealed orders. Their destination proved to be New Orleans, 
at which place they landed December 17. 

After bivouacking a few weeks on the banks of the Mis- 
sissippi, above the city, the regiment moved to the rear of 
the city, where the winter was passed. 

December 31 the IGIst was assigned to the 2d Brigade, 
Col. H. W. Birge, 1st Division, Brig.-Gen. Grover, and 
19th Corps. January 21, together with the 30th and 50th 
Massachusetts, IT-lth New York, and 2d Louisiana, it was 
assigned to the 3d Brigade, Col. N. A. M. Dudley, 1st 
Division, Maj.-Gen. Augur, and 19th Corps. 

During the winter the 161st had spent a great portion 
of the time in battalion and brigade drills, and become in 
all respects one of the best disciplined regiments in the 
Department of the Gulf At this time Admiral Farragut 
was in command of the marine forces at New Orleans, and 
being anxious to run a portion of his fleet past the enemy's 
batteries at Port Hudson, on the 12th of March ordered 
the 19th Army Corps up the east side of the river, to at- 
tract the attention of the garrison, thereby affording the 
water forces an advantage. After marching thirteen miles, 
the order was countermanded and the main body sent to 
New Orleans, while the 161st, together with three other 
regiments, were shipped on transports and landed eighteen 
miles up the river on the west bank. 

Preparations were now made by Gen. Banks to march 
towards Port Hudson, and on May 12 the 3d Brigade 
broke camp and commenced the onward march. May 21, 
the main forces came upon the enemy at the Plain's Store 
Road, where a sharp engagement ensued, and the rebel 
forces were routed and driven towards Port Hudson. The 
regiment moved forward, and. May 24, the whole command 
halted within one and a half miles of the centre of the 
enemy's works. 

It soon became evident that a charge was the only effi- 
cient means of reaching the enemy's works, and on the 26th 
of May a storming-party, consisting of thirty men, a cap- 
tain, and a lieutenant from each regiment of the 1st Divis- 
ion, was called for. And as an illustration of the material 
of the 161st, so many officers and men volunteered for this 
perilous task that it became necessary to appoint a special 
committee to make the selections. All being in readiness. 
May 27, the entire land force, the artillery brigade, and the 
fleet of gunboats upon the river opened a simultaneous 
attack. 

The contest was a terrible one : the artillery and flotilla 
poured a flaming sheet of fire of shot and shell ; the land 
forces fought with that bravery and perseverance never ex- 
celled ; while the assaulting column rushed into the very 
jaws of death. 

The enemy from his strongly-intrenched position poured 
into those blue ranks a murderous fire of grape and canis- 
ter, and men fell like wheat before the sickle of the har- 
vester. Serg. George Bingham, of Company C, and Edward 
Stratton and Anson Retan, of Company A, were instantly 
killed. 

After this attack the regiment continued to hold its old 
position in the ravines until June 14, when another grand 
attack was made, and again were the Union forces forced 
back. 



July 4, Vicksburg surrounded, and Gen. Gardner in 
command of Port Hud.son, having defended the position 
as long as he deemed his duty required, on the 9th of July 
the stronghold was surrendered and occupied by the Union 
forces. 

From Port Hudson the regiment proceeded down the 
river, and on the 9th disembarked at Donaldsonville, and 
on the 12th moved to Cox's plantation, six miles dis- 
tant. On the following day the enemy threatened an attack, 
and, after forming in line of battle, the Union forces, seeing 
that they were greatly inferior to the enemy in numbers, 
fell back in good order to a more advantageous position 
near the town. The enemy opened a brisk fire, which was 
kept up some time, the 161st losing six killed, thirty-nine 
wounded, and nine missing. 

The regiment remained at Donaldsonville until July 31, 
when they embarked for Baton Rouge and returned to 
their " Old Camp Ground." 

August 15 the 161st was assigned to the 1st Brigade, 
1st Division, 10th Army Corps. September 2, the regi- 
ment embarked for New Orleans, and were ordered on 
Gen. Banks' expedition to Sabine Pass. Four compa- 
nies were detailed as sharpshooters on the gunboats, — A 
and B on the Arizona, E on the Granite City, and D on 
the Sachem. Companies C, F, G, and I, under command 
of Capt. W. B. Craig, were detailed as a storming-party to 
attack the enemy and force a landing. These companies, 
with others of different regiments, were commanded by 
Capt. Fitch, of the 75th New York, and on the steamer 
General Banks. Companies H and K were with Lieut.- 
Col. Kinsey, on the N. H. Thomas. 

Upon arriving near the Pass the gunboats opened fire, 
and soon one became disabled and another grounded. The 
troops were not landed, the expedition proved a failure, and 
the regiment returned to New Orleans. In the action at 
the Pass, Company D had two men wounded, ten scalded, 
and Lieut. Lindsay with seventeen men were taken prison- 
ers. These were exchanged July 22, 1864. 

The 161st were ordered to join the expedition to the 
Teche country, and September 15 they left camp. After 
a series of marches the regiment went into camp, Novem- 
ber 17, near Bayou Teche, where it remained until Jan. 7, 
1864, when they broke camp and began the march towards 
Franklin, which was reached on the 9th. Here the regi- 
ment went into camp, and the men enjoyed themselves 
generally for eight weeks. 

March 15 the entire army broke camp and began its 
march on the famous Red River expedition, and, after a 
series of fatiguing marches, came upon the enemy at Pleas- 
ant Grove. Here a terrible battle was fought, in which the 
gallant 161st saved the whole army from a humiliating 
defeat. It lost nine killed, forty-four wounded, and thirty- 
nine missing. 

At the close of this battle Brig.-Gen. Dwight, on an offi- 
cial visit to the 161st, addressed them as follows: 

"Officers and men of the 161st New York Volunteers: 
I appear before you to thank you for your gallant conduct 
in the battles through which you have just passed. In that 
of Pleasant Grove you were ordered, upon your arrival, to 
advance and hold the enemy in check until the division 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



133 



could form in line of battle. Under a hot and destructive 
fire you accomplished your mission. By your valiant bear- 
ing you saved the Army of the Gulf from destruction, and 
it affords me the highest pleasure to convey to you the thanks 
of the commanding general. A^ain, at Pleasant Hill, in 
your movements by ' column by company,' under fire, you 
marched with as much order and precision as if you had 
been upon review. To your lieutenant-colonel much prai.se 
is due for the skillful manner in which he handled the regi- 
ment. Officers and men of the 161st New York, I thank 
you." A just tribute to as brave a body of men as ever 
marched to battle. 

The regiment participated in all the movements of that 
disastrous and unwise Red River campaign. The 161st 
went into camp at Morganzia, where it remained until 
June 18, when it, having been selected to form a part of 
an engineer brigade, marched to Vieksburg, arriving in that 
city ou the 20th. The regiment had hardly begun prepa- 
rations for engineer work when orders were received to 
move, and on July 23 they embarked for White River, 
Ark Here the regiment remained a few days, and re- 
turned to Vieksburg, where it was joined by Lieut. Lind- 
.say and seventeen others, who had been prisoners in Texas 
eleven months. 

August 13 the engineer brigade was abandoned, and the 
161st was attached to the 19th Corps, in the Department 
of the Gulf The regiment now commenced a series of 
marches and skirmishes, changing position almost daily. 
August 14 it left Vieksburg for New Orleans, and on the 
day following their arrival returned, and were transferred 
to the 17th Corps. On the 20th it again embarked for New 
Orleans, where it shipped un the steamer Cahawha for 
Mobile Bay, to assist in the reduction of Fort Morgan, 
arriving in front of that stronghold upon the day of its 
capitulation. On the 25th it was sent across the bay to 
Cedar Point, and September 2 embarked on the old block- 
ade-runner Kate Dale, en route to Morganzia, which place 
was reached September 6. About six weeks were now 
consumed in changing from place to place. The regiment 
was ordered to Paducah, Ky., and on the 26th marched to 
Columbus and encamped, where it remained until November 
20, and then was ordered to Memphis. December 19 they 
bade farewell to Memphis, and embarked for New Orleans. 
January 11 the 161st landed at Kennerville, twelve miles 
above the city, and went into camp. February 11 it left 
Kennerville for New Orleans, and from thence proceeded 
to Mobile Bay. 

The regiment participated in the capture of Spanish 
Fort and Fort Blakely, and was present at the surrender 
of Mobile, April 12. Here it remained in camp until 
May 20, when orders were received detaching the 161st 
from its brigade, with instructions to establish a military 
post at Apalachicola, Fla. While here the weather was 
inteiLsely hot, and much sickness prevailed. On the 26th 
of July an order was received to embark for the Dry Tor- 
tugas to relieve the llOth New York, whose term of ser- 
vice would soon expire. 

The regiment remained in this desolate place until Sep- 
tember 25, when, having been mustered out on the 20th, 
it embarked for New Yorl^. f^ew York City wps reached 



on the 6tli of October, and Klmira on the 12th, where the 
battle-scarred 161st were the recipients qf a grand ovation 
tendered by the patriotic citizens of that city. The address 
of welcome was delivered by Hon. Tracy Beadle, and Elmira, 
justly proud of the gallant sons of the "Southern Tier," 
gave them a hearty welcome home. 

In the words of the chaplain, "Thus closed the military 
history of the 161st New York, — a regiment which had 
traveled eleven thousand miles by water and twelve hun- 
dred by land, carrying its tattered flag, torn by the enemy's 
bullets, over the burning plains of the South, into the 
thickest of the fight, and into seven different States, and 
came home with not an act to regret, witli not a stain ou 
its banners, and with a history for endurance and lieroism 
untarnished and glorious." 

The following is a list of the killed and wounded as 
compiled by the chaplain of the regiment in 1865 : 



Batuit Jioittje. — George N. Wright, Co. B. 

Port Hitdttun. — Anson Retan .and Edward Stratton, Co, A: and Sergt. 

George G. Binghaiu, Co. C. 
Cox'h Ptnntniifin. — Otis Waliter, Co. C ; and Samuel Robinson and 

Hosea Sibley, Co. H. 
Sabine Puns. — Anthony Compton and Orvillo C. Boorom, Co, D, 
S'-ibtiie Crnsx-Roatin. — Charles L. Whcaton, Co. A; Lieut. L, Edgar 

Fitch, Co, C; Weller F. Smith, Henry E. Hewson, and Joseph 

Blunt, Co, D ; Jiiracs Leonard, Co, E ; James Grimes and James 

O'Neill, Co. G. 
Pleasant Hill. — Elihu Lockvvood, Co. C. 

WOdNDKn. 

Port Hitdnoii. — Michael Dougherty, Patrick Flynn, Co. A; William 
Beekwith, Co. B; Ezra M. Peters, Martin Hallet, Co. C: Frank 
McDonald and Eugene Bassett, Co, F; Alfred 0. Spaulding, Co, 
G ; Abram Cook and Lucius D, Cushman, Co, U. 

Cox's Plantaiinn. — Clinton II. Wilco.'C, Co, A; Capt, William H, 
Clark, Sergt. William Hibbard (mortally), Bartlett J, Bcals, and 
George A.. Brown (mortally), Co, B; Samuel A. Johnson, Joshua 
Kirk, Frank Lctterman, Robert B. Murray, Joseph Seymour, 
Amasa Squiers, Co. C. ; Capt. James M. Cadmus, Sergt. Otis 
Smith, Dennis Losey (mortally), Bradford S.andford, Luman 
Philley, David G. Bryant, Alex, Carman, James Borden, George 
Blakeley, and Orville C, Boorom, Co, D : Henry R. Smith, Leroy 
Broderick, Co. E ; Stephen Read, Richard Harvey, William Dav- 
idson, Co. F; Sergt. Hugh Carney, Sergt. Thos. McCullough, .Aus- 
tin Amilie, Andrew Sullivan, Patrick E. Brown, Co. G : Franklin 
Waight, Calvin Dibble, Roswcll Miller. 

Sabiue Pass. — Abram Blakesley (mortally), Garcy Dodge (mortally), 
Patrick Hart (mortally), Jame-s M. Snyder (mortally), Adam H. 
Wilco.\ (mortally), George T. Gauuan (mortally), Jos. Bartholo- 
mew, Thos, Sawyer, Ira Chubb, Isaac J. Lewis, Co, D. 

Scthlne Ctoss-Raada. — Lieut John Gibson, Sergt, William Egglcston, 
Sergt. George Prentice, Elijah Spraguc, Co. A ; George C. Cole- 
man, Abner R, Page, Jas. Anderson, Ebenezer Boynton, Co. B ; 
William AVoodhouse, J, 0, Armstrong, G. H. Barrett, Thomas 
Smith, William Smith, H. S. Clark, Co. C ; Capt. .Tames M, Cad- 
mus, Tunis J, Harford, Anthony Ayres, Theron F, Miller, Walter 
McCormick, Franklin Holmes, David G, Bryant, William Spencer, 
Co. D ; Lieut. R. L, Guion, Sergt. Henry Moore, George Fohns- 
bee, Nathan P, Parker, .James Murray, Byron Munu, Leartus 
Redner, Henry Wcisner, George W. Edget, Co. E; Jacob Swart- 
wood, Lyman Trcm.ain, Co. G; Samuel W. Jennings, William T. 
Norton, Co, H; Capt. Samuel Walling. Co. I; Capt. George M. 
Tillson, Co. K, 

Pleasant Hill. — Wm. H. Garvey, Co. A: -John Ilenyon, Co. G. 

Marlcsoille. — Capt. Edmund Fif/.patrick, Co. G; E. L. Dewitt, Co. C, 

Spanlsk FuH. — Christopher C. Such, Co. A. 



134 



HISTORY OP STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



CHAPTER XXVII. 

MILITARY HISTORY— (Continued). 

Steuben in the War of the Rebellion — (Continued). 

THE ONE HUNDRED AND EIOHTT-NINTH REGIMENT. 

This regiment was organized iu September, 1864. Four 
of its companies were raised in Steuben County, viz., Com- 
panies A, C, G, and H ; the remaining six companies were 
raised in the counties of Allegany, Oswego, Madison, and 
Oneida. Of the field and staff officers the following were 
fiom this county: Colonel, William W. Hayt, Corning; 
Quartermaster, J. L. Brown, Corning; Captain John 
Stocum, Company A, Bath ; First Lieutenant B. N. Ben- 
nett, Company A, ; Second Lieutenant John W. 

Brown, Company A, Wheeler. Captain Barrage Rice, 
Company C, Bath ; First Lieutenant Dwight Warren, 
Company C, Bath ; Second Lieutenant Mortimer W. 
Reed, Company C, Urbana. Captain William Washburn, 
Company G, Cohocton; First Lieutenant Edwin A. Draper, 
Company G, Cohocton. Captain Nathan Crosby, Company 
H, Bath ; First Lieutenant Hiram F. Scofield, Company 

H, ; Second Lieutenant L. G. Rutherford, Company 

H, Bath. 

Company A of this regiment was raised in the town of 
Bath, Steuben Co., by Capt. John Stocum. When this 
popular and well-tried officer erected his little tent on the 
Pulteney Square, in the village, volunteers flocked to him. 
The result is thus stated in one of the village papers: 
'■ Single-handed and alone, in nine days he had a full com- 
pany raised, equipped, and mustered into the service. A 
better one it would be hard to find, as the military record 
shows. At the election of its officers, the company unani- 
mously chose ibr first lieutenant Benjamin N. Bennett, 
and for second lieutenant, John W. Brown.'' 

Capt. Stocum was born in Pulteney, April 27, 1825, and 
at an early age came tQ Bath a poor orphan boy. By his 
industry and good character he won a position of high 
respectability among his fellow-citizens. Such was the con- 
fidence the young men had in him that, in 1861, when it 
was announced that he was about to raise a battery, in two 
weeks his company was full. He was appointed captain, 
and, with his command (Battery E, 1st New York Light 
Artillery), was ordered to the front. After five months' 
service Battery E was divided up and put into other bat- 
teries. 

Returning home in 1862, when there was another call 
for men, Capt. Stocum commenced recruiting Company F 
of the 161st Regiment, and was soon with his full command 
at Elmira. A severe epidemic breaking out among his 
troops, numbers died, and he was prostrated with fever 
three months. Meanwhile his regiment having been or- 
dered to the Department of the Gulf, when he had suffi- 
ciently recovered he rejoined them, and rendezvoused at 
Baton Rouge, in time to participate in the campaign against 
Port Hudson. Feeble health compelled him soon after to 
resign and return home. 

On the 3d of September, 1864, he commenced raising his 
third and last company, for the war, with which he served, 
— often placed in higher pommands, — till the final over- 



throw of the Rebellion, when he brought his company back 
with the loss of only seven, and marched them into the vil- 
lage square at Bath, where he bade them fiirewell. 

Company C of the 189th was enlisted in August, 1864, 
in Wheeler, Bath, Kanona, Avoca, and Urbana, by Capt. 
Burrage Rice, assisted by Lieuts. Robison and Warren. 
Mustered and clothed by Sept. 13, it was at first assigned 
to the 175th New York, but a revocation of that assign- 
ment was secured by Captain Rice, at Albany, and it was 
afterwards connected with the 189th Regiment. 

Capt. Rice was born in Bath in 1829, and enlisted under 
the first calls of the President for volunteers at the breaking 
out of the war, as a private in the 1st Vermont Regiment. 

He took an active part in the battle of Big Bethel, in 
which his regiment distinguished itself for bravery, and was 
mustered out with it at the expiration of its term of service. 
Another regiment being immediately formed, he was chosen 
captain of one of its companies, but relinquished the posi- 
tion at the urgent appeal of his family and friends, and 
accepted the office of under-sherifi' in Bath, the duties of 
which he discharged for over two years. While captain of 
the 189th, Nov. 4, 1864, he was promoted to brigade in- 
spector on the staff' of Brig.-Gen. Gregory, of the 2d Bri- 
gade, to which the 189th belonged, a position he held with 
great credit till Jan. 11, 1865, when he was shot dead by 
ambushed guerillas, who attacked a foraging party under 
his command. His body was embalmed and sent to Bath, 
and buried with Masonic honors Jan. 19, 1865. 

Capt. Silas W. Robison was born in Hornellsville, where 
he lived till his seventeenth year, when he went to Ilam- 
mondsport to reside with his sister. He was one of the first 
volunteers who, in 1861, shouldered the musket in the de- 
fense of the Union. Entering Company I, 34th New 
York, as a private, he served two yeais faithfully, being 
promoted to sergeant, and then to orderly, and discharged 
with his regiment July, 1863. He returned to Hammonds- 
port and followed farming till he entered the service again as 
first lieutenant of Company C, of the 189lh Regiment, and 
had command of the company after Capt. Rice's promotion, 
and was connnissioned captain in his place upon the death 
of that accon)plished officer. 

Lieut. Dwight Warren was born in Bath, March 21, 
1831. When the war broke out he was engaged in farming. 
He sold his farm, and Aug. 19, 1862, enlisted as a private 
in Company F of the 161st New York. He was proaioted 
to orderly-sergeant Oct. 27. On account of an attack of 
typhoid fever, he was not able to join his regiment, which 
had sailed with Banks' expedition, till the 20th of February. 
He served with General Banks in the Louisiana campaigns, 
and after one year was discharged on account of sickness, 
and returned home. In the fall of 1864 he assisted Capt. 
Burrage Rice in raising Company C, of which he was 
elected second lieutenant, and on the death of the captain 
was promoted to the first lieutenancy. 

Second Lieutenant Mortimer W. Read was born in Urbana, 
March 16, 1841, and was brought up a farmer, which oc- 
cupation he followed till the war broke out, when he vol- 
unteered for two years in Company A, of the 23d New 
York, served out his time, and was honorably discharged 
^ith his regiment, May 26, 1863. He enlisted again under 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



135 



Capt. Rice, Aug. 22, 1864. Upon the organization of the 
company in Bath, he was chosen orderly-sergeant, and rose 
to the lieutenancy in due course upon the captaincy being 
vacated by the death of Capt. Rice. 

Company G was recruited in the towns of Cohocton, Avoca, 
and Wayland, in this county. In this section the feeling 
was the same as everywhere prevailed under the last call, for 
men. The large bounties, the coming draft, and the love 
of country urged the necessity of filling the quota. The 
maximum number of the company was raised by the per- 
severance and address of William Washburn, Esq., assisted 
by Mr. E. A. Draper, and was mustered in September, 
1864. Mr. Washburn was chosen captain ; Mr. Draper, 
first lieutenant, and Mr. A. J. Alden, second lieutenant. 
These gentlemen accompanied the regiment to the field, and 
shared its fortunes in the final campaign which successfully 
crushed the great rebellion. 

Capt. Washburn, born and brought up in Cohocton, was 
a remarkably exemplary young man. For a number of 
years he was engaged in teaching and farming in Wisconsin, 
and returned to Cohocton in 1851, and was subsequently, 
till the breaking out of the war, in the employ of the 
Rochester, Corning, and New York and Eric Railroad 
Companies. 1 st Lieut. Edwin A. Drap cj- was also a native 
of Cohocton, where he always lived till entering the service. 
He first enlisted Oct. 1, 1862, as second lieutenant, in Com- 
pany I of the 161st New York, and served faithfully two 
years with General Banks in Louisiana. He re-enlisted as 
a private, Aug. 31, 1864, and enlisting twenty-seven men 
for his company, upon its organization it promoted him by 
vote t<i the first lieutenancy. He was a neat and skillful 
ofiicer, and a real military man, whom the adjutant would 
always designate to perform his duties when he was 
absent. 

Second Lieutenant Andrew J. Alden, although not a 
native of Steuben County, married and became a resident of 
Avoca, where he established himself in business in 1846. 
He enlisted Aug. 22, 1864 ; he was made second lieutenant 
in Company G, 189th New York, but disability interrupted 
considerably his duties with his company. 

Company H, of this regiment, was chiefly raised in the 
town of Bath, Steuben Co. In the fall of 1864, after 
Captains John Stocum and Burrage Rice had each raised 
a company of men, the quota of the town of Bath not yet 
being full for the call for five hundred thousand, Hon. D. B. 
Bryan, of Sonora, John T. Allen and others, of Bath, 
proposed to Supervisor John L. Smith that authority be 
obtained for Prof N. Crosby to recruit a company of in- 
fantry. The professor, for five years connected with the 
Sonora Academy, was designated, by his influence with the 
best class of young men, as the proper leader of another 
recruiting campaign. Duly authorized from Albany, and 
assisted by Lieuts. H. F. Scofield and L. G. Rutherford, 
and Sergts. D. Crosby, R. McCann, and S. P. Teachman, 
he succeeded so well that in five days were mustered at 
Elniira, on the 13th of September, over seventy men for 
this company, who thereupon received furloughs home until 
the 26th. Punctually they returned, and enough others 
came to fill the company's complement, and about one hun- 
dred besides. Capt. N. Crosby and his lieutenants were 



mustered on the 19th, and Company H awaited in Barracks 
No. 1, at Elmira, orders to move to the front. 

Capt. Crosby was a graduate of the University of Mich- 
igan, and previous to entering the service had been principal 
of the Sonora Academy over two years, and had also studied 
law with Hon. David Rumsey, at Bath. 

First Lieutenant Hiram F. Scofield enlisted in August, 
1862, in Capt. Biles' company, then organizing for the 161st 
New York, and was at once promoted to sergeant. He was 
subsequently made second lieutenant of a colored regiment 
organized at New Orleans, and held the position till, with 
other oflicers, he was mustered out, on account of consoli- 
dation, in the fall of 1863, and returned home. He re- 
mained but a short time, however, when he was called to 
the position of first lieutenant of Company H, of the 189th 
New York. He was acting quartermaster of the regiment 
for some time after its organization, and one of its most 
active and efficient officers. 

Second Lieutenant L. G. Rutherford was born in Bath, 
N. Y., Jan. 2, 1840, and received a good education at Pratts- 
burgh and Sonora Academies. He studied law with C. F. 
Kingsley, Esq., of Bath, and was about being admitted at 
the New York bar when he joined the 78th New York 
Regiment, under the first call for three hundred thousand 
troops. He served in the Shenandoah Valley, under Gens. 
Siegel and Banks, but severe illness compelled him to re- 
turn home, where he partially regained his health, and re- 
enlisted and engaged in recruiting with great enthusiasm 
in the fall of 1864. He was made second lieutenant by 
the unanimous voice of his company, and was a brave and 
reliable officer in all the vicissitudes of the service. 

The companies of Capts. Bernan, Washburn, Hill, and 
Pond were .sent forward before the regimental organization 
was completed, and, arriving at City Point, encamped near 
the depot of the United States Mail Railroad, and engaged 
in guard and drilling duty under Gen. Patrick. Capt. Pond 
had broke faith with his regiment and joined the engineer 
corps. On Monday, October 24, the remaining six com- 
panies arrived from Washington. The first movement of 
consequence was to Warren Station, fifteen miles, Novem- 
ber 1, Col. Hayt having been ordered to report to Gen. 
Warren, commanding the 5th Corps, in front of Peters- 
burg. Arrived here, the regiment was placed in Gen. E. 
M. Gregory's (2d) Brigade, Griffin's (1st) Division, 5th 
Army Corps, Army of the Potomac, Gen. Meade, command- 
ing. 

The following few days were mainly spent in building 
tents, policing streets, and fitting up the camp in comfortable 
military style. On the 5th, Col. Hayt went down to City 
Point, leaving the regiment in command of Capt. Stocum, 
and while there, on the 12th of November, died suddenly of 
congestion of the brain. When this sad news reached his 
command at Warren Station, the commissioned officers of 
the regiment were convened by order of Lieut.-Col. Allen 
L. Burr. After mutual consultation, by request, the com- 
manding officer appointed Capt. Burrage Rice, Chaplain 
Wm. H. Rogers, and Capt. Wm. H. Withey a comniiitee 
to draft resolutions expressive of the sentiments of the regi- 
ment. These resolutions, embodying the regiment's high 
appreciation of the character of Col. Hoyt and its deep 



136 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



sense of bereavement at his sudden death, will be found in 
the history of the 189th, by the chaplain, page 74. 

November 24 — Thanksgiving-Day — was spent in camp, 
the regiment partaking of the bountiful supply of baked poul- 
try, etc., sent from the North. December 6, commenced the 
celebrated raid on the Weldon Railroad. After destroying 
miles of the road, tearing up the track, burning the ties, 
and heating and bending the rails so as to render them 
useless, and effectually cutting off the rebels' communica- 
tion with their supplies and reinforcements from North 
Carolina, the regiment returned and went into camp before 
Petersburg, between the Jerusalem Plank-Road and the 
Gurley House, where the whole brigade rendezvoused for 
the rest of the winter. 

Here the brigade and regiment enjoyed the benefit of 
two churches, erected voluntarily by the soldiers in a short 
time. Their bodies and gable ends were made of pine logs 
and poles, the crevices being chinked and smeared with the 
reconsecrated soil of old Virgina. The Christian Commis- 
sion furnished the tent-roofs and stoves, which, with the 
close-fitting panel-doors, made them comfortable places in 
which to worship. One called "The Brigade Church," 
40 by 60 in size, was on the left of the brigade ; the other, 
called '• The Church of the 189th," 30 by 40, stood on the 
right. The former was dedicated on Sunday, December 22, 
by Bishop Edmund S. Jones ; the latter, the following Sun- 
day, by Rev. J. K. Tuttle, of Waterloo, N. Y. 

A foraging expedition was sent out on the 11th of Jan- 
uary, and visited a forsaken plantation at a considerable 
distance off the Jerusalem Plank-Road, about six miles out- 
side the Union lines and some eight miles from camp. 
Capt. Rice was in command. While the teamsters were 
loading, he had stationed picket-guards at a distance, to be 
on the lookout for the enemy. He was informed by a loyal 
re.sident of the near proximity of a band of rebels. They 
soon made their presence known by firing twice upon his 
command and retreating, so that when the reserve guard 
was sent forward they could not be discovered. The train 
was loaded, and as quickly as possible commenced to return. 
By order of Capt. Rice, Company H, under command of 
Lieut. H. F. Scofield, had the advance both going and 
coming, throwing out skirmishers on each side of the road, 
under Lieut. J. G. Rutherford. 

About a mile from the Jerusalem Plank-Road, in a dense 
wood, a swamp — swollen full by the recent rains — compelled 
the flankers on the left of the train to come into the road 
to pass. The enemy, secreted in this swamp as near the 
road as possible, fired upon the middle and rear of the 
passing train. Instantly riding back from the front, Capt. 
Rice ordered it forward as rapidly as possible, and ordered 
the men to halt and form in line of battle. The firing of 
the enemy, the hurry of the teams and wagons, produced 
such confusion that the two companies of the 189th were 
the only ones that stood firmly and deliberately returned 
the enemy's fire. 

Here Capt. Rice fell from his horse mortally wounded. 
The officers and men gathered around him. The firing of 
the enemy had ceased. With rare presence of mind in 
such an extremity, Capt. Rice took this as an indication 
that the enemy's intention was to flank the train before it 



could reach the plank-road, and to the commanders whose 
unflinching troops had silenced the enemy, he said, with 
great emphasis, " Move forward your men to protect the 
train. You cannot assist me. Move forward ; save the 
train !" 

They obeyed. The fallen leader should have been borne 
to the train by those around him, and promptly succeeded 
by the captain next in rank ; but that was shamefully or 
tlioughtlessly neglected, and the blame attached to the 
whole expedition instead of to those who ought to have 
been held responsible. 

Instantly upon the assault being commenced, Capt. Rice, 
with the coolness of a veteran, dispatched an orderly to 
Gen. Gregory for reinforcements. It was not long before 
the long roll was beating in the camp of the 189th, and 
Lieut.-Col. Townsend quickly led his other eight compa- 
nies, under command of Gen. Gregory, to the rescue. 
Meeting at our picket lines the train, the general ordered 
it to ciimp, and all its guard to " About face!" and, with the 
rest, confront the foe, if necessary, and bring in Captain 
Rica's body. The body was found after dark. It had 
been stripped naked and shot once through the waist and 
twice through the head. On the 13th it was embalmed 
at City Point, and sent home in charge of Lieut. Dwight 
Warren. 

On the 5th and 6th of February the regiment was en- 
gaged in the battle of Hatcher's Run. In the thick of the 
fight, on the second day, Lieut.-Col. Burr rode to and fro 
along the lino in front of his brigade, amidst a storm of 
leaden hail, and rallied and strengthened his men to stand 
firm. Many portions of the line were forced temporarily 
to give way, but quickly reformed, and stayed the progress 
of the enemy in this part of the field. The 189th, under 
Capt. Stocum, did gloriously. Two of the regiment were 
killed and eleven wounded in this action. 

On the 6th of March, 1865, Lieut.-Col. Burr was pre- 
sented by the regiment with a noble black horse, purchased 
at six hundred dollars, in token of the gallantry displayed 
on the memorable field of Hatcher's Run on the 6th of 
February. The presentation was made by Capt. Crosby in 
an eloquent and fitting speech, and feelingly and appro- 
priately responded to by the colonel. 

The regiment participated in several hard engagements 
during the final campaign of the war. At Lewis' farm 
brisk skirmishing deepened into a spirited conflict. Com. 
panics A and B and a portion of F composed the skirmish 
line, under Adjt. Roney, which, followed by the regiment 
in line of battle, advanced through bushy woods obliquely 
to the right, struggling with the enemy, who were con- 
stantly giving way. Our regiment had none killed, but 
twelve wounded. Company B took twenty-five prisoners, 
with three horses and their equipments. A report of the 
engagement at Gravelly Run says, " So conspicuous was 
the success of the 189th that their brave conduct was 
complimented by their brigade, division, and corps com- 
manders." At four o'clock p.m. Major Withey, with three 
companies, was sent to the skirmish line, supported by the 
other seven companies of the regiment in line of battle. 
Advancing on double-quick, left wheel, the regiment closely 
pressed the fleeing enemy. Thus they were completely 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



137 



flanked. Thereupon a charge was made all along our line, 
by which six thousand rebels, with their arms and ammu- 
nition, were captured, and the battle of Five Forks, the Key 
of Petersburg, Richmond, and the downftill of the Rebellion 
turned gloriously in favor of the Union. In this decisive 
charge every ofiScer and man was in his place ; Gen. Gregory, 
followed closely by the 189th, being the first whose horse 
leaped the enemy's fortifications, and who struck down with 
his .sword those who attempted to raise their guns to take 
his life. 

On the 3d the news of the evacuation of Richmond 
evoked the wildest cheers and enthusiasm. Passing through 
Mannsboro' and Dennisville, the regiment struck the Dan- 
ville Railroad at dark on the 4th, seven miles east of 
Burksville, and immediately were ranged in line of battle 
to encounter the forces of Lee trying to elude Sheridan, 
who had intercepted him in his westward flight. Hastily 
erecting breastworks across the railroad, the 189th lay down 
behind them for the night, no enemy appearing. On the 
morning of the 5th, planting batteries, strengthening earth- 
works, and manoeuvring forces indicated the proximity of 
the enemy. Soon the regiment was ordered to advance 
and assist the cavalry in capturing a body of rebels ; but they 
had not proceeded far when shouts of victory were heard, 
and jubilant troops of cavalry came back bringing many cap- 
tured battle-flags. The end approached. 

The historian of this regiment thus describes the final 
struggle before the surrender of Lee : " The bugle-notes by 
which, at six o'clock on the morning of Sunday, the ever- 
memorable 9th day of April, we were summoned to renew 
our marching, called us forth to the proudest deeds that 
ever shed lustre on human efibrt. Word was brought that 
Lee, completely surrounded, was engaging Sheridan, intent 
upon cutting his way through. Marching towards Appo- 
aattox Station, we met forty cannon, numerous wagon- 
rains, and army stores, and at the depot four railroad 
rains of supplies, captured the previous night by the cav- 
alry, who were now struggling with the advance of our 
ensnared foe. The enemy, unconscious of the presence of 



the 5th Corps in support of Sheridan's cavalry, were slowly 
but surely repelling it, expecting to break through its lines 
and escape. Forming in line of battle in an open field 
half a mile in the roar of our cavalry line, which was fight- 
ing briskly but giving way. Companies A and F of the 
189th, being deployed as brigade skirmishers, advanced 
and relieved the cavalry, who moved oflF to the right of our 
corps, and took their position in the invincible circle whose 
toils now surrounded the greatest hope and army of the 
Rebellion. Coolly and steadily our columns advanced under 
the volleys of shell and solid .shot poured upon us from the 
rebel batteries. Our infantry skirmish line having become 
hotly engaged with that of the rebels, we proceeded double- 
quick to their support. Rapidly the foe drew back, and 
our column rose to the brow of the hills around Appomattox 
Court-House. Here the grandest military view ever pre- 
sented to mortal sight appeared. Wherever the woods did 
not intercept the view. Grant's dread phalanx of embattled 
hosts, — infantry, cavalry, and artillery, — were seen con- 
verging, ' with awful tread and slow,' down the slopes 
towards Lee's hostile and defiant battalions, moving to em- 
brace annihilation if made to give battle. On both sides 
the banners are all floating on the breeze. Generals and 
their mounted aids and officers are hurrying to and fro, 
directing the movements which are to decide the issues of 
four years of war. The double circle of skirmishers come 
into closer and closer conflict. 

"Our boys, with fixed and pallid features, move onward, 
expecting every minute to participate in the most over- 
whelming outburst of fire and death and ruin that ever 
shook the martial field. Then across the fields, at terrible 
speed, through our brigade skirmish-line, came Lee's 
orderly, bearing a flag of truce, and exclaiming, ' Cease 
firing ! Gen. Lee surrenders with all his forces !' Instantly 
was riven, as if by a thunder-bolt from Heaven, the iron 
spell which had bound every man to his fate in the ex- 
pected conflict, and in an unrestricted confusion of shouts 
and demonstrations of joy, ofiicers and privates gave the 
wildest vent to their feelings of gratitude and delight." 



18 



TOWNS AND VILLAGES 

OP 

STEUBEN COUNTY. 



ADDISON. 



GEOGRAPHICAL SITUATION. 

Addison is .situated in the southern part of the county, 
and lies upon both sides of the Canisteo River. It is 
bounded north by Thurston, east by Erwin, south by Tus- 
carora, and west by Woodhull and Eathbone. 

PHYSICAL FEATURES. 

The surface of the town is chiefly a hilly upland, broken 
by the valley of the Canisteo and its tributaries. The prin- 
cipal valley is one mile wide, and is bordered by steep hill- 
sides ranging from three to four hundred feet in height. 
The chief streams which intersect it are the Canisteo River, 
the Tuscarora, Elk Lick, and Goodhue Creek. Goodhue 
Lake, in the northwest corner of the town, covers an area 
of about 100 acres. The alluvial soil of the valleys is rich 
and productive ; on the hills it is clay, mixed with the 
debris of broken shale, and produces a fair yield of the 
various kinds of grain, grass, and fruit. 

EARLY SETTLEMENT. 

The first settlement in the town of Addison was made by 
Samuel Rice in 1791. Reuben and Lemuel Searles, Oliver 
Miller, George Goodhue, John Martin, Jonathan Tracy, 
Abel White, James Benliam, A.sahel Stiles, Silas Morey, 
Elisha Gilbert, William Wombough, and Martin Young 
were among the first settlers. 

William Wombough settled on a farm about two miles 
southwest of the village, on the road leading to Troups- 
burgh. He was the father of William and Henry Wom- 
bough, the former still a resident of the town. Henry 
died some years ago at Addison. He was a prominent man, 
and owned a large milling interest at one time in Minne- 
apolis, Minn. 

John Helmer and John Martin settled on farms about 
a mile above the village on the river. None of their fami- 
lies now reside in town. 

Samuel Colgrove was a surveyor, and settled in the town 
at an early day. He resided on the road between William 
Wombough's and the village. He afterwards removed to 
Arkport. 

138 



The first saw-mill was built by George Goodhue about 
1793. William Wombough also built a saw-mill in 1805, 
and the year following a grist-mill. Samuel Smith opened 
the first store. Stephen Rice, son of Samuel Rice, was the 
fir.st white child born in the town, and the first persons 
married were Brown Gillespie and Miss Gilbert, daughter 
of Elisha Gilbert. James Martin, brother of John and 
Isaac Martin, was the first person who died among the early 
settlers. The names of many of the pioneers of the town, 
and those who took a leading part in its civil and industrial 
affairs, will be found in that part of our history copied from 
the early records, under the head of " Organization." 

Martin Young, one of the earliest settlers, came into the 
county with Col. Arthur Erwin, and settled at the junction 
of the Tioga and Canisteo Rivers. In 1793 he cut a pine- 
tree on the bank of the Canisteo, near its mouth, and from 
the stump there sprouted up three other trees, which are 
now standing. They measure about twenty-two inches in 
diameter. The old stump from which the tree was cut eighty- 
five years ago is still plainly to be seen, although a portion of 
the top of it is somewhat decayed. Mr. Young moved to 
Minnesota about 1850, and hearing of the singular circum- 
stance of the growth of these trees requested his son, Fran- 
cis E. Young, to investigate the matter and inform him of 
the facts in the case. Mr. Francis E. Young proceeded to 
examine and measure the trees, and in the winter of 1875 
had a sign put upon them setting forth the fact of the 
cutting of the tree by his father in 1793, and of the 
sprouting and growth of the three trees from the slump. 
That sign is still remaining there, and has been read by 
hundreds of curious visitors. 

Martin Young drove the first wheeled vehicle into Ad- 
dision, — a cart drawn by a yoke of oxen. Francis E. 
Young, a son of Martin Young, was born in Addison in 
1812, and was one of a family of sixteen children. Al- 
though sixty-six years of age he is still hale and vigorous. 

ORGANIZATION. 

This town was one of the original towns of the county, 
and was known as Middletown till April 6, 1808. At this 
date it was changed to Addison, in honor of Joseph Addi- 



TOWN OP ADDISON. 



139 



son, the English author. The early settlors called it also 
" Tuscarora." A part of Troupsburgh was taken from it 
in 1808, Cameron in 1822, part of WoodliuU in 1828, 
part of Rathbone in 1856, and Tuscarora in 1859. 

In the earliest record, entitled " Votes and Proceedings 
of a Town-Meeting held in and for the Town of Middle- 
town the first Tuesday in April, 1797," we find that Reuben 
Searles was elected Supervisor; Oliver Miller, Town Clerk ; 
George Goodhue, John Wyman, and John Martin, Asses- 
sors ; Lemuel Searles, Constable ; Jonathan Tracy and 
Asahel Stiles, Poormasters; John Martin, George Good- 
hue, and Stephen Dolson, Commissioners of Highways; 
Lemuel Searles, Collector ; Abel White, Jonathan Tracy, 
and Oliver Miller, Commissioners of Schools; Reuben 
Searles, Jr., and James Benham, Pathmasters; Elisha 
Gilbert and Silas Moray, Fence-viewers ; Reuben Searles, 
Poundkeeper. 

" Voted, Tliat Reuben Searles' barn-yard be a town pound. 

" I'o/ef^, That a lawful fence be four feet and a half high and but 
five inches between rail?. 

'' Vntcd, That a ferry be kept near where the road crosses the river, 
and that threepence be charged for a man to cross. 

" Voted, That the next town-meeting be held at the school-house in 
said town for the year ensuing." 

It is not stated at what house this town-meeting was 
held, but it was probably at the school-house, as Timothy 
Searles was appointed to take care of that building, and 
Reuben Searles to be fireman. This speaks well for the 
civilization of the pioneers of Addison. They probably 
built the first school-house in the county of Steuben ; if 
not, it was certainly one of the first, for it must have been 
erected as early as 1796, and at that period there were few 
if any school-houses in the county. 

At this meeting Reuben Searles, George Goodhue, John 
Wyman, and John Martin were appointed a " committee 
for settling with the town of Painted Post."* 

The second toWn-meeting was held at the school-house, 
as above appointed, on the first Tuesday in April, 1798. 
Reuben Searles was re-elected supervisor, and by successive 
elections continued to hold that oflice till 1804. In the 
latter year George Martin was elected supervisor. Mr. 
Searles was again elected to the oflBce in 1805. In 1806, 
George Martin was elected again, and held the oflice each 
succeeding year till 1810, when David Dickinson was 
chosen supervisor for one year, and was succeeded in 1811 
by Timothy Searles, who held the office continuously till 
1814. In this year William B. Jones was elected super- 
visor, and continued to be elected each year till 1817, when 
he was superseded by Samuel Colgrove, who was supervisor 
till 1821, and was succeeded by William B. Jones, who 
served till 1823, when Samuel Colgrove was again elected, 
and continuously thereafter till 1827. 

The town clerks during this period were — 

1797-1800. Oliver Miller. j 1802. Harvey Rice. 

1800. Brown Gillespie. j 1803-5. Jonathan Tracy. 

1801. Abel White. I 1805. Alpbeus Cheney. 



* This town was included in Painted Post before the organization 

of Steuben County; hence when the county was organized and the 
new town of MiUdletown formed, there were accounts or other mat- 
ters to be settled with the old town of Painted Post, from which 
Middletown was set off. 



1805. Elisha Searles.f 
1805-10. Solomon Tracy. 
1810. Elisha Searles. 
1810-14. Jesse Rowley. 
1814-17. David Dickinson. 



1817. John Towsley. 
1818-20. Martin Young. 
1820. Isaac Santee. 
1821-24. Martin Young. 
1824-27. Jesse Rowley. 



The town col 
as follows 



)llectors from the organization till 1827 were 



1797. Lemuel Searles. 

1798. William Morey. 

1799. Reuben Searles. 
1800-3. Lemuel Searles. 
1803. Reuben Searles, Jr. 
1804-9. Lemuel Searles. 
1809. AVilliam B. Jones. 



1810-13. Lemuel Searles. 
1813-15. Lemuel Benham. 
1815. Abel White. 
1816-18. Stephen Towsley. 
1818-23. Hiram Averill. 
1823-26. William Austin. 
1827. Alfred Nichols. 



During the same period the town elected the following 
school commissioners : 



1797. 



1798. 



1799. 



1800. 



1801. 



1802. 



1813. 



1814. 



Abel White. 
Jonathan Tracy. 
Oliver Miller. 
Abel White. 
Oliver Miller. 
Reuben Searles. 
Oliver Miller. 
Reuben Searles, Jr. 
Abel White. 
Brown Gillespie. 
Elisha Searles. 
John Vercampe. 
Abel White. 
Reuben Searles. 
Reuben Searles, Jr. 
Elisha Searles. J 
Reuben Searles. 
Harvey Kill. 
Timothy Searles. 
Samuel Colgrove. 
David Dickinson. 
William Wombough. 
Stephen Dolson. 
Henry Tracy. 



1816. William B. Jones. 
Abel White. 
William Wombough. 

1817. Samuel Colgrove. 
William Wombough. 
Thomas Metcalf. 

1819. William Wombough. 
Samuel Colgrove. 
Isaac Santee. 

1820. William Wombough. 
Samuel Colgrove. 
Elijah Hallett. 

1821. Boanerges Fluent. 
Andrew Loughery. 
Thomas Wheat. 

1822. Samuel Baker. 
Elias Mason. 
Thomas Wheat. 

1824. John Towsley. 

Asahel Thomas. 

Peleg J. Cole. 
1826. William H. Warner. 

Jeremiah Rowley. 

Jacob Colo, Jr. 



In 1798 a bridge across the Canisteo was in construction, 
and it was " voted that a sign-post be erected on the north 
side of the river, near where the bridge is to cross the 
river." In 1799 "a tax of $20 for the support of the 
poor" "was voted "to be paid in produce." 

"Middletown, the 9th day of April, 1801. Recorded 
two slaves for Thomas Thissle ; the age of Luce fifteen 
years old, the age of Will eleven years old." 

The bridge referred to above was in progress in 1803, as 
we learn from the following : 

"March, the lath day, 1803. Jonathan Tracy, Town Clerk, re- 
ceived one hundred and tifty dollars for the use of building a bridge 
in Middletown.*' 

" February, the 22d day, 1804. Jonathan Tracy, Town Clerk, re- 
ceived one hundred and fifty dollars for the use of building a bridge 
in Middletown." 

Payments were made on the work as follows : 

" April 4, 1803. Paid four dollars by order of the Commissioners." 
"April 27, 1803. Paid fifty dollars by order of the Commis- 
sioners." 

f By virtue of a warrant bearing date Oct. 29, 1805. 
^ From 1802 to 1813 no election of school commissioners appears 
in the records. 



140 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



"June 7, 1803. Paid fifty dollars by order of the Commissioners." 
"July 15, IS03. Paid fifty-six dolLars by order of the Commis- 
sioners." 

" March 2, 1804. Paid one hundred and fifty dollars by order of 
the Commissioners. 

Jo.VATHAS Teiacv, T'oiOH Clerk. 

The following, with reference to tlie first hotels, will be 
of interest : 

" Be it remembered, that we, the Commissioners of Excise for Mid- 
dletown, in the county of Steuben, have resolved and licensed the 
following persons to keep public inns or taverns in .said Middletuwu 
for the year one thousand eight hundred and three, namely : Elisha 
Searles, Elisha Gilbert, Robert Martin, Lemuel Benham; and have 
taken as a duty of ctcise, for the use of said Middletown, five dollars 
from each and every person so licensed, as witness our hands this 
4th day of May, 1803. 

"Jonx Kso.x, 
"Reiben Searles, 
"Abkl Whitk." 

In 1808 the name of the town was changed to Addison. 
This year a committee was appointed to select a convenient 
spot for a burying-ground, and it was " voted, that the com- 
mittee is to get the burying-grouud cleared and fenced, and 
all the expense is to be paid out of the money in the poor- 
ofiSce." It is to be presumed that there were no poor at 
that time to need the fund that had accumulated, and there- 
fore it was devoted to another purpose. 

In 1814 the school commissioners laid out four school 
districts, as follows : 

"The Commissioners of Schools for the town of Addison have filed 
in a report at the Town Clerk's office for the division of the town into 
school districts, dated the 4th of February, 1814. Division as follows, 
to wit : First district to be comjioscil of all that part of the town lying 
between the town of Painted Post and the new dwelling-house of John 
Martin, and from the Canistco bridge, so as to include the dwelling- 
house of Henry Tracy: the second district, from the dwelling-house 
of Henry Tracy to the dwelling-house of Jesse Rowley : the third 
district, including the dwelling-house of John Martin, to continue up 
the river so as to include the dwelling-house of Simeon Baker; the 
fourth district to continue from thence up the river to the western 
boundary of the town. 

" Samuel Coi.gbove, 
*' David Dk'KInson, 

" TiMOTHV SeAHLES, 

"6'o*///Jlt'««/oi(f )'«." 

" Vtiled, That the school money be divided and paid over to the dif- 
ferent school districts, according to the number of scholars in each 
district, when proper trustees are chosen to receive it." 

"Voted, That fifty dollars be raised the ensuing year for the use of 
schools." 

" Voted, That the bounty on wolf's scalps be the same as last year." 

The first return of a general election for members of 
Assembly, State Senator, and member of Congress is dated 
April 28, 1814, and signed by William B. Jones, Martin 
Young, John Towsley, and David Dickiii.sori, inspectors of 
election. For Assembly, Daniel Cruger, 38 votes ; Moses 
Van Campen, 13 votes. For Senator, Philetus Swift re- 
ceived 14 votes; Bennett Bucknell, 14 votes; Chauneey 
Loomis, 14 votes; John J. Pendergrast, 14 votes. For 
member of Congress, Oliver C. Comstock received 36 votes 
and Evens T. Throop 36 votes. 

June 26, 1818, the fifth school district, extending on 
both sides of the river, " from a small run of water called 
Stephen Hadley's Creek to the west line of the town," was 
laid out by the school commissioners. 



" March 3, 1819. Voted, wolves no bounty, panthers 
ditto." 

In November, 1819, Vincent Matthews and John D. 
Higgins, of Bath, and Samuel Colgrove and Isaac Santee, 
of Addison, school commissioners for their respective towns, 
laid out school district No. 19, in Bonney's Settlement, lying 
partly in the town of Addison and partly in Bath. In 
1822 another bridge was built across the Canisteo at Addi- 
son village. At the town-meeting in 1821 it was " voted 
to take one hundred dollars of the poof money, to be put 
with other money, for the purpose of building a bridge over 
the Canisteo at this place." 

This year " voted, that the bounty on wolves' scalps be 
ten dollars, and no person to be entitled to the bounty ex- 
cept residents of the town." " Voted, that one hundred 
dollars be raised for the support of schools." 



LIST OP TOWN OFFICERS. 



Collectors. 



1828. 


Edward Nichols. 


Hezekiah Dolph. 


Alfred Nichols. 


1829. 


William Womboug 


h. 


Eber Scofield. 


1830. 


" 


.Tolin Loop. 


Amos Carr. 


1831. 


John Loop. 


Archibald Manly. 


Joel Prentis. 


1832. 


" " 


Frederick R. Wagner.James Brownell. 


1833. 


James Baldwin. 


.. 


Eber Scofield. 


1834. 


ti i. 


" " 


James Brownell. 


1835. 


(( n 


ti tt 


tt i( 


1836. 


John H. Thompson. " " 


tt tt 


183;. 


•' 


<t ti 


" " 


1838. 


William Hamilton 


tt tt 


It tt 


1839. 


John 11. Thompson 


tt tt 


Edward Farnbam. 


1840. 


" 


•• 


" 


1841. 


'• 


Charles S. Sly. 


James B. Jones. 


1842. 




William A. Baldwin. '* *' 


1843. 


L. A. Jones. 


" 


'• 


1844. 




" " 


John Bailey. 


1845. 


Fred'k R. Wagner 


It it 


Thomas A. — . 


1846. 


William Wombough. John W. Diuinuy. 


Henry S. Jones. 


1847. 


Rufus Baldwin. 


" 


tt tt 


1848. 


W. W. Smith. 


a tt 


George W. Carr. 


1849. 


James H. Miles. 


Geo. H. Wetherby. 


William S. Guile. 


1850. 


" 


Rulef. S. Gile. 


John N. Brown. 


1851. 


11. Ross Jones. 


Abram Dudley. 


Francis E. Young. 


1852. 


" 


■' 


Llewellyn A. Jones. 


1853. 


E. D. Root. 


" 


Llewel'n A. Jones, Jr 


1854. 


George W. Carr. 


John S. Hill. 


,. 


1855. 


Abram Dudley. 


Wilson Van Dycke 


Oliver Moore. 


1856. 


Edwin J. Horn. 


Rollin R. Smith. 


Stephen Lewis. 


1857. 


0. Seymour. 


George Graham. 


Martin Wilbur. 


1858. 


" " 


A. S. McKay. 


" " 


1859. 


Thomas Paxton. 


Jacob V. Graham. 


It tt 


1860. 


Henry Baldwin. 


" 


It It 


1861. 


Edwin J. Horn. 


Albert G. Crane. 


Simon McCutlough. 


1862. 


" 


" 


'• 


1863. 


" 


" " 


" " 


1864. 


F. C. Dininny. 


tt tt 


tt tt 


1865. 


« it 


" " 


L. M. Jones. 


1866. 


it u 


Jacob V. Graham. 


Charles W. Gillet. 


1867. 


" " 


John Carr. 


" " 


1868. 


ti tl 


Henry S. Jones. 


Alfred Kinne. 


1869. 


« « 


tt tt 


tt it 


1870. 


„ 


tt tt 


E. Deville Root. 


1871. 


it it 


F. W. Lattimer. 


tt ti 


1872. 


Henry Baldwin. 


It tt 


ti tt 


1873. 


" 


tt tt 


David K. Hickey. 


1874. 


S. V. Lattimer. 


tt tt 


Daniel Allen. 


1875. 


it 11 


James H. Goodhue. 


John W. Clark. 


1876. 


" 


F. W. Lattimer. 


J. R. Wilhelm. 


1877. 


H ti 


" 


tt tt 


1878. 


Albert G. Crane. 


tt tt 


Daniel P. Hurlbut. 




WILLIAM WOM BOUGH. 



The personal history of William Wombough is so intimateiy 
connected with the settlement and growth of the Tuscarora 
Valley, where now is located the thrifty village of Addison, that 
it forms no unimportant part of the general history of this part 
of the county of Steuben. 

He was bom in Monmouth Co., N. J., in the year 1769. 
His parents were of German birth, and his father came to 
America about the year 1765, settling in New Jersey. He had 
no opportunities for any education from books, and could neither 
read nor write, but his very eventful and successfiil business 
career demonstrated that a practical education as often secures 
financial success. 

While a young man he settled in Delaware Co., N. Y., and 
engaged in lumbering, rafting his lumber to Philadelphia. There 
he remained eleven years, and in the year 1804 removed to the 
Tuscarora Valley, and settled in the almost wilderness and 
Indian country, where the now beautiful and cultivated fields vie 
with the best in the State in point of agriculture. He at once 
purchased one hundred and eighty acres of land, where now his 
son William resides, built a saw -mill, and in 1806 erected a 
grist-mill on the Tuscarora Creek ; where in 1830 he erected a 
second one, which is still standing. By this time he had added 
to his original purchase, so that he owned some two thousand 
acres of land. In 1833 he removed to Woodhull, and purchased 
some five hundred acres of land where the village of Newville 
now is, and there erected a grist-mill. In the year 1835 he re- 
moved to Troupsburgh, purchased some five hundred acres of 
land, and erected a saw-mill and grist-mill. There he remained 
until 1842, when he returned to Addison, and a few years after- 
wards erected a grist-mill (it being the fifth) on the present site 
of the sash-factory now owned by Messrs. Mackay & Hill. 

In order to furnish his first grist-mill with the proper ma- 
chinery he was obliged to go to Philadelphia, which he did in a 
lumber wagon, and returned with wagon loaded with weighty 
machinery. The incidents connected with such a trip through 



forests, 



rough roads, its privations, and necessary economy and 



hardships, are in striking contrast with the rapid transit of the 
railroad car of the present day. Being now at the advanced age 
of eighty, he never after engaged in any new enterprises. After 
a brief illness of only four days he died from the effects of a 
paralytic stroke, at the ripe age of eighty four, in the year 1853. 

It is impossible in a short space to do any more than give an 
outline of his history. He came into this valley, moving his 
goods in boats up the Susquehanna, Chemung, and Canisteo 
Rivers, and lived during that period of the settlement of the 
country when there was little or no machinery to lessen manual 
labor ; and about the time of his death the completion of the 
Erie Railway, and the introduction of mowing and other ma- 
chinery, made a radical change in the mode of rapid transit of 
persons and goods, and in the time to accomplish a given amount 
of work. It is worthy of note here that the Indians were in 
the neighborhood, and that they were known to come to the 
settlement and purchase powder, but never to make purchase of 
any lead ; hence, it was always supposed by the settlers that there 
was a lead mine near by ; but the secret, if there was one, was 
never disclosed by the natives, and no information of its location 
discovered. 

Mr. Wombough was strong in his political inclinations, and 
a staunch member of the Whig party. In the war of 1812 
he was drafted, but hired a substitute, paying therefor sixty 
dollars. The progeny of this most remarkable business man 
is quite numerous in and about Addison, and makes up many 
of the representative families of the village. 

His wife was Elizabeth Towsley, who did her part well, and 
trained her children in all that makes true manhood and woman- 
hood. She died at the age of seventy-nine. 

His children were Henry, born 1800 (deceased) ; Mrs. Rufiis 
Baldwin, 1802 (deceased); William, 1811 ; Mrs. Ira P. Ben- 
nett, 1813 ; Mrs. Peter Striker, 1815 ; Mrs. James B. Mur- 
dock, 1818 (deceased); Mre. Col. George Farnham, 1823 
(deceased) ; Mrs. Gilbert B. Brewster, 1828 ; and Addison 
Wombough, 1831. 



TOWN OF ADDISON. 



141 



JUSTICES OF THE PEACE. 

The first justice of the peace in this town whose name 
appears in the records was Reuben Searles, in 1804. He 
was probably appointed a justice at an earlier date. Wil- 
liam B. Jones appears as justice of the peace in 1811; 
Jesse Rowley and Nathaniel Mallory in 1815; Stephen 
Towsley, 1819; Joseph Loughry and Calvin Searles, 1821 ; 
Ira Baxter, 1825 ; Hiram Hall and Joel Prentice, 1828 ; 
Jeremiah Rowley, 1831 ; Isaac Mills, Jr., 1832. 



Jir.STICES ELECTED BY THE PEOPLE. 



is:i3. 
I8:u. 

1S36. 

I8;i7. 
I8:i8. 
isay. 

1840. 
1841. 
1842. 
184:i. 
1844. 

1845. 
1846. 
1847. 
1848. 
1849. 
1850. 
1851. 

1852. 
1853. 
1854. 
1855. 
1856. 
1857. 
1858. 
1859. 
1S60. 



Ira Baxter. 
Solomon Curtis. 
Lemuel B. Searles. 
Elijah Fay. 
Ira Baxtt'r. 
Isaac l). Boyd. 
Thomas Wheat. 
Ira Ba.xtcr. 
Henry N. Birdsall. 
Krastus Brooks. 
Homer Mandeville. 
Isaac Miles, Jr. 
William Finch. 
Homer Mandeville. 
Henry N. Birdsall. 
William Everard. 
Washington Hudson. 
C. H. Cole (vacancy). 
Rufus B. Drew. 
.■\.G. Chatfield. 
William A. Baldwin. 
C. H. Cole. 
Kufus li. Drew. 
John W. Dininny. 
Wm. W. Smith. 
James B. Young. 
John Thompson. 
Chas. W. Robinson. 
John W. Dininny. 
John Thompson. 
James B. Young. 
Jacob Inmau. 
John W. Dininny. 
James Whitteuhall. 
Chas. W. Robinson. 
Daniel L. Aldrich. 
Sheldon Clinton. 
Henry W. Saui'ord. 



1861. Edward H. Buck. 

1862. James K. Jennings. 
James C. Van Orsdale. 

1863. F. L. Jones. 

E. H. Ames. 

1864. E. H. Ames. 
Miles Stevens. 

1865. Frederick R. Wagner. 

1866. Henry Baldwin. 

1867. George H. Shepard. 

1868. E. Howard Ames. 

1869. E. Howard Ames. 
Henry Baldwin. 

F. R Wagner. 

1870. Henry Baldwin. 
E. H. Buck. 

1871. E. Howard Ames. 
George S. Shepard. 
E. H. Buck. 

1872. Bradley Blakslee. 

1873. James K., Jennings. 
E. Howard Ames. 

1874. Bradley Blakslee. 
E. Howard Ames. 
S. D. Clinton. 

1875. E. Howard Ames. 
Bradley Blakslee. 
P. II. Masten. 

1876. E. Howard Ames. 
S. D. Clinton. 
Bradley Blakslee. 

1877. E. Howard Ames. 
Bradley Blakslee. 
H. S. Jones. 

1878. E. Howard Ames. 
B.C.Wilson. 
Bratlley Blakslee. 



LANDS ABOUT THE VILLAGE. 

William B. Jones kept one of the fir.st hotels on the 
north side of the river. He purchased lot No. 3, known 
as the " Pompelly Lot," it having been bought of Harman 
Pompelly, of Owego, who bought it of Charles Wilkes. 
It was part of the Wilkes Tract, which was ()uite an ex- 
tensive tract, lying on the north side of the river. Lot No. 
3 was purchased from Harmon Pompelly by Solomon Cur- 
tis, who laid out a portion of the village on that side. 
William Wombough owned lots Nos. 3 and 4 on the south 
side, extending back to the town-line. He purchased his 
land at an early time, mostly of contractors with the Pulte- 
ney estate, who were not able to complete their title. He 
laid out part of the village on the south side of the river, 
on lot No. 3, about 1832, and it was surveyed by John E. 
Evans, of Painted Post. Samuel Colgrove laid out the 
north side for Solomon Curtis the same year. 



In 1830 the price of wild land in this section was 81.50 
per acre. In 1831 it had risen to $2 an acre. In this 
latter year most of the timbered lands in this section were 
purchased. David Ross and his son, Stephen Ross, of 
Troy, purchased several thousand acres, which were sur- 
veyed by Col. Wm. H. Bull, of Bath. 

MERCANTILE AND LUMBERING. 

About this period the valley of the Canisteo became the 
scene of active mercantile and lumbering operations. In 
1830, John Loop, Shumway & Glover, Wilcox, Birdsall & 
Weatherby began at Addi.son as lumbermen and merchants, 
and continued till some time in 1832, when John and 
Peter P. Loop, Caleb Weatherby, and Read A. Williams 
formed a copartnership, and built a store in the lower part 
of the village on the north side. They operated largely in 
both mercantile aisd lumbering business for about a year, 
when they made an assignment, and soon after removed 
from the county. 

Mr. Williams became a lumber merchant in Chicago. 
Mr. Weatherby removed to Warren, Pa., where he died 
some years since. 

In the spring of 1833 John Loop went down the river 
with lumber, and left hi.s brother, Peter P. Loop, who Was 
a man of dissipated habits, in charge of his interests at 
Addison. On his return he found matters in a very un- 
satisfactory state, which troubled him exceedingly. He 
went to what is now Erwin Centre, to see to some lumber- 
ing interests there, and from there went up the Clendenny 
Creek some three miles to a saw-mill. This was about five 
o'clock p.M, and it was the last that was ever seen of him 
in this part of the country. A crowd of men turned out 
and made diligent search for him so long as there was any 
hope of his discovery ; but at last it was given up as fruit- 
less, and the supposition became current that some ruflSan 
had murdered him to obtain possession of the money he had 
upon his person. 

A story was told several years after that some one from 
this section, who had previously known Loop, saw him on 
the Mississippi River somewhere above New Orleans, and 
that, in an interview, he explained to the narrator the 
cause of his sudden disappearance, saying he found him- 
self in Pittsburgh, destitute and almost naked, and being 
ashamed to meet his old friends, had resolved never to 
return to Addison. 

Whether there is any truth in this story or not, it is 
certain that Loop was very sensitive as to his honor, and 
possessed in a very high degree the respect and confidence 
of his fellow-citizens. He was supervisor of the town, and 
the records made by him while town clerk show a very 
careful and elegant handwriting. i 

The next firm established here was Thompson & French, I 
about 1834. They built their store on the site now occu-/ 
pied by Smith's Block, corner of Wall and Railroad StreetsJ 
John Thompson, the head of the firm, resided in Addison; 
John M. French, the other partner, lived at Big Flats. 
They did a prosperous business for a few years, and in 
1838 sold out to William R. Smith and Ai Fitch. The 
latter was a resident of New Brunswick, N. J. Mr. Smith 
becanje a permanent fixtijre in the life and business of 



14'j 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Addison, being one of its most enterprising and useful 
citizens till the time of his death. He was the father of 
William A. Smith, the present successful merchant of 
Addison. He came to Addison in 1836, and started in a 
store which had been built by Ransom Rathbone, in 183.3. 
The store is still standing, on the east side of F. W. Latti- 
mer's grocerj-store. 

Mr. Rathbone did a dry-goods and grocery business from 
1833 to 183(3, when he removed to Rathboneville, where 
he died many years ago. 

S. L. Gillet, A. Cone, and Joel D. Gillet began mercan- 
tile business in Addison in the fall of 1835. They occu- 
pied the Wombough store on Water Street, and did a 
prosperous business for three years. In the fall of 1838, 
Joel D. Gillet bought the interest of his partners, and re- 
moved his goods to a store which he purchased on Water 
Street at the east end of the bridge, where he did a large 
business till, on account of failing health, he sold to his 
brother. C. E. Gillet, in 1847, who continued the business 
till 1850, when he sold to Joel D. Gillet. The latter con- 
tinued the store till 1852, and sold to George Wells, who 
in a few months sold to E. L. & E. R. Paine. This firm 
had a successful career for two or three years, and sold to 
George Graham and N. W. Mallory, who continued busi- 
ness till burned out in 1857. 

Thomas and Benjamin Phillips established mercantile 
business and built a store, now occupied as a dwelling, in 
1836. They continued only a few years. Thomas Phillips 
was the father of Ransom Phillips, now residing in the 
town of Addison. Merriam & Haynes succeeded them, 
and did business for a short lime in the same store. 

Dr. Bradley Blakslee came to Addison in 1840 from 
Uteuo, Otsego Co. He was born in the State of Ver- 
mont, October, 17!I4, and is consequently eighty-four years 
old. In company with Ezra R. Brewer and Hiram Sleeper, 
he purchased 1000 acres of land on Elk Creek, now in the 
town of WoodhuU. It was a lumber tract, and the com- 
pany built a water-mill on Elk Creek and carried on lum- 
bering there five years. They also during the same period 
carried on mercantile business in a store belonging to Henry 
Wombough, on the north side. 

At the expiration of five years the company dissolved. 
Hiram Sleeper and Bradley Blakslee then formed a mer- 
cantile partnership, and built a store where Jacob Graham's 
hardware-store now stands. They also built a steam saw- 
mill on 250 acres of pine land which they purchased about 
two miles up the valley, and continued about three years 
in this business, when they dissolved. About 1841, Dr. 
Blakslee built his present residence and a store adjoining, 
which he occupied about four years as a drug-store. It 
was burned down in 1851. 

EARLY HOTELS. 

William B. Jones and Caleb Wetherby kept early hotels 
on the north side of the river. James Van Vleck built 
the first hotel on the south side. It is now the rear part 
of the American House, and was moved back when the 
latter building was erected. Mr. Van Vleck afterwards 
failed, and the property passed into the hands of William 
Wombouffh. 



VILLAGE OF AUDISON. 

This village is situated in the beautiful valley of the 
Canisteo, twelve miles west of Corning, and is, on the direct 
Erie Railway, thirty miles from the city of New York. 
The business of the village is chiefly as follows : one tan- 
nery, George Stratton ; two sash-, door-, and blind-factories, 
McKay & Hill and A. G. Crane & Co. ; one furniture-fac- 
tory, Darrin & Baldwin ; one plow-handle factory, E. S. 
Mead & Co. ; three steam saw-mills, Brook & Gillet, O. 
Bridgeman, E. H. Phillips, and Henry Baldwin; one grist- 
and flouring-mill, Curtis & Paxton ; one foundry and machine- 
shop, E. J. Horn ; one boot- and shoe-factory, George W . 
Farnham. The village has five churches, — Episcopalian, 
Presbyterian, Baptist, Methodist Episcopal, and Catholic, — 
four dry-goods stores, seven grocery and provision stores, 
two hardware-stores, two harness-shops, four boot- and shoe- 
stores, three millinery and dress-goods stores, three drug 
and medicine stores, four hotels, one florist and hot-house 
gardener, three meat-markets, two banks, one furniture- 
store, three wagon-shops, and five blacksmith-shops. There 
is also a cancer infirmary, under the management of Dr. 
George Craine, and one union graded school, managed by 
a board of education. 

The village was incorporated under the general law of 
the State in January, 1854. At the ensuing election the 
following board of trustees and officers was chosen : Fred- 
erick R. Wagner, Bradley Blakslee, Parley Guinnip, Ste- 
phen Lewis, . White, and Thomas Pa.xton. Dr. Fred. 

R. Wagner was chosen President, and I. V. L. Meigs, Clerk. 

The charter was amended by a special act of the Legisla- 
ture, approved April 12, 1873. By section third of this 
act, the village was divided into two wards, as follows : 
" The first ward shall consist of all that part of said village 
which lies north of the Canisteo River. The second ward 
shall consist of all that part of said village which lies south 
of the Canisteo River." 

The officers elected for 1878 were the following : Presi- 
ileut, J. V. Graham ; Cleric, John W. Clark ; Treasurer, 
Chauncey D. Hill ; Collector, Sanford Elmer. Trustees, — 
First Ward, Daniel D. Hickey, E. S. Mead; Second Ward, 
Lorin Aldrich, James D. Goodley. 

POST-OFFICE. 

A post-office was established at the village of Addison as 
early as 1804. In 1830 a mail was brought once a week 
on horseback from Painted Post. This was at that time 
the end of the route. In 1831, Dr. F. R. Wagner drew 
up a petition for a mail twice a week, which was sent to 
Hon. John Magee, then member of Congress. It was 
granted by the department, and William B. Jones, who 
took the contract, carried the mail from Painted Post to 
Addison in a two-horse coach. Mails were delivered semi- 
weekly and afterwards tri- weekly till 1849, when Andrew 
J. Chalfield, James Birdsall, and Dr. F. R. Wagner drew 
up a petition for a daily mail, which was granted. Since 
the completion of the Erie Railway the mails have been 
carried by rail, and supplied as often at this point as at any 
other place on the route. 

We append the following list of postmasters since 1830 : 
Lemuel B. Searles, John Thompson, William R. Smith, 



TOWN OP ADDISON. 



143 



Charles H. Henderson, Horatio Ross Jones, John N 
Brown, Mrs. Ann Taggart, James S. Scofield, Dr. John 
Mitchell, and Charles W. Gillet. 

PHYSICIANS. 

Dr. Frederick R. Wagner was the first physician in the 
village. He was born in Leyden, Mas.s., and when six 
months old was brought by his parents to Chenango 
County, where he resided till 1830, when he settled in 
AddLson. For four years previous he had studied medi- 
cine with Dr. Henry A. Mitchell, of Norwich, Chenango 
Co., and first commenced his practice here. He continued 
strictly in the practice of his profession from 1830 to 1865. 
Since retiring from active practice he has been engaged in 
the drug business. 

The next physician was Dr. Sweeney, who came here in 
1833, and remained but a short time. Then came Dr. 
William Mclntyre, who, after a few years' practice, removed 
to California. Dr. Erastus N. Foot came in 1841. He 
practiced in partnership with Dr. Wagner one year, and 
after practicing alone for a short time, returned to Greene 
County, whence he came. Dr. William Beach practiced here 
a few years and then removed to Louisiana, where he died. 

Dr. Reuben P. Brown settled in Addison in April, 1847. 
He was born in Bradford Co., Pa., where he studied medi- 
cine, and graduated at Hobart College, Geneva, in the class 
of 1847. He has been in the constant practice of medi- 
cine here ever since. Dr. Brown is also a hotel-keeper, 
having, in 1873, purchased the Exchange Hotel, known 
now as Brown's Hotel, of James E. Smith. It was origi- 
nally occupied as a hotel by Samuel D. Smith ; it then 
became a store occupied by Mr. Woodhull, and was en- 
larged and changed again to a hotel, and occupied by 
James E. Smith till he sold to Dr. Brown. 

Ruch P. Brown, son of Dr. Brown, graduated at the 
New York Medical University and settled as a physician in 
Addison, where he was brought up, in 1873. 

Dr. John Mitchell and Dr. H. R. Ainsworth are the 
other practicing physicians in the village. 

LAWYERS. 

In 1830 there was no lawyer in town except James 
Birdsall, who was engaged in mercantile business with 
Whitman Wilcox and Caleb Weatherby. James Birdsall 
established a law-office, from which have gone out several 
luen of distinction : Andrew G. Chatfield, who was after- 
wards a justice of the United States Court in Minnesota, 
and who died not long since full of honors ; Washington 
Barnes, who distinguished himself at the bar, and died 
some years ago at Bath ; F. C. Dininny, now a resident of 
Elmira ; F. R. E. Cornell, late State attorney of Minne- 
sota, who commenced the practice of law in this town and 
became a State senator. He removed at a later period to 
Minnesota, where he now resides, and is a judge of the 
Supreme Court. The prestige of the earlier bar of this 
town is well sustained by its later members. Col. John W. 
Dininny, Hon. A. S. McKay, and others. The present 
practicing lawyers of the village are Col. John W. Dininny, 
Hon. A. S. McKay, Horace D. Baldwin, D. M. Darrin, and 
S. D. Clinton. 



CHURCHES. 
THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF ADDISON 

was organized in the month of September, 1832, by t com- 
mittee of the Presbytery of Bath, consisting of Rev. A. 
Donaldson and Rev. E. D. Wills. The original members 
were Porter Phelps, Mary Ellen Phelps, Elilm Whittenhall 
and Eliza Ann Whittenhall, William Hoyt, John Shum- 
way, and Mrs. Mary Scofield. 

Porter Phelps and Elihu Whittenhall were elected ruling 
elders. The first meetings were held at the Curtis school- 
house, at the east end of the village, until the erection 
of the present church edifice. The church edifice was 
erected in the year 1838, at a cost of about $3500. James 
Turk was the constructor and builder. The building orig- 
inally cost about S2000. It has since been enlarged by an 
addition pf twenty feet to the rear end. 

LIST OF 3IINISTERS. 

1835-39. Rov. Daniel B. Butts. | 1864-65. Rev. S. S. Sturgcs. 

1340-42. Rev. Lewis Hamilton. ! 1866-67. Rev. D. F. .ludson. 

1842-45. Rev. Darius Williams. ' 1867-70. Rev. W. (i. Parrott. 
1845-55. Rev. A. H. Parmelee. 1870-72. Rev. C. Simjison. 

1855-56. Rev. William Kidder. 1873-74. Rev. J. V. C. Xillis. 
1857-63. Rev. D. F. Judson. 1875. Rev. A. R. Olncy. 

Elders. — Porter Phelps removed from Addison in May, 
1835. Elihu Whittenhall left here in 1843, and now re- 
sides in Kansas. John P. Shumway and Joel D. Gillett 
were elected elders in 1836. Mr. Shumway removed to 
Minnesota in 1844. Mr. Gillett still resides here, and has 
been elder of the church forty-two years, and still fills that 
oflSce. William Tarbell and William McDowell were elected 
in 1840. Col. Tarbell removed to Pennsylvania, and died 
there. Mr. McDowell also removed to Westfield, Pa., and 
died there in 1875. Dr. Bradley Blakslee was elected an 
elder in 1845, and still continues to ofiiciate in that capacity. 
E. Van Tuyl, now residing in Binghamton, for some time 
officiated as an elder of this church ; he was chosen in 
July, 1857. Calvin Cowley was elected elder in April, 
1862, and died in 1876. Seth Mullion was elder from 
1857 to 1862. In January, 1872, David B. Winton and 
Martin Wilber were ordained elders, and still hold that office. 

Mr. Joel D. Gillet has been clerk of the church and 
society ever since 1836. Present membership of the church, 
112; Sunday-school, 110. E.L.Richardson, superintendent. 

CHDRCH OF THE REDEEMER — PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL. 

The first services of the Episcopal Church were held in 
this village about 1847, by Rev. Gardner M. Skinner, then 
a missionary at Corning. At different intervals during a 
period of seven or eight years thereafter, services were held 
by this clergyman, by Rev. Levi H. Corson, of Bath, and 
by Rev. Augustus A. Marple, of Wellsborough, Pa. During 
this the bishop had also made a visitation at the place. 
Such was the interest manifested during the latter part of 
these occasional visits that an efibrt was made to raise a 
subscription to build a church edifice ; but the church 
people were few and widely scattered, and the movement 
for the time being was unsuccessful. 

In 1853, Rev. Robert N. Parke, of St. Jamas' Church, 
Hammondsport, being informed of the interest and spirit 
here manifested, made a visit to the place and arranged to 



144 



HISTOKY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



hold service during the same month. At the second visit 
he preached in the Methodist house of worship to a large 
and attentive congregation, and was engaged conditionally 
to come and officiate for the six months beginning in Jan- 
uary, 1854, in order to test the practicability of organizing 
a parish. The conditions being complied with, he came 
accordingly on the third Sunday in January, 1854, and 
commenced his duties in Addison as missionary for Addi- 
son and Rathboneville, holding service for some weeks in 
the district school-house of District No. 1. 

Early in the spring permission was granted by the trus- 
tees of the Academy to hold service in that building, and 
on the 18th of April, being Tuesday in Easter week, a 
meeting was held in the Academy, at which the parish was 
duly incorporated and the first wardens and vestrymen 
elected: Senior Wmden, L. Griswold ; Junior Warden, 
Z. L. Webb ; Vestrymen, James 8. McKay, David Darrin, 
H. J. Fonda, William R. Smith, Thomas Paxton, Stephen 
Lewis, H. W. Rathbone. 

On the 2(lth of March, 1854, 18 members, whose names 
appear below, were received by the rector. Rev. Robert N. 
Parke, upon the following instrument in' writing : 

"Anmso.N, March 20, 18i4. 
*• \Vc the undersigned, citizens of Addison, county of vSteuben, situate 
in the Diocese of Western New Yorli, do Iiereby attaclr ourselves to the 
Protestant Episcopal Church in this place, now under the rectorship 
of Rev. Robert N. Parke. 



'' N. B. Ii:iwney. 
Henry M. Smith. 
William A. Smith. 
P. S. Bell. 
L- Griswl>ld. 
D. Darrin. 
Wm. Stradella. 
J. S. Lyon. 
Stephen Lewis. 



W. R. Smith. 
James AVhittenhall. 
Henry .Sherwood. 
Z. Lewis Webb. 
H. W. Rathbone. 
.lohn W. Dininny. 
K. H. Ames. 
R. P. Brown. 
H. J. Fonda. 



" This is to certify that I, Robert N. Parke, Rector of the Episco- 
])al t-'hurch in Addison, above mentioned, do receive and recognize 
those persons whose names are herein recorded as belonging to the 
church now under my charge. '* Robkrt N. P.\rke, 

"Addison, March 20, 1854." 

On the 3Uth of June, 1858, a subscription was started 
for the purpose of raising money to build a church edifice. 
The building was finished, and consecrated by Rt. Rev. 
William H. De Laucey, Bishop of the Diocese of Western 
New York, on the 5th of April, 1860, with every dollar 
of indebtedness paid. It is furnished with an organ and 
bell, and with every comfort and convenience for the wor- 
shipers and for the vestry and other meetings of the parish. 
The cliurch now numbers 88 communicants, 48 families, 
and 55 in the Sunday-school. 

The rectors who have officiated in the church since its 
organization are as follows : Rev. Robert N. Parke, about 
four years ; Rev. A. R. Van Antwerp, about two years ; 
Rev. De Witt C. Loop, about two years; Rev. Albert 
Wood, about eight years ; Rev. F. F. Rice, the present 
rector, since 1871. 

METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHUUCH, ADDISON. 
Religious services were held in a school-house below 
where the academy now stands, and near Mr. Montgomery's 
house, forty-two years ago. 



On Wednesday evening, Sept. 3, 1835, a meeting was 
held at that school-house, and the Second Methodist Epis- 
copal Church of Addison was duly organized. Rev. 
Thomas Wheat and Mr. Henry Wombough were chairmen 
of that meeting ; Erastus Brooks was secretary. Thomas 
Wheat, Samuel Miles, James Turk, James Allen, Henry 
Wombough, John Thompson, Amos Carr, Llewellyn A. 
Jones, and Jerathmeel Powers were elected trustees of the 
society. 

Two days after, the board met, organized, and appointed 
two committees ; one to select a site for a church, the other 
to prepare and circulate a subscription paper. No church 
edifice of the society, however, was erected till 1841, as the 
Methodists co-operated with the Presbyterian society in the 
erection of their church and for several years used it in 
common. 

On the evening of Nov. 24, 1841, another meeting for 
organization was held in the red school-house. The first 
Methodist Episcopal society of Addison was legally organ- 
ized. Rev. Jerathmeel Powers and Rev. R. T. Hancock 
were chairmen. Israel B. Persons was secretary. James 
H. Miles, Warren Starkey, James Turk, Myron S. Curtis, 
Israel B. Persons, John Thompson, Russel Root, Jr., 
Elnathan G. Brown, and Vincent B. Hathaway were elec- 
ted trustees. This meeting took immediate action towards 
building a church. Five years afterwards, while Samuel 
Nichols was pastor, M. S. Curtis, David Turk, Wm. Price, 
and Vincent B. Hathaway, trustees. Ensign Allen put up 
the frame to a church building on a lot above where Mr. 
H. Ross Jones' house now stands. Three years after that 
the congregation (having occupied the basement during that 
time), occupied the audience-room of the churcii. After a 
struggle of fourteen years Methodism was anchored in Addi- 
son. Then followed a quarter of a century of uninterrupted 
church life, — a period of blessing and of trial. Then came 
the fire and swept away the church building, which had 
been built by struggle, sacrifice, and prayer. 

The next period of Methodist history begins with the 
dedication of a new brick church, on April 21, 1876. This 
church was built during the pastorate of D. D. Cook. 
John Mitchel, John Orr, L. D. Coburn, P. W. Orr, Geo. 
Crane, trustees. It is a substantial structure, tasteful in 
its design, and convenient for general church work. Its 
total cost was $14,000. To some it seemed unwise to 
build a building of its style and cost, but as time goes by 
the wisdom of the counsels which finally prevailed will 
become more apparent. It was an act of faith which the 
Great Head of the Church will bless. 

Since the pastorate of Rev. D. D. Cook in 1875-76, Rev. 

E. E. Millspaugh, Rev. Canfield, and Rev. • have 

served successivel}' as pastors. 

FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OP ADDISON. 

The First Baptist Church of Addison was organized May 
6, 1869, under the missionary labors of Rev. C. W. Brooks. 
Rev. S. D. Merrick, the first pastor, settled over the church 
in October, 1869, and remained four years and a half 
During his pastorate the present house of worship was built, 
known as the Baptist Chapel. When became here thechurch 
numbered about 30 members ; when he left, it numbered 130, 



I 



TOWN OF ADDISON. 



145 



and the churcli property was valued at $7500. At the nri;an- 
ization the following persons united : Rev. George Crocker, 
Rev. Charles W. Brooks, Mrs. Elsie A. Brooks, Miss Anna 
Thurston, George W. Whitehead, Mrs. Julia A. Whitehead, 
D. C. Daniels, Jane Daniels, Kate Daniels, George I. True, 
Daniel J. Chittenden, Elizabeth G. Chittenden, I. G. Balcom, 
John C. Shutts, Jesse G. Wooster, Doratha Darrin, Jane 
Stephens. Deacons, Daniel J. Chittenden and Je.sse G. 
Wooster ; Cleric, Daniel J. Chittenden. 

The pastors have been Rev. S. D. Merrick, Rev. E. M. 
Blanchard, and Rev. P. Reynolds. The latter resigned in 
May, 1878, and the church at this writing (September, 
1878) is without a settled pastor. Present member.ship, 
108 ; Sunday-school, 80 ; C. W. Sackett, Superintendent. 

THE CATHOLIC CHURCH. 

St. Catharine's Church, of Addison, was organized or 
built in 1854, by Rev. Father Cunningham, the pastor of 
St. Mary's, Corning, who had charge of it and several other 
missions in Steuben and Chemung Counties ; visiting and 
holding services most generally once a month, until the 
community was able to purchase and build the present frame 
building known as the above church. Since then St. 
Catharine's Church was variously attended from different 
missions, until the Rev. Father Bradley assumed pastoral 
charge of the mission and became its first resident pastor 
in 1866. He continued as such till 1873, when Rev. J. 
Brady, its present pastor, assumed charge. 

Its present membership numbers 140 families. The 
church since then has undergone various repairs and addi- 
tional improvements, according to the wants or growtli of 
the community. It stands in a very prominent place, and 
is one of the chief attractions of the public square. It is 
built in a plain style of architecture, and can seat about 350 
persons comfortably. 

ADDISON ACADEMY. 

In December, 1847, Henry Wombough, Rufus Baldwin, 
Joel D. Gillet, Elihu Whittenhall, Erastus Brooks, Orange 
Seymour, William H. Gray, Bradley Blakslee, William 
Bradley, James Baldwin, William R. Smith, and Arthur 
Erwin purchased four acres of land north of the village of 
Addison as a site for an academy, and the next summer 
built an academy building at an expense of about $3600. 
A flourishing school was organized and continued until the 
building was destroyed by fire in October, 1856. 

Subsequently an association of 12 citizens established 
a private academic school, in a brick dwelling-house now 
owned and occupied by the Methodist Church as a parson- 
age. This school was well supported by many of the chief 
citizens of the place, and continued till the organization of 
the Union Free Academy in connection with the public- 
school system of the village. 

UNION FREE SCHOOL, DISTRICT NO. 1. 

This district was organized in March, 1868. The first 
board of education consisted of the following-named per- 
son.s : Jesse K. Strock, John F. Turner, George Farnham, 
John W. Dininny, James M. Wood, John Mitchell, David 
Darrin, Henry S. Jones, William A. Smith. 
19 



The board held their first meeting March 28, 1868, at 
which John W. Dininny was chosen President; J. M. 
Wood, Treasurer ; C. J. Reynolds, Collector. The follow- 
ing resolution was adopted : 

" litisolved, That the Board of Education of the Union School of 
Addison deem it necessary for the interest and requirements of said 
Union School to establish an academic department therein ; and we 
therefore resolve hereby to establish and maintain said academic de- 
partment." 

In accordance with this resolution the academic school 
was established, and has since been continued, subject to 
the visitation of the Regents of the State University, and 
receiving its proportion of the literature fund. 

In 1873-74, the number of students in the academic 
department was 64, — 18 males and 46 females. In 1874-75, 
the number was 64, — 22 males and 42 females. The course 
of study includes the usual branches taught in academies. 

ST.\TISTICS, 1878. 

Number of children of school age in the district 506 

Number in attendance 386 

Number of days' attendance 41,879 

Teachers in all the departments 7 

Assessed value of taxable property $500,284 

Value of .school site Sl,50{) 

Value of school building $11,000 

Amount expended for school purposes $.3,751.69 

Principal, E. L. Richardson, A.M. ; Board of Educa- 
tion, 1878, — President, John W. Dininny ; Clerk, D. M. 
Darrin ; Trustees, Henry Baldwin, H. K. Ainsworth, D. 
B. Winton, John Orr, George Farnham, Lorin Aldrich, 
John Mitchell, Daniel K. Hickey, John W. Dininny. 

BURYING-GROUNDS. 

The first burying-ground was laid out in 1808. It was 
located on the south side, on lands belonging to William 
Wombough. No conveyance was ever made of lots, but 
the proprietor allowed the citizens to bury upon it, and 
burials were made here from the earliest settlement, except 
in the Baldwin family burying about a mile west of the 
village. 

In 1845, Joel D. Gillet, Elihu Whittenhall, and William 
R. Smith contracted for a lot for a cemetery a short dis- 
tance below the village, upon which Addison Cemetery was 
laid out. It was deeded to the trustees of the Presbyterian 
Church of Addison by Solomon Curtis, March 1, 1850. 
The first interment was that of the remains of Lucy J., 
first wife of Joel D. Gillet, in the fall of 1846. The 
trustees of the Presbyterian Church have conveyed the 
cemetery to the village corporation. 

MASONIC. 

Addison Union Lodge, No. 118, was chartered June 4, 
1847. Dr. Bradley Blakslee was elected and installed as 
the first Master, and held the office twelve consecutive 
years. 

Officers for 1879, W. A. Bartlett, W. M. ; E. S. Mead, 
S. W. ; E. Kinne, J. W. ; Wm. Stacy, Treas. ; M. Kinne, 
Sec. ; M. Curtis, S. D. ; R. B. Wilcox, J. D. ; J. L. Wom- 
bough, S. M. C. ; Dr. Rush P. Brown, J. M. C. ; Dr. B. 
Blakslee, Chaplain; J. V. Myers, Tyler; S. B. Borden, 
Organist; C. H. Wombough, Marshal. 



146 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Addison Chapter, No. 14G, was chartered Feb. 9, 1854, 
Charter Council, Dr. Bradley Blakslee, High Priest ; Z. 
Lewis Webb, Kiog ; Abram Dudley, Scribe. 

Dr. Bradley Blakslee is one of the oldest, if not the 
oldest. Mason in Steuben County. He was made a Ma.son 
by Hiram Lodge, of Auburn, N. Y., on the 17th or 18th 
of November, 1815, and has consequently been a member 
of the fraternity over sixty-three years. He afterwards 
organized Lafayette Lodge at Otego, N. Y., and was Master 
of the same during the trying times of the Morgan excite- 
ment. He was instrumental in founding both lodges in 
this village, of which he still remains an honored member. 

ODD-FELLOWSHIP. 

Canisteo Lodge, No. 345, /. 0. 0. /'.—The first lodge 
instituted in Addison was Lodge No. 285, in the spring of 
1847. The charter members were E. J. Horn, H. Ross 
Jones, William A. Baldwin, Henry S. Jones, Charles E. 
Gillet. E. J. Horn was elected the first Noble Grand. 
The other officers cannot be ascertained, as the archives of 
the old lodge were destroyed by fire. On the 19th of 
February, 1873, the lodge was reorganized as Canisteo 
Lodge, No. 345. The ceremonies were conducted by 

D. D. G. M. Charles Horton, of Hornellsville, who occu- 
pied the chair, assisted by D. D. G. M. J. W. Stoddard, of 
Allegany District, D. D. G. M. D. S. Powers, of Corning, 
and D. D. G. M. A. F. Lawrence, of Genesee District. 

Corning were largely represented, as were also Elmira, 
Hornellsville, and Watkins. 

The charter members of the lodge were H. S. Jones, 
W. R. Hunter, J. V. Graham, E. J. Horn, E. B. Murray, 
F. P. Cook, and D. Phillips, who were duly obligated, and 
the formation of a working lodge proceeded with. 

The following officers were elected and duly installed : 

E. J. Horn, N. G. ; W. R. Hunter, V. G. ; J. H. Goodby, 
Sec. ; J. V. Graham, Treas. ; H. R. Jones, R. S. N. G. ; 
A. R. Cooper, L. S. N. G. ; F. F. Cook, Warden ; E. B. 
Murray, Conductor ; W. J. Schermerhorn, R. S. S. ; R. S. 
Woodburn, L. S. S. ; J. V. Myers, 0. G. ; H. P. Lamoreaux, 
L G.; D. J. Chittenden, R. S. V. G . ; G. W. Davidson, 
L. S. V. G. 

A number of Ancients were admitted to membership, 
eight new members initiated, and the new lodge bids fair 
for a useful and prosperous career. It meets at Masonic 
Hall Monday evenings until further notice. 

Ancient Order United Worlcmen. — A lodge of Ancient 
Order of United Workmen was organized in this village on 
Thursday evening, Sept. 14, 1876, with 21 charter mem- 
bers. It is known as Eureka Lodge. The following offi- 
cers were elected and installed : Dr. Rush P. Brown, M. W. ; 
Arthur H. Erwin, G. F. ; Laurin B. Drake, Overseer; 
James H. Goodby, P. M. W. ; M. Kinne, Recorder ; F. C. 
Taber, Financier ; C. D. Hill, Receiver ; C. D. Cady, I. W. ; 
Charles Whitmore, 0. W. ; W. T. Price, Arthur P. Hill, 
John V. Richy, Trustees. 

BANKS. 
ADDISON BANK, LATTIMER & WINTON, BANKERS. 

This bank was originally a chartered institution, estab- 
lished by William R. Smith and Charles H. Henderson in 



1856, William R.Smith President and Charles H. Hender- 
son Cashier. About 1861 they surrendered their charter 
and Mr. Henderson succeeded to the business. The present 
proprietors pureha.sed his interest and building on the north 
side of the river in 1867. In 1873 they erected their 
present fine fire-proof building on Tuscarora Street, at a 
cost of $10,000. It is one of the most completely fur- 
ni.shed and commodious bank buildings in this part of the 
State, and the business of the firm is on a very prosperous 
footing. • 

BALDWIN & WILLIAMS, BANKERS. 

This bank was established in 1874 by James Baldwin 
and Charles D. Williams, the present proprietors. Their 
building was erected especially for the purpose of a bank, 
and is provided with a very safe and substantial fire-proof 
vault. The windows in front are of one solid pane of 
English plate-glass, eight by ten feet, and the banking-room 
and office neat and commodious. This bank is considered 
among the firm and pro-sperous monetary institutions of 
this part of the State. 

BRIDGES. 

The iron bridge across the Canisteo at Addison is one of 
the finest on the river. It is one of Post's patent, from the 
Watson Iron Company's works, of Paterson, N. J., 135 
feet span, and cost $10,000. It was erected in 1870 by 
E. J. Horn, F. C. Dininny, H. S. Jones, Commissioners, 
and Erastus Brooks, Commissioner of Highways. 

The suspension bridge, which spans the river at the foot 
of Goodhue Street, is another of tlte substantial ornaments 
of the village. It is 204 feet long, and was erected in 
1873 by Col. Henry Baldwin, Supervisor, and George 
Sisson, Commissioner, for the moderate cost of $5000 ; John 
V. Fishier, architect. 

MANUFACTURES. 

Among the substantial manufactures of the village of 
Addison are the planing-mills, sash-, door-, and blind-factory 
of A. G. Crane & Co. In 1865, C. C. Crane & Co. pur- 
chased the old water-mill built by Ames & Bliss as early as 
1845, and manufactured the first machine-made doors, 
sashes, and blinds in this part of the State. They built the 
present steam-mill in 1866, and fitted up the saw-mill for 
making sash, blinds, and doors. This last-named mill was 
burned in 1872, and since then the firm have doubled the 
capacity of the steam-mill and put in machinery, adapting 
it to all classes of finished work, — doors, sash, blinds, 
mouldings, etc. In 1874, A. G. Crane purchased the 
interest of C. C. Crane, and, entering into partnership with 
Charles E. Noble, formed the present firm of A. G. Crane 
& Co. The capacity of these mills is 250 doors, 150 win- 
dows, and 50 pairs of blinds per day, and furnish employ- 
ment to from 25 to 50 hands. 

ADDISON MERCHANT AND CUSTOM PLOURING-MILLS. 

These mills were built by David Curtis, of Painted Post, 
and James S. McKay, of Campbell, about 1853. Col. Mc- 
Kay continued to operate the mills, as head miller, for about 
ten years. In October, 1865, Thomas Paxton purcha.sed a 



I 



TOWN OP ADDISON. 



147 



third-interest in the mill, and has since been associated with 
Mr. Curtis under the firm-name of Curtis & Paston. Mr. 
Paxton is a citizen of Addison, and is also interested in 
mercantile business. 

These mills are furnished witii 4 run of stones, and have 
a capaeitj' of 12,000 bushels of grain per year. 

E. J. HORN, FOUNDRY AND MACHINK-SIIOP. 

In 1846, E. J. Horn and Stephen Lewis, under the firm- 
name of Lewis & Horn, established the foundry business for 
the purpose of manufacturing mill-machinery, steam-engines, 
and general castings. Their first shop was burnt in the 
fall of 1846, and they immediately rebuilt. In 1856, Mr. 
Lewis retired from the firm, and Mr. Horn has since con- 
ducted it alone, except during five or six years, when the 
business was managed by his sons, as the firm of 0. A. 
Horn & Brother. This foundry has supplied a great 
amount of machinery to a large section of country around. 

MANUFACTURE OF BOOTS AND SHOES. 

Mr. George W. Farnham has erected in the village of 
Addison a building of three stories and basement, especially 
adapted to the manufacture of hand-made boots and shoes 
on a large scale. He was formerly associated in this busi- 
ness with Mr. Gokey, firm of Gokcy & Farnham, and their 
goods obtained a wide reputation. From 40 to 50 hands 
are employed in this establishment, besides several traveling 
salesmen. This interest bids fair to be one of the most im- 
portant branches of manufacture in the Canisteo Valley. 

ADDISON AND ELKLAND PLANK-ROAD. 

In February, 1850, some of the citizens of Addison and 
Elkland, in the Cowanesque Valley, in Pennsylvania, con- 
sidering it important that a better and more direct road be 
made between the two places, organized a plank-road com- 
pany, obtained a charter, and built a plank-road from Ad- 
dison to Elkland, Pa., a distance of eleven miles, at a cost 
of $20,000. The first directors of the road were Henry 
Wombough, William R. Smith, Joel D. Giliet, Rufus 
Baldwin, Joel Parkhurst, Leander Culver, William Wom- 
bough, H. Ross Jones, and James H. Van Vleck. The 
first ofiicers were Joel D. Gillett, I'resident ; H. Ross Jones, 
Vice-President; William W. Baldwin, Secretary; William 
R. Smith, Treasurer ; Joel D. Gillett, Rufus Baldwin, H. 
Ross Jones, Building Committee. The road was built by 
John and Patrick Rehill, and completed in 1851. The 
south seven miles of the road was surrendered to the towns 
through which it passed in 1857, and the remaining four 
miles Sept. 1, 1878. 

MILITARY RECORD OF ADDISON. 

James H, Miles, capt., 107th Inf., Co. F; must. Aug. 14, 1862, three years; res. 

Feb. 28, 186;;; in battle of Antietani. 
John T. Jackson, 1st scrgt., 107th Inf , Co. F ; enl. July 28, 1862, three years ; 

in battle of Antietani; disch. Nov. 22, 1803, for dis.ahility. 
John D. Hie, private, 107th Inf, Co. F; must. July 12, 1802, three years ; pro. 

to 2d sergt., March 1, 1863; to 2d lieut., June 2, 1863; killed in action at 

New Hope Church, Ga., May 25, 1S64 ; in battles of Antietam, Chancel- 

loiBville, and Gettysburg. 
Loandor Moses Hadloch, private, 107th Inf., Co. F ; enl. July 28, 1862, three 

years; took jiart in battles of Antietam, Dallas, Resaca, aud Kulp's Farm; 

taken prisoner, July 18, 1864, in front of Atlanta, Ga. ; disch. June 19, 

1865, by reason of e.\piration of term of service. 



Wm. B. Hurlburt, musician, 107th Inf., Co. F; enl. July 28, 1862, three years; 
engaged in the battle of Antietani ; disch. on account of disability, June 
2, 1863, by command of Maj.-Gen.Sclienck, commanding 8th Army Corps, 
Baltimore, Md. 

Geo-. W. Wombough, wagoner, 107th Inf, Co. F; enl. July 20, 1862, three years; 
disch. June 3, 1863, on account of disability. 

Wm. A. Benedict, private, 107th Inf, three years; disch. on account of disabil- 
ity, Feb. 13, 1803 ; re-enl. Jan. 5, 1864; wouuded May 15, 180)4; disch by 
muster-out, June 6, 1805. 

James B. Cherry, private, 107th Inf. ; enl. July 25, 1862, three years ; received 
commission as 1st lieut. ; never mustered ; in liattles of Antietjmi, Cliaa- 
cellorsville, Gettysburg, and NasliviUe; must, out with regt., June, 1805. 

Emniett Crane, private, 107th Inf; disch. Oct. IS, 1862, on account of gunsliot 
wound received accidentally. 

Manly D. Crane, private, ln7th Inf; enl. July 23, 1SG2, three yeairs; in battles 
of Antietam, Gettysburg, Resaca, (in., Peach-Tree Creek, Ga., at capture 
of Atlanta and Savannah, juid tlie entrance to Raleigh, N. C ; must, out 
with regt., June, 1865. 

Cornelius W. Herrington, private, 107th Inf., Co. F; enl. July 31, 18G2, three 
years; disch. Feb. 10, 1803, on account of disability ; in battle of An- 
tietam. 

Benjamin Kimble, private, 107tll Inf, Co. F; enl. July 20, 1SG2, three years; 
in battles of Antietani, Chaneellorsville, and Gettysburg; detailed July 
13, 1863, as stretcher-bearer in Aiiih. Corps ; must, out with regt., June, 
1865. 

Theophilus Krunilofr, private, 107th Inf, Co. F; died Jan. 18, 1SG3, at Fairfax 
Station, Va , of camp fever; buried at Faiifa.\ Station. 

Walter Ciandiill, private, l(i7th Inf, Co. F. 

.Samuel Miller, private, 107th Inf., ('o. F ; killed in action, M.ay 25, 1804, at New 
Hope Church, Ga. 

Charles J. Slarblc, private, 107th Inf., Co. F ; pro. to corporal. 

James S. Molson, private, lli7th Inf, Co. F ; killed in action, May 23, 1804, ,lt 
New Hope Church, Ga. 

David B. Parcells, private, 107th Inf., Co. F; wounded at New Hope Church, 
Ga., M.ay 25, 1864. 

Robert Short, private, 107th Inf,Co.F; enl. Aug. 4, 1862, three years; di-ch. 
July 20, 1805. 

Alansoft Stoddaril, private, 107tli Inf, Co, F; disch. Aug. 13, 1804. on account 
of loss of arm at New Hojie Cliurch, Ga. 

Frederick Wm. Wagner, private, 107lli Inf, Co. F; enl. July, 1862, tliiee years ; 
tiled Jan. 10, 1803, of typhoid-pneumonia, at Fairfax Station, Va. 

Sila-i Wo-ley Kimble, piivate, 107tli Inf, Co. E; enl. Feb. 8, 1864, three years; 
in battles of Resaca, Peach-Tree Creek, and Dallas ; trans, to Olllh N. V. 
Vet. Regt., June 5, 1865; discli. by S. 0. No. 160, Dept. of W'asliington, 
July 5, 1865. 

Henry B. Aldrich, private, 107tli Inf, Co. F, three years; died in hospital, 1802. 

Wm. Hutchinson, private, 107th Inf, Co. F, three years; wounded at Chaneel- 
lorsville; disch. May 12, 1864, on account of wound. 

Melvin J. Lynch, private, 107th Inf, Co. F; wounded May 25, 1864, at New 
Hope Church, Ga. 

Abiam Miller, private, 107th Inf, Co. V ; died Oct. 16, 1862, at Harper's Ferry, 
Va., of typhoid fever; buried on Maryland Heights. 

Lee Mulford, private, 107th Inf, Co. F; wounded at Chaneellorsville. May 3, 
1863; pro. to. Corp., April, 1863 ; to sergt., Nov. 1, 1863; commanded de- 
tachment — Provost-Guard of 2d Brigade, 1st Division, 2d Army Corps — 
from surrender of Atlanta to end of the war. 

Hiram Tung, private, 107th Inf, Co. F; disch. for disability, Jan. 1863. 

John G. Taff, private, 107th Inf, Co. F. 

John Worrell, private, 107th Inf, Co. F; enl. Dec. 10, 1863, three years; died 
of chronic diarrlnea at Atlanta, Ga., Aug. 15,1864. 

Henry David Orser, private, llth H. Art., Co. A ; enl. May 22, 1863, three years. 

Wm. Albert Orser, private, llth H. Art., Co. A ; enl. June 6, 1863, three years ; 
pro. to sergt.; previously enl. in 23d N. Y. Vols., April 30, 1861 ; disch. 
May 22, 1863. 

James Wright, private, H. Art., Co. I ; enl. June 1, 1863, three years; pro. to 
sergt. in H. Art., N. Y. S. Vols. ; trans. Jan. 1, 1804, to 4tli H. Art. ; disch. 
Sept. 20, 1S65. 

Lewis Putnam, private, 23d Inf; enl.. April 30, 1861; disch. May 22, 1863; re- 
enl. May, 1863, in llth H. Art. 

Nicholas Millspaugh, llth H. Art.; enl. May 22, 1S63. 

Oliver D. Stewart, private, 107th Inf; enl. Dec. 10, 1863, three yeai-s. 

John Rial, private, 33d Inf ; enl. June, 1862, two years. 

Henry Baldwin, capt., 34tli Inf, Co. E ; enl. May IS, 1861, two yeai-s ; must, out 
June 30, 1863, by reason of exp. of term of enlistment ; was engaged in 
tlie battles of Ball's Bluff, Harper's Ferry, Winchester, Yorktown, West 
Point, Fair Oaks, Seven Days before Richmond, Bolivar Heights, Snicker's 
Gap, W'arrenton, and first and second Fredericksburg. 

Henry W. .Sanford, private, 34lli Inf, Co. E ; enl. May 18, 1861, two years ; pro. 
to 1st sergt., July 31, 1861 ; to 2d lieut.. May 30, 1862; to 1st lieut., Oct. 
31 1862; in battles of Ball's Bluff, Yorktown, West Point, Fair Oaks, 
Seven Days before Riciimond, second Bull Run, South Mountain, Antie- 
tam, Ashby's Gap, and first and second Fredericksburg; disch. June 30, 
1863, by reason of exp. of term of service ; recruited a company and must, 
in as capt., Oct. 10, 1863, in 2d N. Y. Vet. Cav. ; engaged in battles of 
Henderson's Hill, La., Pleasant Hill, La., Campti, La., Bayou Saline, La., 
Cane River Crossing, La., Chambers' Plantation, Eayou De Glaze, La., 
Yellow Bayou, La., Marksvilie, La., and fifteen other battles and akir- 



148 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



mishes about Morganzin, Ln., McCIomrs Mills, Miss., Bluff Springs, Fla., 
Blakely, Ala., and Mt. Pleasant, Ala. ; ilisch. Nuv. 8, 1805, by cxp. of term 
of service. 

Mollville S. Dunn, priviite, 34th Inf., Co. E; cnl. May IS, ISr.l, two years ; pro. 
to 2d lieut.. Octal, 18G2; must, out with regt. ; re-onl. in 2d N. Y.Vet. 
Cav., Out. 10, 18n:J; must, us 1st liout.,Oct. 10, ISO;!; participated in nearly 
all the battles with the :Uth N. Y. Vols., and in battles of Henderson's 
Hill, La., and killed by niusket-sbot at battle of Campti, La , April 4, 
1804, while acting ailjntant. 

George A. Pabodie, private, :S4th Inf.. Co. K; enl. May IS, 1801, two years ; pro. 
to sergt, July ai, 1802; wounded at Fair Oaks, May :Jl, 18G2. 

Wm. Duraiid, privati*, 34th Inf., Co. E ; t'ni. May IS, ISGI, two years ; pro. to 
sergt. May 18,1801 ; in nearlj all the battles with the :i4th N.Y. Vuls. ; 
diach. with regt., June 30, 18G3. 

George Crane, private, 34th Inf., Co. E; enl. May 18, 1861, two years; pro. to 
sergt, Oct 31, 1862; in battles of Ball's Bluff, Winchester, Yorktown, 
West Point, Fair Oaks, Seven Days before Richmond, Antielam, Bolivar 
Heights, Snicker's Gap, Warrenton, and first and second Fredericksburg; 
must out with regt., June 30, 1803; re-enl. in 2d Vet Cav., for three 
years, Jan. 4, 1804; pro. to q.-m. sergt., July 1, 1864; in battles of Mc- 
Cloud's Mills, La., BlntlSpiings, La., Blakely, Ala., and skiraiishes about 
Morganzia, La.; disch. Nov. 20, 1SG'>, by (I. 0. 

Oscar D. Blanchard, private, 34th Inf., Co. K; cnl. May 18,1801, two years; par- 
ticipated in the battles of Edwards' Ferry, Harper's Ferry, Winchester, 
Yorktown, West Point, Fair Oaks, Seven Days before Richmond, Antie- 
tani, Bolivar Heights, Snicker's Gap, Warrenton, and first and second 
Fredericksburg; must out with regt., June 30, 1803; re-enl. for one year 
in 2d Vet Cav., Sept. lo, 1803; in battles of Bluff Springs, Blakely, Mo- 
bile, and Claiborne; disch. Aug. 21, 1805, by reason of G. 0. No. 83, War 
Department 

John Fox, private, 34th Inf., Co. F; enl. May 18, 18G1, two years; must, out 
June 30, 1803, by reason of exp. of term of enlistment ; in battles of Ed- 
wards' Ferry, Fair Oaks, Seven Days before Richmond, first and second 
Fredericksburg, Snicker's Gap, Warrenton, and Yorktown. 

Charles U.Green, private, 34th Inf., Co. E; enl. May 18, 1861, two years; in bat- 
tles of Harper's Ferry, Y'orktown, Fair Oaks, Seven Days before Rich- 
mond, Snicker's Gap, Warrenton, and first and second Fredericksburg; 
must, out with regt., June 30, 1863, by reason of exp. of term of service ; 
re-enl. for one year, Aug. 30, 1864, i[i 2d Vet. Cav. ; in battle of Blakely, 
Ala.; disch. Aug. 21, 1806, by G. 0. 

Thomas H. Guinnip, private, 34th Inf., Co. E ; enl. May 18, 1861, two yeare; in 
battles of Ball's Bluff", Yorktown, West Point, Fair Oaks, Seven Pines, 
and Seven Days before Kiclimond ; disch. with regt., June 30, 1803, by 
reason of exp. of term of service. 

Frank H. Holscher, private, 34th Inf., Co. E ; onl. May IS, 1801, two years ; must, 
out June 30, 1863, at exp. of term of service. 

Samuel J. Kimble, private, 34tb Inf., Co. E; enl. May 18, 1861, two years; in 
battles of Ball's Bluff, Harper's Ferry, Winchester, Y'orktown, West Point, 
Fair Oaks, and Seven Days before Richmond ; prisoner at Antietam ; pa- 
roled and exchanged, and in second Frederickslmrg; must, out with regt., 
June 30, 1863 ; re-enl. Aug. 30, 186-1, for one year in 2d Vet. Cav. ; in bat- 
tles of McCloud's Mills, Miss., Blakely, Ala., Mt. Pleasant, Ala., and Bhiff 
Springs, Fla.: disch. Aug. 23, 180o, by G. 0. S3. 

John Lyons, private, 34tb Inf., Co. E; enl. May 18, 1801, two yeai*s. 

Daniel Stryker, private, 34th Inf., Co. E; enl. May 18, 1861, two years; in battles 
of Ball's Bluff, Yorktown, West Point, Fair Oaks, Seven Days before Rich- 
mond, second Bull Run, South Mountain, Antietam, Ashby's Gap, Bolivar 
Heights, and first and second Fredericksburg; must, out with regt. at 
Albany, June 30, 1863. 

James E. Wilson, private, 34th Inf., Co. E; enl. May 18, 1861, two years. 

James M. Aumick, private, 34tli Inf., Co. E; cnl. May IS, 1S61, two years; in 
battles of Fair Oaks and Seven Days before Richmond; wounded at An- 
tietam, Sept 17, 1862, seriously in right thigh; disch. by reason of wound, 
April 14,1863. 

John J. Campbell, private, 34th Inf., Co. E ; enl, June 20, 1801, two years ; disch. 
Sept 18, 1S62, on account of wounds received at White House, Va. 

Lyman Deland, private-, 34th Inf., Co. E; enl. May 18, 1S61, two years; disch. 
Sept. 27, 1862, from wounds received at Fair Oaks. 

Henry Franklin, private, 34th Inf., Co. E ; enl. June 20, 1861, two years ; disch. 
for disability, 3Iar.'h 20, 1863. 

Darius B. Sturdevand, private, 34th Inf., Co. E; enl. June 20, 1861 ; disch. for 
disability, Sept 21, 1862. 

Charles H. Wombough, private, 34th Inf., Co. E; enl. May 18, 1801, two years; 
pro. to State paymaster, June 15, 1861 ; re-enl. in S6th Regt., Aug. 1861 : 
pro. to 1st lieut., Aug. 1861 ; to capt. Co. K, Nov. 1861 ; in battle of sec- 
ond Bull Run; resigned. 

Jacob Seaman, private, 34th Inf, Co. E; enl. May IS, ISOl, two years; died at 
Towanda, Pa., Aug. IS, 1801, of typhoid fever. 

Elias Rider, private, 34th Inf., Co. E; cnl. June 20, 1861, two years; died at Har- 
rison's Landing, Va., July 2, 1862, of fever. 

Charle.'i 0. Perkins, private, 34th Inf., Co. E; enl. May 18, ISOl, two years; died 
at New Y'ork City, Oct. 20, 1802, of fever. 

Stephen Taft, private, 34th Inf., Co. E, two year.-i. 

John Robbins, private, 34th Inf., Co. E, two years; died at Falmouth, Va., Feb. 
6, 1803, of lung-fever. 

Myron S. Miller, private, 34tb Inf.. Co. E, Iwo >ears; died at Falmouth, Va., Feb. 
1, 1S63, of coiisuniiUion. 



Daniel R. Gordon, private, 34th Inf., Co. B, two years; killed at White Oak 

Swamp, Va., June 30, 1802. 
Leonard H. Uenedict, private, :{4th Inf., Co. E, two years. 
David A. Lyon, 23d Inf., Co. K; enl. May 10, 1801, two years; disch. May S, 

1S62, for disability. 
Richard Lyon, 23d Inf., Co. K ; enl. May, 1861, two years. 
Edmund Crocker, private, 23d Inf., Co. K; enl. May 16, 1861, two years; disch. 

from 23d Regt, Oct. 2, 1862, on account of disability ; re-enl. in 2d N. Y. 

Vet. Cav., July 25, 1803, for three yeara ; in battles of Henderson's Hill, 

La., Pleasant Ilill, La., McCloud's Mills, Miss., and Blakely, Ala. ; disch. 

Nnv. 8, 1805, by G. O. from War Department. 
George Parker, 23d Inf., Co. K ; enl. Blay, 1861, two years. 
Daniel B. Hurlburt, private, 23d Inf., Co. K; enl. May 16,1861. two years; 

disch. from 23d Inf., and re-enl, in 2d Vet. Cav., Sept. 3, 1804, for one year. 
William S.Chase, private, .34th Inf., Co. E; onl. May 18,1861, two years; disch. 

from 34th Inf., in fall of 1861, on account of disability ; re-enl. July 17, 

1863, in 64th N. Y. Vols., for three years; in battles of the Wildeiiiess, 

Spottsylvania, Cold Harbor, before Petersburg, and at Lee's surrender; 

disch. July 27, 1865. 
James Staplcton, 8th H. Art.; enl. Jan. 4, 1864, three years. 
Harrison Crane, Ist Inf., Co. G ; enl. Dec. 31, 1861, for sixteen monlhs; pro. to 

Corp.; in battles of Seven Days before Richmond, second Bull Run, Chan- 

tilly, first Fredericksburg, and Chancellorsville ; disch. with regt., May 

25, 1863. 
James M. Andrus, 1st Inf., Co. G; enl. Dec. 21, 1861 ; re-enl. for three years in 

2d Yet. Cav. 
Jeremiah Deland, 1st Inf, Co. G ; enl. Dec. 31, 1861. 
Alonzo Curtis, private, 1st Inf. ; enl. Dec. 19, 1801, for unexpired term of regt; 

pro. to sergt; in battles of Seven Days before Richmond ; tiiken prisoner 

at second Bull Run; exchanged and returned to regt., and took part in the 

battle of Chancellorsville ; disch. with regt.. May 31, 1863. 
Samuel Stone, private, 3d Int; enl. May 10, 1861, three years. 
David Stephens. 1st Inf.; enl. Dec. 19,1861. 
Elmer Van Tuyl, capt., Ist Inf. 
William Baker, 1st Inf. 
George Ilulchinson, 1st Inf. 
William Orr, 1st Inf.; enl. Dec. 19, 1801. 
Cyrus B. Morse, 141st Regt, Co. G. 

Daniel N. Aldrich, capt., 141st Regt, Co. G, three years; died of fever. 
John W. Hamninnd, 141st Regt., Co. G. 
John W. Diniiiny, maj., 141st Regt, Co. G; must Sept. 13, 1862; April 4,1863, 

must in as colonel Hist N. Y. Vols., at Washington, by Capt. De Rnsey ; 

must out at Washington, June 7, 1863, on account of disease uf-the eyes ; 

in battle of Suffolk, Va. 
Edgar R. Barr, private, 141st Regt., Co. G. 
Clmrlfis Keyster, 1st sergt, 141st Rogt, Co. G ; taken prisoner at Peach-Tree 

Creek ; never since been heard from. 
Andrus G. Grant, private, 141st Regt, Co. G; pro. to sergt; died from wounds 

received at Peach-Tree Creek, July 20, 1864. 
Mason J. Gibson, private, 3d Inf. ; enl. May 10, 1861 ; in battle of Suffolk, Va. ; 

disch. May 30, 1803; re-enl. in 2d Vet. Cav. 
John Fnisier, private, 1st Inf., Co. G ; enl. Jan. 6, 1802. 
Lyman Elwood, private, Ist Inf.; disch. on account of disability. 
A. Curtis Uri, private, 2d Vet. Cav., Co. G; eul. Aug. 29, 1864, one year. 
Kinney Mellville, private, 2d Vet Cav., Co. G ; enl. Aug. 29, 1864, one year; 

disch. Aug. 23, 1865, by reason of Gen. Ord. No. 83, War Dept ; in battle 

of Blakely, Ala., April 1, 1865. 
Albert Wm. Lawton, i)rivate, 2d Vet. Cav., Co. G ; enl. Sept. 7, 1863, three years ; 

disch. Sept. 1, 1865, by reason of G. 0. No. 77, A. G. 0., 1805. 
William D. Kimble, private, 2d Vet Cav., Co. G ; enl. Sept 7, 1804, one year; in 

battle of Blakely, Ala. ; diseb. Aug. 23, 1805, by G. 0. No. 83, War Dept. 
Charles Knajip, private, 2d Vet. Cav., Co. G ; enl. Aug. 29, 1864, one year; died 

in service. 
George Van Gorder, private, Co. G. 
Ezra Dewitt Bostwick, private, Co. G. 
John W. Legrange, private, lltli IT. Art. 
Hamilton White, private, Uth H. Art 
Chauncey A. Lynch, private, 11th H. Art, Co. G. 
George Beers, 2d Vet. Cav., Co. G ; enl. July 20, 1863, three years. 
George W. Hutchinson, private, 1st Inf.; ro-enl. in 2d Vet. Cav. 
Sylvester Lynch, 1st Inf., Co. G ; died in hospitvl. 

John Peck, private, 2d Vet, Cav., Co. G; enl. July 19, 1863, three years; in bat- 
tles of P!ea.sant Hill, La., Cane River, La., Blakely, Ala., Gravely Hill, 

Ala., and skirmishos;in and around Morgan/.ia; must out with regt, Nov. 

8, 1805, by G. 0. 
Virgil Redner, private, 2d Vet. Cav., Co. G ; enl. Aug. 30, 1864, one year. 
William Wilcox, 1st Inf. ; re-enl. in 2d Vet Cav. 

Madison Wilcox, 2d Vet. Cav.; died in hospital at Alexandria, Va., May, 1864. 
Bennett Mereo, private, 20th Ind. Bat.; enl. June, 1863, three years; disch. by 

G. 0., Aug. 6, 1865. 
Edward D. Crane, private, 8Gth Inf.; enl. Aug. 14, 1861, three years; disch. 

March 13, 1863, on account of disability. 
Wm. W. Angle, aipt, S6tli Inf., Co. B; enl. Aug. 1,1861, three years; in battles 

of second Bull Run and first Fredericksburg; mortally wounded at the 

battle of Chancellorsville and taken to the Chancellorsville Hospital, 

and, from the best information, was burned, iui his body was never 

recovered. 



I 



I 



TOWN OF ADDISON. 



149 



Cliarlea U. Wombougb, Ist lieut., 86th Inf., Co. K; <.-nI. Aug. 31, 186T, three 
years; pro. to capt. Co. K. 

Cliarlc-s Wm. Gil!et(, private, 8Gth Inf., Co. IJ; enl Au^. 14, isr.l, three years; 
pro. to 1st lif'ut., Aug. 27, 1861 ; to adjt.. Nuv. IHill ; lu hattU-s of second 
Bull Run and first Fredericksburg; diach. hy coniniaiid of Maj.-Gcn, 
Halleck, on account of disability, in compliance with Special Order No. 
153, Adjt.-Cen 's Office, Wash., April a, 180:i. 

Hiram J. Blanchard, private; enl. April •^6,1801, in '2d N.J. Inf., three months' 
service; diach. Aug. 1, 1861, with regt.; re-enl. Aug. 14, 18G1, 86th Inf., 
Co. B; pro. to 2d lieut., to 1st lieut., and to c:ipt.; in battles of second 
Bull Run, Anticlam, Manaasaa Junction, Fretlericksburg, Chancellors- 
ville, Beverly Ford, and Brandy Station ; wounded at Gettysburg (lost 
two fingers on right hand), July 2,186:1; di.sch. Oct 20, 18G3,by reason of 
wound. 

Egbert L. Crane, private, 8Gth Inf., Co. B; enl. Aug. 14, 18GI, three years; pro. 
to orderiy eergt, Oct. 1, 1861 ; to lat lieut., Nov. 22, 1861 ; in battles of 
second Bull Run and firat Fredericksburg ; diach. on surg. certif. of dis., 
March 22, 1863, by command of Maj.-Geii. Berry, 3d Army Corps. 

James Brundage, private, 86th Inf., Co. B; died in hospital. 

Jeri'y Clark, i)rivate, 8Cth Inf., Co. B; died at Addison. 

Jesse Campbell, private, HGth Inf, Co. B; enl. Aug. 1861. 

Wm. A. CanipliLdl, privab?, 86th Inf., Co. B; enl Aug. 18G1, three years; served 
time out and re-enl. in same regt. 

George Crandall, private, 86th Inf., Co. B. 

George Davis, private, 8Gth Inf., Co. B. 

Francis Davis, private, 86th Inf., Co. B. 

Leunard Webster, private, 8Gth Inf., Co. B. 

Marcus Williams, private, 86th Inf., Co. B; enl. Aug. 14, 1861, three years; in 
battle of second Bull Run ; disch. Dec. 30, 1862 ; re-enl. in 11th II. Art, 
June 6,1863; in battles of Cold Harbor, Petersburg, Reams' Station, 
Hatcher's Run, Deep Bottom, and several others ; disch. by G. O., Oct. 6, 
1863. 

A. Charles Sturdevant, 86th Inf., Co. B. 

Henry Pierce, private, S6th Inf., Co. B: enl. I>ec. 24, 1S63, three years. 

diaries B. Davis, 86th Inf., Co. B. 

Estus C. Mandeville, private, 86th Inf., Co. K ; enl. Aug. 20, ISGI, three years ; 
in battles of second Bull Run, Chancellorsville, and Gettysburg; re-enl. 
March 4, 1864, at Brandy Station, for three years; after r(*-enlistment was 
in battles of Spottsylvania C.-II., Cold Ifarbor, beltire Petersburg, and at 
Gen. Lee's surrender; disch. July 4, 18G5. 

Robert A. Fox, private, 86th Inf., Co. K; enl. Aug. 17, 1861, three years; disch. 
Jan. 1,1864, and re-enl. in same regt, Jan. 1, 1864, in the field; must, out 
July 4, 1865, with regt. 

Wm. A. Belcher, private, 86th Inf., Co. K. 

Darius Sturdevant, drummer, 8Gth Inf., Co. K. 

Foster P. Wood, private, 8Gth Inf., Co. I; enl. Oct. 17, 1861, three years; pro. to 
2d lieut., Nov. 22, 1861 ; to Ist lieut., July 1, 18G3 ; to capt., Feb. 14, 1864; 
in battles of second Bull Run, Fredericksburg, Beverly Ford, Gettysburg, 
Wapping Heights, Kelly's Ford, Locust Grove, Mine Run, two days in 
the Wilderness, charge at Po River and at Spottsylvania C.-H, Anderson 
House, charge at North Anna River, Cold Harbor, and took part in all 
fights and skirmishe-s before Petersburg from June IG to Nov. 17, 1864; 
disch. Nov. 17, 1864, by reason of exp. of term uf service. 

Jacob Horning, private, 141st Regt., Co. G; enl. Aug. 21,1862, three years; par- 
ticipated in battle of Nashville, Tenu. ; wounded in right leg by a mus- 
ket-ball ; disch. at No. 1 Hospital, Nashville, Tenn., April 19, 1865, by 
reason of G. 0. 

James Kent, substitute for Orrin Austin, of Campbell, Steuben Co., N. Y. 

Warren Luddington, substitute. 

Samuel Lewis. 

Albert F. Lynch, sub., I07th Inf.; died in service. 

James Jackson, private, IGth Ind. Bat.; enl. Aug. 27, 18G4,one year; disch. 
July, 1865, by reason of G. O. 

Peter Gray, private, 2d Vet. Car.; enl. Aug. 29, 18G4, one year; died at Hor- 
gaiizia. La., Feb. 14, 1865, of fever and chronic diarrho-a. 

Parke B. Crandall, private, 2d Vet. Cav. ; enl. Aug. 29, 1864, one year. 

Adam Johnson (col'd), private. 

Abram Aumick, private, 8Gth Inf.; enl. Nov. 3U, 1861. 

Wm. S. Crans, private, 10th N. Y. Cav.; enl. Nov. 21, 1863, three years; died 
July 24, 1865, in hospital at Alexandria, Va. 

Valentine Parcells, private, 107th N. Y. Regt.; enl. Dec. 10, 18G:i, three years. 

Edward Dickinson, private, 107th N. Y. Regt.; enl. Dec. 7, 1863, three years; 
died in service. 

Stephen W. Ames, private, 107th N. Y. Regt.; enl. Dec. 10, 1^63, three years. 

Robert Baxter, private, 2d Vet. Cav. ; enl. Dec. 22, 1863, three years. 

Edward F. Bates, med. cadet; pro. to asst. surg. and to surg.; appuintcd mem- 
ber U. S. Examining Board ; died at Washington, March 8, 18G4. 

John L. Morse, 5th Cav.; enl. Aug. 1862; died at Andersunvilh* prison, Sept. 
1864. 

John R. Miller, John L. Morrison, Calvin Resur, Franklin It. Strait, Thct^ilore 
G. Smith. 

Edward Shaw, enl. 1804. 

Hibbard Hamilton, John Hamilton. 

Abram Stolliker, 86th Inf.; re-enl. as veteran, Oct. I8G3. 

Wm. Hamilton, Charles McCluster, Henry Myers, Charles Oolund, 

Hamiltiin White, private, 11th H. Art. 

John W. Legrauge, private, 11th H. Art. 



Chauncey A. Lynch, private, 11th H. Art. 

Levi Sturdevant, drummer, 86th Inf. 

Charies M. Frazier, private, 105th IVnnsylvania Inf., Co. D; enl. Feb. 23, 1RG2, 
three years; in battles of Fair Oaks, Yorktown, Williamsburg, Charles 
City Cross-Roads, Seven Days before Jlichniond, second Bull Run, — at 
Gettysburg was wounded in left hand, — the Wilderness, and before 
Petersburg; disch. March 18, 1865, at exp. of term of service. 

John Mead^, private, 8Gth Inf.; enl. Aug. 18GI ; in battles of second Bull Run, 
second Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Wai)ping Heights, 
Orange Grove, and Culpepper C.-H. ; re-enl. as veteran, Dec. 20, 1863 ; en- 
gaged in battles of the Wilderness, Petersburg, and at Lee's surrender; 
wounded Oct. 20, 18G4, in rigiit arm by musket-shot, on skirmisli line 
near Petersburg. 

Henry Williams, 86th Inf.; rc-erd. as veteran, Dec. 1863. 

Samuel Dickinson, 86th Inf.; re-enl. as veteran, Dec. 1863. 

James Smith, S6th Inf.; re-enl. as veteran, Dec. 20, 1863. 

Perry Washburn, 86th Inf.; re-enl. as veteran, Dec. 20, 1863. 

Gilbert Ackley, 8GIh Inf. ; re-enl. as veteran, Dec. 20, 1863. 

Charies A. Butler, &Gth Inf. ; re-enl. as veteran, Dec. 20, 1863. 

Egbert Bullock, HOth Inf. ; re-enl. as veteran, Dec. 20, 1803. 

Horace E. Bullock, 8Glh Inf; re-otil. Oct. 18G3, at Brandy Station, Va. 

George Bellinger, private, 8th II. Art. ; enl. Jan. 4, 1864, three years ; in battles 
of Spottsylvania C.-H. anil the Wilderness; wounded at Cold Harbor in 
left foot by «• Minie-ball ; disch. May 3o, 1864, on account of disability. 

George Larowe (col'd), private, 31st U. S. Colored Troops, Co. E; enl. Dec. 7, 
1863, three years; died from wound at Petersburg, Aug. 18, 1864. 

John Carnigee, died in hospital at Indianapolis, Ind. 

Alonzo D. Hill, 97th Inf.; drafted July 15. 1SG3, three years; in battles of the 
Wilderness; wounded in the head at the battle of .Spottsylvania C.-H., 
May 8, 1864; died from effect of wound. May 18, 18C4. 

Charles Wight. 

Humphrey Watkins fcol'd), private. 

Thomas Wells, private, 14th Inf., three years; substitute for Albert G. Crane. 

Levi Van Lise, priv. ; enl. Jan. 15, 1865, three years; sub. for Andrew Barrow. 

Patrick Loyd, private; enl. Nov. 18, 1HG4 ; substitute for Rollin R. Smith. 

Henry Burdick, priv.; enl. July 22, 1863, three years; sub. for W.J. Van Oiman. 

Joseph W. Bridgeford, private; enl. Aug. 29, 1863, three years; substitute for 
Llewellyn Jennings. 

Charles Esemvine, priviite; enl. Aug. 24, 1863, three years; sub. for Jas. Caple. 

Willard D. Rouse, private; enl. July 23, 18G:j, three years; sub. for J.C. Liken. 

Moses Shaw, private; enl. Aug. 24, 1863, three years; sub. for Levi Merrill. 

John Brady, priviitc; enl. Nov. 10, 18G4; Bubstitnte for Isaac Raskam. 

Arthur McGoff, private; enl. Nov. 11, 18G1; sub. for Albert A. McGaflfey. 

Joseph Corbishly, private, 15th U. S. Inf.; enl. Dec. 18G4; sub. forOi-vill Odell. 

Alonzo 0. Campbell, private; enl. Feb. 23, 1865, three years; sub. for Hiram 
Eldridge. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



HON. JAMES II. MILES 

was born in Bainbridge, Chenango Co., N. Y., July 3, 1807. 
His father, Isaac Miles, was a native of Connecticut, born 
July 11, 1763 ; married Martha Davis, also a native of that 
State, who lived tu the advanced age of eighty years, and 
died in 1861. 

Isaac Miles was a blacksmith by trade ; first moved to 
Chenango County, where he lived many years, and in the 
year 1819 settled in Addison, Steuben Co., where he lived 
the remainder of his life, and died in the town of Rathbone, 
in 1855. 
(^Their children were Mrs. Maj. L. A. Jones, Mrs. Rol-/ 

land Saunders, Patty (died youngj, Mrs. Nichols, 

Isaac, of Allegany County, James II., Samuel, of Schuyler 
County, John, of Rathbone. The daughters are all dead. 

The opportunities for education from books afforded 
the.se children were very limited ; but in this, as in many 
other cases in the early settlement of the country, privation, 
necessary economy, and resolution laid the foundation for a 
practical business education that often financially outstrips 
the results of any book-knowledge. 

Capt. Miles was only twelve years of age when the 
family came to Addison. At the age of twenty-two he 



150 



HISTOKY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



married Evelina B. (born March 20, 1808), daughter of 
Samuel Baker, who was one of the pioneers of the town 
of Howard. 

In early life he began lumbering, and then, without 
means, with three other young men, built a saw-mill in 
Rathbone (then Addison). For some forty years he followed 
this business quite successfully, shipping his lumber by 
means of rafts down the Canisteo, Chemung, and Sus(jue- 
banna Rivers to Port Deposit and Havre de Grace. For 
a few years in the latter part of his lif ; he has been con- 
nected with the tanning business. 

With marked patriotism and loyalty, July, 1SG2, he 
raised a company, of which he was made captain, and 




with the 107th New York Volunteers went to the front. 
After the battle of Antietam, — in which his company was 
engaged, — on account of failing health, he left the army at 
Hope's Landing, and came to Elmira, where he was made 
commissioner of the board of enrollment, which position he 
occupied for about one year and a half, and resigned his 
place. 

Capt. Miles was formerly a member of the Whig party, 
and has been active in the Republican ranks. For several 
terms he has been chosen supervisor of the towns of Cam- 
eron and Addison, as his residence has been in one of those 
towns, and in the year 1851 he represented Steuben County 
in the State Legislature, and served on the committee on 
Charitable and Religious Societies. He and his wife have 
been members of the Methodist Episcopal Church since 
1830, and he has assisted in the establishment and build- 
ing of nearly all the church edifices in and about Addison 
and Cameron. As a member of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church he has for many years officiated as steward 

Capt. Miles remembei's Addison when there were only 



some four houses in the settlement, and is now able to 
look back and', as he sees its growth to a thriving village 
of some two thousand inhabitants, to say, " All of this I 
saw and part of this I was." 



MAJOR RUFUS BALDWIN. 

The family of Baldwin is descended from Benjamin 
Baldwin, who emigrated from Buckingham Co., England, 
in the year 1G36, and settled in New London, Conn. His 
grandson, Isaac Baldwin, Sr., removed with his family from 
Norwich, Conn., to Wyoming Valley, Pa., where they re- 
mained but a few years in consequence of the Pennamite 
and Indian wars. They removed to the vicinity of Ulster, 
and subsequently, in the year 1787, farther up the Chemung 
River to what is now the town of Chemung, then a part of 
Tioga Co., N. Y. He was born in Norwich, Conn., June 
12, 1730. Was married to Patience Rathbun, November, 
1751. They had eleven children, of whom llufus, the 
father of the subject of this narrative, was eldest, born 
March 8, 1753. 

Of these children, Adah Baldwin, fifth child, born Oct. 
31, 1762, was the last survivor of the Baldwin family that 
settled in Chemung in 1787. She was taken prisoner in 
the massacre of Wyoming, in 1778, at the age of sixteen ; w^as 
painted, shaved, and sent barefoot over the mountains and 
through the swamps to the Delaware, at Easton. llufus Bald- 
win, Jr., was born in Canterbury, New Lcjndon Co., Conn., 
1795. lli.s niiiuirity was spent at home. In 1812 he was 
connected with the Light Guards, and soon thereafter gained 
the rank of major. About the year 1821 he came to Tioga, 
Pa., wIkio he remained one year, and went to the town of 
Lawrence, Tioga Co., Pa., and purchased some eleven hun- 
dred acres of timber land on the Cowanesque River, where 
he built a saw-mill, and began lumbering. He remained there 
about thirteen years, and during this time, in the year 1825, 
was married to Pamelia, daughter of William Wombough, 
who was a pioneer settler in the vicinity of Addison. 

In the fall of 1834, having disposed of his property in 
Pennsylvania, he settled about one mile east of the village 
of Addison, where he purchased some six hundred acres of 
farming and timber land of his father-in-law. Until 1851 
he was engaged in improving his property, and in general 
agriculture, at which time he disposed of his farm, moved 
into the village of Addison, and retired from the more 
active duties of life. 

He was one of the prime movers in the founding and 
erection of the Addison Academy, built in 1848. Through 
his eflForts the first sash- and blind-factory was established 
at Addison. He was one of the projectors and stockholders 
of the plank-road from Addison to Elkland. Maj. Baldwin 
was a vigorous, active member of the Democratic party, and 
was chosen to several important places of trust by the citi- 
zens of Addison. He was a plain, unassuming man, in- 
terested in every enterprise tending to improve and build 
up society ; a genial and sociable man, and possessed of 
strict integrity in all his business relations. He died in 
1853. His wife died in 18(J7, at the age of sixty-five. 

Their children arc Mrs. Rufus N. Weatherby ; William 



TOWN OP ADDISON. 



151 



W. (died in 1852, at the age of twenty-five), a lawyer; 
Walter H. (died at the age of twenty-five, in the year 1854), 
lumberman ; Henry (admitted to the bar in 1853, supervisor 
of the town of Addison, 1859-61. Raised a company in 
1861, and as captain joined the 3-4th N. Y. Vols. Was with 
his company and regiment through the first campaign of 
the Shenandoah Valley, at Yorktown, West Point, Fair 



Oaks, and Seven Pines, the seven days' retreat of McClellan 
to the Potomac, Antietam, and Fredericksburg. In 1867 
he was brevetted major, and in 1868, colonel. His business 
is farming and lumbering) ; James, a banker at Addison ; 
Kufus, Jr. (died young); Pamelia (deceased), wife of Hon. 
Byron G. Stout, of Pontiac, Mich. ; and R. Haskell Baldwin, 
died young. 




JOEL D. GILLET 

was born in Colchester, Conn., August 27, 1809. Tiie 
Gillet family were among the early settlers of that place. 
His father, Solomon Gillet, was also a native of Colchester; 
was a farmer by occupation; married Martha Doolittle, of 
Russell, Mass., sister of Mark Doolittle, member of Con- 
gress, and also sister of Judge Joel Doolittle, of Middle- 
bury, Vt. 

Their children were Solomon L., of Elmira, N. Y. ; Mrs. 
Martin G. Clapp (deceased), of Watertown, N. Y. ; Joel 
D. Gillet, of Addison, N. Y. ; Russell, who resides on the 
homestead, in Colchester, Conn. ; Mrs. John 0. Loomis, of 
Coventry, Conn.; Aaron G., of Langdon, Minn.; Charles 
E., of Oakland, Cal. 

The father died March, 1856, at the age of eighty-three ; 
the mother died 1S71, aged ninety-three. 

Mr. Joel D. Gillet spent his minority on the farm and 
at school, except that he was engaged several terms as a 
teacher of comnion schools. Upon reaching his majority 
he took charge of his father's farm, which he carried on 



until October, 1835, when he came to Addison, in the 
Canisteo Valley, to take charge, as a partner, of a general 
merchandise store established by his brother Solomon, of 
Elmira. 

Previous to his removal, April, 1835, he was married to 
Lucy Jane (born 1818), youngest daughter of David Pat- 
ten, of Salem, Conn. Of this union were born three child- 
ren, — Mrs. David B. Winton, of Addison ; Emma M. 
(died at the age of twelve, in the year 1851) ; and Charles 
W., present postmaster of Addison. 

For three years Mr. Gillet remained a partner with his 
brother after coming to Addison, and in the year 1838 
purchased his brother's interest in the store, and carried it 
on alone for some twelve years, when, on account of failing 
health, he disposed of his mercantile interest. 

In the year 1851 he began purchasing timber land in the 
State of Wisconsin. While as a merchant he was also 
engaged in the manufacture, purchase, and sale of lumber 
in Addison, and subsctiuently carried on the same business 
quite extensively across the line, in Pennsylvania. 



152 



HISTOKY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Mr. Gillet continued his purchases West until, at the 
present time, he is the possessor of several thousand acres 
of land. In the year 18G9 he began cutting timber on his 
land there, and either marketing or manufacturing into 
lumber, at the city of Cshkosh or Warsaw. His business 
operations in lumber have so increased that for several years 
past they reach several millions of feet annually. 

He was, in his early life, a Clay Whig, and upon the 
formation of the Republican party became a supporter of 
its principles. Never solicitous of any official publicity, 
and never seeking emolument of office, he has preferred the 
independence and quiet of a business life. 

Mr. Gillet has been identified with the growth of the 
village of Addison since its population numbered about two 
hundred and fifty inhabitants, with a few scattering resi- 
dences. Since his residence here he has been connected 
with the schools of the town for several years as school 
commissioner. 

The Presbyterian Church had been organized some three 



years previous to his settling at Addison, then consisting 
of thirteen members. In the spring after coming here he • 
was elected an elder of the church, which office he has held 
now for some forty-two years, and still holds acceptably to 
the church. He was one of the prime movers in the con- 
struction of the Presbyterian Church edifice of Addison, 
and liberally contributed for the same, and is always inter- 
ested in the progress of church and kindred interests. 

Mr. Gillet was one of the originators of the Addison 
Academy, and for several years president of the board of 
trustees and one of the principal managers of the school. 

He was one of the original stockholders of the Addison 
and Elkland Plank-Road, built under charter dated 1850, 
and was connected with its management during its entire 
existence, — which closed September, 1 878, — either as pres- 
ident or treasurer. 

In the year 1845 his wife died, and in June, 1846, he 
married his present wife, Catherine S., youngest daughter 
of Rev. William B. Stowe, a Presbyterian clergyman. 




"^^^-^^ ^^ 



^ Jl^^/i£^'^^ 



DR. BRADLEY BLAKSLEE 
was born in Brattleboro', Windham Co., Vt., Oct. 16, 1794. 
His father, David Blakslee, was a native of New Haven, as 
was also his grandfather, James Blakslee. The latter was 
a captain in the Revolutionary war ; was in the battle of 
Bennington; his occupation was farming; moved to Brattle- 
boro' during war time, where he died, being frozen to death 
while crossing the Green Mountains to get money to pay off 
his soldiers. 

The former was married in Vermont, to Julia lledfield, 
and after living successively in Broome, Cayuga, and Ot- 



sego Counties, settled at Addison, Steuben Co., in 1840, 
where he died. Doc. 6, 1851, aged eighty-six. His wife 
died in 1859, at the age of ninety. Of their seven children. 
Dr. Bradley Blakslee is the only surviving one ; was second 
son ; received his early education at Aurelius, Cayuga Co., 
N. Y. At the age of twenty-four he began the study of 
medicine with Dr. Root, of Otego, Otsego Co., where he 
remained two years, and until the death of Dr. Root. He 
then spent oue year as a student of Dr. Whitmarsh, of 
Delhi, N. Y., and after an examination by the board of 
censors of that place, he was passed as an M.D., and opened 



I 



TOWN OF ADDISON. 



153 



practice in Otego, N. Y., where he remained about twenty 
years, during which time he purchased a farm, whicli he 
carried on ; and also, during his residence in Otego, in the 
year 1823, he married Phebe Blakslee, his cousin, a native 
also of Brattleboro', born Dec. 5, 1794: 

In the year 1840 Dr. Blakslee came to Addison, en- 
gaged in the mercantile business, and also in lumbering. 
He built the firet steam saw-mill erected in the Canisteo 
Valley, and during the following twenty-five years was en- 
gaged more or less in the manufiicture of lumber, and raft- 
ing down the Canisteo, Chemung, and Susquehanna Rivers, 
to southern ports. Dr. Blakslee has given little attention 
to the practice of his profession, only as necessity required, 
during his residence in Addison. A Democrat from his 



youth, he has been honored by the citizens of Addison in 
official capacity for two terms as justice of the peace, 
and some thirty-one years as assessor. He is one of 
the old landmarks, and can look back to the pioneer his- 
tory of this part of New York, and see the now thriving 
villages and cities in place of a few houses or perhaps a 
wilderness tract, and reflect with interest upon the progress 
of schools, churches, and kindred interests as they have 
kept pace with advancing civilization and the growth of 
the country. 

Dr. Blakslee is, in all probability, the oldest member 
of the Masonic fraternity in the county, and possibly in 
the State, having been a Master Masson since he wa.s twenty- 
one, and a Royal Arch Mason for sixty-three years. 



-filfh^ 





DR. REUBEN P. BROWN 
(vas born in Bradford Co , Pa., April 1, 1818. His father, 
Adin Brown, was a native of Colerain, Mass. ; was married 
;o Lydia Parmenter, a lady of Scotch descent. He was a 
Parmer by occupation, and iu early life removed to Sprin"- 
Seld, Bradford Co., Pa., then an almost unbroken wilder- 
ness, penetrating the forest from Tioga Point, being guided 
snly by marked trees. He was killed accidentally by being 
ihrown from his carriage down an embankment, as he was 
returning from church, in the year 1862. His age was 
seventy-eight. His wife died suddenly of heart-disease, 
iged sixty-nine. Their children, as follow,,, all reached 
maturity before there was a death in ihe family : Mrs. Eben 
20 



F. Parkhurst, Pennsylvania ; Darius (deceased) ; David, of 
Cayuga Bridge ; ]\Irs. I. W. Fassett (deceased), of Wells- 
ville, N. Y. ; Dr. R. P. Brown, of Addison, N. Y. ; Mrs. 
Orr Wilson (deceased), Pennsylvania; Mrs. Marion Wil- 
cox (decea.sed), Pennsylvania ; Dr. Elihu Brown, of Min- 
nesota; Frank, of Wells, Pa.; Rev. Henry C. Brown 
(deceased), Pennsylvania. At the age of fourteen Dr. 
Brown began the study of medicine with Dr. Theodore 
Wilder, of Pennsylvania, with whom he remained two years, 
followed with one year's study with Dr. Dexter Parkhurst. 
After a practice of one year in Austinville, Pa., he attended 
one course of lectures at Geneva Medical College, and re- 
turned to Austinville and resumed practice, which he con- 



154 



HISTOKY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



tinued fur eiy;ht years, and attended another course of lec- 
tures at Geneva, where he was graduated M.D. in the year 
1848. The same year he .settled in Addison, where he at 
once met the strong competition of older and more experi- 
enced medical men. 

His perseverance, resolution, and .skill in his professional 
duties soon won for him a place in the front rank, where 
he has continued to stand until the present time. His 
skill as a surgeon has given him an enviable reputation, 
not only in his own village but in the surrounding towns, 
his practice extending through the southern tier of towns 
of the county, as well as to Chemung County, and across 
the line into the State of Pennsylvania. 

Dr. Brown is a member of the Steuben Coonty Medical 
Society, of the Hornellsville Academy of Medicine, and of 
the New York Medico-Legal Society. 



It may be stated as a historical fact that Dr. Brown was 
tlie first surgeon who amputated a limb at Addison. 

He has given little attention to politics, but has ever been 
interested in the great questions of the day, and unswerv- 
ingly identified with the Democratic party. 

In the year 1842 he married Sarah Maria, daughter of 
William Evans, of Bradford Co., Pa. ■ Their children living 
are Mrs. Arthur Erwin and Dr. Rush P. Brown, of Addi- 
son. The latter received his preliminary education at Dans- 
ville, Ijivingston Co., Alfred University, Allegany County, 
and Fallcy Seminary, Fulton, N. Y. At the age of twenty 
he began the study of medicine with his father, and after 
attending lectures at Bellevue Medical College and New 
York University, was graduated M.D. from the latter in- 
stitution at the age of twenty-four, in the year 1873. He 
enjoys, an extensive practice both in medicine and surgery. 



#-•- 



A V O C A. 



GENERAL DESCRIPTION. 

AvoCA was erected from the towns of Bath, Cohocton, 
Howard, and Wheeler, April 12, 1843. It is an interior 
town, lying in the rich valley of the Conhocton River and 
upon the adjoining nplands, the valley being about a mile 
and a quarter in widtii, and of a rich alluvial deposit. The 
Conhocton flows tlirougli the town from northwest to south- 
east. Ten- and Twelve-Mile Creeks entering as tributaries 
from the north, and Neil's Creek from the west. The hills 
rise in some places abruptly, but generally by a gradual a.s- 
cent to a height of four hundred feet above the river. The 
soil upon the hills is chiefly gravel and clay, with a mixture 
of loam, and is good, productive farming land, largely cleared 
and in a good state of cultivation. For its size it is one of 
the most productive and flourishing towns in the county. 

EARLY SETTLEMENT. 

In an early day the territory embraced in the town of 
Avoca was a favorite hunting-ground of the numerous and 
warlike Seneca Indians. It was an unbroken wilderness, 
the home of the red man, the deer, the panther, the bear, 
and other wild animals. Civilization had not put its trans- 
forming hand upon it, and it was in its primeval condition, 
wild and romantic. The sound of the axeman or the hum 
of industry had not aroused the denizens of the forest from 
their wonted security, and the Indian only had roamed over 
its wooded hills and beautiful valley in excursions of pleasure 
or in the pursuit of game. 

The first white settlers within the bounds of this town 
were William Buchanan and his son Michael, in 1794.* 

*Some local authorities put the date at 1790. We think this an 
error. Mr. Buchanan was sent to the "Eight-Mile Tree" by Cul. 
AVilliamson to keep a house of entertainment in the interest of the 
settlement of that section, anil Col. Wiliiiimsou iliil not settle at Bath 
till 1793. 



Mr. Buchanan settled on the farm now known as the Levi 
Ky.sor Farm. The life of the father has in it some inter- 
esting incidents. When a lad of between seven and eight 
years he lived with his parents in the beautiful Wyoming 
Valley, and while thus living the inhabitants of that lovely 
valley suffered all the horrors of Indian warfare. Among 
the survivors was the young lad, William Buchanan, who 
was taken prisoner. His captors traveled westward until 
they arrived in the extreme western part of Pennsylvania 
or in Ohio. He was adopted by the chief of the tribe, and 
was treated kindly by his foster-father. The mother, how- 
ever, disliking the fondness of the chief for the little pale- 
face, contrived to send him away, with provisions to last 
him on the journey, to' the white settlements on the Susque- 
hanna, whither in due time he arrived safely. He had 
been with the Indians seven years, and had learned to speak 
their language much better than his mother-tongue. 

At about the age of twenty he was engaged to go on 
board a ship, after which he went to England, Wales, and 
several other countries, and finally came back to the United 
States. While anchored about three miles from land, it 
being night watch, his desire became so strong to become 
free, and a landsman again, that he forsook his post, plunged 
into the sea. and swam for the shore, which he finally reached 
in an exhausted condition. After leaving a seafaring life 
he found his way into one of the eastern counties of this 
State, whence he removed, with his family, to Avoca, and 
there spent his remaining days. 

Such was the beginning of the life of the first settler of 
this town. Soon after his arrival he erected his log house, 
and made it the home of the traveler, or of those who were 
seeking homes in this new country. There were no inns or 
taverns in all this section, and the only highway was the 
VVilliam.soii road through the Conhocton Valley to the 






i?^^^i#-<it^ 



v^-^ J" A 



-t:*'^=z; 



&-Z.<- ^-Z--L 




Residence of THOMAS COTTON, Avoca, Steuben Co N Y 



TOWN OFAVOCA. 



155 



Senesee River. He was sent here as the agent of the 
land-office, and his large-hearted hospitality was proverbial 
imong the early settlers. 

The year following his arrival he planted an orchard, 
which now shows the ravages of time, and like the early 
settlers is passing away. The orchard which William and 
Michael Buchanan set out on the Buchanan farm is now 
sighty-eight years old, and some of the trees therein are 
worthy of mention, one of which measures nine and a half 
feet in circumference at or near the ground. One branch 
jf this tree, about six feet from the ground, measures seven 
feet, and about ten feet up measures six feet in circum- 
ference. The tree is about forty feet high, and from its 
present appearance may stand another century. In this 
orchard names were given to several of the trees, such as 
•' Grandfather Moody," etc., and other names. 

This place, or the valley, at that time was known as 
Buchanan's or the Eight-Mile Tree. The Eight-Mile Tree 
(so marked by Phelps and Gorham's surveyors) stood a 
little north of the dwelling of Levi Kysor, about a quarter 
of a mile south of the village of Avoca. The section went 
by the name of Buchanan's or the Eight-Mile Tree for a 
number of years, after which some one unknown to the 
writer gave it the euphonious name of Podu.vk. But this 
name lasted only a short time, and when the little hamlet 
began to assume shape as a village it received a now name, 
which the inhabitants take pride in handing down to pos- 
terity. The name AvoCA* was given by Sophia White 
while on her death-bed. Having heard that the little vil- 
lage was about to be christened with a new name, she sent 
a written request to the people to allow her to name the 
plea.sant forest village. 

The first settlers after the Buchanans were James and 
Hugh McWhorter and James and George Moore. The 
McWhorters and one of the Moores became permanent 
settlers, and finally, after a short absence, both of the 
Moores. James McWhorter first settled on the I. J. Has- 
kin farm, erected a small log cabin, and commenced a small 
clearing, but did not remain on tlie farm long, as, before 
1800, Gershora Towner and Finley McClure settled in 
Avoca ; Gershom Towner purchasing the Haskin place and 
Finley McClure the farm now known as the Shaver farm. 
Gershom Towner, soon after his arrival, erected the first 
hotel or inn in what is now the town of Avoca ; it was on 
the Haskin fiirm, and stood on the present site of Mr. 
Haskin's residence. Mr. Towner was noted for his hospi- 
tality, and no traveler was turned away hungry ; whether 
rich or poor, his house was the home of the traveler in this 
then new country. Although he did not have a large, 
commodious hotel, he supplied liberally the nece.ssaries of 
life. The second hotel in the town was erected by Joel 
Collin, in 1808, at or near Wallace Station. It was primi- 
tive in its construction, being built of logs, the only lumber 
then manufiictured in town. Finley McClure cut the road 
through on the west side of the river, from Kanona to his 
place, when he settled there, there having before that time 
been a path or road cut through on the east side leading 
through to Naples, Ontario Co. 



From Thomas Moore's " Sweet Vale of Avooa.' 



Soon after 1801 a tide of emigration set towards Steuben 
County, and between 1801 and 1815 quite a number of 
families and young men settled in this town. The follow- 
ing are the names of those settlers as far as can be ascer- 
tained : Asa Phillips, Abram Towner, James Babcock, 
Richard Van Buskirk, Henry Smith, James Davis, John 
Van Buskirk, William Moody, Daniel McKenzie, Jonathan 
Tilton, John Donahe, Eleazer Tucker, Allen Smith, Samuel 
Burnhani, Oliver Rice. These were, most of them, for- 
merly settlers of Bath, and set ofi' to Avoca. Among 
those settlers taken from Howard who settled between 
1801 and 1815 were Israel Baldwin, William Allen, 
Charles Robords, Timothy Parkhill, Wm. Goff, and 
Henry Kennedy. There were others that might be 
called early settlers who came into this town between 
1810 and 1824: John B. Calkins, Jos. Mathewson, Ger- 
shom Salmon, James Silsbee, John Putnam, Hugh Briggs, 
Van Housen Hopkins, and a number of others unknown 
to the writer. Abram Towner settled on a farm near the 
new mill in 1808, and spent his life there. His oldest son 
came into possession of the homestead, and resided there 
during his long life of seventy-eight years. The son died 
May 8, 1876, and the farm yet remains in the possession 
of one of the descendants. 

John Donahe settled on the creek leading to Howard, on 
what is now known as the Donahe place. Richard and John 
Van Buskirk settled on what is known as the Sam Haskin 
and Allen farm. Eleazer Tucker settled on what is known 
as the Tucker farm, about a mile above Wallace Station, 
where some of his descendants now reside. 

Henry Smith, fither of 0. S. Smith, settled in this town 
in 1814, on a farm about one mile south of Avoca village. 
This farm was known to the early citizens as the Smith 
farm, but is now known as the farm on which William 
Allen resides. 

William Moody took up and settled the lands now occu- 
pied by the village of Avoca. 

While the valley was being settled by earnest and worthy 
citizens the hills and uplands were receiving their sterling 
inhabitants, and in January, 1811, Israel Baldwin settled 
on a farm now owned by his youngest son, Abraham H. 
Baldwin. This farm lies south of and borders on a beau- 
tiful inland lake known as the Smith Pond, taking its name 
from a worthy and noble Scot, who settled on the north 
side of it in 1810. In the month of March, 1810, William 
Allen settled on the farm now occupied by Lyman, John, 
and Alexander Shults, those two settlers being the only 
ones in that neighborhood until the following year. Israel 
Baldwin, when he came into the county and on the farm 
where he settled and .spent his life, was the first to cut his 
way from the creek road leading to Howard to his posses- 
sion. William Allen preceded him, both taking upland 
over which no white man had ever traveled to their 
knowledge. 

Charles Robords settled on what is known as Robords' 
Hill in 1814. 

Although the pioneers had a hard struggle to obtain sub- 
sistence, they did not forget that there was something to 
be looked to beyond the supply of their physical wants. 
As early as 1796 or 1797 they employed one Anna Parker 



156 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



to teach school by going round from house to house through 
the sparsely-settled country, imparting knowledge to the 
young as well as she could. Her qualifications, except in 
physical endowments and good moral character, would at 
this day be deemed doubtful for that avocation, for in after- 
life she would often tell of her pioneer teaching and say 
that she could not write, and those who could were regarded 
as highly educated. But she followed teaching for a num- 
ber of years, and was succeeded by Susan Collier, who was 
the second teacher, and taught school in part of her father's 
log house and the dwellings of the inhabitants. Anna 
Parker and Susan Collier were the only teachers who taught 
in Avoca until they built a school-house, which wa.sin 1818. 
It was built of logs and stood on a plat of ground in the 
present village, and near where the railroad bridge now 
stands. Mary McKenzie was the first teacher in this build- 
ing. She taught the summer school. George Cameron was 
employed to teach the winter school, at $8 per month, a 
price in those days considered high. 

There were about 20 families in what is now known as 
the town of Avoca in 1812, and the greater part of them 
took lands on the river, and but few ventured back on the 
hills. After that time settlers came in faster, and in 1824 
there were about fifty families settled, and improvements 
were commenced that afterwards were enlarged to fine, 
beautiful farms, and the comforts of life were easily ob- 
tained. 

In 1809, Henry Kennedy erected a saw-mill at a place now 
known as Gofi''s Mills, and it is said that the year following 
James Vaughn built a grist-mill at that point. The writer 
has made thorough investigation as to its truth, but is un- 
able to affirm the statement, the old settlers informing him 
that William Gofl" erected the first grist-mill soon after he 
settled in Howard, which was in 1812, and until that event 
the Taylor mill, in Wheeler, was the nearest point where 
they could procure grinding. Eleazer Tucker built the first 
saw-mill on the river in 1825, near Wallace Station. Jon- 
athan Tilton built the first grist-mill about a mile south of 
the village of Avoca. Soon after James Silsbee built the 
flouring-mill in the village. The Goff mill was built some 
time before the Tilton or Silsbee mill. These mills gave 
the settlers great pleasure, for, until the building of the 
Taylor and Goff mills, the people were obliged to resort to 
the Cold Spring mills in Urbana, and many, to save the 
arduous work of carrying their grists on their shoulders 
such a distance, resorted to the more primitive method of 
using the mortar and pestle, made sometimes of wood and 
stone. Therefore they had great cause for rejoicing over 
the erection of these mills near at home. 

The first store kept in Avoca was by two brothers, George 
and Alonzo Simons, on the corner of the Oliver Zeilley lot. 
The whole stock of goods was brought here on two paek- 
horses. They were of such a class only as constituted the 
actual necessities of living in those plain days. 

The Indians who frequented the settlements of the 
whites were a lazy set. They would often come out of the 
forest to where the settlers were chopping and clearing their 
lands, and stand for hours and look on, and if asked to aid 
or help, they would retort and say, " Ugh ! me like to see 
white man work; me no work; squaw work." At the 



time the first settlers came into this town, there were about 
50 Indian huts on the Haskin farm, where many relics of 
their ingenuity and worship have been found. This region 
was a favorite hunting-ground of the Senecas. At the 
time Abram Towner settled on his farm near the new mill 
and for a number of years after, there were from 50 to 
100 Indian lodges on the flat just below his house, and 
near that place have been found parts of a stone kettle, the 
.stone being of a different character from any found in this 
country; it was of that kind that could be worked into any 
form desired, and a gentleman now living in Avoca has 
made maTiy a bullet-mould out of the remains of the In- 
dian kettle. In those days it is .said that the creek running 
through the Towner farm and emptying into the river was 
their favorite stream for trout, and remained a favorite re- 
sort to them after they emigrated from this section, and 
many would return to fish on that stream. 

There were only two teams of horses owned in this town 
before 1812, and they were owned by Michael Buchanan 
and James McWhorter. All the other teams were oxen, 
and very few at most. Many of the settlers having no 
teams of any kind, the ladies and gentlemen of those days 
thought it no hardship to walk six or seven miles to make 
an evening visit and return. After a few years the farmers 
who raised any surplus found an excellent market in Bath 
for the products of their farms, which were drawn on sleds 
by oxen in the winter. After disposing of their loads, they 
were accustomed to start the teams homeward alone, and 
when they thought they had got about halfway home, they 
would follow and would overtake them, or get home as soon 
as the teams did. 

The death of Michael Buchanan was the first in this 
town. He married Anna Parker about the year 1800, the 
marriage having been solemnized by Gen. George McClure. 
He lived with his wife only seven years, when he departed 
this life, leaving Anna Buchanan a widow, until 1811, 
when she married James McWhorter ; but she continued 
to live on the Buchanan farm, it having been willed to her 
by her first husband prior to his death. The farm has been 
kept and owned by .some one of the de.scendants of Anna 
Parker to this day. Hugh McWhorter (whose death was 
■ the second in town) died March 6, 1812; at the time of 
his burial an apple-tree was planted near his head, which 
still marks his resting-place. This tree has grown to the 
great size of eight and a half feet in circumference. 

There were but two places where schools were taught up 
to 1818, — one was in the village and the other near Sal- 
mon Waterbury's. In 1843 there were eleven school dis- 
tricts, which number remains to the present time. There 
are several fine school buildings in Avoca, one of which will 
take rank with the union school buildings of any of the 
sister towns. The number of pupils who attended school 
in the town during the school year of 1865 was 633 ; the 
amount of expenditures was $1365.37. In April, 1867, 
the number of pupils in attendance was 583 ; expenditures, 
§1404.21). The population of Avoca is 1876 ; the village 
contains about 600 inhabitants, two hotels, two dry-goods 
stores, one clothing-.store, two groceries, one cabinet-store, 
and several mechanics' shops, and other places of business. 
The inhabitants of the town and village are active, indus- 





Oscar S. Smith was born in the town of Avoca (then in- 
^uded in Bath), March 31, 1816. 

His paternal grandfather, Joseph Smith, was a native of 
Dutchess Co., N. Y., and settled with his familj- in Bradford 
Jo., Pa., as one of the jiioneers of that county, where ho died 
it an advanced age. His father, Henry Smith, was about ten 
rears old when the family settled in Pennsylvania ; was mar- 
■ied to Anna Spalding, of Sheshequin, Bradford Co., Pa., and 
mmediately thereafter came to Steuben County, settling in 
he then town of Bath, in 1814, purchased a tract of land, built 
i saw-mill, and began clearing his land and manufacturing 
umber. 

He spent the remainder of his life on this farm, quietly 
bllowing agricultural pursuits ; was a man of correct habits, 
trict integrity of purpose, and unobtrusive in all his ways. 
3e died about the close of the late Kebellion at the age of 
lighty, having lived in this county to see the forest give place 
cultivated fields, and schools, churches, and public buildings 
akc the place of the pioneer's rudely constructed log buildings. 

The wife and mother died at the age of fifty-seven, about 
he year 1850. She was a daughter of Maj. William Spald- 
ng, and granddaughter of Gen. Spalding, of Revolutinnary 
ame. 

Their children are Oscar S. ; Mrs. S. W. Park, of Athens, 
?a. ; Maria ; Reuben O., of Olean, Cattaraugus Co. ; Erastus 
I., of Towanda, Pa. (deceased) ; Henry B., of Lyndon, Osage 
^o., Kan. ; and Mrs. Franklin J. Marshal, of Wheeler, this 
;ounty. Mr. Smith received his education from books in the 
ommon schools of his early days, which although of a limited 
.mount formed a taste for reading and study, which lie has 
ultivated during his life. His minority was spent at home, 
ngaged with his father in farm and lumber business. At 
he age of twenty he began business for himself, and unassisted 



pecuniarily purchased one hundred acres of timbered land, 
upon which he labored for some eleven years, preparing the 
land for farming. 

In 1849, January 31, he married Elvira F., daughter of 
Capt. Jabez Fish, of Sheshequin, Bradford Co., Pa. She was 
born in 1824. 

In the year 1850 he settled in the village of Avoca, and 
opened a general merchandise store, which although of small 
beginning, he has gradually increased as the growing interests 
of the vicinity demanded, and continues at the present time. 
During the twenty-nine years he has been in business as a 
merchant in Avoca he has had associated with him at differ- 
ent times other men, with firm-names of "Smith & Peek," 
and " Smith & Barney ;" the latter firm is now in business. 

Mr. Smith cast his first vote for President of the United 
States for Martin Van Buren as a Democrat. Upon the 
formation of the Republican party he took an active part, and 
was a delegate in the county convention upon the organization 
of that party here. He was a delegate to the State Conven- 
tion in support of Abraham Lincoln for President. Ho was 
appointed postmaster at Avoca, first under the administration 
of President Pierce, second of Abraham Lincoln, and third, 
in the spring of 1868, of Gen. U. S. Grant, which office he now 
holds, making in all some twelve years he has been postmaster. 

Mr. Smith is a man of plain, unassuming ways, possessed 
of that native talent and sound sense, sharpened by contact 
with business through a series of years, not uncommon with 
men whose early life was regulated somewhat by the necessity 
of the times, and the privations which foster self-reliance. 
Promptness, integrity, and justice in his business are his 
known characteristics. 

His children are O. Park, H. Wilmot, L. Dana, C. Howard, 
and R. 0. Smith. 



nl 




David L. Robords was born in tlie town of Amsterdam, 
Montgomery Co., N. Y., Oct. 24, 1799. He is eldest in a 
family of eight sons and five daughters of Charles and Mary 
Robords, the former a native of New Jersey, and settled in 
Montgomery County prior to his marriage, where most of the 
children were born. He removed to Steuben County, and 
settled in the town of Howard, now Avoca, in 1813, and took 
up one hundred acres of timber land. At that time what is 
now Avoca was almost an unbroken wilderness. The remain- 
der of his life was spent clearing oft" this land, together with 
fifty acres more which he had purchased. He died in 1830, 
aged flfty-one. His wife survived him some thirty years, and 
died at the age of eighty, in the year 1860. Very many of their 
children settled in the town of Avoca, and are farmers. Their 
names are as follows : David L., Andrew, Ichabod, William, 
George, John, Barney, Mrs. Artemus Dunton, Mrs. Wm. 
Dunton, Mrs. Vestus Allen, Mrs. Edward Allen, and Mrs. 
John Niphcr, of whom only four are living. 

Mr. Robords resided at home until he was twenty-two 
years of age, and being the eldest son assisted his father very 
much in clearing off the forest and preparing his land for 
cultivation. He never enjoyed the advantages of an educa- 
tion from books ; but possessed of a large degree of native 
talent which, brought in contact with necessary privation 
and hardship in the early settlement of the town, is only 
increased. 

In 1821 he settled on one hundred acres of land for him- 
self. In 1822 he married Betsey, daughter of David Dun- 
ton, of this town, and began lite in the log house. All of 
the incidents common to the pioneer were the lot of this 
couple ; yet with a will to accomplish whatever they under- 
took, and make their beginning a success, Mr. and Mrs. 



Robords entered upon the future with willing hands but no 
money. 

He is now in his eightieth year, and can trace his life back 
through some sixty-si.x years as a resident of the neighbor- 
hood where he now lives ; he remembers the continual war- 
fare carried on with the wolf and other wild animals, in the 
protection of domestic animals, in which, during his leisure 
hours, he had pleasant pastime with his gun in hand, and be 
relates the fiict of killing as many as eight wolves in one day. 

A reliearsal of such thrilling incidents to the youth of to- 
day fires the young heart with a love for the early days and 
the pioneer life, in strange contrast with a beginning of a 
business life in 1878. 

Mr. Robords has spent his life as a thrifty, enterprising 
farmer, and in the same vicinity where his father first 
settled. 

Always interested in local and national matters, he has 
valued the right of sutlVage as a boon of the American people, 
and has been connected with the Whig party, and is now a 
member of the Republican party. He is one of the old land- 
marks that point to the early days, and very few, if any, have 
been spared to live so long in the town as he, and contribute 
as members of society to the general welfare of its citizens. 
He is known for his sterling integrity in all business matters, 
and for his broad and comprehensive view of the various 
beliefs held by men of the times. His wife died Oct. 4, 18B6, 
at the age of sixtj'-three. 

Their children are seven sons and six daughters, viz. : 
Charles, Mrs. Lyman Perry, Helen (died young), John, 
Jo-shua, James, Mrs. Edward Allen, Rachel (died young), 
Cyrus, Aaron, Mrs. Alvin Wood, Marvin, and Mrs. Harvey 
Fox. 




cy^/v^6^^^<^x^<^ 



Nathaniel B. Chase was born at Liberty Ccirners, 
town of Cohocton, tliis county, Dec. 13, 1814. Hi.s fatlier, 
Thomas C. Clia-sc, was a native of Beri^sliire Co , Mass., 
and while a young man settled iii Poiupey, Onondaga Co., 
N. Y., where he married Malinda, daughter of Nathaniel 
Butts, of that place. She was a native of Canterbury, 
Conn., born in 1790, and with her parents removed first to 
Massachusetts, and when she was sixteen years of ago the 
family settled in Pompey. 

Of this union were born in the town of Pompey, Levi 
C. Chase, of Lima, Livingston Co., N. Y. ; Mrs. Dr. 
Washington Day (deceased), of Arcade, Wyoming Co. 

The family removed from Pompey and settled in the town 
of Cohocton, Steuben Co., in 1812, and purchased a fijrm, a 
portion of which now forms a part of the village of Liberty, 
and through which the Rochester branch of the Erie Rail- 
road runs. Nearly all of tliis farm was cleared by Mr. 
Chase, senior. At the time of his settlement at what is 
now Liberty Village there was only a single log house, hence 
the Ciiase family were among the pioneers of that part of the 
county. In 1837 he sold his farm at Liberty, removed to 
Chautauqua County, and died the same year, aged fifty-two. 
His wife survived him thirty-six years, and died at the resi- 
dence of her son, in Avoca, in 1873, aged eighty-four. 

Their children born in the town of Cohocton wore Na- 

tthaniel B., subject of this narrative; Aurilla (^died in 

infancy) ; Mrs. Franklin Day (deceased), of Buffalo ; 

Dwight W., of Elcador, Iowa; Amos W. (deceased); 

Josiah (died in infancy). 

Mr. Chase received the opportunities of the common 
school only until he was ten years of age. At the age of 
seventeen he went as an apprentice to learn the milling 
business ; after one j-ear he worked as journeyman for 
several years. In 1846 he purchased the Liberty Mills, 



whicli he carried on for some three years, and removed to 
Avoca, purchased a grist-mill and .saw-mill, and after four 
years engaged in business with tho.se interests disposed of 
them, since which time has been engaged in farming, and 
(|uitc largely in real-estate. For nine years, beginning 
with 1866, he was depot agent at Avoca, which po.sition 
his son, Thomas C., has since occupied. 

Mr. Chase was originally a member of the Democratic 
party, but upon the formation of the Republican party 
became a supporter of its principles. He has never been 
active in politics, but ever interested in questions affecting 
local and State legislation. In 1877-78 he represented his 
town in the Board of Supervisors, besides which he has 
never held office, desiring rather the quiet of business to 
political preferment. 

His life has been one of activity, and in his business 
oj)orations he has been generally successful. Unaided pe- 
cuniarily when young and beginning a business career, he 
learned by necessity those lessons of economy and prudence 
not uncommon to our early self-reliant men, which formed 
the basis of his business life. In 1834 he married Deborah, 
daughter of Amos Stiles, of Livingston Co., N. Y. She was 
born in Pompey, Onondaga Co., in 1818. Their children 
were Thomas C., of Avoca ; Mrs. Dr. D. S. Allen, of Seneca, 
Ontario Co.; Ida Bell (died at the age of three years) ; 
and an adopted daughter, Libbie Vrooman. The mother 
died Feb. 7, 1872, having been a devoted member of the 
Methodist E]nscopal Church for the past twenty years. 

Born in the county, Mr. Chase has lived to see the forest 
of the Cohocton Valley give way to industry of the settlers 
and agriculturists ; the rude log school-houses and churches 
supplanted by fine architectural and costly edifices ; machinery 
of all kinds take the place of manual labor ; and a country 
prepared for the third and coming generations to occupy. 



TOWN OF AVOCA. 



157 



frious, and frugal. Prosperity and thrift arc leaving their 
impress on every department of industry. 

The first child born in the town was William McWhor- 
ter. John Buchanan and Betsey McWhorter were the 
next children born. They now lie buried in the plea.sant 
village cemetery by the side of most of the early settlers. 
Spencer Moore, Abigail Moore, and David llobords are 
probably the oldest living representatives of the first settlers 
of the town. 

The first frame dwelling in the town was erected by 
James McWhorter on the Buchanan farm. It is still 
standing, and the descendants of the worthy couple who 
began life there in a log cabin take special pride in keej)ing 
it preserved without change. 

ORGANIZ,\T10N. 

Avoca was erected April 12, 18415, from the towns of 
Bath, Cohocton, Howard, and Wheeler. The first town- 
meeting appointed by law was held at the house of James 
(j. Barto, in the town of Avoca, on the first Monday of May, 
1843, for the purpose of electing town officers for the en.su- 
ing year. The following-named per.sons were duly elected : 
Henry A. Louck. Supervisor ; Jesse Louck, Town Clerk ; 
Oliver llice, Simeon Holmes, Luther Tilton, Justices of 
the Peace; John Donahe, John L. llobords, Marcus Peck, 
Assessors ; James Gorton, John Collier, John T. Allen, 
Commissioners of Highways; Allen Smith, John B. Ste- 
venson, John Conner, Commissioners of Schools ; Charles 
W. C. Howard, Addison Niles, School Inspectors; Matthew 
Fox, Joseph Matthewson, Salmon Waterbury, Inspectors 
of Election ; Jonathan Clisbee, Abram Towner, Poormas- 
ters; Perry S. Donahe, Collector; Perry S. Donahe, Josiah 
Devendorf, Almon Begel, Cornelius Vader, Oscar Smith, 
Constables. 

LIST OF TOWN OFFICERS. 





Supervisors. 


Town Clerks. 


Collectors. 


1S4.3. 


Henry A. Loucks. 


Jesse Loucks. 


Perry S. Donahe. 


1844. 


George W. Burnham. " " 


Jesse Devendorf. 


1845. 


tl 4( 


Bernard Fo.v. 


Amos Larkin. 


1846. 


It it 


It it 


Darius Silsbce. 


1847. 


tt (I 


Peleg Gorton. 


Gideon Smith. 


1848. 


tt U 


it it 


it tt 


1849. 


Henry H. IJonton. 


Andrew Bautcr. 


George P. Fox. 


1850. 


" " 


De.\ter Straight. 


" 


1851. 


(( tl 


Joseph G. Sprague. 


John B. Payue. 


1852. 


tt tt 


Dexter Straight. 


.. 


1853. 


Jose|]h I. Burnham 


Peleg Gorton. 


Cornelius Vader. 


1854. 


Ilcnry 11. Bouton. 


it tt 


Erastua Olmstead. 


1«55. 


Henry Goff. 


Simeon Wagner. 


Andrew Bautcr. 


1856. 


Salmon Waterbury. 


Francis H. Guiwits. 


Z. J. Calkins. 


1857. 


tt tt 


Simeon Wagner. 


George W. Towner. 


1858. 


Joel Carriiigtiin. 


it it 


tt tt 


1859. 


tt 


Joseph Guiwits. 


(ireorge P. Fox. 


1860. 


Henry A. Loucks. 


it it 


Oliver Zeilly. 


ISGl. 


A. M. Waterbury. 


it a 


Daniel A. Fox. 


1862. 


.J. H. Nichoson. 


it it 


William S. Overhiscr 


18fi.3. 


" 


James Hees. 


it it 


1804. 


Salmon H. Palmer. 


(• it 


Horace A. Silsbee. 


1865. 


tt tt 


J. Wesley Calkins. 


Alexander Patten. 


1866. 


tt tt 


a tt 


a r< 


1X67. 


.Joel CuTrin;^ton. 


tt 


.Joseph I'illis. 


1808. 


tt ,t 


Ilcnry Robertson. 


.> 


1869. 


I. J. Haskin. 


.< 


Henry Foults. 


1870. 


S. E. Haskin. 


John E. Storms. 


l-uthcr G. Clark. 


1871. 


I. J. Haskin. 


J. Wesley Calkins. 


W. G. Borden. 





Supervisors. 


Town t'lerks. 


Collectors. 


1872. 


F. N. Barney. 


Chester Ellis. 


George H. Shults. 


187.3. 


I. J. Haskin. 


W. H. AVuoil. 


W. G. Borden. 


1874. 


D. E. Hoadley. 


Jii.mes Tuel. 


F. L. Shaver. 


1875. 


Thomas Cotton. 


U it 


Wm. H. Hammond. 


1876. 


" 


George J. Sliults. 


Alva Shunt. 


1877. 


N. B. CUa.sc. _/ 


W. 11. Wno.l. 


William T. Slattcry 


1878. 


,. „ ~ 


U li 


S. B. Haskin. 



.TfSTICES OF THE I'KACE. 



1843. 



1844. 
1845. 

1846. 
1847. 
1848. 
1849. 
1850. 

1851. 
1852. 
1853. 
1854. 

1855. 
1856. 
1857. 

1858. 

1859. 
1860. 



Oliver Kicc. 
Simeon Holmes. 
Luther Tilton. 
Herman S. Rose. 
John L. Robords. 
Henry H. Bouton. 
John L. Rol)ords. 
Henry H. Bouton. 
Herman S. Rose. 
Salmon H. Palmer. 
John L. llobords. 
Allen Smith. 
James Silsbee. 
llernuin S. Rose. 
Henry Goif. 
Ira Tucker. 
Marcus Peck. 
Lawson R. ILxhI. 
Peleg Gorton. 
N. S. Wheeler. 
F. H. Guiwits. 
Ithiol C. Nichoson. 
Peleg Gorton. 
Sylvester D. Lewis. 
Lawson R. Hood, 



1861. Poleg Gorton. 
1802. Smith Tucker. 

1863. Sylvester D. Lewis. 
George A. Fox. 

1864. Nathaniel S. Wliccler. 
1805. Peleg Gorton. 

1866. Leonard Wilson. 

1867. G. W. Towner. 

1868. Nathaniel S. Wheeler. 

1869. Peleg (iorton. 

1870. G. W. Coolbaugh. 
Leonard Wils(ui. 

1871. Forest H. Williams. 
Caleb C. Allen. 

1872. G. W. Towner. 
M. A. Peek. 

1873. F. H. Williams. 

1874. Salmon H. Palmer, 
.lobn Allen. 

1875. G. W. Coolbaugh. 
G. W. Towner. 

1870. Alexander R. Ward. 
1877. Salmon H. Palmer. 

M. B. Walker. 

J. B. Hamlin. 



CHURCHES. 

The religious sentiment of the early time was of the 
Christian denomination, who held their religious worship in 
the barn on the Buchanan farm, and continued to hold 
services there and in the log .school-house until 1827, when 
the first Methodist Episcopal Church was organized at East 
Hill. Elders Buzzel and Elisha Brownson were the first 
ministers of the gospel, but there was another minister, 
called the "star-gazer," who commenced to preach here 
about that time. The Christian denomination continued 
for some time to represent the predominant faith, but it 
commenced to die out gradually, and to-day but few remain 
of that order. At pre.sent the Baptists, Lutherans, and 
Methodists are the leading denominations of the village 
and town. 

The village of Avoca has three churches, — the Baptist, 
Lutheran, and Methodist, — in which are held regular ser- 
vices, and with which are connected prosperous Sunday- 
schools. 

THE BAPTIST CHURCH. 

The Baptist Church was organized Jan. 13, 1847, by 
adopting the Declaration of Faith and Church Covenant 
published by the New Hamp.shire Baptist State Convention. 
Twelve male and twonty-onc female members constituted 
the church as originally organized. Kev. Horace Spencer 
was the first pastor, and James Van Deuzer first deacon. 
On the 13th of August, 1847, the church was received into 
the Steuben Baptist Association, with which it is still in 
communion. 

The earliest meetings of the church were held in the 



158 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



school-house and at private residences, and continued to be 
so held till 1852, when the present church edifice was 
erected. 

Since its organization this church has had the following 
pastors : Rev. Horace Spencer, Rev. James Halstead, Rev. 
A. W. Sunderland, Rov. Henry Robertson, Rev. S. T. 
Dean, Rev. J. J. White, Rev. R. S. Stowell, and Rev. 
Adelbert Chapman, the present minister. The Sunday- 
school numbers about 75 pupils. 

THE EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH. 

This church was organized the ninth day of April, 1842, 
by adopting the constitution, declaration, and discipline of 
the Franciscan Evangelical Lutheran Synod. The church 
had no property at that time. James Shults was its first 
pastor, and continued to preach to them two and a half years. 
The church called Joseph Strough as their second pastor, 
who settled with them in 1811, and preached about one 
year, after which their first pastor returned and supplied 
the church as a missionary for about one and a half years. 
After this, for about fifteen years, they had no stated 
preaching. Their first officers were : Elders, Richard Col- 
lier and Isaac Dillenbeck ; Deacons, John Kinkade and 
Benjamin Waggoner. The church at its organization con- 
sisted of 12 communicants besides its pastor. 

This church was reorganized July 30, 1867, adopting 
the constitution and formula of the Franciscan Evangelical 
Lutheran Synod, with which it is still in communion. It 
was incorporated July 26, 1868, and the church edifice 
dedicated in January, 1870. The value of the church 
property is 13000. 

The first pastor under the present organization was Rev. 
N. Clock. The following were the first officers : James 
Olmstead and Isaac Dillenbeck, Elders ; John Kinkade, 
Hiram Stattson, and George Fox, Deacons ; James Shults, 
H. A. Wall, and Daniel Fox, Trustees ; R. V. Whitbeck, 
Clerk. 

Rev. J. H. Webber succeeded Rev. N. Clock as pastor, 
July 13, 1870. The third pastor was Rev. D. W. Law- 
rence, from 1872 to 1874. The pulpit was vacant from that 
time till Nov. 6, 1877, when Rev. Wm. E. Churchill, the 
present pastor, was called. 

This church numbered at its organization 10 members; 
its communicants at present are 62. Present Elders, Isaac 
Dillenbeck, Hiram Stattson, and James Olmstead ; Deacons, 
James Shults, P. A. Van Valkenburgh, J. H. Wagner, Sut- 
ton Felch, Luther G. Clark ; Trustees, Wm. P. Bellinger, 
A. A. Wall, George Bellinger ; Clerk, George J. Shults. 

METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH. 

Of this church no data has been furnished us for a his- 
tory. It has a fine edifice in the village, the church 
property being valued at 850U0. They maintain a prosper- 
ous Sunday-school, and have kept up regular services since 
their organization. 

MASONIC. 

The lodge was organized with about 20 charter members. 
Rev. George M. Coolbaugh being the first Master. As a 
lodge they have been from the first uniformly prosperous. 



and have at present one of the most flourishing lodges in 
Western New York. The Past Masters are Rev. G. W. 
Coolbaugh (deceased), J. N. Moore, W. H. Wood, Thomas 
Cotton, S. W. Cooper, H. E. Butler. The present Master 
is M. B. Walker. 

MILIT.^RY RECORD. 

Prior to the taxing of the towns to raise bounties for 
enlistments to fill the several quotas, or up to December, 
1863, the town of Avoca raised by her contributions the 
sum of S3000 to aid enlistments. About. $600 were con- 
tributed by the Ladies' Soldiers' Relief Association. These 
sums were applied to the payment of bounties and other 
expenses connected with the enlistment of soldiers. In 
addition to these sums, $2000 for .soldiers' bounties were 
raised by tax on the taxable property of the town. Up to 
the time of the last call for 500,000 men, Avoca had put 
into the field 70 of her hardy .sons, more than her propor- 
tion up to that time, and under the last call her quota of 53 
was promptly filled, making in all 123 men sent into the 
service. 

On account of quite a number going out of the county 
to enlist, and their residences not being put on the muster- 
rolls, it is impossible to give a complete list of the soldiers 
of this town. The following list, as complete as can be now 
obtained, has been sent us to be inserted in this place : 

James nanniiond, Trlinian Head, S. 0. Allen, John March, Ezra Beagle, Lnke 
Beagle, William March, Herkimer Shults, .\rie Van Wie, Josiali Shaver, 
Jeremiah Shaver, Jesse Rich, Samuel Banta, Levi Itandall, Artennis Dun- 
ton, Jos. W. Duiiton,Geo. E. Robords, Lyman Robords, Stillman Robords, 
J. W. Robords, Addison Robords, W. L. French, Jos. Jenks, James Cook, 
Hoiace Uammond,Thaddeu.s Ward, Jacob Sattsman, Wm. Sattsmaii, Wm. 
Martin, John Griswold, R. H. Collier, Joel Towner, Oliver Towner, Edwin 
Towner, Deloss Parkhill, Oscar Marcy, Thomas Raplee, Lyman McNeill, 
U. Mavlatt, W. F. Kelsey, .Alexander Van Pelt, M. Fitzmaurice, William 
H. Vnnck, William Cox, George Curtis, L. Alden, Alfred Olds, Frank 
Sager, Willis Sager, B. Stanton, Fred Chase, David Palmanteer, Albert 
Piatt, Byron Blarch. Hezekiah Fox, R. McNeill, J. B. Newton, Zina 
Calkins, William B. Overhiser, James Voorhees, Eugene Tucker, Isaac 
House, Henry Squires, Morris Loucks, Wesley Davis, William Fraley, 
John Doud, Ira Doud, Leroy Tucker, L. McCarthy, F. Tucker, E. ,\vei-y, 
William Avery, Silas Vrooman, Fred Graves, George Brownrigg, JLarcus 
Walker, Gi'orgc A. Collier, JL C. White, Solomon Smith, Abram Miller, 
Isaac Armstrong, U. H. Tobias, John N. Gillett, S. H. Houston, Henry 
Waffle, William J. Allen, O. W.Ormsby, William E. Haskin, Asa Demand- 
ville, Christopher Fox, Abner Robords, W. L. Allen, William Waterbury, 
B. Coidey, Fred Collier, Henry Hees, Whit Treat, J. B. Newton. 

LIST OF THOSE WHO WENT OCT WITH THE 189TH REGIMENT. 

Lieut. A. J. Alden, Squire Wessels, John Wataon, J. 0. Dunton, J. H. Kinkado, 
George A. Peck, Alonzo Vunck, Josiah Guiwitis, M. L. Deyo, F. N. 
Barney, J. W. Johnson, J. S. Fowler, Ira L. Goff, Joel Beagle, H. E. Butler, 
S. D. Briggs, J. Billinger, A. Carey, L. L. Ferris, George W. Gunsalas, 
J. E. Griswold, William B. Golden, A. Hooper, B. Hooper, D. Herrington, 
B. Herrington, Samuel Olds, W. W. Oxx, J. A. Palmanteer, Lorenzo 
Robords, Riley Rasey, Frank Randall, Robert Swart, Thomas Sherwood, 
Seth Tilbbs, Joseph Tucker, Oscar Tucker, B. Tobias, William B. Tobias, 
Luke H. Voorhees, F. Van Wormer, R. Woodmancy. 

LIST OF KILLED AND THOSE WHO DIED BY REASON OF WOUNDS 

RECEIVED IN THE SERVICE. 
William March, killed at Fredericksburg, May 25, 1862. 
William &iltsman, wounded at Cedar Creek, died from wound, Dec. 22, 1864. 

Robertson, killed at Gettysburg, July 3, 1863. 

Osair Marcy, morUally woundeii at the battle of Dallas, Ga. ; buried in Tennessee. 

Albert Piatt, wounded at Gettysburg, died. 

Willis Sager (color-bearer of lS8th), mortally wounded at Five Forks while 

fearlessly carrying his colors at the head of his regiment ; died April 29, 

1SG5. 
Jacob Shumati, killed at Hatcher's Run. 
J. B. Newton, killed at Dallas, Ga. 

LIST OF THOSE WHO DIED FROM DISEASES CONTRACTED IN 
THE SERVICE. 
Byron March, served throe years and re-enlisted; died at home, Feb. 29, 1865. 
Ranson McNeil, died in Washington, D. C, Dec. 15, 1863. 



iJ 




,iX^ 




^::^^^^!'^X^i 



Christopder Patterson, M.D., was born in North- 
umberland Co., England, on the river Tyne, Nov. 22, 1819. 

His father, Roger Patterson, was also a native of Eng- 
land ; married Ann Pegg, and with bis family of six chil- 
dren — Joseph, Edward, John, Mrs. Clute, Christopher, and 
Mrs. Norris Markham — emigrated to America in 1825, and 
settled in Otsego County, where they remained four years, 
and removed to Steuben County, settling in South Dans- 
ville in 1829. 

From boyhood, Mr. Patterson, senior, followed the life 
of a shepherd, but on coming to this country became a 
farmer, which he followed until his death, which occurred 
in 1852, at the age of eighty-four. His wife still survives, 
and resides on the farm where they first settled in Dans- 
ville, being now the oldest resident of the town, and in her 
eighty-ninth year. One son, Koger, was born in this 
country, and died at the age of nineteen. 

Dr. Patterson received during his minority a good edu- 
cation. At the age of twenty he became a teacher, which 
he followed for five years, his last term being as a teacher 
in Howard Academy. In 18-44 he entered the ofiice of 
Dr. Bowen, of South Dansville, as a student of medicine, 
remaining only one winter, followed by three years as a 
student with Dr. A. B. Case, of Howard. His lecture 
course was at Geneva Medical College, where he was grad- 
uated M.D. in 1848, and .settled in Steuben Co., Indiana, 
where he practiced his profession for four years, and re- 
turned to this county, Dansville, and was in practice 
two years. 

In 1854 he married Matilda, daughter of William J. 



and Polly Neally, of Bath, this county. Her father and 
grandfather came to this county in 1812, settling near 
Kanona, and hence were among the pioneers of that part 
of the county. She was born in the town of Bath in 1820, 
and on the place where her father first settled on coming to 
this county, and where he died, Jan. 18, 1858, aged sixty- 
nine. Her mother died at the age of sixty-seven, Jan- 
uary, 1866. 

Soon after his marriage. Dr. Patterson settled in Avoca 
as a practicing physcian, and has remained here continuously 
in practice, with little exception, until the present time. 

As early as 1845, before his graduation, Dr. Patterson 
received a license to practice medicine from the Board of 
Censors of the Steuben County Medical Society, and since 
which time he has been a member of that society, being its 
president for one year, and one of the examining board for 
two years. 

His professional career for most of the time has been one 
of constant labor and care, and marked with such activity 
and expo.sure as to somewhat impair his health during his 
years of practice. Politically, Dr. Patterson has been an 
active and interested member of the Whig party and of 
the Republican party until iluring the late Rebellion, since 
which time he has been identified with the Democratic 
party. Not solicitous of public oflBce, he has declined 
oflScial position, preferring rather the quiet of his profes- 
sional duties. He is ranked among the skillful, honest physi- 
cians of Steuben County, possessed of resolution and firm- 
ness, and a conscientious regard and .sympathy for the needy 
requiring medical assistance, as well as for families of wealth. 




^p^^c'f-^iy^^.j^T^i^o-^^ 



Alexander Arnold was born in Hartford, 
Washington Co., N. Y., Jan. 20, 1808, and married 
Kacliel Henderson, a native of the same county, born 
Nov. 10, 1808. Wliile a resident of Washington 
County he was a farmer. His chihb'en l)orn tlierc 
were Mary Jane (died in infancy), and one son, 
Lyman, horn Nov. 12, 1828. He settled in Spring- 
water, Livingston Co., in 1837, and in November 
of tiie same year c-ame to Bath, Steuben Co. (now 
Avoca), and ])nrciiased two hundred and forty acres 
of land, to which lie made additions, owning at the 
time of his death four hundred acres, and on which 
his son Lyman and grandchildren reside. One son, 
Jay W., was born in Steuben County, July, 1842, 
and is now a resident of Wisconsin. 

Mr. Arnold, besides being a representative agri- 
culturist, was a breeder of fine sheep, and for many 
years gave much attention to sheep husbandry. 

He was a man of great energy and resolution, 
possessed of integrity of purj>ose in all his business 
relations, consideration, and independent tliouglit. 



He was a liberal contributor to church interests, 
and gave largely in the construction of the First 
Baptist Church at Avoca. Both he and his wife 
were members of that church, and had been con- 
nected with church interests prior to settling in this 
county. 

Mr. Arnold w:us otten solicited to accept office, 
but preferred the cpiiet attention to his own aflfliirs. 
In ]K)lities he was formerly a Whig, then a Repub- 
lican, and diu-ing the latter part of iiis life a Demo- 
crat. His wife died in 18G2, and he married, in 
1864, Betsey E., widow of tiie late Jose|)h N. 
Bradish, of Rochester, who survives him. He died 
Sept. 8, 1877. 

His son Lyman married for his first wife Mary 
Jane McNeil, of Avoca, Jan. 8, 1850, of which 
union was born one son, Alexander J. She died 
May 4, 1852. For his .second wife he married, Feb. 
10, 1853, Magdalene Shults, of Avoca, born March 
16, 1827. The children of this marriage are William 
H., Eugene S., and Jjincoln J. 



TOWN OF AVOCA, 



159 



Uzal Marlatt, died March 9, 1SC5. 

Zilia Calkins, died in tlieservicc and liinicd in Virginia. 

Herltimoi- Slinlts, died at bonie. 

Isaac Honse, discharged on account of sicltness; died on liis way Iionie. 

Benjamin Welch, died in service. 

Eugene Tucker (188th Regt), died at home. 

Billson, died in service; buried in Virginia. 

Henry Squires, died in prison at Belle Isle. 

Morris Loucks (22d New York Cav.), died in .\nderson\ illc jirison. 

Wesley Davis, died soon after being released from .\ndersonvill6. 

Jeremiah Shaver, died at home. 

John Doud (prisoner at Andersonville), died at liome. 

Le Roy Tucker, died at Harper's Ferry, Va. 

Lafayette McCarthy (lU7th), died in Tennessee. 

Hezekiah Fo.i.died at Laurel, Md., Nov. 13, 1862. 

Edwin Avery, died Dec. 1, 1802. 

William Avery, died in service. 

Silas Vrooman, died in service, Oct. 5, 186.'). 

R. Hooper (189th), died in service in Virginia. 

Stillman Robords, died at home. 

James Cook (Hist), died in Tennessee. 

Jonas Emmons, Menzo Deyo, and Silas Sliaver (101st), died from diseuse. 

Andrew J. Alden, (lieut. lS9th). died at home. 

John E. Griswold, died at home. 

Freii Graves, died in service. 

William Everett, died I'rom disease. 

Among those who were the most active (except those 
who marched to the front) in the use of their time and 
means in promoting the best interests of the government 
during the Rebellion are Salmon H. Palmer, Henry Rob- 
ertson, Nathaniel B. Chase, Isaac Baldwin, Jacob H. Collier, 
Orange Hilton, Leonard Wilson, George Fox, Joel Carring- 
tou, Christopher Wheeler, Peleg Gorton, Abraham Vroo- 
man, Joseph Mathewson, John W. Calkins, Oscar S. Smith, 
and others whose names the writer has been unable to 
learn. 



was iiiarrieJ, Dec. 31, 1844, to Laura, daughter of John 
and Rlary Willys. He had two children— Valentine, through 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



HON. 11. IL BODTON. 

Henry H. Bouton was born in Windham, Conn., April 
4, 1815, being the son of Russell and Mary Bouton. His 
father was a tanner by trade, which occupation he followed 
till he moved to Steuben County about the year 1819, and 
settled in the town of Howard, now Avoca, still carrying on 
the tanning business, in connection with farming, for a few 
years, after which he devoted his whole time to farming. 

Henry is the oldest of a family of eight children, four of 
whom are now living. He was reared on the farm, and en- 
joyed only such privileges for an education as the district 
school afforded, except one term at a select school ; but by 
close application and continued perseverance he was enabled 
to gain sufficient education to entitle him to teach, which 
he followed several terms in his own county and in the State 
of Ohio. He was in every way a representative man. He 
was justice of the peace for several terms, supervisor for 
several years, and clerk of the Board of Supervisors for about 
twenty years, during which time he originated and issued 
the first pamphlet containing the proceedings of the Board 
of Supervisors for Steuben County. He represented his 
district in the State Legislature in 1852-53, having been a 
member of the Republican party from its organization. He 




whom this sketch and portrait is inserted, and Ada, wife of 
Charles Magee, of Bath. He died Nov. 3, 1876. 



THOMAS COTTON 



was born in the town of Dansville, this county, April G, 1831. 
His father, Silas Cotton, Jr., was a native of Hartford, 
Washington Co., N. Y., born Aug. 9, 1800 ; was a farmer 
by occupation ; married Lydia, daughter of I'eter and Lydia 
Boyce, of Granville, Washington Co., 1826. She was born 
Aug. 26, 1804. They removed to Steuben County in 1827, 
and settled in the town of Dansville, where they remained 
as farmers until 1865, when they removed to the town of 
Avoca, where Mr. Cotton, Sr., died, Oct. 20, 1871. His 
wife still survives, and resides with her only son. Their 
children are Eliza (died young) and an only son, Thomas. 
His grandfather, Silas Cotton, was a native of Rhode Island, 
and became an early settler in Wa.shington County. 

Mr. Cotton remained at home during his minority, and 
received a fair education at the common school and at 
Rogersville Academy. Jan. 17, 1859, he married Ann S., 
daughter of Samuel H. Allen (2d), of the town of Howard. 
Her grandfather, William Allen, was a pioneer settler of 
that town, and came there in 1810 from Montgomery 
County. Her mother, Ann Stevenson, was a native of 
Howard, and her maternal grandfather, John Stevenson, 
supposed to have been a native of Argyle, Washington 
Co., as he came from that county with his family and 
settled in Howard during the early settlement of that town. 
Her mother died 1839 ; her father survives, and lives in the 
town of Avoca. Mrs. Cotton was born March, 1839. 

After his marriage, iNIr. Cotton remained in the town of 
Dansville, on the homestead, until 1865, when he disposed 



IGO 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



of the farm there, and purchased a farm in the Conhocton 

Valley, one mile north of the villuge of Avoca, where he 
now resides, a view of whicii, with his improvements, may 
be seen on another page of this work. 

Mr. Cotton has spent his life thus far as an agi'iculturist, 
and is known as a representative farmer. He is identified 
with the Democratic party in politics, and represents the 
unswerving members of his party. Wliile a resident of 
Dansville he officiated as justice of the peace for one term, 
and since his re.sidence in the town of Avoca he has repre- 
sented his town for two terms, 1875-70, on the Board of 



Supervisors. In the fall of 1877 he was the Democratic 
nominee for nieniber in his district, and although unsucces- 
ful in the district, received a large majority in his own town, 
notwithstanding the regular majority was on the Republican 
side. Mr. Cotton is interested in all matters of local in- 
terest tending to benefit society, a man of resolution and 
will to carry forward to a successful completion whatever 
he conceives to be right. He belongs to the class of thrifty, 
enterprising farmers who represent the intelligent agricultu- 
rists of the county. 

Their children are Bayard, Sarah, Charles 0., and Eliza. 



-o-^-OOC-t- 



BATH. 



PHYSICAL FEATURES. 

Bath is the largest town of Steuben County. It con- 
tains an area of 57,21 2 acres, of which 38,620 acres are im- 
proved lands, and 17,892 acres unimproved. Of this latter 
12,708 acres are timbered lands. The town is centrally 
located in the county, and is bounded by Avoca, Wheeler, 
and Urbana on the north, Bradford on the east, Campbell, 
Thurston, and Cameron on the south, and Howard on the 
west. 

The surface of the town is broken and hilly. The 
Conhocton Valley, extending southeast through the centre, 
divides the town into two nearly equal parts. The south 
half is a hilly upland, and the north half consists of a series 
of wide valleys, broken by several steep and isolated hills. 
The streams are the Conhocton River and its tributaries, 
Five-Mile and Mud Creeks from the north, and Campbell's 
and Stockton's Creeks from the south. The Crooked or 
Keuka Lake Valley extends southeast, and opens into the 
Conhocton Valley at Bath, three hundred and forty feet 
above the lake. The soil is chiefly a gravelly and clayey 
loam, with a deep alluvium in the valleys. 

EARLY SETTLEMENT. 

The first settlement in this town was made at Bath 
village, in 1793, by Capt. Charles Williamson, agent for 
the Pulteney estate, with fifteen families, mostly Scotch and 
Germans. On the 3d day of June, 1792, Capt. Williamson 
left the small settlement at the mouth of the Lycoming 
River, on the west branch of the Susi|uehanna, and entered 
the wilderness northward. In ten days he reached the 
Cowanesque Creek. He caused a road to be made across 
the country, over mountains and valleys hitherto deemed 
impassable, which excited the curiosity of the frontier in- 
habitants of Pennsylvania, and many were induced to ex- 
plore the unknown wilderness to the north. Many turned 
back disgusted, while others pressed forward, pleased with 
the prospects ofl'ered in the new country. It was thus that 
several settlements were begun in the south part of the 
county, the principal of which was on the Conhocton River. 



The village of Bath was laid out in the midst of a wilder- 
ness of 900,000 acres. Early in the season of 1793 a saw- 
mill was built, and before the winter set in a grist-mill was 
finished. In the year 1794, several new settlements were 
made along the Conhocton, in Pleasant Valley and Bartles' 
Hollow. At the same time Bath increased in population. 
On the most convenient sites mills were built, and roads 
were opened, presenting throughout the country a scene of 
enterprise and industry. So great was the influx of popu- 
lation into the county, early in the year 1796, that Bath 
and a district of country eight miles round were found to 
contain over 800 inhabitants. There were also two schools, 
one grist-mill, and five saw-mills. 

The following-named persons were some of the earliest 
settlers of Bath : Dugald and Charles Cameron, Thomas 
Metcalfe, Hector McKonzie, Andrew Smith, George Mc- 
Clure, James McDonald, Henry McElwee. James Reese, 
Robert Campbell, William Dunn, William Kersey, John 
Wilson, George D. Cooper, Daniel McKenzie, and Gus- 
tavus and Brown Gillespie. The first saw- and grist-mills 
were erected by Capt. Williamson in 1793, and the first 
tavern was opened the same year by John Metcalfe. 
Charles Williamson Dunn, born in 1794, was the first 
white male child born in the town. The settlement was 
begun in 1793, and "before the end of the season," says 
Mr. Williamson, " not less than fifteen families were resi- 
dent in the village." 

On New Year's day, 1794, Mr. Henry McElwee, a young 
man from the north of Ireland, arrived in Bath. He sub- 
sequently gave his impressions substantially as follows : " I 
found a few shanties standing in the wood. Williamson 
had his house where Will Woods has since lived, and the 
Metcalfes kept a log tavern above the Presbyterian church. 
I went to the tavern and a.sked for supper and lodging. 
They said they could give me neither, for their house was 
full. I could get nothing to eat. An old Dutchman was 
sitting there, and he said to me, ' Young man, if you will 
go with me you shall have some mush and milk for your 
.supper, and a deer-skin to lie on with your feet to the fire 




COUftT \IOUSE. 1826 



VIEWS IN BATH.fJEW YORK. 



in PULTENtY SgUAf^t 



-; ' 






TOWN OF BATH. 



161 



and another to cover yourself with.' I told him that I 
thanked hitu kindly, and would jro along. We went up 
through the woods to where St. Patrick's Square now is, 
and there the Dutchman had a little log house. There was 
no floor to it. I made a supper of mush and milk, and 
laid down with my feet to the fire and slept soundly. The 
Dutchman was traveling through to the Gene.see. hut his 
children were taken sick and he stopped there till they got 
well." 

In McMaster's " History of the Settlement of Steuben 
County" we find the following: " The trees had at this time 
been cut away only to admit of the erection of cabins for the 
accommodation of the few citizens, and to open a road through 
the forest. In the spring of 1794, Mr. McElwee, under the 
direction of Capt. Williamson, made the first clearing, being 
the Pulteuey Square and four acres behind the agent's house 
for a garden, for the cultivation of which he afterwards 
imported a gardener from England. The trees on the 
square were chopped carefully close to the ground. A 
single pine was left standing in front of the agency-house 
for a liberty tree. It was trimmed so as to leave a tuft at 
the top, and stood nodding defiance at despotism for several 
year.*, when it was blown down in a storm." 

Gen. George McClure was one of the early settlers of 
Bath. In 1850, while residing in Elgin, 111., he prepared, 
at the request of the publishers of McMaster's history, a 
narrative of his personal recollections of the early men and 
times of this locality. From this narrative we shall make 
such extracts as are adapted to our purpose in the present 
chapter. 

" Rev. James H. Hotchkin, in his ' History of the Pres- 
byterian Church in Western New York,' makes some severe 
strictures on the character of Capt. Williamson and his 
settlers. He says, ' They were principally from Europe or 
the States of Maryland and Virginia, with a qmnkliiig of 
Yankees, who came to make money. The state of society,' 
he remarks, ' was very dissolute. The Sabbath was disre- 
garded. Drinking, gambling, carousing, horse-racing, at- 
tending the theatre, with other concomitant vices, were very 
general, and numbers of those who moved in the high circle 
were exceedingly depraved.' I do not know from what 
source such information was obtained; but this I know, 
that the Sabbath was not desecrated in the village of Bath 
in the manner that he represents. We had but two public- 
houses in that village for many years. One was kept by 
the Metcalfe family, and the other by old Mr. Cruger, and 
after him by Mr. Bull. Neither of tho.se houses suffered 
gambling or carousing on the Sabbath. Nor did I ever hear 
of a horse-race on the Sabbath in Bath, nor of theatrical 
amusements on that day. There were not more than four 
or five families from Maryland and Virginia that settled in 
Bath ;* the other part of the population were at least one- 
half Yankees, and the other half foreigners and Penn.syl- 
vanians. Now I would say that instead of a ' sprinkling of 
Yankees,' we had a heavy shower of them. I do not be- 
lieve, however, that they were a fair sample of the sons of 



* Major Presley Thornton, who was the first occupant of the groat 
Sprintjjield Ifoiinf, a mile and a half below Bath, and Capt. William 
Helm, two Virginians, were the principal Southern men who located 
at Bath. 



the Pilgrims, for a good many of them, to say the least, were 
no better than they should be. I trust that nothing in my 
remarks will be considered invidious. I do not intimate 
by any means that Rev. Mr. Hotchkin would knowingly 
state an untruth, but that he has not been correctly informed 
in relation to the character of a large proportion of the 
early settlers 

" Among the number of the most respectable Scotch emi- 
grants were Charles Cameron and Dugald, his brother. 
These two young men were first-rate specimens of the 
Scotch character for intelligence and integrity, as well as 
for other amiable qualities. Charles Cameron was a merchant, 
and the first to open a store in Bath. He was also the first 
postmaster by appointment of Capt. Williamson, who paid 
all the expenses of transporting the mail once a week to 
and from Northumberlaud.f Some fifteen or twenty years 
after he obtained the appointment of sub-agent of the 
Hornby estate, from John Greig, Esq., of Canandaigua, 
the chief agent, and removed to the village of Greene, 
Chenango Co. Few men pos.se.ssed -stronger intellectual 
powers than Dugald Cameron. He was highly respected 
by all classes of his neighbors and acquaintances. He was 
a clerk in the land-oSJce for some time, until he and Gen. 
Haight were appointed sub-agents by Col. Troup. He was 
a great favorite of the people of Steuben. In 1828 they 
elected him as their representative in the Legislature of the 
State, which office, with some reluctance, he accepted. 
While at Albany attending to the duties of his station, he 
was seized with a violent ailment, and after a short and 
painful struggle departed this life, leaving a wife and a 
numerous family of children, most of whom have since 
died. His death was lamented by all his relations, friends, 
and acquaintances." 

Andrew Smith, a trustworthy Scotchman, had the 
charge of the farming operations of Col. Williamson, such 
as the clearing of the land for cultivation, and other kinds 
of labor. He had generally from thirty to fifty men, and 
sometimes more, in his employ, while Gen. McClure had 
nearly as many in the house-building department. Muckle 
Andrew (as they called him, being a large man) and Gen. 
McClure were great cronies. They were both single men, 
and kept bachelors' hall. They generally met on Saturday 
evenings, alternately, in each other's apartments. " We had 
in those days," says Gen. McClure, " plenty of the joyful, 
but we seldom carried matters so far as to get decently 
tipsy. We violated no pledge, for even ministers of the 
gospel and deacons, in those days, kept on their sideboards 
a full supply of the best Cognac, wine, and old whisky. 

" The finst topic of conversation was the bu.sincss of the 
past week and what progress we had made in our respective 
vocations. The uext business in order was a drink, then a 
story or a song. Andrew told the stories and I did the 
singing. My songs were generally the productions of 
Burns, such as Scots wha ha' wi' Wallace bled, Wlia'U 
he King but Charlie, and Auld Lang Syne. The last 
verse we always sung standing. My good friend Andrew 
had one favorite standing toast, which was as follows: 

f An old FrcDchman lived at the " block-house" on Laurel Ridge, 
sixty-five miles distant from Bath. Thomas Corbitt, the mail-rider 
in 1794, went thither weekly for the Steuben County bag. 



162 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YOEK. 



" ' Here's to niyscl', co' a' to mysel', 
Wi' a' my heart here's to me ; 
Here's to mysel' co' a' to mysel". 
And muckle guid may it do me.' 

Andrew Smith, in 1708, removed to iiis farm, three 
miles below Bath, where his grandson, Seneca S. Smith, 
now resides. He had the following children : Charles A. 
Smith (deceased) ; Maria, still living ; John J. Smith, now 
residing on a portion of the old homestead ; Andrew 
(deceased) ; Nancy and Eliz;ibeth, both living in the West. 
His grandchildren, sons and daughters of Charles A. 
Smith, are John L. Smith, Jane (Mrs. Hezekiah Decker), 
Jackson Smith, Nancy (Mrs. Julius Smith), William 
Smith, C. F. Smith (deceased), Seneca S. and Otis H. 
Smith. 

John J. Smith's children are. a.s follows : Elizabeth 
(Mrs. C. Ellis), Mary A. (unmarried), Margaret J. (Mrs. 
Philip Van Scoter, of Horuelisville), Alice (now a teacher 
in the State Normal School of New Jersey), Fanny (Mrs. 
Frank Brundage), and Hattie A., wife of Dr. Ira P. Smith, 
of Bath. 

There were a number of respectable young men, natives 
of Scotland, arrived in Bath in the years 1793 and 1794, 
among whom was Hector McKenzie, said to be the son of 
a Scotch laird, who was employed as clerk in the land- 
oiEcc.* 

Also, about this time, arrived Robert Campbell, father 
of Lieut.-Gov. Robert Campbell, Jr., and Daniel McKenzie, 
both respectable mechanics. Mr. Campbell was an indus- 
trious and exemplary citizen, and a worthy member of the 
Presbyterian Church. There was also old Mr. MuUen- 
der, with a very interesting family, who settled on a farm 
of Capt. Williamson's, near Bath. They were from Scot- 
land, and removed afterwards to the old Indian Castle, near 
Geneva. 

Henry McElwee and William, his brother, Frank Scott, 
Charles McClure, Gustavus and Brown Gillespie, Samuel 
and John Metier, with their large families, were natives of 
the north of Ireland, whose ancestors were of Scotch 
descent. They are all dead and gone long since. Henry 
McElwee has a son Henry, now an old man, residing on 
his farm at Mud Creek. 

William Dunn, a native of Pennsylvania, came to Bath 
in the spring of 1793, and kept for a short time a house of 
entertainment. He was appointed sheriff of the county 
after its organization. He was a very gentlemanly man. He 
entered largely into land speculation without capital, and, 
like many others, his visionary prospects soon vanished. 
He moved to Newtown, where he shortly after died. Mr. 
Dunn had two brothers who came to Bath with him, or 
shortly after, — Robert and Joseph. The former was called 
Col. Dunn. This military title he obtained on his way 
from York Co., Pa., to Bath. He was one of a company 
of adventurers and speculators, who agreed that they should 
introduce each other by certain assumed titles : some judges, 
others generals, colonels, majors, but none below the grade 
of captain. This Col. Dunn would pass anywhere as a 
gentleman of the -first rank in society. 

* McKenzie died in the West Indies. 



Old Mr. Cruger moved from Newtown to Bath, and 
kept the house formerly occupied by William Dunn, on the 
southeast corner of the Pulteney Square. Mr. Cruger was 
a native of Denmark, — a very pleasant man, full of anecdote 
and mother wit. He was the father of Gen. Daniel Cruger, 
a sketch of whose life appears in the history of the Bench 
and Bar of this county. 

General McClure gives the following autobiographical 
notes :f 

" I was born in Ireland in the year 1770. My ancestors 
emigrated from Scotland and settled not far from the city 
of Londonderry. They belonged to a religious sect called 
Covenanters, who for conscience' sake had to fly from their 
country to a place of greater safety, and out of the reach of 
their cruel and bigoted persecutors. I was kept at school 
from the age of four years till fifteen. The character and 
qualifications of those Irish pedagogues, to whom the edu- 
cation of youth was then committed, is not generally under- 
stood in this country. They were cruel and tyrannical 
in the mode and manner of chastising their pupils. Their 
savage mode of punishment for the least oflfense was dis- 
graceful. 

" After leaving school I chose to learn the trade of a 
carpenter, and at the age of twenty I resolved to come to 
America. I therefore embarked on board the ship Mary, 
iif Londonderry, for Baltimore. We made a quick and 
pleasant voyage of five weeks. I landed in Baltimore the 
first week in June, in good health and spirits. The whole 
of my property consisted of three suits of clothes, three 
dozen linen shirts, and a chest of tools. As soon as I 
landed I stepped into a new building, where a number of 
carpenters were at work, and inquired for the master-builder. 
I asked him if he wished to employ a journeyman. He 
said that he did, and inquired how much wages I asked. 
My answer was that I could not tell ; that I knew nothing 
of the usages of the country, as I had but a few minutes 
before landed from the ship. 

" ' Then,' said he, ' I presume you are an Englishman.' 

" ' Not exactly, sir,' I replied. ' Although I have been 
a subject of King George the Third, of England, my place 
of nativity was Ireland, but I am of Scotch descent.' 

" ' Ah, well, no matter. Come to-morrow morning and 
try your hand.' 

" I did so, and worked for him two months, when he 
paid me $75. Thinks I to myself, this is a good beginning, 
better than to have remained in Ireland and worked for 
two shillings and sixpence a day. 

" I then determined to see more of the land of liberty ; 
for at this time I had never traveled beyond the limits of 
the city. I had some relations near Chambersburg, Pa., 
and made preparations to visit them. In those days there 
were no stages, only from city to city on the seaboard. All 
the trade of the backwoods was carried on by pack-horses, 
and some few wagons where roads were suitable. I was 
advised to purchase and fit out a pack-horse, but as to do 
this would use up half my means, I concluded to be my 



f Gen. McClure was eighty years old when this narrative was 
written. At the age of sixty-four he removed to Elgin, III., where 
he died in the summer of 1851. 





JOHN L.SMITH. 



JV1RS.J0HN L.SMITH. 



JOHN L. SMITH. 



The subject of this sketch is of Scotch origin of the 
third generation. His grandfather, Andrew, was born 
in Lockerby, Dumfrieshire, Scotland, in 1761, and came 
to America, and settled in the town of Bath, with Cap- 
tain Williamson, in 1793. 

He married Elizabeth Lewis, a native of Orange Co., 
N. Y. He had a family of six children, viz. : Charles 
A., deceased ; Maria, widow of Dominick Quinn ; John 
J. ; Andrew, deceased ; Nancy, wife of Andrew Smith, 
residing in Minnesota; and Elizabeth, wife of James 
Rutherford, also a resident of Minnesota. 

Charles A., eldest son of Andrew Smith, was born in 
the town of Bath, in October, 1796, and married Azilla 
Morgan, of Bath, N. Y., by whom eight children were 
boiu, viz.: John L. ; Elizabeth, wife of H. Decker; 
Andrew J. ; Nancy, vvife of J. J. Smith, resides at 
Indianaj)olis, Ind. ; Wm. M., deceased ; C. F., deceased; 
and S. S., who now lives on the old homestead in Bath. 

Charles A. and his father ^vere both farmers by oc- 
cupation, of whom mention is made in the town history. 
Charles A. died in March, 1865, and his wife in June, 
1874. 

John L. Smith, eldest son of Charles A. and Azilla 
Smith, was born in the town of Bath, Steuben Co., 
N. Y., Dec. 31, 1822. He received a common-school 
education, and spent one term in the select school at 



Bath. He taught school for several winters. He wa.-^ 
reared a farmer, and has continued to follow the same 
occupation successfully to the present time. 

He married Miss Lois M., daughter of Samuel and 
Betsey (Dudley) Le Gro, of Bath, March 4, 1847. Mr. 
and Mrs. Le Gro were natives of Bangor, Me., and 
settled in Bath in 1814. 

Of the union of Mr. and Mrs. Smith three children 
have been born, namely : Charles L., Betsey D., and Azilla 
M. Mrs. Smith died March 26, 1877. Mr. Smith re- 
mained at home with his parents until 1853, when he 
settled on the farm where he now resides, his father 
having purcha.sed fifty acres of the same about 1847. 

Mr. Smith has been the architect of his own fortune, 
and his success is a fair example of what can be accom- 
plished by industry and frugality. He has some two 
hundred and ten acres in his home farm, besides more 
than three hundred acres elsewhere. 

In politics he affiliated with the Democratic party 
until the Kansas and Nebraska difficulties, when he be- 
came a strong supporter of the Republican party. He 
has held several town offices to the general satisfaction 
of his constituents. He was supervisor for two terms 
during the war, and was very energetic in getting the 
quota from his town filled. He has also been assessor 
and highway commissioner. 



TOWN OF BATH. 



163 



own pack-horse, and set out on foot for the far West, leaving 
the heaviest part of my goods and chattels to be forwarded 
at the first opportunity. I made good headway the first 
day, but I had put on too much steam and became foot- 
sore. I stopped for the night at the house of a wealthy 
German fiirmer, wiio had a large family of children, males 
and females, most of them grown up. Mine host and his 
good-lookingy/-«(« could not speak a word of English. He 
was very inquisitive, but he might as well have talked Hin- 
doo to me as German, as I could answer them only in their 
own way by a kind of grunt and shake of the head, which 
meant ' I can't understand.' So lie called his son Jacob 
(who had been at an English school) to act as interpreter. 
He told his son to ask me whence I came, and whether or 
not I was a. forfloxighter Irishman (that is, in-plain English, 

a d d Irishman). Thinks I, this is a poser, and I 

answered judiciously, and I think correctly, under all the 
circumstances. I told him I was a Scotchman, as in Ire- 
land all Protestants go by the name of Scotch or English, 
as the case may be. My Dutch landsman appeared to be 
satisfied, and we had a very social chat that evening to a 
late hour. The fomily were all collected, young and old, 
to hear of the manners and customs of the Scotcli. They 
seemed to take a great liking to me, and it was well for me 
that I had become quite a favorite, for my feet were so 
blistered with traveling that I could not move. I remained 
several days till I got over my lameness. When I called 
for my bill I was told that all was free, and was invited to 
remain a few days longer. I set out on my journey re- 
freshed and encouraged by the hospitality and kindness of 
that amiable Dutch family. 

" In three days thereafter I reached Chambersburg, 
which is one hundred miles west of Baltimore. I re- 
mained there until the spring following, when I discovered 
in the newspapers an advertisement, signed by Charles Wil- 
liamson, offering steady employment and high wages to 
mechanics and laborers who would agree to go with him 
to the Genesee country. Thinks I, ' This is a good chance, 
and I will embrace it.' I set out immediately for North- 
umberland, the headquarters of Mr. Williamson On my 
arrival there I was told that Capt. VV. had started, with 
a numerous- company of pioneers, to open a road through 
the wilderness to his place of destination, — one hundred 
and forty miles.* 

" I had some relations and other particular friends and 
acquaintances in that country. An uncle of mine, by the 
name of Moore, who came with his family from Ireland in 
the year 1790, had settled near the village of Northumber- 
land. I made Uncle Moore's my home until I heard of 
Capt. Williamson's arrival at Bath, when I again made my 
preparations to set out for the land of promise, accompa- 
nied by my Uncle Moore, — a man who had never traveled 
more than twenty miles from his old homestead in all his 
life, excepting on his voyage to America. I told him that 
if his object in coming to this country was to purchase 
land for himself and his sons, he ought, without delay, to 
go to the Genesee country, where he could purchase first- 
rate land for one dollar per acre. This was all true, though 

* See account of this road in another chapter. 



I was somewhat selfish in making the proposition, as I did 
not like to travel alone through the wilderness, liable to be 
devoured by panthers, bears, and wolves ; so I eventually 
persuaded the old gentleman to accompany me. The old 
lady. Aunt Moore, packed up provisions enough for at least 
a four weeks' journey. 

" We mounted a pair of good horses and set out. We 
had only traveled twenty miles when we came to a large 
rapid stream or creek, which, from late heavy rains, was 
bank full. Uncle Moore concluded to retrace his steps 
homeward. I told Iiim I could not agree to that. • Why, 
we will be laughed at.' 

" ' Well,' said he, ' they may laugh if they please.' And 
would go no fartliei-. 

" ' Very well,' said I, ' if that is your determination, I 
will remain here until the water falls; but I see a house 
close by and a large canoe (the first I had ever seen). Let 
us go and inquire whether it would be safe to swim our 
horses alongside of it.' 

" We were told there was no danger, and two men ven- 
tured to set us over. Uncle Moore proposed that I should 
go over first with my horse, and if I made a safe voyage to 
send back for him. We landed in .safety. I got the old 
gentleman just where I wanted him. He must now go 
ahead, as his retreat was now cut off. In the mean time I 
had learned that there were two other large streams ahead 
of us, the first called the Loyal Sock, within twelve miles, 
and the Lycoming, eight miles beyond. There was no in- 
habitant near. What was to be done ? I told Uncle 
Moore we must do one of two things, either swim our 
horses across or camp on the bank till the river falls; but 
I thought there was no danger in swimming, as it was a 
deep stream and not rapid. I proposed to go over first, and 
if I arrived safely he must follow, if he thought proper. 
I gave him directions to hold his horse quartering up the 
stream, and seize with his right hand the horse's mane; not 
look down in the water, but straight across to some object 
on the other side. I passed over without difficulty. The 
old gentleman hesitated for some time. At length he 
plunged in, and crossed with ease. We soon after arrived 
at the bank of the Lycoming Creek. That stream was 
high and outrageously rapid. We concluded to wait till 
it became fordable. We stopped at the house of one 
Thompson, remained there several days, overhauled our 
clothing and provisions, and made another fresh start, and 
entered the wilderness on Capt. Williamson's new road. 
There were no houses between Lycoming and Painted Po.st, 
a distance of ninety-five miles, except one in the wilderness, 
kept by a semi-barbarian, or, in other words, a half-civilized 
Frenchman, named Anthony Sun. He did not bear a very 
good character, but we were obliged to put up with him for 
the night or encamp in the woods. The next night wo 
slept soundly on a bed of hemlock on the bank of the Tioga 
River. Next day, about twelve o'clock, we arrived at Ful- 
ler's tavern. Painted Post. We ordered dinner of the very 
best they could afford, which consisted of fried venison and 
hominy. After dinner we concluded to spend the afternoon 
in visiting the few inhabitants of the neighborhood. First 
we called upon Judge Knox, who entertained us with a de- 
scription of the country and his own adventures. We next 



1 04 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY. NEW YORK. 



called on Benjamin Eaton, who kept a little store of goods, 
and, after an introduction by Judge Knox to the rest of the 
neighborhood, returned to our hotel and put up for the 
night. In the morning we started for Bath, a distance of 
eighteen miles. When we reached the mouth of Mud 
Creek, we found that a house of entertainment had been 
erected there, and was kept by one Thomas Corbit, who 
came from Pennsylvania with Williamson's company. 
Thomas had been a soldier of the Revolution, and could 
sing an unaccountable number of patriotic songs, ' Hail ! 
Columbia' among the rest. Some thirty years after he be- 
came poor and helpless. I procured for him a pension, 
through Henry Clay, but he did not live long to enjoy it. 

" We arrived at Bath and put up at the only house of 
entertainment in the village (if it could be called a house). 
Its construction was of pitch-pine logs, in two apartments, 
one story high, kept by a very kind and obliging English 
family of the name of Metcalfe. This house was the only 
one in town except a similar one erected for the temporary 
abode of Capt. Williamson, which answered the purpose of 
parlor, dining-room, and land-oiBce. There were besides 
some shanties for mechanics and laborers. 

" I called on Capt. Williamson, and introduced myself 
to him as a mechanic. I told him that I had seen his ad- 
vertisement, and, in pursuance of his invitation, had come 
to ask employment. • Very well,' said he ; ' young man, you 
shall not be disappointed.' He told me I should have the 
whole of his work, if I could procure as many hands as 
necessary. We entered into an agreement. He asked me 
when I should be ready to commence business. I told him 
that I must return to Northumberland and engage some 
hands there, and send our tools and baggage up the north 
branch of the Susquehanna to Tioga Point, that being the 
head of boat-navigation. 

" I introduced Uncle Moore to him ; told him that he 
came all the way to see the country, and that, if he liked 
it, he would purcha,se a farm and move on it with his family. 
He made a selection four miles west of Bath, on which some 
of his family now reside. 

" We returned immediately to Northumberland, hired a 
few young men,^carpenters. We shipped our tools and 
baggage on a boat, sold my horse, and we went on foot to 
Bath, arriving there in five days. One more trip was neces- 
sary before we could commence business, as our ba£";as;e 

*> ' CO o 

would be landed at Tioga Point. There were no roads at 
that time through the narrows on the Chemung for wagons 
to pass with safety ; therefore eight of us started on foot 
for the Point. When we came within four miles of New- 
town, we discovered a number of canoes, owned by some 
Dutch settlers. I purchased four of them. One of them 
was a very large one, which I bought of a funny old Dutch- 
man, who said his canoe ' wash de granny from de whole 
river up.' My companions gave me the title of commodore, 
and insisted on my taking command of the large canoe. I 
selected as a shipmate a young man by the name of Gordon, 
who was well skilled in the management of such a craft. 
We laid in provisions for the voyage and a full supply of 
the joyful. We pushed our little fleet into the river, and 
with wind and tide in our favor, arrived at Tioga Point in 
four hours, a distance of twenty-four miles. We shipped 



our goods and set out with paddles and long setting-poles 
against a strong current. Then came the tug of war. 
Many times we were obliged to land, and, with a long rope, 
tow our vessel up falls and strong riffles, and in ascending 
the Conhocton we had to cut through many piles of drift- 
wood. Our progress was slow. We made the trip from 
the Point (sixty-six miles) in nine days. It was the hardest 
voyage I ever undertook. We were the first navigators of 
the Conhocton River. 

" By this time Capt. William.son had erected two saw- 
mills on the Conhocton, near Bath, and they were in full 
operation. Houses were erected as fast as 30 or 40 hands 
could finish tliem. Capt. Williamson called on me, and 
asked how long it would take me to erect and finish a frame 
building of 40 by 1 6 feet, one and a half stories high, all 
green stuff. He told me that he expected a good deal 
of company in a few days, and there was no house where 
so many could be entertained. I told him if all the mate- 
rial were delivered on the spot, I would engage to finish it 
according to his plan in about three days, or perhaps in less 
time. ' Very well, sir,' said he; ' if you finish the house in 
the time you have stated, you shall be rewarded.' I told 
my hands what I had undertaken to do, and the time I had 
to do it in was limited to three days. ' I will pay each of 
you one dollar a day extra. We shall have to work day 
and night. What say you, boys ?' Their auswer was, ' We 
will do it.' This was followed up by three hearty cheers 
for Capt. Williamson. Next morning I went at it with 30 
hands, and in forty-eight hours the house was finished ac- 
cording to agreement. No limestone had yet been dis- 
covered in that region, nor even stone suitable for walling 
cellars, therefore the whole materials for the building were, 
from necessity, confined to timber and nails. Capt. Wil- 
liamson paid me $400 for my forty-eight hours' job, and 
remarked that he would not have been disappointed for 
double that sum. He published an account of this little 
affair in the Albany and New York papers. It had some 
effect of bringing our little settlement into notice. He also 
gave orders for the erection of a large building, eighty by 
forty feet, for a theatre, and for the clearing of 100 acres, 
around which was made a beautiful race-course, and another 
at .Genesee Flats, near Williamsburgh. Such amusements 
had the effect of bringing an immense number of gentle- 
men into the county every spring and fall. This was done 
by Capt. Williamson in order to promote the interest of his 
employer. Southern sportsmen came with their full-blooded 
racers ; others again with bags of money to bet on the 
horses, and a large proportion of gamblers and blacklegs. 
Money was plenty in those days, — at least in and about 
Bath, — and was easily obtained, and as easily lost. Some 
men became immensely rich in twenty-four hours, and per- 
haps the next day were reduced to beggary. 

" Such amusements and scenes of dissipation led to 
another species of gambling, called laud speculation. Any 
respectable-looking gentleman might purchase, on a credit 
of six years, from one mile square to a township of land. 
The title that Capt. Williamson gave was a bond for a deed 
at the end of the term, provided payment was fully made, 
otherwise the contract became null and void. Those bonds 
were transferable, and the speculators sold to each other. 



TOWN OF BATH. 



1G5 



and gave their bonds for thousands and hundreds of thou- 
sands of dollars, which was the ruin of all who embarked 
in such foolish speculations. They became the victims of 
a monomania. Capt. Williamson believed that this specu- 
lation would hasten the settlement of the country, but its 
tendency proved to be the reverse. Besides, it was the 
ruin of many honest, enterprising, and industrious men. 

" The nest project that claimed his attention was the im- 
provement of our streams. They were then called creeks, 
but when they came to be improved, and were made navi- 
gable for arks and rafts, their names were changed to those 
of rivers. The colonel ordered the Conhocton and Mud 
Creeks to be explored by a competent committee, and a 
report to be made, and an estimate of the probable expense 
required to make them navigable for arks and rafts. The 
report of the committee was favorable. A number of hands 
were employed to remove obstructions and open a passage 
to Painted Post, which was done, though the channel still 
remained very imperfect and dangerous.* 

" The question was then asked. Who shall be the first ad- 
venturer? We had not as yet any surplus produce to 
spare, but lumber was a staple commodity, and was in great 
demand at Hanisburg, Columbia, and Baltimore. I there- 
fore came to the conclusion to try the experiment the next 
spring. I went to work and built an ark 75 feet long and 
16 feet wide, and in the course of the winter got out a 
cargo of pipe and hogshead .staves, which I knew would 
turn to good account should I arrive safely at Baltimore. 
All things being ready, with a cargo on board, a good pitch 
of water, and a first-rate set of hands, we put out our un- 
wieldy vessel into the stream, and away we went at a rapid 
rate, and in about half an hour reached White's Island, five 
miles below Bath. There we ran against a large tree which 
lay across the river. We made fast our ark to the shore, 
cut away the tree, repaired damages, and next morning 
took a fair start. It is unnecessary to state in detail the 
many difficulties we encountered before we reached Painted 
Post, but in about six days we got there. The Chemung 
River had fallen so low that we were obliged to wait for 
a rise of water. In four or five days we were favored 
with a good pitch of water. We made a fresh start, and in 
four days ran two hundred miles, to Mohontongo, a place 
twenty miles from H;iarisburg, where, through the igno- 
rance of the pilot, we ran upon a bar of rocks in the middle 
of the river, where it was one mile wide. There we lay 
twenty-four hours, no one coming to our relief, or to take 
us on shore. At last a couple of gentlemen came on board, 
and told us it was impossible to get the ark off till a rise of 
water. One of the gentlemen inquired, apparently very 
carelessly, what it cost to build an ark of that size, and how 
many thousand staves we had on board. I suspected his 
object, and answered him in his own careless manner. He 
asked if I did not wish to sell the ark and cargo. I told 
him I would prefer going through if there was any chance 
of a rise of water; that pipe-staves in Baltimore were worth 
S80 per thousand, but if you wish to purchase, and will 
make me a generous offer, I will take it. He offered me 

* The Conhocton was declared nnvigable above Liberty Corners. 
The first attempt at cleariug the channel was made on the strength 
of a fund of $700, raised by subscription. 



$600. I told him that was hardly half the price of the 
cargo at Baltimore, but if he would give me $800, I would 
close the bargain with him. He said he had a horse, 
saddle, and bridle on shore, worth $200, which he would 
add to the $600. We all went on shore. I examined the 
horse, and considered him worth the $200. We closed the 
bargain, and I started for Bath. I lost nothing by the 
sale, but if I had succeeded in reaching Baltimore I should 
have cleared $500. 

" The same spring Jacob Bartles and his brother-in-law, 
Mr. Harvey, made their way down Mud Creek, with one 
ark and some rafts. Bartle.s" miil-pond and Mud Lake 
afiForded water sufficient at any time, by drawing a gate, to 
carry arks and rafts out of the creek. Harvey lived on tiie 
West Branch of the Susquehanna, and understood the man- 
agement of such crafts. 

" Thus it was ascertained to a certainty that, by improv- 
ing these streams, we could transport our produce to Balti- 
more — a distance of three hundred miles — in the spring of 
the year for a mere trifle. 

"In the year 1795 I went to Albany on horseback. 
There was no road from Cayuga Lake to Utica better than 
an Indian trail. ... I had got it into my head to dispose 
of my chest of tools and turn merchant. I therefore set- 
tled my accounts with Col. Williamson. He gave me a 
draft on a house in Albany for $1500, accompanied by let- 
ters of recommendation. I laid in a large assortment of 
merchandise and shipped them on board a Mohawk boat. 
Being late in the fall, the winter set in and the boat got 
frozen up in the river about thirty miles west of Schenec- 
tady, at a place called the Cross Widows, otherwise called 
the Widow Veder's. Here the goods lay for about two 
months, till a sleigh-road was opened from Utica to Cayuga 
Lake. About the last of January I started with sleighs 
after my goods, and in two weeks arrived at Bath. 

" I have already mentioned that Col. Williamson ex- 
pended a good deal of money in improving a number of 
farms and erecting a number of buildings on them, which 
gave employment to many hands.f These hands were my 
best customers, and paid up their accounts every three 
months by orders on Williamson ; but orders came from 
England to stop such improvements, and shortly after Col. 
Williamson resigned his agency. Those tenants and labor- 
ers got in my debt at this time about $4000, and in one 
night the whole of them cleared out for Canada. They 
were a sad set of unprincipled scamps. 

•' My next start in business was attended with a little 
better success. My brother Charles kept a small store in 
Bath, and in the year 1800 we entered into partnership. 
I moved to Dansville, opened a store, and remained there 
one year. I did a safe business, and took in that winter 
4000 bushels of wheat and 200 barrels of pork ; built four 
arks at Arkport, on the Canisteo River, and ran them down 
to Baltimore. These were the first arks that descended the 



f The author of McMaster's history makes this note : Several of 
the Uaverling, Brundage, and Faulkner farms, north of the village 
of Bath, were cleared by Capt. Williamson. He built large framed 
barns on them and settled them with tenants. The scheme was a 
failure. After Capt. W.'s departure the farms were almost hopelessly 
overrun with oak-bushes. 



166 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY. NEW YORK. 



Canisteo. My success in trade that year gave nie another 
fair start. My brother, in the mean time, went to Phila- 
delphia to lay in a fre.sli supply of goods for both stores ; 
but on his way home he died very suddenly at Tioga Point. 
He liad laid in about $30,000 worth of goods. I returned 
to Bath with my family ; continued my store at Dansville ; 
opened one at Penn Yan, and sent a small assortment to 
Pittstown, Ontario Co.* 

" My next project was to build a .schooner on Crooked 
Lake, of about 30 tons burden, for the purpose of carrying 
wheat from Penn Yan to the head of the lake 

" Indians were very numerous at that time. Their hunt- 
ing camps were within short distances of each other all over 
the county. The Indian trade was then an object. I hired 
a chief by the name of Kettle- Hoop, from Buffalo, to teach 
me the Seneca language. He spoke good English. All 
words that related to the Indian trade or traffic I wrote 
down in one column, and opposite gave the interpretation 
in Seneca ; and so I enlarged my dictionary from day to day 
for three or four weeks, until I got a pretty good knowledge 
of the language. I then set out on a trading expedition 
amongst the Indian encamjjuients, and took my teacher 
along, who introduced me to his brethren as seos cngenu, 
that is, very good man. They laughed very heartily at my 
pronunciation. I told them I had a great many goods at 
Tanighanaguanda ; that is, Bath. I told them to come 
and see me, and bring all their furs, and peltry, and gammon 
(the hams of deer), and I would buy them all, and pay them 
in goods very cheap. They asked me, Tcgoije excethgath 
and Negaugli ? that is, ' Have you rum and wine, or fire- 
water?' That fall, in the bunting season, I took in an 
immense quantity of furs, peltry, and deer-hams. Their 
price for gammon, large or small, was two shillings. I 
salted and smoked that winter 3000 hams, and sold them 
next spring in Baltimore and Philadelphia for two shillinirs 
a pound. 

" At this time there was an old bachelor Irishman in 
Bath, who kept a little store or groggery, by the name of 
Jimmy McDonald, who boarded himself and lived in his 
pen in about as good style as a certain nameless four-legged 
animal. He became very jealous of me after I had secured 
the whole of the Indian trade. The Indians used to com- 
plain of Jimmy, and say that he was toi cos; that is, not 
good, — ton much cheat, Jimmy. When I had command 
of the army at Fort George, in Upper Canada, about six 
hundred of these Indians were attached to my command. 

" The next spring I started down the rivers Conhocton 
and Canisteo with a large fleet of arks loaded with flour, 
wheat, pork, and other articles. The embargo being in 
full force, the price of flour and wheat was very low. At 
Havre de Grace I made fast two or three arks loaded with 
wheat to the stern of a small schooner, which lay anchored 
in the middle of the stream, about half a mile from shore. 
Being ebb-tide, together with the current of the stream, 
we could not possibly land the arks. Night setting in, 
there was no time to be lost in getting them to shore, as 



* The account of the purchase of the Cold Springs property, and 
of Gen. McClure's operations there and on Crooked Lake, will be 
found in the history of the town of Urbana. 



there was a strong wind down the bay, and it would be 
impossible to save them if they should break loose from 
the schooner. I left the arks in charge of William Ed- 
wards, of Bath, while I went on shore to procure help to 
tow to shore. Whilst I was gone the wind increased, and 
the master of the schooner hallooed to Edwards, who was 
in one of the arks, that he would cut loose, as there was 
danger that he would be dragged into the bay and get lost, 
and he raised his axe to cut the cables. Edwards swore if 
he cut tlie cables he would shoot him down on the spot, 
and raising a handspike took deliberate aim. It being 
dark the captain could not distinguish between a hand- 
spike and a rifle. This brought him to terms. He dropped 
the axe, and told Edwards that if he would engage that I 
should pay him for his vessel in case she should be lost he 
would not cut loo.se. Edwards pledged himself that I 
would do so. 

" When I got on shore I went to a man named Smith, 
who had a fishery and a large boat with eighteen oars, and 
about forty Irishmen in his employ, and ofi'ered to hire 
his boat and hands. He was drunk, and told me with an 

oath that I and my ark might 'go to the d 1.' He 

would neither let the boat nor the hands go. I went into 
the shanty of the Irishmen, and, putting on an Irish 

brogue, told them of my distress. ' The d 1 take 

Smith ; we will help our countryman, by my shoul, boys,' 
said their leader. They manned the boat, and the arks 
were brought to shore in double-quick time. They refused 
to take pay, and I took them to a tavern and ordered them 
as much as they chose to drink. My friend Edwards and 
those jolly Irishmen saved my arks and cargo. Edwards 
is yet alive, and resides in Bath.t 

" The loss I sustained in flour and wheat this year was 
great, but I did not feel it to be a serious interruption to 
my business. On my return I concluded that I must sus- 
pend the purchase of wheat while that ruinous measure, 
the embargo, was in force, and fall upon some other scheme 
and project. So I opened a large distillery, which opened 
a market to the farmers for their rye, corn, and even wheat, 
which I converted into ' tire-water,' as the Indians very 
properly call it. Jefierson's embargo did not injure the 
sale of it, but the contrary, as whisky was then worth by 
the barrel from eight to ten shillings a gallon, and all men, 
women, and children drank of it freely in those days. I 
converted much of my whisky into gin, brandy, and cor- 
dials, in order to suit the palates of some of my tippling 
customers. 

" I purchased in the fall droves of cattle and sent them 
to Philadelphia. I also stall-fed forty head of the be.st and 
largest cattle in the winter, which I shipped on arks to 
Columbia, and drove to Philadelphia, where they sold to 
good advantage. This mode of .sending fat cattle to market 
astoni.shed the natives as we passed down the river. It 
proved to be a profitable business. 

" In the year 1814, I sold my Cold Springs mills to 
Henry A. Townsend, for $14,000. I erected other mills 
at Bath. In 1816, I ran down to Baltimore 1,000,000 
feet of pine lumber, and 100,000 feet of cherry boards and 

t He died in March, 1851. 



I 





'^i^r/^X^ 



LAY NOBLE. 



Lay Noble was born in New Lisbon, Otsego Co., 
N. Y., Sept. 17, 1800. His father, Martin Noble, was 
a native of Litchfield Co., Conn., born June 18, 1774. 
Married Abigail Lane, born July 29, 1792; was a car- 
penter and joiner by trade, and about the year 1795 
removed to Otsego Co., N. Y., where he worked at his 
trade, and where he .subsequently purchased a farm, on 
which he resided until his death, Feb. 23, 1828. His 
wife survived him many years, residing with her son in 
Bath prior to her death, which occurred Aug. 21, 1857. 

Mr. Lay Noble is second in the family of six children, 
two of whom are living, the subject of this narrative 
and Mrs. Crittenden, of Chippewa Falls, Wis. At the 
age of sixteen he was apprenticed to learn the cabinet- 
maker's trade, at Greneva, N. Y. Upon reaching his 
majority he began as a journeyman at his trade, which 
he followed in various places. 

In 1826, Oct. 22, he married Lucinda, daughter of 
Lemuel and Amelia (Blakslee) Brooks, of Butternuts, 
Otsego Co., N. Y., having in the fall of 1824 .settled in 
the town of Bath, this county, and established the cabinet 
business. 

He was engaged in business in Bath as a cabinet manu- 



facturer and dealer in that class of goods until 1832, 
and during the same year purchased a farm of two hun- 
dred acres in the town of Bath, which he carried on until 
1865, when he retired from active business. As an ap- 
prentice or journeyman he was industrious, and known 
for his honesty ; as a business man and farmer he was 
enterprising and successful. 

In politics he was a Whig, and afterwards a Republi- 
can. Ever interested in church and kindred interests, 
he early in life became a member of the Episcopal 
Church, and for many years has been a vestryman and 
warden of that church, and a member of the same for 
nearly half a century. 

His wife died Feb. 1, 1867, and he married his present 
wife, who was a sister of his first wfe, Mrs. Fanny 
Bergen, Oct. 24, 1868. His children are Martin Wil- 
liam, Edward (deceased), Mrs. Jacob W. Velie; her 
husband is secretary of the Academy of Science, Chi- 
cago. 

The eldest son, Martin William Noble, is a thrifty 
and prominent farmer in the town of Bath. The family 
of Edward Noble reside on the farm purchased by Mr. 
Noble in 1862. 



TOWN OF BATH. 



167 



curled maple. I chartered three brigs, and shipped my 
cherry and curled uiaple and 500 barrels of flour to Boston. 
I sold my flour at a fair price, but my lumber was a dead 
weight on my hands. At length the inventor of a machine 
for spinning wool by water-power offered to sell me one of 
Ills machines for $2500 and take lumber in payment. I 
closed a bargain with him, which induced nic to embark in 
woolen manufactures. I obtained a loan from the State, and 
was doing well until Congress reduced the tariff' for the 
protection of home industry to a mere nominal tax. The 
country immediately after was flooded with foreign fabrics, 
and but a few woolen-factories survived the shock. 

" I will now close my narrative, so far as it relates to my 
own business concerns, with a single remark that although 
T have been unfortunate at the clo.se of my business, yet I 
flatter myself that all will admit that 1 have done nothing 
to retard the growth and prosperity of the village of Bath 
or of the inhabitants of Steuben County generally, especially 
at a time when there were no facilities for the farmers of 
the county to transport their products to market other than 
that which was offered them by my exertions. And whether 
the people of Steuben or myself have received the most 
benefit, I leave them to determine. 

" It would appear to be of very little consequence for me 
to state the number of civil offices that I held during my 
residence in Steuben County. It will only show how far 
I had the good-will of the people. Fir.st, I was appointed 
justice of the peace, next a judge of the Court of Common 
Pleas, and surrogate of the county. In 181G I was ap- 
pointed high sheriff' of the county, which office I held four 
years. I held the office of postmaster of the vilhige of Bath 
about eight years. The good people of Steuben also elected 
me three years in succession to represent them in the Legis- 
lature of the State of New York. For all these favors I felt 
then, and ever shall feel, grateful. 

" This brief narrative is nothing more than a mere synopsis 
of .some of the principal events of my life during the last 
sixty years. I find that all labor, whether of the hand or 
bead, has become burdensome, which will be a sufficient 
apology for its insufficiencies." 

SAVONA. 

At the time of the early settlement, and for many 3'ears 
after, this part of the town of Bath was known as Mud 
Creek, from the intersection of the creek of that name at 
this point with the Conhocton River. The first settlers 
were Thomas Corbit, who came from Pennsylvania with 
Colonel Williamson in 1793, John Doleson, who removed 
here from the Chemung in 1794, Henry Bush, and Henry 
McElwee, father of Henry, who still resides on the old 
homestead. Henry McElwee .settled here some time during 
the year 1794. 

A post-office was established here about 1823. The ear- 
liest postmaster who can now be recollected was Elisha Mc- 
Coy. He was followed by Archibald H. Gates, in 1835. 
Then came the following in the order named : Marvin Wait, 
Daniel Goodsell, D. P. Graves, Marsena Terry, Richard 
Graves (1851-62), Harry Cole, Thomas J. Ballon, James 
Tyler, Charles Loucks, and John C. Mallory, the present 



postmaster. The post-office is kept in the drug-store of 
A. Powers. 

John Moore, father of James Moore, now living at Sa- 
vona, settled here about 1808. David Whitaker, father of 
Joseph, Jonathan, and David Whitaker, became a lesident 
of the place in 1810. Uriah Hughes, father of the late 
Dr. Hiram Hughes, came to the place about 1812. Ches- 
ter Whitaker, who resided in this part of the town, was 
several terms supervisor and many years a justice of the 
peace. He died in 18G7. 

Savona has now two physicians, — Dr. J. D. Mitchell and 
Dr. Warren Stewart. 

Two teachers are employed in the district school. 

There are several steam-mills and other manufacturing 
establishments; -some half a dozen stores, including dry 
goods, hardware, drugs, and groceries ; about J50 dwel- 
lings, and a population of 550. There is one hotel, the 
Railroad House, kept by Marvin W. Clapp. 

The Methodist church of Savona was built in 1843. 
Previous to this services had been held in the school-house, 
by Rev. Mr. Story and other early preachers. Among the 
oldest members of the church were Elisha McCoy and 
Lssachar Hughes. The Hughes family generally were 
members and supporters of this church. Rev. J. V. Lowell 
is the present pastor, and his charge includes also the church 
at Sonora. 

The Baptists held services with the Methodists at first, 
and built their own church in 1856. Elder Eliphas Fisk 
was one of the first preachers of this faith in the place, as 
early as 1818. The present pa.stor, Rev. Mr. Mallory, has 
had charge of the church for twenty-nine years. 

These churches both have prosperous Sunday-schools. 

KANONA. 

The first settlers in this part of the town of Bath were 
Henry Kennedy, about 1800 ; Brigham, Elisha, Elijah, and 
John Hanks, from Westboro, Vt., 1804 ; Jeremiah Wheeler, 
grandfather of Carlton and Andrew Wheeler, 1805. 

Henry Kennedy owned the land where the village now 
stands, and kept the first hotel, giving to the place the 
name of " Kennedyville," by which it was for many years 
known. 

Erastus Glass came in 1806, and afterwards built the old 
Glass saw-mill, where Baker's mill now stands. 

Clinton Nixon afterwards kept the Kennedyville Hotel. 
He built a saw-mill and tannery about half a mile below 
the village, and was also a merchant and speculator about 
1830. He subsequently removed to Wisconsin. 

John Ostrander, father of Edward E. Ostrander, came 
to the town in 1811 or 1812, when nine years of age. He 
was a lawyer, merchant, hotel-keeper, and speculator, and 
died in 1865. 

The Neallys were one of the prominent early families 
in this part of the town. 

Caleb Farnham was an early settler on the farm where 
Zera Bradley now lives. This farm was first owned by 
Elisha Hanks. William J. Neally settled on the place 
where William Willis now resides.- 

We find the following among some of the old papers : 



168 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



"At a school-meeting, Nov. 23, 1813, Reuben Mont- 
gomery, moderator, and Brigham Hanks, clerk, voted that 
where the school-house now stands be the site for the school," 
showing that a school-hou.se was built before 1813, but the 
site was not owned by the district. 

" May 5, 1815, Dauphin Murray entered into a contract 
with Eli.sha Hanks, Jared Spalding, and Erastus Glass, 
trustees of School District No. 3, in the town of Bath, to 
keep and teach a common English school — to wit, reading, 
writing, and common arithmetic — for the term of one year, in 
the school-house next adjoining the blacksmith-shop owned 
and occupied by Brigham Hanks, Esq.'' It appears from 
another paper that the said Dauphin Murray taught this 
school also in 1814. He was one of the early hotel-keepers 
in the place. 

In 1833 the Christians and Universalists of Kanona 
bought a lot of land, and built a church on the site of 
Sillenbach's present mill. The conveyance was made by 
Hiero, Ann, and Maria Kennedy, heirs of the Kennedy 
estate, " to John K. Towner, Daniel Towner, Franklin 
Glass, Shepard Spalding, and Vestus Chapin, trustees of 
the First Christian Society, in the town of Bath, and Henry 
Smith, Elijah Hanks, Joseph D. Shuart, Royal Knight, 
Simpson Ellas, and Christopher Rowe, trustees of the First 
Universalist Society of the town of Bath." Dated Oct. 24, 
1833. The building and lot were sold at sheriff's sale, and 
finally passed into the hands of the Methodists, who used it 
till the present Methodist church was built in 1874, when 
the lot and building were sold to Mr. Sillenbach. 

The Presbyterian church was built in 1831. The Pres- 
byterian Society continued to exist till about 1874, when 
its remaining trustees gave the church to the Methodist 
Episcopal Society, by whom it was rebuilt and dedicated in 
1874, and is now occupied as a regular charge. 

A post-ofBce was established here at an early date. Among 
the postmasters have been the following: Brigham Hanks, 
John Ostrander, George A. Farnhatu, Jason H. Stone, 
Dwight H. Ostrander, A. L. Barney, W. Graham, Seymour 
Huston, and James Neil. 

Kanona contains two steam saw-mills, Sylvenus Sillen- 
bach and Henry Brother ; one tannery, M. Wayland ; two 
grain-warehouses, John J. Ostrander and F. W. Bradley. 
The population is 275. It is four miles from Bath, on the 
Rochester division of the Erie Railway, and connected with 
Prattsburgh by a daily mail-stage. 

ORQANIZATION. 

Bath is one of the original six towns of the county, 
erected March 18, 179G. It then embraced what are now 
the towns of Pulteney and Urbana, and parts of Wheeler, 
Howard, Cohocton, and Avoca. Pulteney was taken off in 
1808, a part of Howard and Cohocton in 1812, a part of 
Wheeler in 1820, Urbana in 1822, a part of Avoca in 
1843, and part of Cohocton in 1852. A part of Urbana 
was annexed April 2(i, 1839. 

The first town-meeting for the election of officers was 
held at the house of John Metcalfe, in the town of Bath, 
on the 4th day of April, 1797. After the votes were taken 
by ballot, it appeared that the following gentlemen were 
duly elected, viz., Charles Cameron, Supervisor; James 



Eddie, Town Clerk ; William Aulls, Patrick McKcU, and 
Hector McKenzie, Commissioners of Highways ; Gustavus 
Gillespie, Collector; Amos Stone, George Dixon, and 
Abijah Peters, Constables ; Daniel Cruger, Patrick Mc- 
Kell, Overseers of the Poor ; Amos Eggleston, Joseph 
Inslie, William Read, John Woodard, Henry Bush, Henry 
McElwee, and Jacob Phillips, Overseers of Highways ; Eli 
Read, Andrew Smith, James McKell, 'Thomas Streeter, 
Fence- Viewers ; Robert Biggar, Samuel Miller, Samuel 
Baker, Assessors ; Samuel Baker and Silas Beers, Pound- 
Masters ; George D. Cooper, John Sheather, Charles Wil- 
liamson, and Benjamin F. Y^'oung, Commissioners of 
Schools. 

" The above were duly qualified by William Kersey, Es- 
quire, Justice of the Peace. 

"N.B. — It was moved and carried to have the next 
annual town-meeting at the house of John Metcalfe, inn- 
keeper, in Bath." 

" At a town-meeting of the inhabitants and freeholders 
of the town of Bath, due and legal notice thereof being 
first given by advertisement, convened at the house of 
John Metcalfe, inn-keeper in said to'wn, the Hon. William 
Kersey being presiding officer, the following ordinances, 
rules, and regulations were entered into. Giving their as- 
sent by dividing to the right and the left : 

■' 1. Oi'ditined, That fence? within the saitl Town that are made 
round any inclosure shall not be considered lawful unless built five 
feet in height, and the vacancies between the rails or logs in the first 
three feet not to exceed five inches and an half. 

" 2. Ordained, That swine be permitted to run at large without any 
obstruction ; provided they are not less than six months old. and do 
not run within two miles of the square of the town of Bath. 

" :!. Ordiuned, That every inhabitant of the town of Bath who keeps 
a cwature or creatures of any kind shall enter their mark with the 
town clerk. 

"4. Ordained, That cutting oft' both ears of any creature shall be 
an unlawful mark. 

'• ii. Ordaincti, That George McClure be appointed poundmasler in 
room of Silas Beers, who declines serving on account of his moving 
out of town. 

" Ii. Ordained, That George McClure is empowered to build a sufii- 
cicnt pound for the reception of creatures tresspassing, and to be 
allowed for the same any sum not exceeding twelve dollars by the 
town. 

" 7. Ordaineil, That every fence-viewer shall be allowed for his ser- 
vices, when called to officiate in his office, one dollar for every view, 
and six cents for every mile he may have to go from the place of his 
abode. 

"8. Ordained, That a fine of ten dollars be inflicted on every in- 
habitant refusing to comply with the rules and regulations entered 
into this day. 

"9. Ordained, That for killing a wolf or panther there shall be al- 
lowed to any person (he making it to appear upon oath that the sam^ 
was killed within the limits of this town) twenty shillings for every 
scalp, exclusive of what the law of the State allows." 

It appears from the records that the number of persons 
in the town eligible by law to do work on the roads was 
222. The assessments were from two to four and six days, 
some higher. John Metcalfe was assessed eight days, and 
Charles Williamson thirty days. 

The Commissioners of Highways made the following re- 
port : 

" We the Commissioners of Highways have met, considered, and 
laid out the several Road Districts within the town of Bath in manner 
following, to wit : 





Photos 8» tv^nx cofstHC.n.- 



GEO. S HAVERLING. 



I^IRS.GEO.S. HAVERLING. 



GEORGE HAVERLING. 



The subject of this sketch is the son of Adam 
Haverling, and was born at Painted Post, March 18, 
1810. His father was a native of Pennsylvania, and 
was reared on a farm with one John Wormley ; settled 
in Steuben County, at Painted Post, about 1804 ; was 
there engaged in the distillery business until he removed 
to Bath, and continued the same basiness a few years 
longer in connection with farming. He finally gave up 
the distillery business, and devoted his attention to agri- 
culture until his death, which occurred March 12, 1860. 
George had very limited advantages for an education, 
as he never attended school until he was sixteen years 
of age. He attended school one year after he was 
twenty-one years of age. By close application to study 
he obtained sufficient information to enable him to 
transact successfully the business required in the various 
relations of life. His early life was spent upon his father's 
farm. On the 24th of September, 1836, he married MLss 
Ruby, daughter of Samuel Besley, of Campbell. Soon 
after marriage he rented a farm for five years. He then 
purchased a farm near Bath, a portion of which he still 



owns and resides upon, and the balance was sold, in 1853, 
for one hundred dollars per acre, a very unusual price for 
those days. Mr. Haverling has passed a very active life, 
directing his attention mostly to farming, except five years 
spent in superintending the building of the Davenport 
Home for Orphan Girls, and making the roads and beauti- 
fying the grounds of the same. He commenced life poor, 
but with industry and frugality, combined with good 
judgment, he has gained a competency, and can to-day 
look back upon his life as one of labor, yet of pleasure. 
He is one of the representative farmers of Bath, and is 
a man very highly esteemed by those who know him. 
He has never been an aspirant for official honors, always 
preferring the quiet of home; he has, however, been 
assessor of Bath for seven consecutive years. 

Mr. Haverling has been called to settle many estates 
during his life, and has given satisfaction to the parties 
interested. Mr. and Mrs. Haverling have been worthy 
members of the Episcopal Church of Bath for many 
years. Mrs. Haverling passed away on the 9th of 
June^l878; mourned by a large circle of friends. 



ill 




Residence or GEORGE S. HAVERLING, Bath. Steuben Co. NY 



II 



TOWN OF BATH. 



169 



"The first inoludca Bath Square, Liberty Street, the road northeast- 




Supervisors. 


Clerks. 


Collectors. 


ward to William Read's house and southwestward to Canisteo Town, 


1812. 


Thomas AuUa. 


Howell Bull. 


Elisha Hanks. 


md new road to Capt. Shethars' saw-mill. 


1813. 


«( It 


a ti 


a ti 


"Second District begins at the house of John Metcalf, including 


1814. 


a it 


ti it 


Johrt Hanks. 


ill the roads westward as far as the town of Bath extends. 


1S15. 


Howell Bull. 


John Metcalf. 


Jonathan Knapp. 


** Third District begins at "William Dunn's tavern house, and iu- 


1816. 


Elisha Hanks. 


it 


Otis Hunt. 


jludes the roads eastward to the house of Daniel White. 


1817. 


It tt 


a ti 


(( tt 


** Fourth District begins at the house of William Read, and includes 


1818. 


William Woods. 


tt ti 


Dauphin Murray. 


he road towards Hope Town so far as the town of Bath extends. 


1819. 


Samuel Baker. 


William H. Bull. 


tt tt 


" Fifth District begins at Capt. Shethars' Landing, and includes 


1820. 


(C it 


it It 


it tt 


ho road southwestward to his saw-mill. 


1821. 


Elisha Hanks. 


tt it 


tt tt 


"Sixth District begins at Capt. Shethars' Landing, and includes 


1822. 


(( tt 


John W. Fowler. 


tt ti 


he roads northward so far as the town of Bath extends. 


1823. 


it a 


ti a 


Mosefi Dudley. 


"Seventh District begins at the house of Daniel White, and in- 


1824. 


Heury Welles. 


ti it 


ti if 


ludes the road towards Painted Post and Frederick Bartle's, so far 


1825. 


John W. Fowler. 


Reuben Robie. 


William Hamilton, 


IS the town of Bath extends. 


1826. 


tt 


tt n 


Elisha Hanks. 


"William Kersey, 


1827. 


James G. Higgins. 


tt it 


a a 


"Samuel Baker, 


1828. 


ti ti 


ti it 


George Huntington. 


^* William Barney'. 


1829. 


George C. Edwards 


Lewis Biles. 


it ti 


"April 17, 1798." 


1830. 


it ti 


Reuben Robie. 


a it 




1831. 


Reuben Kobio. 


Wm. S. Hubbell. 


Philo Andrews. 


" RECORD OF WILLIAM HELM's NEGROES. 


1832. 


ti it 


William H. Bull. 


Jason H. Stone. 


" Betsey's child Wat, born Feb. 11, 1805. 
" Caty's child Taylor, born April 12, 1805. 
"Milly's child Willie, born April 16, 1805. 
"Jenny's child Eliza, born M.arch 10, 1805. 
"Recorded ICth April, 1805. 

" Howell Bull, Toiiyn Clerk." 


1833. 
1834. 
1835. 
1836. 
1837. 
1838. 
1839. 


Wm. J. Neally. 
tt ft 

Henry W. Rogers. 

William Hamilton. 

ti a 

D. McMaster. 


Franklin Metcalf. 
William Hamilton. 
Alexander Hess. 
N. W. Gardner. 

George Edwards. 
ti tt 


a it 

tt ti 

Henry Pier, 

Jared H. Thompson. 

it it 


We find in the town records the following certificate : 


1840. 
1841. 


Robert Campbell, J 
ti .< 


- tt tt 
tt It 


ti ti 
ti ii 


"I, William Dunn, Esq., of the town of Bath, in the county of 


1842. 


it it 


ti it 


E, R. Bidwell. 


'teuben, do hereby certify that my negro wench Molly was delivered 


1843. 


U it 


Alexander Hess. 


" " 


)f a mulatto male child on the 22d day of October, 1799, which child 
s named Peter. 


1844. 
1845. 


it tt 
Chester Whitaker. 


Peter Swart. 
Perry S. Donahc. 


tt tt 
it ti 


"Bath, 10th d,ay of April, 1800. 


1846. 


John W. Fowlor. 


a ti 


Austin Hall. 


" To the Clerk of the town of Bath, which you i 

will enter as the law requires. J William Di-nn. 


1847. 
1848. 


it tt 


a *i 
tt tt 


it it 
John Hanks. 


" Recorded the 10th day of April, 1800. 

"HENRr A. TOWNSEND, 7V)iril Clfrh." 


1849. 
1850. 
1851. 


it tt 

John Ostrander. 
ti it 


tt ti 
it a 


David Love. 
Almon Eggleston. 
John Stout. 


Slaves were held in the town of Bath till after the pas- 


1852. 


Paul C. Cook. 


James R. Dudley. 


it it 


age of the law of April 9, 1813, entitled an " Act con- 
jerning Slaves and Servants." In that year Gen. Howell 
ixxW manumitted a negro man slave whose time he had 


1853. 
1854. 
1855. 
1856. 


it tt 
David McMaster. 
William Howell. 


John Palmer. 
Charles H. Howell. 
Peter Halsey. . 
James Lindsay. 


Calvin W. Cooley. 
Stephen P. Young. 
F. W. Bradley. 
a tt 


purchased of Mr. John Fitzhugh in the year 1809. The 
ollowing is the certificate of manumission : 

" To all whom It mny coiirevn : 


1857. 
1858. 
1859. 
1860. 


ti ti 

Alva E. Brown. 
ti It 

a ti 


tt ti 

James R. Dudley. 
James Lindsay. 

it it 


Samuel Van Pelt. 

Leander Allerton. 

Jared H. Thompson. 
it it 


" I do hereby agree to manumit and set at liberty the above-men- 
ioned Aaron Butcher, he having faithfully served me for the terra of 
our years; which service I hereby agree to accept for the purchase- 
noney and interest. 

"Given under my hand at Bath, this 24th day of November, 1813. 

" Howell Bull." 


1861. 

1862. 
1863. 
1864. 
1865. 
1866. 
1867. 


H. H. Hull. 
William Howoll. 
John L. Smith. 
tt it 

David Rumscy. 

ti tt 
ti ti 


tt a 
it it 
ti it 

ti tt 


a tt 

George W. Breck, 
tt it 

J. H. Hillermaa. 
T. P. Purdy. 


LIST OF TOWN OFFICERS. 


1868. 
1869. 


it it 
tt It 


tt tt 


ti it 
Wm. R. Collier. 


Supervisors. Clerks. Collectors. 


1870. 


tt it 


it 


C. A. UoderhiU. 


797. Charles Cameron. James Edie. Gnstavus Gillespie. 


1871. 


it It 


a ft 


T. A. Silsbee, 


798. 


1872. 


Samuel Balcom. 


it tt 


0. W. Sutton. 


799. George MoClure. Charles McClure. Charles McCluro. 


1873. 


William Rumsey. 


It u 


Sebastian G. Lewis. 


800. " " Henry A. Townsend.Samuel Baker. 


1874. 


G. H. Brundage. 


U ti 


John W. Freeman. 


801. 


1875. 


ti a 


ti i< 


John Sutherland. 


802. Henry A. Townsend. Charles McClure. William Read. 


1876. 


Henry Faucett. 


ti ti 


John AV. Freeman. 


803. Samuel Baker. " " James McDonald. 


1877. 


James Faucett. 


a tt 


Frank A. Fay. 


804. " " Henry A. Townsend. " 


1878. 


Orange Seymour. 


ti ti 


John MeNamara. 


805. " " Howell Bull. James Brundage. 










806. George McClure. Henry A. Townsend. James McDonald. 




JUSTICES OF THE PEACE 




1807. " " Howell Bull. 
808. Howell Bull. Thomas Metcalf. " " 


1830. 
1831. 


Henry W. Rogers. 
Oliver Rice. 




1834. John D. Higgins. 
1S35. Oliver Rice. 


809. Henry Kennedy. Howell Bull. " " 


1832 


William Hamilton. 




1836. Wil 


iam Hamilton. 


810. James Faulkner. "' " John Hanks. 




George Wheeler. 




1838. George Wheeler (v.). 


1811. Cornelius Younglove. " " " " 


1833 


George Wheeler. 




Henry Pier. 



2 '2 



170 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



1839. 


Oliver Rice. 


I860. 


Henry Pier. 




A. D. Read (v.). 


18fil. 


E. W. Buck. 


1840. 


Ziba A. Leiantl. 


1862. 


James Lindsay. 


1811. 


Chester Whitaker. 


1863. 


Joseph B. Westcott. 


1842. 


George Huntington. 


1864. 


Abram C. Bryan. 




Wm. S. Mulhollcn (v.). 


1865. 


Charles L. BaiJy, 


184.'5. 


Nathan Barny. 


1866. 


Dwight Ostrandcr. 


1844. 


William S. Mulhollen. 




James Lindsay. 


1845. 


Chester Whitaker. 


1867. 


Augustus F. Barnes. 


184R. 


James .Shannon. 


1868. 


Frank Hardenbrook (v.) 


1847. 


Arnold D. Read. 




Abr.-im C. Bryan. 


1848. 


AVilliam S. Mulhollen. 


1869. 


Frank Hardenljrook. 


1849. 


Chester Whitaker. 




Henry J. Norris (v.). 




Luther R. Hopkins (v.). 


1870. 


James Lindsay. 


1850. 


Nathan Sawjcr. 


1871. 


Hiram R. Hess. 


1851. 


Arnold D. Read. 


1S72. 


Hamilton Lane. 


1852. 


Henry Pier. 


1873. 


Frank Hardenbrook. 


1 853. 


Chester Whitaker. 




Henry J. Norris. 


1854. 


James Lindsay. 


1874. 


James Lindsay. 


1855. 


Arnold I). Read. 


1875. 


Hiram R. Hess. 


1856. 


Henry Pier. 


1876. 


Horace L. Lewis. 


1857. 


Chester Whitaker. 


1877. 


Frank Hardenbrook. 


1858. 


James Lindsay. 




Henry J. Norris. 


1859. 


Arnold D. Read. 


1878. 


James Lindsay. 



SCHOOLS. 

At the first town-meetinfr, held iu April, 1797, three 
town comiriissioners of schools were elected, viz. : George D. 
Cooper, John Sheathar, Charles Williamson, and Benjamin 
F. Young. These and their successors, annually elected by 
the people, continued to exercise the functions of their 
office, to lay out school districts, and to take the general 
supervision of the schools of the town till 1822. We hare 
no record of their proceedings, but undoubtedly the school 
district iu the village of Bath was the first organized and 
equipped for educational purposes in the town, and as the 
inhabitants spread over the town, new districts were formed 
from time to time to meet the exigencies of a growing 
population. 

The first school inspectors elected in this town were 
David Higgins, George C. Edwards, and Fletcher M. 
Haight ; the last were Aaron C. Switzer and Robert L. 
Underbill. The first town superintendent of schools — 
Peter Halsey — was elected in 1844 ; the last — Robert 
C. Rogers — in 1851. By the new law, commissioners of 
schools were elected in each Assembly district, and have 
since continued to have charge of the interests of common 
schools in their respective districts. 

Report of Edwin F. Church, August, 1847. 

" I, Edwin F. Church, Town Superintendent of Common Schools 
of the town of Bath, in the county of Steuben, in conformity to the 
statutes in relation to common schools, do report: That the number 
of entire school districts in said town, organized according to law, is 
sixteen ; that the number of parts of districts in said town is eleven ; 
that the number of joint districts — the school-houses of which are sit- 
uated wholly or partly in said town — is Jivcj that the number of entire 
districts from which the necessary reports have been made for the 
present year is fifteen; that the number of parts of districts from 
which such reports have been made is eleven ; and that the number 
of schools for colored children taught in said town is one." 

It appears from this report that the amount expended in 
all the schools 

For teachers' wages was $790.58 

For library $170.95 

Number of children taught.. 1382 

Number over five and under sixteen in town 1526 



VILLAGE OF BATH. 

ORIGINAL SITE AND EARLY PROSPECTS. 

The village of Bath was laid out in the midst of a wil- 
derness of hundreds of miles in extent, broken only here 
and there by a few scattering settlements. Two important 
Indian trails crossed each other in the valley where now 
run the principal streets of the village, and these being 
known to a few hunters served to designate the point of 
their intersection as the " Cross-Roads," — the earliest name 
given to Bath. 

It appears, from the travels of Maude, an English gen- 
tleman, who wrote an account of Bath in the year 1800, 
that Col. Williamson visited the site of the village in 1792, 
accompanied by his friend and relative, Mr. Johnstone, a 
servant, and a backwoodsman, whom, with much difficulty, 
he had prevailed upon to join the party. At that time he 
probably selected the site of his prospective city on the 
Conhocton, and the spring following arrived from North- 
umberland with his little colony to commence the active 
operations of settlement. He seems not to have taken 
charge of his little company in person, but gave instruc- 
tions to his guide, on his arrival at the designated place of 
settlement, to halt and " camp at the cross-roads." 

The site of Bath at that time has been described in the 
words following : " Sixteen miles above the month of the 
Conhocton, the valley of the Crooked Lake, uniting nearly 
at right angles with the river-valley, opens in the hills a 
deep and beautiful basin, which presents, when viewed from 
an elevation, a rim of some ten or fifteen miles in circuit." 
. . . This basin was originally covered with a pitch-pine 
forest, " save where the alluvial flats, close at the foot of the 
dark hemlocks of the southern range, support their noble 
groves of elm and sycamore, and where a little round lake 
shone in the sunlight below the eastern heights. . . ." 

The prospect from these hills is singularly beautiful at 
the present day, but the place was evidently selected by 
Col. Williamson with a view to its advantages for naviga- 
tion, being near the head of the navigable waters of the 
Susquehanna, and on the highway of the prospective trade 
and commerce of the Genesee country and great West with 
the cities of Baltimore and Philadelphia. We quote again 
from the little book, the " Travels of Maude," also referred to 
by Hon. William H. Seward, in his speech to the members 
of the Legislature, at the Astor House, in the city of New 
York, in March, 1851. This writer spent a considerable 
time with Col. Williamson at Bath in the year 1800. He 
says: 

" Bath is the capital of Steuben County, which county 
contains at present [1800] about 300 families. On the 
first settlement of the country these mountainous districts 
were thought .so unfavorably of when compared with the 
rich flats of Ontario County [or the Genesee country], that 
none of the settlers could be prevailed upon to establish 
themselves here till Capt. Williamson himself set the ex- 
ample, saying, ' As nature has done so much for the north- 
ern plains, I will do something for these southern mountains ;' 
though the truth of the case was that Capt. Williamson 
saw very clearly, on his first visit to the country, that the 
Susquehanna and not the Mohawk would be its best friend. 



TOWN OF BATH. 



171 



Iven now it has proved so, for at tliis day [1800] a bushel 
!■ wheat is better worth $1 at Bath than GO cents at Geneva, 
his difference will grow wider every year; for little, if 
ly additional improvement can be made in the water com- 
lunication with New York, while that to Baltimore will 
imit of very extensive and advantageous ones. Its pres- 
it efforts are but those of a child, compared with the manly 
rengtii it will soon assume. I visited Capt. Williamson's 
ills, a little west of Bath, on Conhocton Creek, which 
;fore the winter sets in will be made navigable fifteen miles 
ig'her up ; at least a farmer there promises to send an ark 
)wn from thence in the spring. The navigation of the 
usquehauna will then extend to within six miles of the 
anandaigua Lake.'' 

This prospect gave Bath its early importance among the 
ttlements of Western New York, and induced its founder 
id others to conceive of it as destined to become, at no 
jry distant day, the inland commercial metropolis of the 
tate. The remarks of Hon. William H. Seward, already 
iferred to, at the Astor House festival, will set this matter 
I a clear and interesting light. Addressing the members 
i" the Legislature, he said : 

" Gentlemen,— It seems to me that we can improve this 
stive occasion by considering how intimate is the relation 
Btween the city and State, how essential each is to the 
tlier. There is a town in the interior of the State, far 
way, in what was lately known as the secluded, seques- 
?red part of it, Bath by name. Many of the representa- 
ves of the rural districts know it well, the members from 
teuben can speak for it. Of this town I wish to speak. 
t is a beautiful but quiet one, situated in the delightful 
alley and on the banks of the Conhocton, a tributary of 
le Susquehanna. But those who know it well have re- 
larked that it has a broad and magnificent plan, iniper- 
!Ctly filled out. There are houses on corners designating 
;reets and avenues without inhabitants. In short it was 
lid out for a great city, but has long since renounced all 
mbitious pretensions. You do not know how this has 
appened. Well, if on your return to Albany, you will 
all on my excellent friend [Mr. Street], the State Libra- 
ian, he will give you a small duodecimo volume, published 
J the year 1800, containing an account of a journey per- 
jrmed by an English gentleman, in the short space of six 
reeks, from the city of New York all the way to Niagara 
^alls. That traveler visited Bath, then in the day-spring 
f its growth, and he recorded of it that it was destined to 
ecome the greatest commercial metropolis of the State of 
Jew York. The Hudson was only a short arm of the sea. 
t did not penetrate the interior far enough to take a hold 
f the trade of the country. Bath was to receive all of it 
hat could be diverted from the channel of the St. Law- 
ence, and the market of Quebec, and send it down through 
he Conhocton and the Susquehanna to Chesapeake Bay. 
lad that calculation been realized, Bath might have been a 
ity like Albany, and New York would have been a city 
iver which the President could have had but little ambition 
preside." 

When these expectations were entertained the Erie Canal 
vas not thought of It was not till 1801 that Gouverneur 
yiorris first suggested to Simeon De Witt the idea of " tap- 



ping" Lake Erie, and carrying its waters across the country 
to the Hudson lliver, and the idea of transportation by rail- 
roads was one of at least a quarter of a century later. 

Mr. James Geddes himself, the chief surveyor and engi- 
neer of the Erie Canal, passed up the Chemung River and 
explored the whole interior of the State in 1792. While 
at the Falls of the Genesee, he remarked in his journal that 
that cataract unfortunately " spoiled the navigation" of the 
Genesee River, and expressed the opinion that the wheat 
from the rich Genesee country, just then beginning to be 
opened to settlement, would have to be transported south- 
ward " by the Newtown Creek." Sixteen years later he 
was at the same falls with his leveling instruments, survey- 
ing a route which was to convey the rich products of the 
Genesee country and of the West, not southward by the 
tributaries of the Susquehanna, as he then guessed, but 
eastward to the markets of New York and Albany. That 
great enterprise, first conceived in 1801, introduced to the 
Legislature by Joshua Foreman, of Onondaga, in 1807, and 
completed under the eminent statesmanship of De Witt 
Clinton, in 1825, revolutionized all the early ideas of politi- 
cal economists respecting the avenues of transportation, 
and left many a promising town-site shorn of its early 
promise, and far away from the highways of trade and com- 
merce. Bath only shared the common fortune of hundreds 
of other future great cities. Then came the period of rail- 
roads, which have still further changed the expectation of 
many a promising locality, and have almost rendered natural 
water-courses and even canals a non-essential factor in the 
calculations of commerce and transportation. 

Bath, for many years before the construction of the Erie 
Canal, was the most active and important place in Western 
New York. Being situated at the head of navigation on 
the Conhocton River, and in direct and rapid water com- 
munication with Philadelphia and Baltimore, it drew in the 
trade and commerce of a large section of tributary country ; 
became the seat of many enterprising merchants, the home 
of many families of wealth and influence, and the centre 
whence legal talent and learning were dispensed over several 
adjoining counties. No village founded in the wilderness 
ever became so famous in a few years or assumed at so green 
an age so many of the concomitants and airs of a city. Before 
the place was two years old Col. Williamson had a theatre 
in full operation, and a race-course which attracted visitors 
from beyond the Hudson and the Potomac. Nor were 
these amusements, which served to advertise the new settle- 
ment, the only features of its rapid development. Institu- 
tions of a more permanent and solid character soon took 
root and flourished, schools and churches were founded and 
fostered, and an influential bench and bar aided in giving 
strength and tone to society. The press, also, was one 
among the earliest institutions of Bath, in which this village 
took the lead of all others in Western New York, establish- 
ing the Bath Gazette and Genesee Advertiser in the year 
1796, when the settlement was only three years old. 

The growth of Bath has been permanent ; and although 
it has not realized the enthusiastic visions of its founder, it 
has at least attained the rank and dignity of a beautiful and 
substantial shire-town, stretching across the ancient valley and 
spreading its white skirts upon the feet of the adjacent hills. 



172 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



EARLY SETTLEMENT OF THE VILLAGE. 

In 1793, Col. Williamson eonimenccd the .settlement of 
this village, called Bath, from Lady Bath, of England, a 
member of the Pulteney family. " Before the end of the 
season," he says, " not less than fifteen families were resi- 
dent in the village. Early in the season a saw-mill had 
been finished, and previous to the setting in of winter a 
grist-mill, with a saw-mill nearer the town, were in great 
forwardness." The first-mentioned saw-mill stood on or 
near the site of the old " glass-mill," on the road leading to 
Kanona. The grist-mill stood near the Conhocton bridge. 
Gen. McClure, in giving an account of his arrival in Bath 
in 1793, says : " We arrived at Bath, and put up at the 
only house of entertainment in the village, — if it could be 
called a house. Its construction was of pitch-pine logs, in 
two apartments, one story high, and kept by a very kind 
and obliging English family of the name of Metcalfe. 
This house was the only one in town, except a similar one 
erected for the temporary abode of Capt. Williamson, which 
answered the purpose of parlor, dining-room, and land 
office. There were, besides, some shanties for mechanics and 
laborers." 

The first clearing in the village, that of the Pulteney 
Square, was made in the spring of 1794, by Mr. Henry 
McElwce, a young man from the north of Ireland, who 
had arrived a few months before. By this time two saw- 
mills were in operation, and the green lumber was rapidly 
converted into buildings. Houses were erected as fast as 
thirty or forty men could build them. Col. Williamson, 
expecting a large number of visitors within three or four 
days, desired the erection of a building for their accommo- 
dation, 40 by 16 feet, with the utmost possible dispatch. 
He laid his plans before Gen. McClure, who had charge of 
a large force of carpenters. They set to work, and in forty- 
eight hours had the building completed. For this suc- 
cessful exploit Col. Williamson paid the generous sum of 
$400, and had it advertised in the New York and Albany 
papers, which had the effect of drawing public attention to 
the new settlement. This is only one example of the rest- 
less energy and activity of Col. Williamsons administration. 
He galloped everywhere through the sparsely-settled coun- 
try, over distances which would now be considered long 
journeys by rail, stirring up the people, and forwarding the 
interests of his estate. " People heard of him afar off,— 
in New England, in Virginia, and in Canada. The bankers 
of Albany and New York became familiar with his signa- 
ture. Englishmen and Scotchmen were aroused from their 
homes, and persuaded to cross the ocean for Genesee estates, 
and hearty young emigrants of the better sort — farmers 
and mechanics of some substance — were met upon their 
landing by recommendations to leave the old settlements 
behind them, and try their fortunes in Williamson's woods. 
Pioneers from below pushed their canoes and barges up the 
rivers, and men of the East toiled wearily through the 
forest with their oxen and sledges. Not a few Virginia 
planters, with their great households, abandoned their 
barren estates beyond the Potomac, and performed marches 
up the Susquehanna Valley and over the Laurel Ridge in 
much the same style (saving the camels) as the ancient 
Mesopotamian patriarchs shifted their quarters, — youngT 



sters and young ladies making the journey gayly on horse- 
back, while the elderly rode in ponderous chaises, secured 
against catastrophes by ropes and props, and the shoulders 
of their negroes. Several such cavalcades came over the 
Lycoming road. One is yet remembered with some interest 
by a few, as containing a pair of distinguished belles whose 
fame went before them, and who were met on their descent, 
half frozen, from the mountains in mid-winter, at the 
Painted Post Hotel, by a couple of no less distinguished 
sprouts of Northern gentility, one of whom was afterwards 
so fortunate as to gain the hand of one of the frost-bitten 
beauties."* 

In 179G, Colonel Williamson advertised to the country 
at large that grand races would be held at Bath. " At the 
distance of half a mile from the village a race-course of a 
mile in circuit was cleared and carefully grubbed, and all the 
resources of the place were brought forth for the entertain- 
ment of as many gentlemen of distinction and miscellaneous 
strangers as might honor the festival with their presence. 
But what probability was there that such a festival would 
be celebrated with success in the midst of ' a wilderness 
of 900,000 acres?' From Niagara to the Mohawk were 
but a few hundred scattered cabins, and in the south a 
dozen ragged settlements contained a greater part of the 
civilized population till you reached Wyoming. But Colonel 
Williamson did not mistake the spirit of the times. On 
the day and at the place appointed for the race sports- 
men from New York, Philadelphia, and Baltimore were in 
attendance. The high bloods of Virginia and Maryland, 
the fast boys of Jersey, the wise jockeys of Long Island, 
men of Ontario, Pennsylvania, and Canada, settlers, chop- 
pers, gamesters, and hunters, to the number of 1500 
or 2000, met on the Pine Plains to see horses run, — a 
number as great, considering the region where they met, 
as now assemble at State fairs and mass-meetings. Men 
of blood and spirit made the journey from the Potomac 
and the Hudson on horseback, supported by the high 
spirit of the ancients to endure the miseries of blind trails 
and log taverns. The races passed off brilliantly. Colonel 
Williamson himself, a sportsman of spirit and distinction, 
entered a Southern mare named Virginia Nell ; High Sheriff 
Dunn entered Silk Stockings, a New Jersey horse, — quad- 
rupeds of renown even to the present day. Money was plenty 
and betting lively. Silk Stockings was victorious. . . . 

" The great race-course was not often used during Wil- I 
liamson's time for the purpose for which it was made. It 
was chiefly valuable as a public drive for the few citizens 
who were so prosperous as to keep carriages. There was, 
however, a course on the land-oSice meadows south of the 
village which was at different times the scene of sport." 

The building erected for a theatre was of logs, and stood 
at the corner of Steuben and Morris Streets. " A troop 
of actors from Philadelphia, kept, we believe, at the ex- 
pense of the agents, entertained for a time the resident and 
foreign gentry with dramatic exhibitions of great splendor." 

In 1794, Bath was threatened with an invasion by Col. 
Simcoe, lieuteuant-governor of Canada. Col. Williamson 
was at that time interested in a settlement at Sodus Bay. 

■-« MeMaster's History. 




i« 



1 I 



LORENZO N. RIDER. 



Lorenzo N. Eider was born in the town of Howard, Oct. 8, 
1817. His father, James Rider, was a native of Saratoga County, 
born in 1795, July 11. His s^randfather, William Rider, was a na- 
tive of Rhode Island, born in 17i;7, and after his marriage settled in 
Saratoga County, where he reared a family of four sons and three 
daughters, — -Mrs. Isaiah Tuttle, Mrs. Robert Smith, James, Mrs. 
Moses Ogden, William, Samuel, and Joseph ; of whom Samuel 
and William are living. 

His father, in 181.5, came to the far West, looking for a place to 
settle, traveling on foot. He had two lots of timbered land, of 
one hundred acres each, booked to him in the town of Howard; 
cut the first tree for the purpose of clearing in that section, put up 
a log house, and after chopping some four acres returned to Sara- 
toga County, and that winter married Sally, daughter of Dr. 
Stephen Potter, of Galway, Saratoga County. 

The following spring, with his wife and father's family, he came 
to their new home, moving their scanty effects with a yoke of oxen 
the entire distance. The grandfather and family settled on one of 
the lots, where he lived the remainder of his life, having cleared 
the most of his lot. He died in 1 864, having lived to almost complete 
a century. His wife, Hannah Mosher, died some time after the 
settlement in Howard. 

His father, with nothing but his axe, yet with resolution and in- 
dustry, began in 1816 to carve out a competence. The choppings 
from year to year, the gradual increase of cultivated fields, the 
framed house taking the place of the log cabin, fruit-growing trees 
in place of the forest, on the one hand, all brought about by the 
sturdy pioneer, with the assistance of his boys, who were expected 
to do their part at very young ages; the indoor work, the old 
spinning-wheel, the wheel and distaff going day and night pre- 
paring cloth by hand for home necessities, and many other things, 
among which "are the necessary privations and hardships incident 
to pioneer life, each one in itself has a history full of interest to 
the generation of to-day. 

These obstacles were met with a will and overcome by the Eider 
family, and in time thrift wa.s the result of industry and economy, 
with judicious management. For forty years his parents were 
farmers ot Howard, and among the respected citizens of the town. 
In 1856 they removed to Wayland, where he died in 1863. His wife 
died in 1867. Their children are Mrs. Charles Markham, of Hor- 
nellsville; Mrs. Dr. H. C. Hess, of Howard, now of Berrien Co., 



Mich. ; Ira S., of Hornellsville ; Susan, died at the age of twenty ; 
Philo S., died at eighteen; Mrs. B. W. Short, of Hornellsville. 

Mr. Lorenzo N. Rider spent his minority until he was eighteen 
at home at farm labor, receiving, however, sufficient education by 
improving leisure hours at home in study by the fireplace to en- 
able him to become a teacher. By arrangement with his father 
he had his time for the next three years, which he spent as a teacher 
and at farm labor. It may be said here that his education was 
extended by some three months as a student at Howard Academy, 
where he attended, boarding himself. 

In 1840, March 22, he married Susan, eldest daughter of Barnct 
Brayton, of Howard. She was born in 1822, and died in 1845, May 
l.S, leaving two daughters,— Mrs. Orville Lewis, of Buffalo, and 
Susan, who died at the age of sixteen. After his marriage, Mr. Rider 
settled on a farm in the town of Howard, near Haskinvillo, and for 
some twenty-flve years was a farmer in that town ; for three years 
he has been a resident of Hornellsville. In 1868 he removed to the 
town of Bath, and purchased the place now occupied for the 
Soldiers' Home, where he has resided, with the exception of the 
past two years, until the present time. In 18.50 he married Jane 
T., daughter of William and Sarah Allen, of Howard. Herparents 
were among the earliest pioneers of that town, settling there as 
early as 1810. She was born in 1820, Jan. 1st. 

Of this union was born one sou, C. A. Rider, who married Anna 
Carpenter, of Bath, Oct. 1, 1878, and resides with his father, 

Mr. Rider voted for Wm. H. Harrison for President in 1840, as 
a member of the Whig party, and is now identified with the Re- 
publican party. He has been .somewhat active in politics ; has 
served as justice of the peace two terms while a resident of Howard ; 
three terms as supervisor of the town of Fremont, after its erection 
in 1864, and represented the Third Assembly District of Steuben 
County in the State Legislature in 1860 ; and, as a representative 
of the county, advocated and obtained the passage of a bill through 
both branches of the Legislature to erect the county of Canisteo 
from Steuben, thereby making a division of Steuben County. The 
bill did not become a law for want of the Governor's, E. D. 
Morgan's, signature. 

Mr. Rider has spent a life of activity, and, whether as a farmer 
or stock dealer, he has carried into all his efforts at business that 
force of character and integrity which commands the respect and 
confidence, of his fellow-citizens. 



TOWN OF BATH. 



173 



The forts at Oswego and Niagara were still held by the 
British, although by the treaty of 1783 they had agreed to 
evacuate forthwith all military posts held by them within 
the territory of the United States. It was believed — not 
without reason — that these posts were held with a view to 
an attack upon the settlements of Western New York, and, 
as a pretext to provoke a conflict, Col. Williamson was inter- 
fered with by the authority of the Canadian Governor, who, 
ou the 16th of August, 1794, sent Lieut. SlieafiFe, a British 
officer, to inquire by what authority an establishment had 
been ordered at Sodus, and to require that such a design 
be immediately relinquished. 

Col. Williamson was not at Sodus at the time, but a 
letter was left containing the above order. It is said, also,' 
that a quantity of flour belonging to Col. Williamson was 
seized and carried ofi" by the British. Col. Williamson re- 
sented the affront ; a spirited controversy ensued ; the Cab- 
inet at Washington took the matter in hand, and war seemed 
imminent. 

Gen. McClure, in his manuscript, says : " The adminis- 
tration at Washington apprised Capt. Williamson of the 
difficulties that had arisen between this country and Great 
Britain, and required him to make preparations fbi' defense. 
He therefore received a colonel's commission from the Gov- 
ernor of New York, and immediately thereafter sent an 
express to Albany for one thousand stand of arms, several 
pieces of cannon, and munitions of war. He lost no time 
in making the necessary preparations. He gave orders to 
my friend, Andrew Smith, to prepare timber for picketing 
on a certain part of our village, and ordered that I should 
erect block-houses according to his plan. The work went 
cheerily on. We could rally, in case of alarm, five or six 
hundred, most of them single men. Our colonel organ- 
ized his forces into companies. I had the honor of being 
appointed captain of a light infantry company, and had the 
privilege of selecting one hundred men, — non-commissioned 
officers and privates. In a short time my company appeared 
in handsome uniform. 

" By the instructions of our colonel we mounted guard 
every night, — exterior as well as interior. Most of our own 
Indians — whom we supposed were friendly — disappeared, 
which we thought was a very suspicious circumstance." 

To further fortify the citadel and render it invulnerable 
to the threatened attack of the enemy, — who, it was sup- 
posed, had designs of laying waste the valley of the Sus- 
quehanna and marching on Philadelphia, — Col. William- 
son employed Mr. Henry McElwee, of Mud Creek, to cut 
white-oak saplings 18 feet long and 18 inches thick at the 
butt, to be used for palisades in inclosing the Pulteney Square. 
A great many of these were made ready ; but the alarm sub- 
sided, and they were never brought into actual requisition. 

The village at this time was only one year old, but it 
presented a very active and lively appearance. Col. Wil- 
liamson* was everywhere making improvements. The 
rivers were partially relieved of incumbrances ; roads were 
opened; bridges were built; farms were cleared. In 1796, 

■~' Notice of the death of Col. Williamson is found in the " Geneva 
Expositur" of Jan. 11, 1809. He died in the fall of 1S08, while on 
his passage from New Orle:ins to Havana, whither he was going as 
British agent or minister to the Island of Cuba. 



when the county of Steuben was organized, Bath was made 
the county-seat. The population increased more rapidly 
than the resources to supply their wants. This, together 
with the influx of visitors and .strangers, attracted by the 
games and amusements, and especially during the session 
of the courts, made provisions very scarce in Bath. Money 
was plenty and hospitality liberal and generous, but the 
resources of the surrounding country were such, that the 
good stock of workingmen and farmers who tilled the land 
found the soil so ungracious that they were not a little 
straitened for the means of supporting life. 

Col. Williamson transported his first flour from North- 
umberland and a quantity of pork from Philadelphia. After- 
wards these luxuries were obtained as best they could be. 
Flour was brought on pack-horses from Tioga Point, then 
it was brought in Durham boats from a mill at Jemima 
Wilkinson's settlement on the outlet of Crooked Lake. As 
the farming country around grew rich enough to have any 
surplus to spare, Bath afibrded an excellent market. " The 
Canisteo boy brought over his bag of wheat on a horse, threw 
it down at the door of the agency-house, and was paid $5 
a bushel. He drove his bullock across the hills, slaughtered 
it at the edge of the village, and sold everything from hoof 
to horn for a shilling a pound. He led over a pack-horse 
laden with grain, paid all expenses, treated, and took home 
618. One old farmer remembers paying S2.25 for a hog's 
head, " and it was half hair at that." Pleasant Valley sup- 
plied her quota to the straitened villagers. Said an old 
settler in that comfortable region: "Bath was just like 
San Francisco ; straw was a shilling a bundle, and every- 
thing else in proportion. Money was plenty, but they 
almost starved out. They once adjourned court because 
there was nothing to eat. If it hadn't been for the valley 
the Pine Plains would have been depopulated. After 
court had been in session two or three days, you would see 
a black boy come down here on a horse, with a big basket, 
foraging. He would go around to all the farms and get 
bread, meat, eggs, or anything that would stay life. Bath 
was the hungriest place in all creation." The situation 
thus described will be readily appreciated when it is under- 
stood that the citizens of the county made court week in 
Bath a sort of general gathering time, and hence the larders 
of the village were sometimes speedily exhausted. 

In 1796 a frame court-house was erected. The first 
Court of Common Pleas was convened on the 2 1st day of 
June, 1796. The first Court of General Sessions convened 
in the autumn of the same year. 

In 1796 a log jail was erected, and stood on the site of 
the subsequent stone jail, west of the Pulteney Square and 
north of the present Steuben County Bank. A new brick 
court-house was erected in 1828, which was subsequently 
destroyed by fire, and immediately after the present court- 
house was built on substantially the same foundation and 
after the same plan. 

In 1804 the village contained three streets, viz. : Liberty, 
running north from Pulteney Square, and Morris and Steu- 
ben Streets, running east and west. There were then 25 
buildings in ail in the place, as shown in the engraving in 
frontispiece, taken from the recollections of Col. William 
H. Bull, now livino: in Bath. 



17-i 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



The original plat of tlie village was laid out by Thomas 
Rees, Jr., surveyor, and a map made of the same, which is 
now on file in the county clerk's office. 

From Steuben Street north to St. Patrick (now Wash- 
ington) Street, and from Liberty Street west to Pine Street, 
was laid out by Col. William H. Bull, in April, 1842, being 
part of the estate of the late Col. Howell Bull. This part 
of the village is known as Bull's Plat, and contains lots as 
follows : On Liberty Street, from 1 to 5 inclusive ; on St. 
Patrick Street, from 1 to 10 inclusive; on Howell Street, 
•from 1 to 10 inclusive; on Williams Street, from 1 to 22 
inclusive; on Buel Street, from 1 to 16 inclusive. 

INCORPORATION. 

The village of Bath was incorporated by a special act of 
the Legislature (Chap. 25-1, Laws of 1836), passed May 6, 
183G, with the following boundaries : 

" Beginning at Morris Street where the same intersects 
a road leading to the old race-course ; and thence runnin" 
northerly on the easterly bounds of said road to a point 
where St. Patrick Street (laid out and not yet opened) 
would intersect the same; and thence on the south side of 
St. Patrick Street to the west line of John H. White's 
farm ; thence north on the west line of John H. White's 
farm, and the east line of David Rumsey's farm, to an out- 
lot owned by David McMaster; thence westerly on said 
McMaster's south line to the southwest corner of his lot ; 
thence northerly along the west bounds of said McMaster's 
lot, and the westerly bounds of Z. A. Leland's farm, being 
the westerly bounds of lots Nos. 34, 33, 32, and 65, to the 
division line between the Pulteney and Hornby lands; 
thence northerly on said division line to the north corner 
of out-lot No. 3, occupied by James Read ; thence south- 
westerly on the southwestern line of lots Nos. 3, 2, and 1 ; 
thence on the division line between a lot owned by William 
S. Hubbell and lot No. 50, being a mountain lot, northerly 
and westerly ; thence continuing southwesterly on the 
southern line of said lot No. 50 to the northern line of 
lot No. 51 ; thence easterly on the line of lot No. 51 to 
the northeast corner of the same ; thence on the easterly 
line of the same, and the westerly line of a lot lately pur- 
chased by Ten Eyck Gansevoort, to the southwest corner 
of the last-mentioned lot, being a lot formerly owned by 
Gen. McClure ; thence south forty degrees west, to the 
south line of the Old Mill Farm (so called) formerly owned 
by William Helm, now deceased ; thence on the southern 
bounds of the Old Mill Farm to the southeast point thereof, 
and from thence to the place of beginning, shall hereafter 
continue to be known and distinguished by the name of 
' The Village of Bath,' and the freeholders and inhabitants 
residing in said village are constituted a body corporate by 
the name of ' The Trustees of the Village of Bath.' " 

The first meeting for the election of oflScers was held at 
the Franklin House, kept by A. R. Gould, on the 7th of 
June, 1836, when the following-named persons were elected: 
Trustees, John D. Higgins, Ten Eyck Gansevoort, Benja- 
min Smead, Moses H. Lyon, John T. Andrews ; Assessors, 
Ziba A. Leland, John M. Campbell, Henry Brother ; Treas- 
nrer, Robert Campbell, Jr. ; Cleric, Levi C. Whiting ; Col- 
lector, Elisha Hampsted ; Constable, 0. W. L. Warren. 



The presidents of the board of trustees and clerks of 

the village under the old charter were as follows : 

Presidenla. Clerks. 

1836 Ten Eyck Ganscvooi-t. Levi C. Whiting. 

1837 

1838 " •' James R. Dudley. 

1839 Lewis Biles. D. H. Fitch. 

1840 Mo,«es 11. Lyon. .Tames R. Dudley. 

1841 John McCiilla. Chas. \V. Campbell. 

1842 Wui. W. McCay. Edward H<iwell, Jr. 

1843 Benjamin .Sraead. EH Bidwell. 

1844 Moses H. Lyon. James Lindsay. 

1845 \Vm. W. McCay. 

1846 •' 

1847 " " Edward Howell, Jr. 

1848 " " James Lindsay. 

1849 Diivid Rumsev, Jr. 

1850 Levi C. Whiting. •• ■' 

1851 R. B.Van Valkenburgh. •' " 



NEW CH.4RTER. 

An act establishing a new charter for the village was 
passed by the Legislature June 20, 1851, three-fifths being 
present. At the annual election, held on the 6th day of 
April, 1852, Robert Campbell was elected president by a 
majority of ten votes over his competitor, Levi C. Whiting. 
Joel H. Rice and George S. Ellas were elected trustees for 
one year, Alfred P. Ferris and Lansing D. Hodgman for 
two years. The following persons were elected assessors : 
John Bramble for one year; Paul C. Cook for two years; 
Mo.ses H. Lyon for three years. Alva E. Brown was 
elected Treasurer ; Benjamin C. W^ard, Collector; and Wm. 
E. Bonham, Clerk. Since the election of 1852 the fol- 
lowing have been the village presidents : 



185.3-56. Levi C. Whiting. 
1856-58. Moses H. Lyon. 

1858. George Edwards. 

1859. Samuel U. Hammond. 
1860-61. Ambrose S. Howell. 
1864. Wm. W.Wilson. 
lS65-67.-Jonathan Robie. 



1867. Henry AV. Ferine. 
1S6S-70. David H. Hastings. 
1870-71. A. S. Howell. 
1872. Addison F. Ellas. 
1873-75. James Lyon. 
1875. Reuben Robie. 
1876-79. John Davenport. 



James Lindsay officiated as clerk of the village for 
twenty-nine consecutive years, being elected each year 
successively from 1848 to 1876 inclusive. George E. 
McMaster has been clerk for the two past years. 

The first fire company was organized in 1836. Dec. 17, 
1839, the board passed the following : 

'^ Reanlced, That the fire company heretofore organized in said cor- 
poration of Bath having been duly disbanded, the following-named 
persons be and the same are hereby duly organized and constituted a 
fire-engine company in said corporation: Lewis Biles, Foreman; J. 
McBeath, Assistant Foreman; R. L. Underbill, Clerk. Members: 
Moses H. Lyon, Wm. H. Bull, L. H. Read, Daniel Miller, John 0. 
Goodsell, Charles Adams, Bernard Fo.\, W. Secor, Reuben Robie, 
James Shannon, Benj. D. Lilly, Addison F. Ellas, G. A. Rogers, Wm. 
Hamilton, Thos. Metcalfe, James Moore, A. Babcock, Lewis Shoe- 
maker, Wm. A. Biles, James R. Dudley, A. R. Gould, Nathan Stevens, 
R. H. Graham, John R. Gansevoort, David McMaster." 

The charter was so amended by act passed Jan. 22, 1841, 
as to authorize and empower the corporation to increase the 
firemen of the fire company of the village to any number 
not exceeding thirty. 

The village well on Liberty Street was filled up in 1841, 
and a new one dug on the south side of St. Patrick's 
Square, east of Liberty Street. 

"Champion Fire Company, No. 1, of the village of 




**■- 




Lansing D. Hodgman, son of Leonard and Jennette (Morey) 
Hodgman, was born Nov. 11, 1815, in Stillwater, Saratoga Co., 
N. Y. He is the eldest of a family of eight sons and one 
daughter, of whom seven sons are living. Mr. Hodgman re- 
mained at home on the farm until the spring of 1834 ; received 
a claasical education at Cambridge, N. Y., Bennington Academy, 
Vermont, and finished his preparation for the occupation of a 
civil engineer at the Polytechnic Institute, Troy, N. Y. In 
the spring of 1834 he commenced engineering under Judge 
Wright, chief engineer of the Erie Railway, in the preliminary 
survey, and continued on the Erie until the spring of 1837, 
when be engaged on the Erie Canal enlargement, eastern divi- 
8ion,-in Montgomery County, as assistant engineer, under Isaac 
W. Crane and A. C. Powell, until November, 1840. He then 
resumed duties on the Erie Railway in charge of a locating 
party from Cuba, Allegany Co., west to the Indian Reservation. 
In the spring of 1841 he was made resident engineer in 
charge of the construction of the road from Hornellsville to 
Friendship, and continued until the suspension of the Erie 
Company in the fall of 1842. Thenceforward until the fell of 
1843 he was agent for the assignees of the Erie Railway Com- 
pany. 

In July, 1843, he came to Bath, as superintendent for Messrs. 
Magee & Cook, in charge of the flouring-mill and books of 
the firm, and of the men generally in their employ, in which 
position he remamed until Aug. 5, 1845. At this latter date 
he was married to Abby C, only daughter of Hon. Constant 
Cook, and commenced merchant milling for himself in Bath, 
which he has continued until the present time (Feb. 6, 1879), 
and also at Painted Post, in company with his brother, W. S. 
Hodgman. They bought and operate the Erwin Mills and farm 
of five hundred and eighty acres, having three flouring-miUs, 



^}7-l^^.CC'^^ 



feed-mill, gang saw-mill, and pla-iter-mill ; they do a large amount 
of business. In October, 1853, Mr. Hodgman bought out 
Mr. H. H. Cook's interest in the store in Bath, and continued 
mercantile business until 1873 ; also at Blood's Station from 
1870 to the present time. 

Mr. Hodgman has taken an active part in all local interests. 
As trustee of the village he rendered eflicient service during the 
period when most of the streets were graded. As one of the 
vestrymen of St. Thomas' Church, and a member of the building 
committee, it devolved upon him to superintend the erection of 
the beautiful church edifice of that parish. In many other ways, 
and especially as a member of the board of education during the 
past twelve years, Mr. Hodgman has rendered himself useful to 
the community. There is no subject in which he has taken a 
deeper practical interest than in that of education, and, while 
mindful of its general benefits to the community at large, he has 
bestowed its advantages liberally on his own children, of whom 
he has three sons and two daughters. 

In June, 1873, Mr. Hodgman was appointed by Governor 
Dix one of the commissioners for the erection of the State 
Reformation Prison at Elmira, and he remained for two years 
in the discharge of the duties of that office. 

Mr. Hodgman is a man of positive character, having decided 
opinions on all subjects. His energy and executive ability have 
been fully exemplified in the large business he has successfully 
managed both for himself and others. He had charge of all the 
buildings erected by Mr. Cook on his Bath mill property, con- 
sisting of dwellings, mills, hotel, etc., also of the building of the 
flouring-mills on the Erwin property at Painted Post in 1853, 
and in 1850 was consulting engineer in the location of the Buf- 
falo, Corning and New York Railroad through the Cohooton 
Valley. 



TOWN OF BATH. 



175 



Bath, was organized April 24, 1851. Levi C. Whiting, 
Captain; James D. Blanck, Engineer; P. W. Rhodes, 
Cleric." Forty-one citizens were enrolled as members of 
the company. 

SCHOOLS OF THE VILLAGE. 

The first school-house built in the village of Bath appears 
in the cut of Bath as it was in 1804. It was a .small frame 
building, facing the Pulteney Square from the west side, 
just in front of the old log jail, and a little north of the 
present Steuben County Bank building. This school-house 
was probably erected before 1800, but its exact date cannot 
be ascertained. Col. Wm. H. Bull remembers going to 
school here in 1805. The building was not painted, and 
its appearance indicated that it had stood a considerable 
number of years. This school was taught in 1805 or 1806 
by a man named Dixon. The building was removed when 
the stone jail was erected. 

The next school was kept in a small frame building on 
the east side of the Pulteney Square, a little south of the 
county clerk's office, and wa.s taught by Elani Bridges, of 
Prattsburgh, in 1811. During this year, Wm. Howell, Esq., 
(now residing in the village, at the age of seventy-four years) 
was a pupil of Mr. Bridges, and so were also a number of 
the other early citizens who have passed away. This build- 
ing was not on property owned by the school district, nor 
was it built for school purposes. 

In 1812 the citizens purchased a lot of Henry A. Town- 
send, Esq., on Steuben Street, and erected the building 
known as the " Old Academy." It was a two-story wooden 
structure, standing broadside to the street, and there was a 
stairway in the east end leading to the upper story, which 
was occupied for a time by the Masons as a lodge-room * 
This school-house was burned down in 1824, and about a 
year after the old " lied School-House" was built upon the 
same site. It was a frame building, 25 by 30 feet, and 
stood a little back from Steuben Street, on the lot next east 
of Mr. A. Beekman's present sash- and blind-factory. This 
building was used for school purposes till 1848. It was 
destroyed by fire about 1849. 

Among the early trustees of schools in the village were 
Judge Edwards, Lewis Biles, Dugald Cameron, David Bum- 
sey, Sr., and others. The trustees, at the time of the build- 
ing of the Old Academy, were Dugald Cameron, Howell 
'Bull, Luman Hopkins, and Samuel S. Haight. 

On the 8th of July, 1846, a union school was formed 
by the consolidation of Districts Nos. 2 and 5, in the village 
of Bath. G. A. Bogers, Washington Barnes, and Richard 
Brower were elected trustees. Adam Haverling donated 
to the Union District the lot on which the present Haver- 
ling Union Free School stands, which was accepted by a 
general meeting of the citizens in the following resolution, 
passed on the 6th of March, 1847 : 

" Resolved, That we accept with feelings of respect and 
gratitude Mr. Haverling's generous offer of a lot adjoining 
St. Patrick's Square, for the site of a union school-house ; 
and tender to him, for ourselves and children, for his provi- 
dence and care for their comfort and happiness, our grateful 

'^"See evideEce in the litigation concerning the title to this lot in the 
Supreme Court, April, I860. 



sense of his kindness and our wishes for his prosperity and 
happiness. 

" Resolved, That the moderator and clerk sign and trans- 
mit to Mr. Haverling a copy of the preceding resolution." 

David McMaster, William Hamilton, and Constant Cook 
were elected the new board of trustees ; and it was voted 
unanimou.sly to name the .school building about to be 
erected upon the accepted lot " The Haverling Union 
School-House of Bath." It was also voted that the sum 
of $2000 be raised by tax to build the house upon said lot. 
On the VMh of April, 1847, the contract requiring the 
erection of a school building of brick and stone, 40 by 60 
feet, and three stories besides basement, was let to Sylvanus 
Stephens, of Bath, the contract price being 82180.66. On 
the first Monday in May, 1848, on motion of Hon. John 
Magee, an additional sum of $1000 was voted to complete 
the building. It was finished and occupied in the fall of 
1848. At the same time that the last thousand dollars 
was voted to finish the new school-house, an appropriation 
was made to repair the old buildings 

The first Haverling Union School building was burned 
in 1865. At a meeting of the voters of the district held 
March 7, 1866, on motion of Mr. Robert L. Underbill, the 
following resolution was adopted : 

" Resolved, That the trustees of this district be and they 
are hereby authorized and directed to con.struct a school- 
house in this district, upon the site now belonging to the 
district, at a cost not exceeding the sum of $15,000, 
besides the insurance-money and materials on hand." 

The insurance on the old building amounted to $2000 ; 
the $15,000 in addition was voted to be raised by tax ; the 
Haverling lot, lying between the school site and Liberty 
Street, was purchased for the sum of $900. An additional 
sum was afterwards raised, and the present commodious 
and substantial Haverling Union Free-School building com- 
pleted at an entire cost of about $25,000. With the en- 
largement of the grounds by the addition of the Haverling 
building lot, the heating of the building throughout by 
steam, and various modern improvements, this school build- 
ing, with its surroundings, being situated on grounds adja- 
cent to Washington (formerly St. Patrick's) Square, is 
among the most pleasant educational institutions in this 
portion of the State. Samuel S. May was the builder. 
The trustees under whose auspices it was erected were 
David Rumsey, Robert L. Underbill, and L. P. Hard. 
David Rumsey was president of the board, and George 
Edwards clerk. 

Tiie principals of the Union School from 1846 to 1868 

were as follows: Hathaway, Emerson J. Hamilton, 

Charles W. Gulick, James Buell, James A. Broadhead, 
William S. Hall, C. C. Wheeler, J. H. Strong, John C. 
Higby, and Henry A. Smith. 

OKGANIZATION OP THE UNION FREE SCHOOL. 

On the 10th of June, 1868, a meeting of the legal 
voters of the district was held, to determine whether a 
Union Free School should be established in the village of 
Bath, in accordance with the provisions of title 9 of chapter 
555 of the laws of 1864. The vote was taken viva voce, 
and the motion carried unanimously. The following trus- 



176 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



tees, to constitute a board of education, were elected by 
ballot: George Edwards, L. P. Hard, for three years; A. 
Beekman,'R. Hardenbrook, for two years ; A. H. Cruten- 
den, George S. Jones, for one year. On account of some 
informalities, exceptions were taken to tlie legality of the 
proceedings, and an appeal made to the superintendent of 
public instruction of the State, who sustained the appeal, 
and another meeting was called, and on the 6th of August, 
1 868, a new board was elected, as follows : G. H. McMaster, 
L. P. Hard, for three years ; L. D. Hodgman, R. Harden- 
brook, for two years ; A. Beekman, S. Ensign, for one year. 
At a meeting of the board, Aug. 7, 1 868, Hon. G. H. 
IVIcMaster was elected president, and S. Ensign clerk. 
M. M. Cummins was appointed collector, and Rodney E. 
Harris treasurer. 

At this meeting it was resolved to insure the school 
property, as follows: On building, $17,000; on globes and 
maps, $800; on furnace, §1200; on fuel, $300. Total, 
$21,000. 

Rev. A. B. Hyde, of Meadville, Pa., was employed as 
the first principal, Aug. 31, 1868, at a salary of $1500 a 

year, with the following corps of assistants : Mr. • 

Thacher, classical teacher ; Miss Emily Hubbard, Miss 
Esther King, Miss M. Vaughn, Miss Mary McMaster, 
Miss Maggie Sharp, Miss Alice Smith, Miss Libbie French, 
Mrs. Fanny Barnes, Mrs. Anna Wolf, Miss Helen Finch, 
and Miss Maria Faulkner. 

On Wednesday, Sept. 7, 186S, the Haverling Union 
Free School, with its academic department, was opened to 
the public. It at once took rank with the leading academic 
free schools of the country. It was much to be regretted 
that Prof. Hyde, who had been selected on account of his 
eminent literary qualifications to preside over the school, 
should have seen fit to voluntarily withdraw after having 
organized the school and conducted it one week. But such 
was his choice, and his place was temporarily filled by Prof. 
Z. L. Parker, who remained in charge till Sept. 6, 1869, 
when he was succeeded by Prof L. M. Johnson. Prof 
John.son filled acceptably the position of principal till Sept. 
6, 1870, and was succeeded by Prof E. H. Latimer, who 
remained in charge till Sept. 6, 1873, at which date L. 
D. Miller, A.M., the present principal, took charge of the 
school. 

The schools of the village are divided into seven de- 
partments, — six besides the academy, which contains an 
average of 120 pupils. The entire attendance in all the 
departments is 600. Under Prof Miller's administration 
quite a large number have been in attendance from out- 
side of the district, and many from places quite remote 
from the village. Indeed, the attendance of both the home 
and the foreign pupils has so much increased that the ac- 
commodations in the academic building are scarcely ade- 
quate to meet their wants, and will necessitate ere long 
an enlargement of the building or a division of the school. 
The academy building presents the appearance of a busy 
hive, alive with activity and interest from bottom to top. 

In 1870 the amount expended by the board for school 
purposes was $10,256.29. This is a little above the aver- 
age yearly expenditure, though the village is noted for its 
liberality in the support of its public schools. 



Mr. Haverling in his will made a bequest of the bulk 
of his property to the district, from which has been realized 
a fund of about $14,000, the annual interest of which is 
devoted to the expenses of the school which bears his 
name. 

The Board of Instruction for the present year consists of 
the following-named persons : L. D. Miller, A.M., Princi- 
pal ; Miss L. C. Martin, Miss E. M. Merritt, Miss A. 
McLoury, Miss L. Richardson, Assistants in Academic 
Department ; Mrs. L. D. Miller, Teacher of Drawing ; 
E. Warren, No. 5 ; Miss E. Faucett, No. 4J ; Miss E. 
French, No. 4; Mrs. F. C. Barnes, Assistant in No. 4; 
Miss A. Sutherland, No. 3 ; IMiss J. McMaster, Assistant 
No. 3 ; Miss M. C. Delano, No. 2 ; Miss F. E. Brace, No. 
1 ; Miss A. C. Robie, Assistant No. 1. 

Board of Education. — Hon. Guy H. McMaster, Presi- 
dent ; C. F. Kingsley, Secretary ; L. D. Hodgman, R. 
Hardenbrook, A. Beekman, W. S. Burns. 

LEARNED PROFESSIONS. 
The members of the bench and bar, as well as of the 
medical profession, of Bath, are given in the general chap- 
ters in the preceding part of this work. All that is neces- 
sary to add here is the list of present attorneys and practicing 
physicians in the village. 



G. H. McMaster. 
A. J. McCall. 
AVilliam B. Rugglea. 
AVilliam Rumsej. 
M. R. Miller. 
John F. Little. 
J. F. Parkhurst. 
P. S. Donahe. 
William M. Nichols. 
Lester B. Ruggles. 



5rE«BERS OF THE BAH. 

C. F. Kingsley. 

A. P. Ferris. 
R. E. Robie. 
C. Campbell. 
G. E. McMaster. 

B. L. Smith. 

C. H. McMaster. 
W. H. Nichols. 
A. E. Baxter. 



PHYStCIAXS. 



Joseph F. Dolson. 

A. H. Cruttenden. 
Ira P. Smith. 

F. Wylie. 

C. W. Bennett. 

B. F. Grant. 
F. H. Purdy. 



Ambrose Kasson. 
Mrs; Amelia Dolson. 
Mrs. Agnes Seeley. 
J. R. Selover. 
Frank Cruttenden. 
Orlando Sutton. 



POSTMASTERS AT BATH. 

The following have been the postmasters at Bath since 
the beginning of the present century, as reported from the 
Department at Washington : 

Dugald Cameron, appointed Jan. 1, 1800. 
George McClure, appointed Feb. 24, 1805. 
Daniel Cruger, appointed June 29, 1815. 
Edward Howell, appointed Dec. 30, 1817. 
Daniel Cruger, appointed Aug. 13. 1820. 
Simpson Ellis, appointed April 8, 1822. 
William S. Hubbell, appointed June 22, 1829. 
John W. Fowler, appointed Sept. 17, 1835. 
Reuben Robie, appointed Feb. 16, 1837. 
Levi C. Whiting, appointed July 20, 1841. 
George Huntington, a])pointed Nov. 16, 1846. 
Timothy Whiting, appointed June 1, 1849. 
James Gansevoort, appointed June 2, 1851. 
Jesse Vanderhoven, appointed May 15, 1853. 

Jesse Vanderhoven, appointed , 1858. 

George S. Ellis, appointed April 3, 1861. 




I \ 



'y7~7^^-^ 




<^. 



WILLIAM B. RUGGLES. 



William B. Rnggles was the only son of Dr. William B. and Mary 
iggles, and was born in Bath, N. Y., May 14, 1827. His mother, by the 
ith of Dr. Ruggles, in 1830, was left a widow in indigent circumstances. 
ir son, however, was kept at school in Bath most of the time until 1840, 
en he entered the office of The Conttitufioualist, then published in Bath 

Charles Adams, to team the printer's trade. From this time he was 
■own upon his own resources. He continued working in printing-offices 
Bath, Coming, and Canandaigua until 1846. During this period, con- 
ving an ardent desire to acquire a thorough education, he adopted the 
m of combining work and study in the printing-office, and by devoting 
irniuge and nights, after the day's work was done, to his books, he was 
a.bled to enter Hamilton College^ in the sophomore class, in September, 
i6. 

During his college coarse, by working at his trade during vacations, and 
Lching school one winter, at the same time keeping along with his class 
his studies, he was able to earn enough to defray his college expenses, 
d graduated in July, 1849. 

In October, 1849, he went to Atlanta, Ga., where he immediately secured 
situation as editor of the Atlanta Intelligencer, a weekly paper, which 
d been started a few weeks before. By the end of the first year he pur- 
ased a half interest in the paper, and in the course of another year pur- 
ased the remaining half. In the spring of 1854, the city having increased 
population largely, he commenced the publication of a daily paper, Tke 
lily Intelliyenc.tr, it being the first daily paper ever published in Atlanta. 

August, of the same year, he married Caroline, daughter of Col. Lester 
.rkcr, of Clinton, Oneida Co., N. Y., a young lady whose acquaintance 

had made during his college days. He continued the publication of 
he fntelligent-er until 1857, which became, under his management, the 
iding Democratic newspaper of Upper Georgia, his daily when started, 
d for some time after, being the only daily paper in Georgia outside of 
a cities of Savannah and Augusta. While a resident of Atlanta, Mr. 
iggles was, during several years, a member of the board of aldermen of 
ptt city. 

In September, 1857, having sold out his property in Atlanta, Mr. Rug- 
la ryturned to the North, and commenced the study of law at Clinton, 
icida Co., N. Y., under Prof. Theodore W. Dwight, then in charge of the 
V school of Hamilton College. For some years before leaving Atlanta, 
ving applied himself closely to legal studies in connection with bis edi- 
rial duties, he was able to make rapid progress in the law school, and 
is admitted to practice in July, 1858. On his admission to the bar, with 
\i idea of perfecting himself in practice, he at once entered the law office 
the late Judge Charles H. Doolittle, at Utica, N. Y., where he remained 
til the spring of 1859, when he returned to Bath, and opened a law 
ice, where he has since remained in active practice. 

From 1859 to 1875, while always acting and voting with the Democratic 
.rty, he persistently declined to be drawn into politics as a candidate, 
eferring to give his undivided attention to the more congenial business of 



the law, althongh in each of the presidential campaigns from 1864 to 1876, 
at the request of his political friends, he was induced to " take the stump," 
and make a sei ies of political speeches in Steuben and some of the acyotmng 
counties. 

In 1868, Mr. Ruggles and a few other citizens of Bath organized the 
'* Bath Library Association," of which be was chairman of the Board of 
Managers for several years. Under his chairmanship the library grew from 
a few hundred to over five thousand volumes. 

He was for several years an active member of the Board of Education of 
the Union Free School at Bath, until his duties at Albany induced bim to 
resign the position as well as the chairmanship of the Library Association. 

During the two years, 1876 and 1877, he was a member of the New Tork 
Legislature, representing the First Assembly District of Steuben County. 

In 1876 he was chosen by the Democratic State Convention at Utioa as 
a delegate to represent the Twenty-ninth Congressional District of New 
York in the National Democratic Convention at St. Louis. In the National 
Convention he was an active and zealous advocate of the nomination of Mr. 
Tilden for the Presidency. 

In December, 1877, Mr. Ruggles was tendered and accepted the office of 
deputy attorney-general of the State for the term of two years, from Jan. 
1, 1878, in which capacity he is at the present time engaged at Albany. 

Referring to this appointment, the Steuben Farmerg' Advocate, of Deo. 
28, 1877, among other observations, made the fcllowing editorial comments: 

" Not only is Mr. Ruggles greatly honored by this appointment, which 
came to him entirely unsolicited, but the village of Bath as well. And not 
only our town and county, but the young Democracy of the State, who are 
proud to acknowledge Mr. Ruggles as a leader and a representative man. 
Mr. Ruggles is fully competent for the distinguished and responsible posi- 
tion which be has accepted. He is not unknown to the leading men of the 
State. His position ae a leader in the Assembly for two winters, a promi- 
nent member of the judiciary committee, and the bold stand he took as 
the opponent of rings and State jobbery of every kind, gave him that 
deserved prominence now accorded to him. We rejoice over this appoint- 
ment, also, because it is a tribute to political integrity, and a recognition 
of a self-made man, who has worked his way up from the printer's case and 
the office boy of a country printing-office. Mr. Ruggles is a native of 
Steuben County, and at the age of thirteen years entered a Bath printing- 
office, and while pursuing this honorable calling resolved to become an 
educated man. We remember him when a boy as a studious youth, and 
call to mind the hours when we found him stretched out evenings on the 
old * bank' of the printing-office, studying his books by the aid of a tallow 
dip, fitting himself for entrance to Hamilton College. He entered that 
college in 1846 in the sophomore class, a poor printer, with but thir^ 
dollars in his pocket, and was compelled to set type vacations and at other 
hours to obtain the funds necessary to carry him through college. He 
accomplished the purpose and desire of his heart, and graduated in 1S49 
with the highest honors of his class." 



i 



TOWN OF BATH. 



177 



Ebeiiezer Ellis, apjiointed July 12, 1865. 
Ebcnezer Ellis, appointed March 3, 1871. 
Ebenezer Ellis, appointed March 18, 1873. 
Joseph S. Dolson, appointed Feb. 12, 1874. 
Joseph S. Dolson, appointed March 4, 1878. 

BUSINESS OF THE VILLAGE. 

Mills. — The mills in (lie village and vieiiiity are the 
following : 

Flouring and Merchant Mill, Bath, L. D. Hodgman, 
proprietor. 

Henry Brothers' Flouring-JIill, Bath. 

John Baker's Mill, situated two miles up the river. 

Eagle Mills, L. D. Hustin, three miles below the village. 

MANur.\CTORlES. — The interests properly coming under 
this head in the village of Bath are the following : 

Sash-, Dooi'-, and Blind-Factory, A. Beckman. 

Platform Wagons, etc., Loomis & McMaster. 

Foundry and Machinc-Shop, Hardenbrook & Co. 

Machine-Shop, John M. Ross. 

Wagon Manufactory, D. B. Ballou. 

Saw-Mill and Lumber- Yard, Samuel Balcom. 

Planing-Mill and Bos-Factory, Allen Butler. 

Confectionery Manufactory, John Messerschmidt. 

Cigar Manufactories, Todd & Van Wie, S. L. Holcumb, 
John Beckwith. 

Broom Manufactory, John Scott. 

Boots and Shoes, Thomas Davidson. 

Furniture, Chester Knight. 

Cooper-Shop, Joseph Thorp. 

Mercantile. — Dry-Goodx, H. W. Ferine & Co., A. 
S. Howell & Co., J. & J. C. Bobie, Church & Obert, W. 
W. Wilson, Lee Swartz. 

Drugs. — John Sutherland, George E. Knight, Mrs. M. 
T. Hess. 

Hardware. — Wm. H. Shepard, Hastings & Coy. 

Jewelry.— y^. P. Sedgwick, Hills, Griswold & Co., 
George W. Murray, J. S. Farr. 

Groceries. — Wheeler & Wood, Higgins & Otis, T. J. 
Aber & Son, S. S. Eastwood, T. W. Barber. 

Clothing.— D. Wile, Thorp & Clark, Charles E. Brown, 
C. S. Allison (merchant tailoring). 

Book-Stores. — C. Gansevoort, C. D. Wylie. 

Shoe-Stores. — James H. Scott, Thomas Davidson, Joseph 
Furtlierer. 

Dentists. — J. R. Selover, A. Osgood. 

Insurance. — ^M. T. Wagoner, Z. L. Parker, B. C. 
Ward, D. M. Van Camp. 

Meat-Markets. — D. L. Robinson, William V. Long- 
well, D. H. Wheeler, Thomas Kniffin. 

Milliners.— Mrs. Mitchell & Sister, Mrs. J. Van Der 
Beck. 

Dress-Making. — Miss Hannah Parker, Misses Tiflfany, 
Mrs. A. Palmer. 

Paints, Oils, and Painting. — M. C. Purdy, T. P. 
Purdy, C. E. Hopkins. 

Hotels. — Nichols House, John R. Laidlaw ; Steuben 
Hou.se, Daniel Wright ; Mansion House, Perry Topping; 
Read House, A. J. Read. 

Purdy Opera-House. — M. C. & W. H. Purdy, pro- 
prietors. 
23 



banks, 
steuben county bank. 

The Steuben County Bank was incorporated by act of the 
Legislature, March 9, 1832. The following-named gentle- 
men constituted the first Board of Directors : John Magee, 
Wm. W. JlcCay, Reuben Robie, Edward Howell, Constant 
Cook, James Faulkner,* Andrew B. Dickinson, Chauncey 
Hoffman, Charles Butler, Henry S. Williams, Henry B. 
Gibson, Ansel St. John, William S. Hubbell. 

At a meeting of the directors, held Dec. G, 1832, John 
Magee was elected President, and William B. Storm was 
appointed Cashier. 

The bank first opened for business in a room in the old 
Land-Office building, Oct. 24, 1832. The present banking 
house was built in 1833, when the business was removed 
into it, where it has ever since remained. The bank has 
been uniformly prosperous, and has undergone few changes 
in its management, considering that it has been in existence 
over forty-six years. During this period it has stood the 
test of three financial revulsions, the most trying of any 
that have ever been experienced in the monetary affairs of 
this country, and has passed safely and triumphantly through 
them all. 

Jan. 15, 1835, Wm. W. McCay was elected President, and 
John Magee appointed Cashier. July 1, 1851, John Magee 
was elected President, and D. C. Howell appointed Cashier. 
Jan. 12, 1869, D. C. Howell was elected President, and 
William E. Plowell appointed Cashier. Feb. 24, 1870, 
Ambrose S. Howell was elected President. Jan. 13, 1874, 
D. C. Howell was elected President, and A. S. Howell, 
Vice-President. 

FIRST national BANK OF BATH. 

The Bank of Bath was organized in April, 1854, under 
the laws of the State, as a bank of issue, under the presi- 
dency of the late Hon. Constant Cook, with H. H. Cook, 
Esq., Cashier. For two or three months the business of 
the bank was conducted in Judge Cook's former office, near 
his residence, after which the bank was removed to the old 
Land-Office building, on the south side of Pulteney Square, 
which building it occupied about a year, awaiting the erection 
of a substantial brick building upon the site of Judge Cook's 
former office. Upon the completion of this building the 
bank was removed to it. In April, 1858, the institution 
was again removed to the building then owned and still 
occupied by it at the corner of Steuben and Liberty 
Streets. 

On the 14th of December, 1863, it reorganized under the 
"Act to provide a National Currency," etc., as " The First 
National Bank of Bath," with a capital of $50,000. Offi- 
cers as before — Constant Cook, President, and H. H. Cook, 
Cashier. Directors, Constant Cook, H. H. Cook, L. D. 
Hodgman, E. C. Cook, and W. W. Allen. 

A few months afterwards its capital was increased to 
$100,000. 

On the 24th of February, 1874, at the ripe age of seventy- 
six, and after a long and eminently-successful financial ca- 
reer, Judge Cook, the founder of the bank, died. 

« Still living. 



178 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



In the following April Henry H. Cook, Esq., was elected 
to the vacant presidency, and W. W. Allen appointed cashier. 
Under the active management of Constant and Henry H. 
Cook, the bank has always done a safe and prudent business. 
We append the first and last published reports of the bank : 

WEEKLY STATEME.NT, BANK OF RATH. 

Bath, N. Y., April 22, 1854. 

Slocks $2.0,48.') 

Honiis and mortgages 25,237 

Cash items $1111.48 

" amount notes y.V.'S 

" foreign 817 

" specie By7..31 

$7,901.79 

Bills discountcrl 1,527.16 

North Kiver liank 5,474.47 

Coiumercial liauk, Trov I.;j05.1fi 

A. S. Foster, broker....'. 998.42 

S67,9S9.U0 

Capital $50,722 

Emission 1 $1000 

'■ 2 2000 

" 5 5000 

" 5 5000 

$13,000 

ritOKIT AND LOSS. 

Discount $22.87 

Postage OR $22.93 

Premium 15.59 7.34 

Individual dej)o?it3 4,259.06 

$67,989.00 

HEroKT 
0/ /lir rojuli'lHin of lliK Fu-Hl Naliininl Hank nf Ihilh, nl llalh, in 
the Slate (if New Yorh, tit the rlrme (»/* hunlnenn nn the Xnt dnij of Oc- 
tober, 1878. 

KESOUlllES. 

Loans ami discounts $360,558.43 

Overdrafts 1,671.37 

U. S. bonds to secure circulation 100,000.00 

U. S. bonds on hand 50.00 

Due from apjjroved resiM'vc agents 7,736.92 

Due from other national banks 2,384.66 

Due from State banks and bankers 23,202.54 

Banking-house 1(1.000.00 

Cheeks and other cash items, including stamps.. 1,775.55 

Bills of other banks 643.00 

Fractional currency 76.00 

Specie, gold coin $750 

Specie, silver coin 197 

947.00 

Legal tender notes 8,650.00 

Redemption fund with U. S. Treasurer 3,800.00 

$521,585.47 

LIAIIILITIES. 

Capital stock paid in $100,000.00 

Surplus fund 20,000.00 

Undivided profits 9,502.25 

Circulating notes received from comp- 
troller $90,000 

Less am't on hand and with comptroller 

for burning 

90,000.00 

Individual deposits subject to check 191,212.22 

Demand certificates of deposit 10,871.00 

Due to other national banks 

Due to State banks and bankers 

Bills payable 100,000.00 

$521,585.47 

I, AV. W. Allen, cashier of the First National Bank of Bath, do 
solemnly swear that the above statement is true, to the best of my 
knowledge and belief. 

W. W. .\llen, Cashier. 

B. C. CnoK, 1 

[Correct Attest.] L. D. Hodosian. > Directors. 

W. W. Alles, ) 
State of New Yokk, i 
Coimrv OF Steiibkn-. | 
Sworn to and subscribed before me this Sth day of October, 1878. 
C. F. Kingslev, Notary Public. 



GEORGE W. HALLACK S BANK. 

The banking house of George W. Hallack, Bath, N. Y., 
was established Jan. 1, 1849. George W. Hallack, Presi- 
dent; Wm. S. Hubbell, Cashier. Mr. Hallack has remained 
president ever since. Mr. Hubbell w;i.s cashier up to the 
time of his death, in 1873, and was succeeded by F. H. 
Dildine for one year. W. H.TIallack was then appointed 
cashier, and has .so remained ever since. 

In January, 1862, the old bank building was destroyed 
by fire. The present building was immediately erected, and 
the fine banking-room and ofiices fitted up for the business, 
which has steadily prospered, and commands a large share 
of the confidence and patronage of the business public. 

Mr. Hallack is a native of Poughkeepsie, N. Y., born 
Nov. 27, 1819, and came to this county in 1833. 

MASONIC. 

Bath Clidpter, No. 95, was instituted Feb. 4, 1852. 
Louis Biles was the first H. P. ; William Hamilton, K. ; 
and John R. Gansevoort, S. The present ofiicers are Isaac 
J. Merrill, H. P. ; Henry Faucctt, K. ; Byron W. Yost, S. ; 
James Faulkner, C. of H. ; Charles Dudley, P. S. ; Thomas 
DavLson, P. A. C. ; Henry Leigh, M. 3d V. ; Charles A. 
Clark,. M. 2d V.; George Sutherland, M. l.st V.; Val. 
Brother, Sec. ; Jonas Van Wie, Treas. ; Charles B. Mowers, 
Tyler. 

Koiihoctoii Council, No. 4; instituted Feb. 7, 1871. 
The following were the first officers of the lodge : 0. West 
Lackey, Master; W. H. Shepard, D. M. ; E. G. Smead, 
P. C. W. The officers at present are I. J. Merrill, Mas- 
ter ; W. H. Shepard, D. M. ; James Faulkner, P. C. W. ; 
Charles Dudley, C. of G. ; Henry Faucett, C. of C. ; Thos. 
Davison, Steward ; Samuel Scott, Sentinel ; Thomas R. 
Rutherford, Treas. ; V. Brother, Rec. 

KNIGHTS OF HONOR. 

Present Officers. — William McFie, Dictator ; James 
Faulkner, Vice-D. ; Charles S. Allison, Asst. D. ; Henry 
Faucett, Past D. ; W. H. Young, Reporter; D. C. Alden, 
F. R. ; E. H. Hasting, Treas. ; 0. W. Lackey, Guide ; S. 
C. Thorp, Guard ; Charles Stratton, Sent. ; A. H. Otis, 
Chap. 

ANCIENT ORDER 0¥ UNITED WORKMEN. 

Present Officers. — Henry Faucett, M. W. ; Andrew 
Crook, G. F. ; Chas. S. Allison, 0. ; F. E. Cruttenden, Re- 
corder ; D. C. Alden, Financier; H. B. Williams, Receiver; 
S. C. Thorp, I. W. ; L. D, Cardwell, 0. W. ; S. L. Hol- 
comb. Guide; W. H. Shepard, P. M. W. 

CHURCHES. 
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF BATH. 

Some time in 1805, Mr. John Niles, a young man in 
feeble healtli, who had been licensed to preach, came from 
Prattsburgh occasionally, and held religious services. In 
June, 180(j, his health liaving improved, he received ordi- 
nation from the Ontario Association of Congregational 
Churehcs, after which he supplied the church of Pratts- 
burgh one-half of his time, and preached the other half at 
Bath. On the 16th of January, 1806, a religious society 



TOWN OF BATH. 



179 



vas organized so far as to elect a board of trustees, eon- 
iisting of George McClure, J. T. Ilaight, Howell Bull, 
James Turner, Dugald Cameron, Samuel S. Haiglit, Henry 
A.. Townsend, and Robert Campbell. Two year.s more 
3a.s.scd by, however, before we hear of any further effort to 
juild up the Church of Chri.st in this community. .Mr. 
Miles' labors were continued every other Sabbath until, on 
;he Hd of January, 1808, the congregation a.ssembled, prob- 
ibly in the court-house, which seems to have been their 
alace of worship until they had built a cliureh ; and there 
i small number of them entered into a covenant, and were 
constituted a church under the name of " The Church of 
Christ in Bath, Presbyterian Congregation." Their names 
were as follows : Joseph Inslee, Elizabeth Inslee, William 
Aulls, Elizabeth Aulls, James Turner, Eunice Johnson, 
Henry A. Townsend, Elizabeth Townsend, Howell Bull, 
Eunice Bull, Robert Campbell, Mary Shethar, Samuel S. 
Haight, Sarah Haight. 

On the same day Joseph Inslee and Samuel S. Haight 
were cho.sen and appointed deacons of the cliureh. All 
this must have taken place in connection with the usual 
services of the Lord's Day, the lid of January in that year 
having been Sunday. 

On the 30th of May following this a call was presented 
to Mr. Niles, requesting him to take the pastoral oversight 
of the congregation, which be accepted in a letter dated 
June 11, and he was accordingly installed by a committee 
of the Association, on the 7th day of July, 1808. The 
church tlius assumed at its origin a Congregational character, 
but in September, 1811, it was received under the care of 
the Presbytery of Geneva. In November of the same 
year, William Aulls, Elias Ho])kins, Samuel S. Haight, 
Henry A. Townsend, and Howell Bull were chosen and .set 
apart to the office of ruling elder, and from that time this 
has been a Presbyterian Church in fact ;ls well as in name. 

Only a year after this the pastor was taken away by 
death, Sept. 13, 1812, in the thirtieth year of his age. 

In January, 1813, a call was extended to the Rev. David 
Higgins, of Auburn, which he accepted, and early in July 
of that year he was installed as pastor. He had come 
from Connecticut into this State at first on a missionary 
tour, and had but recently organized what is now the First 
Presbyterian Church of Auburn when he was called to 
Bath. Here he remained for eighteen years, extending 
his labors over a wide region, :is it was gradually filling up 
with new settlers. Under his ministry the church incro;tsed 
its membership and erected its first house of worship, and 
became well established as a centre of wholesome influence 
to the growing village and to the surrounding neighbor- 
hood. The preparations for building were begun in 1821. 
As yet no house of worship " with a steeple'' had been 
built in what is now Steuben County. A lot which had 
been part of the land-office premises was given them by 
the Pulteney Estate. A subscription was raised amount- 
ing to something over $2000, and a contract was made 
with Capt. Moses II. Lyon to build the house for $2450. 
On the 2d of March, 1825, it wa.s solemnly dedicated, the 
services being conducted by the pastor, Mr. Higgins, a.ssisted 
by Rev. J. H. Hotchkin, of PratCsburgli, and Rev. iMr. 
Clary, of Cohocton. At that time the church consisted 



of about sixty members, but six years afterwards, when Mr. 
Higgins gave up his pastoral charge, sixty others had united 
and quite a number had been dismissed, or were just about 
to be dismi.s.sed, to organize new churches in the neighbor- 
ing villages. The church of Hammondsport and that of 
Kennedyville (now Kanona) derived nearly all their orig 
inal members from this ; that of Wlie ;ler took about one- 
half of its first mcrabcrsliip from Hath, and still the parent 
church had strength enough to go on and prosper. 

In 1831, just at the close of his seventieth year, Mr. 
Higgins resigned his pastoral charge, and a few years after- 
wards removed with his family to Noiwalk, ()., where he 
died, June 18, 1842, having passed the age of fourscore. 

He was succeeded by the Rev. [saac Walts I'latt, who 
had but recently resigned his pastoral charge at Athens, 
Pa. Coming to Bath in April, 1831, he found the com- 
munity pervaded by a deep religions sentiment, and at the 
joint request of the pastor and the people, be became the 
stated minister. Under his jireaching, together with the 
labors of the pastor, a remarkable work of grace was devel- 
oped, resulting in a large addition In the church. His call 
from this congregation was dated June 4, 1831. 

During his pastorate occurred the discussions which 
sprang out of the notable revivals of those times, and were 
instrumental in bringing about the division of the Ameri- 
can Presbyterian Church. On the 18tli of February, 1838, 
a band of a score or more of the members of this church 
in Bath — including two of its elders, Ira Gould and John 
Emerson — met separately in the court-hou.se, and organized 
what was called the Constitutional Presbyterian Church of 
Bath. 

This new society increased in numbers, and built a house 
of worship on Liberty Street, but found it very difficult to 
maintain stated services from year to year. The old church 
also could not bear the depletion thus occasioned — with all 
the attendant irritation — without serious injury both finan- 
cially and spiritually. 

The pastor, meanwhile, was suffering in bodily health 
beyond anything that appeared in his ordinarily cheerful 
tone as he went about among his parishioners, and some 
very severe domestic afflictions weighed him down with 
great anxiety and sorrow. After the loss of a bright and 
promising son, in October, 1843, it was difficult for him 
to keep up his pulpit and parochial work with his accus- 
tomed vigor, and in April, 1844, he gave up the charge of 
this church. In 1847 he removed to West Farms, West- 
chester Co., where he was pastor until bis death, in Feb- 
ruary, 1858. 

He was succeeded here at once by Rev. L. Merrill Mil- 
ler, then a young man just licensed, and whose ministry of 
.seven years proved a well-chosen means of fostering the 
best influences in the congregation. In 1851 he was called 
to the church of Ogdensburgh, where he is pastor at this 
day. 

In August, 1851, Rev. George D. Stewart, who had 
spent a few years in the ministry at Port Byron, having 
been called to this church, began his .stated labors. His 
pastorate of about eight years was a very flouri.shing one, 
; resulting in the gathering in of many from the surrounding 
country neighborhoods. In 1852 the church edifice had 



180 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



to be enlarged to make I'oom for tlio growin;:: congrega- 
tion. 

During tlie winter of 1858-59, a revival of religion began 
in the Baptist Church of Bath, and proved to be the begin- 
ning of an extended work of divine grace, in which the 
entire community participated. The work in this congre- 
gation went on under the united labors of the pastor and 
the Rev. Wm. E. Jones, of Caledonia, until, as the re.sult 
of it, more than fifty persons, at different communion 
seasons, were added to this church. Mr. Stewart resigned 
his pastoral charge June 1, 1859, and since then has been 
doing eminent service to the cause of Christ in Iowa and 
Nebraska. lie gave place here to Rev. William Evan 
Jones, who had been of such assistance during the recent 
revival. He resigned his charge in 1863 to accept the 
chaplaincy of one of the volunteer regiment.s of this State, 
and so served during the latter part of the war of the Re- 
bellion. 

After his departure the congregation did not seem pre- 
pared to call another pastor, and the services of Rev. James 
M. Harlow were engaged as a stated sujiply. He continued 
in this relation until October, IStiS, when he gave up the 
pulpit. A long vacancy followed, until the close of Septem- 
ber, 1869, when, in response to a call dated in July of that 
year, the Rev. James M. Piatt began his stated labors here. 
On coming back to his boyhood's home to take the place 
once occupied by his father, the way was already prepared 
for receiving back to the communion of this church the 
remnant of those who, more than thirty years before, had 
organized a separate church. They had now disposed of 
their church property, giving $1000 of the proceeds to the 
trustees of this church towards procuring a parsonage, and 
since then there has been but one Presbyterian Church in 
Bath. 

Early in 1870, the trustees called the congregation to- 
gether to consider the expediency of building a new church 
edifice, and in 1871 a Ladies' Church Aid Society was or- 
ganized for the express purpose of raising funds for the 
furnishing of a new church and the purchase of an organ. 
It was not until 1873, however, that the project of re- 
building assumed any definite shape. In August of that 
year Messrs. John and Ira Davenport offered to make up 
in their family a subscription of $10,000, on condition that 
the congregation apart from them should raise $20,000 
more, with the view of building a church that should cost 
$30,000. The subscription for this amount having been 
secured by the following March, the trustees were ap- 
pointed the building committee to have charge of the work ; 
Mr. John Beekman being at the same time elected a trus- 
tee on account of his thorough qualifications for the over- 
sight of such a task, and Mr. John Davenport being ap- 
pointed president of that board. Steps were immediately 
taken, which resulted in the erection of the present sub- 
stantial and beautiful stone edifice on the site of the old 
church, on the south side of Pulteney Square, according to 
plans prepared by Jacob Wrey Mould, architect, of New 
York City. The building thus far has cost $50,000, to- 
wards which the ladies furnished $2000 through their 
society. It remains to complete the building by carrying 
out the design for the two towers, which have thus far been 



erected to a height of only thirty feet. The interior has 
been chastely finished, and was first occupied for religious 
services on the 22d of Febuary, 1877. Since that time the 
congregation has increased, so that of the 146 pews not 
more than 20 can be considered vacant. The membership 
of the church is about 250. Besides the Sabbath-school 
connected with the church, a Young People's Association 
has been in active service since January, 1875, and holds 
a devotional meeting every Sunday evening, while engag- 
ing also in other Christian work. 

The officers of the church are as follows : Pastor, Rev. 
James M. Piatt ; Ruling Elders, Peter Ilalsey, Z. L. Par- 
ker, A. H. Otis, E. H. Hastings, Dr. A. Kassou ; Deacons, 
Jno. L. Scofield, Wm. H. Shepard, S. G. Lewis, C. G-anse- 
voort ; Trustees. Jno. Davenport, J. F. Parkhurst, Chester 
Knight, C. A. Ellis, Henry Faueett, E. H. Hastings ; 
Treasurer, Wm. McFie. 

ST. THOMAS' CHURCH, BATH. 

The fir.st seeds of this church were dropped in 1815. 
Early in the year the esteemed member of Assembly for 
this district returned from Albany to his home at Cold 
Springs, — midway between Bath and Ilammondsport, — 
bringing, as his newly-married wife, a lady of rare culture, 
who had been raised in a staunch church family of the Con- 
necticut pattern, and more recently had been engaged in 
successful educational enterprises in Troy and its vicinity. 
This lady, Mrs. Elizabeth Hull Townsend, soon and deeply 
felt the loss of those services and ministrations which had 
long been endeared to her, and was greatly cheered, one 
summer day, upon seeing a gentleman ride up to her door, 
in halfclerical, half-military costume, who announced him- 

, self as the Rev. Mr. Hopkins, missionary at Mauch Chunk, 
Pa., but now on his way farther West, upon business con- 
nected with his services as an officer in the war of Inde- 
pendence. It was with some difficulty that !Mrs. Townsend 
could persuade him to remain and hold a service in Bath. 
" They call our Church," he said, '' the Tory Church, and 
no one knows how much prejudice and ill-will might be ex- 
cited." But .she prevailed, and a service was held in the 
old court-house ; and there are some still living in this village 
who remember it well. 

From that time Mrs. Townsend could not rest. She rode 
to Geneva, forty miles, on horseback, taking with her a 
young child for baptism, and there urged the claims of the 
Southern Tier to a church missionary ; but was sorrowfully 
told there was none to be had. Bishop Hobart, to a similar 
appeal, returned the same answer. 

At length, however, she succeeded .so well in enlisting the 
sympathies of iier friends in the East, and of several gen- 
tlemen connected with the land-office in Bath, — Messrs. 
Troup, Cameron, and others, — that the services of Mr. 

ij'Hopkins, who had revisited the place several times, were 
secured, as missionary to Bath and Angelica and interme- 
diate places. At that time, however, — 1823, — this region 
was still covered with dense forests, with here and there a 
clearing for some young and thriving settlement. But the 
labor and care proved too much for our pioneer missionary, 
and he soon sank under them at the ripe age of sixty-nine; 
and the little flock was again without a shepherd till the 



TOWN OF BATH. 



181 



summer of 1825, when a new departure was taken, under 
the auspices of that young missionary. Rev. William W. 
Bostwick, whom Bishop Iloburt sent to this field. Early 
in 1826 he organized parishes in Bath and Hammondsport, 
between which two places he divided his labors ; not forget- 
ting, however, the wider field in which his predecessor had 
sown good seed. 

At the time of the organization of these churches, there 
was not known to be a single male communicant in either 
place. In the former the first vestry consisted of Rev. W. 
W. Bostwick, Rector ; Zalman Tousy and Nehemiah White, 
Wardens; Dugald Cameron, John Brown, John D. Dent, 
Wm. H. Bull^ William Gamble, Selah Barnard, Paul C. 
Cook, and John D. Mitchell, Vestrymen. Of them Col. 
Bull is the only survivor, and has served either as vestry- 
man or warden ever since. Of the first wardens, one was 
from Campbell and the other from Avoca, as the town has 
since been called. The vestrymen were yet more widely 
scattered. 

Under Mr. Bostwick's au.spices church edifices were 
erected in good time at Bath and Hammondsport, and these 
have recently been replaced by noble and attractive struc- 
tures which would do honor to any place. 

For the new St. Thomas' Church, Bath, which cost, in- 
cluding lot, bell, organ, architect's fees, and all its equip- 
ments, over $60,000, the parish is greatly indebted to the 
Hon. Constant Cook, who subscribed more than half that 
amount. The congregation contributed the remainder of 
the sum to be raised very liberally and promptly, so that 
no debt was entailed upon the parish. 

The corner-stone of this church was laid by Bishop Coxe, 
with imposing ceremonies, one beautiful August evening in 
1869, in the presence of a great concourse of people, who 
listened to his address with eager delight. The consecra- 
tion services, April 13, 1871, were yet more imposing, — 
some twenty clergymen in their robes a.ssisting the bishop. 

The church is of stone, — after a plan by H. Dudley, of 
New York, — clerestory, with nave and aisles, and chapel 
attached, fronting 76 feet on Liberty Street, and extending 
along the line of Washington Square 140 feet. The recent 
purchase and gift of an adjoining lot by H. H. Cook, Esq., 
of New York City, has added greatly to the beauty and 
value of the property. 

Mr. Bostwick resigned his charge at the end of fourteen 
years of hard service, and removed to Illinois, where he 
died, in 1846, greatly beloved and lamented. It was his 
hand that, Noah-like, first planted the vine in Pleasant 
Valley, from which so important results have followed. 

His successors at Bath have been the Rev. P. L. Whip- 
ple, who died very suddenly in 1844 ; the Rev. Dr. Wilson, 
now professor in Cornell University ; the Rev. Levi H. 
Corson ; the Rev. Almon Gregory ; and the present incum- 
bent. Rev. 0. R. Howard, D.D., who has now nearly com- 
pleted his twenty-two years as rector of St. Thomas'. 

METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH OP BATH. 

The first society of the Methodist Episcopal Church of 
Bath was incorporated on the 4th of September, 1822. 
During several years previous there had been Methodist 
preaching in the village, at first occasionally and then regu- 



larly at intervals of two or three weeks, as the circuit 
preachers came around on their large circuits and preached 
in the court-house or school-house if unoccupied and were 
not locked against them ; when these could not be obtained 
they preached in private houses. 

In 1814 Bath was included in Newtown Circuit, with 
Newtown (now Elmira) as its centre, but with its circum- 
ference undefined, in charge of one of the old, energetic 
pioneers, — Rev. Gideon Lanning. But the first Method- 
ist sermon of which we can obtain definite account was 
preached at the residence of Mr. Gaylord, the house still 
standing on the north side of Steuben Street and now 
occupied by " Jo. Bell." 

In 1820, Revs. James S. Lent and Nathan B. Dodson, 
being then on this circuit, made Bath a regular preaching- 
place once in two weeks, and formed a society or class com- 
posed of thirteen members, and these mostly females. 

In 1822, Rev. Benjamin Sabin was in charge of the cir- 
cuit. During this year the Rev. Loring Grant, a young 
man of good preaching powers, educated a lawyer, was sent 
out by the conference to look after the finances of the 
church generally, and especially the titles and interests of 
church property. He came to Bath and saw its need of a 
Methodist house of worship. A meeting was convened on 
the 3d of September for the purpose of incorporating the 
first society of the Methodist Episcopal Church, at Bath, 
at which meeting John Whiting, Dr. Simpson Ellas, George 
Wheeler, Jeremiah Baker, and Darius Read were elected 
trustees, as appears by the certificate bearing the signatures 
of Rev. L. Grant and J]leazer Dewey, presiding, and filed 
in Steuben County 4th of September, 1822. 

The Revs. Grant and Sabin circulated a subscription for 
funds to build a church ; the frame of which was reared in 
May, 1823, by John Whiting and Mr. Degolier, and was 
by them finished with galleries and bell-tower in 1826, 
under the supervision of a board of trustees, elected in 
1825, viz. : John Donahe, George Wheeler, Moses Dudley, 
Lewis Biles, and John Whiting. And the church was 
then dedicated by the Rev. George Lane, of Berwick, Pa., 
then presiding elder on Ontario District. 

On the 9th day of April, 1825, the title to the church 
lot was conveyed by Howell Bull and wife to John Donahe 
and others, trustees, etc., of the First Society of the Metho- 
dist Episcopal Church in Bath. 

In 1846, under the pastorate of Rev. Earl B. Fuller, the 
house was reconstructed, and by Rev. John Keunard the 
galleries taken out, a floor thrown across so as to form a 
basement with an audience-room above, and was in June, 
1846, reconsecrated by Rev. Dr. J. Copeland, of Lima; 
the Rev. Dr. 0. R. Howard, then of Painted Post, preach- 
ing in the evening. 

In December, 1865, under Rev. A. F. Morey, pastor, it 
was determined, at a church-meeting, to make an effort to 
enlarge or rebuild the church edifice. A subscription of about 
$7000 was obtained, and a plan was adopted for a new 
church edifice, to be 90 feet long by 41 in breadth, with 
tower and spire, and audience-room and basement for Sun- 
day-school and clas.s-rooms ; the structure to be a frame, 
ceiled externally, and veneered with one course of brick. 
P. S. Donahe, J. Carter, and A. R. De Puy were elected a 



182 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



building committee to supervise the erection. The job was 
let to E. W. Buck and A. J. Barton, to furnish the mate- 
rial and fini.sh the hou.se for the .sum of $8300. The old 
church building was sold to Joseph Carter for $775, and 
the closing services were held therein on Sunday, the — 

day of , 1866. The foundation of the new church 

was prepared, and the corner-stone laid with appropriate 
ceremonies, on the 16th day of May, 1866, by Rev. J. G. 
Gulick, presiding elder of this district, assisted by Warner 
Gilbert, Master Mason, in presence of the officers of the 
church and a large concourse of people, who were addressed 
by the Rev. Dr. J. Lindsay, President of Genesee College, 
and Rev. Dr. A. D. Wilber, of Lima. 

From a memorandum of the deposits in the cavity of the 
corner-stone, the following-named persons were then officers 
of this church : Presiding Elder of this district. Rev. J. G. 
Gulick; Pastor of Church at Bath, Rev. A. F. Morey ; 
Trustees, P. S. Donahe, Nelson Barney, R. Hardenbrook, 
Jas. McBeath, and A. Wells. Class- Leaders, Piatt P. 
Smith, Wm. Crow, Hiram Brundage, R. Hardenbrook, 
Samuel Ovenshire, Thos. C. Davison, and J. H. Thorp; 
Stewards, P. S. Donahe (Recording Steward), A. R. De Puy, 
T. C. Davi.son, J. Carter, and R. Hardenbrook ; Building 
Committee, P. S. Donahe, J. Carter, and A. R. De Puy ; 
Exhorters, James Wright, J. H. Thorp; Superintendent 
of Sabbath-school, P. S. Donahe. 

The house was completed and furnished at a cost of 
$10,427, and on the 6th day of February, 1867, it was 
opened and dedicated by Rev. J. G. Gulick ; Rev. Dr. Jes.se 
T. Peck preached the first sermon, and the Rev. Dr. Schuy- 
ler Seager preached in the afternoon. 

The trustees elected as incorporators of this church in 
1822, and their succcs.sors, elected in 1825, both above 
named, were at the time of this dedication all living, except 
Col. John Whiting, and all residents of this county ; although 
in one case forty-five years had intervened, and in the otiier 
forty-two years, since their election. To commemorate such 
an event is seldom the privilege of any combination of men. 
These ex-trustees of over forty years' standing were each 
specially invited to attend the dedication and be guests of 
the president of the board of trustees, many of whom were 
upon the platform participating in the dedicatory exercises, 
and, together with many of the old church pioneers, sur- 
rounded the banquet-board of their host to discuss not only 
the substantials in profusion spread before them but to talk 
over the good old times long-agone. They were among the 
strong, reliable old men, — the pioneers of progress and well- 
wishers of Zion. Nor had they that day cause to weep, as 
did the ancient men who attended the dedication of the 
second Jewish temple. 

Prior to 1835 this church was united with several others, 
and constituted a circuit supplied with one or more preach- 
ers, preaching alternately at each appointment. At this time 
Bath was erected into a station, and has since had a sep- 
arate pastor. 

Among those that have preached here are the following : 
In 1820, James Lent and Nathan B. Dodson ; 1822, Ben- 
jamin Sabin ; 1824, Renaldo M. Everts; 1826, Cum- 

mings, Henry F. Rowe, and Asa Orcott; 1827, John Arn- 
old, Levi B. Castle, and Ralph Bennett; 1828, Cyrus Story, 



Zina J. Buck, and Menzer Doud ; 1830, Samuel Parker 
and Samuel Bibbins ; 1831, Asahel Hayward and Augustin 
Anderson ; 1833, Edmund 0. Fling, J. Shaw, and John 
Dennis ; 1835 (Bath as a separate station), John G. Gulick ; 
1836, Chandler Wheeler; 1838, William C. Hosmer; 1840, 
Eventus Doud ; 1841, Daniel B. Lawton ; 1842, Philander 
Powers; 1844, David Ferris; 1845, Earl B. Fuller; 1847, 
S: W. Alden ; 1849, Jo.seph K. Tuttle ; 1850, Augustus 
C. George; 1851, E. G. Town.send ; 1852, Nathan Fel- 
lows; 1853, Andrew Sutherland; 1855, C. M. Gardner; 
1857, Nathan M. Beers; 1859, George Haven; 1861, 
William C. Mattison ; 1863, William Manning; 1865, 
A. F. Morey; 1868, J. T. Brownell ; 1869, Sam'l McGer- 
ald; 1872, E. T. Greene; 1874, R. D. Munger ; 1877, 
George Stratton. 

BAPTIST CIIDRCH. 

On the 16th of March, 1842, a few brethren and sLsters 
of the Baptist faith, living in Bath and surrounding country, 
met in the Methodist meeting-house, together with an eccle- 
siastical council, and were recognized as " The Bath Village 
Baptist Church." The constituent members were twenty- 
one in number, as follows: Rev. M. Rowley, S. Shattuck, 

C. Copeland, H. Vo.sburgh, G. Williams, J. Hedges, J. 
Pike, H. HoUiday, E. Frink, H. Lucas, Mary Robinson, 
Sarah Woodard, Phoebe Vosburgh, Mary Vosburgh, Mrs. 
Frink, Mary Ann Smith, Lucy Lucas, Plujebe Cooper, 
Polly Aber, Mr. Tarney, Wm. Woodard. 

The first pastor was Rev. M. Rowley. He remained 
with them from 1842 to 1845; Rev. H. Spencer from 
1845 to 1846; Rev. B. F. Balcom from 1847 to 1848; 
Rev. B. R. Swick from 1848 to 1851 ; Rev. J. Parker 
from 1852 to 1853; Rev. E. C. Brown from 1853 to 
1855 ; Rev. P. Colegrove from 1855 to 1858 ; Rev. E. F. 
Crane from 1859 to 1860; Rev. D. B. Olney from 1S60 
to 18G1 ; Rev. E. J. Scott from 1861 to 1862; Rev. J. 

D. Barnes from 1862 to 1864; Rev. E. Savage from 1864 
to 1866 ; Rev. H. F. Cochrane from 1866 to 1867 ; Rev. 
J. W. Taylor from 1867 to 1870 ; Rev. I. W. Emery, 
the present pastor, settled with the church, Jan. 1, 1871. 

The deacons who have served the church have been 
H. Holliday, P. Smith, H. ililler, A. Butler, S. Chapman, 
N. J. Clark, E. Mott, R. Davis, A. B. Miner, J. Neel, L. 
H. Smith. 

The following brethren have served the church as clerks: 
A. Z. Madison, Wm. Woodard, J. G. Williams, E. Mott, 
J. Robinson, D. L. Smith, S. Bovier, S. P. Goodsell, L. H. 
Smith, B. D. Piatt. 

The house of worship was built in the summer of 1844. 
It was repaired in 1859 by adding twenty feet to the length 
and removing the gallery. Quite extensive repairs were 
again made in the summer of 1870. 

Of the fifteen pastors that have served the church ten 
are now living. Rev. D. B. Olney died while he was pas- 
tor. His death was a sad loss to the church. 

The most extensive revivals were in 1843, 1863, 1869, 

and 1872. 

j There have been added by baptism 462. The present 

membership is 226. The most prosperity has been during 

the two three-year pastorates and the seven years of the 

i present pastor. 




ADDISON F. ELLAS. 



The ancestors of the subject of tliis sketch came 
from England and settled in America some time 
previous to the Revolutionary war, as some of them 
served in that war. Addison F., son of Dr. Simp- 
son and Pliebe Ellas, was born in Ludlow, Mass., 
Dec. 16, 1811. Both of his parents were natives of 
Brattleboro', Vt. His father was born July 27, 
1784, and his mother March 15, 1788; they were 
married about 1808, and soon after removed to 
Ludlow, Mass. In October, 1815, they settled in 
Bath, N. Y. Dr. Ellas followed his chosen pro- 
fession, and, in connection therewith, owned a drug- 
store during his residence in Bath. 

Dr. Ellas was a Whfg in politics, and held some 
offices, such as postmaster and magistrate of Bath. 
On the 5th of October, 1867, he died, and his wife 
passed away May 8, 1877. 

Addison F. was engaged in the distilling business 
when young. At the age of twenty he began to 
work on the farm, and followed it some four or five 



years; he then engaged in mercantile business for a 
few years, after which he was clerk about five years 
for his brother George. Then he commenced his 
chosen occupation, that of farming, purchasing one of 
the good farms, some two miles from Bath, on the 
Hammondsport road. It consists of some one hun- 
dred and seventy-two acres of good, productive land, 
which he still owns. Mr. Ellas has been a good 
farmer, and success has crowned his efforts. He is 
an upright and industrious man, never aspiring to 
any of the political honors of his town. He has, 
however, held some of the minor positions, but 
always preferred the quiet of the home to any official 
honors. In politics he affiliates with the Republican 
party. He married Miss Jennie C, daughter of 
James Little, of Bath, Feb. 25, 1869. Miss Little 
was born in Bath, Aug. 28, 1828, and has always 
resided here, save some three years spent near Geneva, 
N". Y. Mr. Ellas is a good citizen, a kind husband, 
and an honest man. 





The subject of this sketch was born in the town of Bath, Oct. 27, 
1836. His ancestors on his father's side were from AVales, his moth- 
er's, English, and were among the early settlers of this county. 

Young Brundage received the usual school training of a country 
boy, attending school during the winter months, and working on the 
farm in summer. He finished his education atStarkey Seminary in 
1854. He then returned to the practical labors of the farm. 

He was a boy noted for doing with certainty and completeness 
the work he had in hand ; as a man, who never knew what fear was. 

In the spring of 1861 he promptly responded to the call of the 
President for volunteers to suppress the war of the Rebellion. He 
enlisted on the 22d of April, 1861, at Hammondsport, as a private in 
what was afterwards Company I, 34th Regiment, New York Volunteers. 
W. H. King went out as captain of the company. It was put into a 
regiment mainly enlisted in Herkimer County. 

Company I left Hammondsport for Albany on the 28th of May. On 
the 10th of June, Monroe Brundage was elected by unanimous vote 
of his company second lieutenant. 

The regiment was mustered into the United States service on the 
I5th of June, reported at Washington on the 5th of July, and went 
into camp at Kalorama Heightn«. On the 21st of October his regiment 
was engaged skirmishing at Edwards' Ferry, operating on the ene- 
my's flank, to draw their attention from our forces operating at Ball's 
Bluff. 

The 34th soon went to Camp McClellan, near Poolsville, where they 
remained until Feb. 25, 1862, when camp was broken, and the regi- 
ment was engaged in skirmishing around Berryville, AVinchester, and 
Harper's Ferry. Then Sedgwick's division, to which the 34th be- 
longed, was ordered to AVashington, where it remained until the 24th 
of March, when it was ordered to Fortress Monroe. Theythen marched 
to I'^orktown, and entered it on the 5th of May, the rebels having evac- 
uated the town a few days before. During the month of May the 
army, under Gen. McClellan, gradually worked its way towards Rich- 
mond, and on the 31st of that month the battle of Fair Oaks was 
fought, in which the 34th was an active participant. Lieutenant 
Brundage acted asyir«( lieutenant in this engagement. The regiment 
was honorably mentioned in the official report. Captain King was 
wounded in this battle, after which Lieutenant Brundage acted as 



captain, and remained in command of the company until he was dis- 
abled at the battle of Antietam. 

Among the wounded at the battle of Fair Oaks were Azariah C. 
Brundage. Solomon Clark, and Jesse Jacobus, the last two fatally. 
Herbert Kellogg was killed on the field. During the disastrous and 
memorable seven days' retreat, in June, from Richmond to Harrison's 
Landing, Captain Brundage, with his company, was almost constantly 
engaged, participating actively in the battles of Peach Orchard, Sav- 
age Station, White Oak Swamp, and Malvern Hill. From this time 
up to the date of the battle of Autietam, the 34th Regiment was en- 
gaged in the neighborhood of Washington, skirmishing as occasion 
required. 

This celebrated battle was fought on the 17th of September, 1862, 
and it was in this engagement that the 34th suffered most severely. 
Captain Brundage, with his company, made three distinct charges, and 
were thrice repulsed. While rallying his company for another charge, 
he was struck by a ball in the right arm, near the shoulder; disabled 
as he was, he remained in command until the battle was over. On 
the following day his right arm was amputated near the shoulder, and 
he returned to his home as soon as able to do so, which was about the 
1st of October. 

On the 26th of January following, having in the mean time received 
his commission as captain, he resumed command of his company, 
which he retained until the 16th of March, when he was compelled to 
leave the service on account of his health. He accordingly resigned, 
being unwilling to retain a position the active duties of which he 
could not discharge, and receive compensation for services which he 
was no longer able to perform. He was a brave soldier, and as true 
and generous as he was brave. 

He was a favorite with his comrades, and those who survive him 
willeverkeep his memory green. His fellow-citizens, who honored 
him for his many excellent qualities of head and heart, placed him in 
nomination for the Assembly in the fall of 1868, and elected him by 
a large majority. In this capacity, as in all others, he showed him- 
self strictly honest and scrupulously faithful. 

Captain Brundage had been subject to severe attacks of inflamma- 
tory rheumatism, caused by exposure in the army, which resulted in 
his death un the 2fith of May, 1875, lamented by all who knew him. 



TOWN OF BATH. 



183 



The following are the officers : Pdstor, Rev. I. W. 
Emery; Deacons, H. Miller, J. Neel, N. J. Clark, L. H. 
Smith ; Superintendents of Sahhath-school, I. W. Emery, 
W. II. Freeman; Clerk, B. D. Piatt; Treasurer, ^Y . S. 
Burns; Trustees, H. Miller, W. S. Burns, J. Crum, F. A. 
Hopkins, B. A. Todd. 

MILITARY UECORD OF BATH, 

Tlieodure Schlick, major, 23tl Inf., Co. A ; eiil. April 30, 1861, two years; pro. 

major 22d N. Y. Cav.; killed at KeriieysviUe, Va., Aug. 22, lSf.4. 
Cornelius F. Mowers, 1st Hout., 23d Inf., Co. A ; enl. April 3n, 1801, two yr-ars; 

res. Nov. 28, IfiGl. 
George E. Biles, 2(1 lieut., 23d Inf., Co. A; enl. April -JO, 1801, two years ; res. 

Nov. 12, 1861. 
Freilt-rick Arnd, 2d Ht;r^t., 23d Inf., Co. A ; enl. April 30, 1S61, two years. 
Joseph Fnrtherer, 4th sergt., 23d Inf., Co. A ; enl. April 30, 1861, two yearti. 
Henry F. Cninti, 2d corj)., 23cl Inf., Co. A ; enl. April 30, ISOl, two years ; pro. 

to sergt. Sept. 10, 18G1 ; wounded in the leg at Antictnm, Sept. 17, 1862; 

pro. to Ist sergt., Jan. 1, 1863. 
William 13. Kinsey, 3d Corp., 23d Inf., Co. A ; enl. April 30, 1861, two years; pro. 

to 1st sergt., Feb. 1, 1862; pro. to adjt. IGlst N. Y. Vols., Oct. 1862; pro. 

to liont.-rol. 161st N. Y. Regt., 1863. 
Timothy Terrjll, drummer, 23d Inf., Co. A ; enl. April 30, 1801, two years; pro. 

toseygt., Jan. 1,1863. 
William H. Brooks, private, 23d Inf., Co. A ; en!. April 30, 1861, two years; ap- 
pointed cori)., Jan. 18G2 ; disch. for disab.. May 28, 1862. 
John W^ Boilcan, private, 23d Inf., Co. A; enl. April 30, 1861, two years. 
Daniel B. Boilean, Corp., 2:,'d Inf., Co. A; enl. April 30,1861, two yeare; pro. to 

Corp., Jan. 1, 18C3; wounded at the battle of Antietitm, Sept. 17, I8G2. 
William B. ,\. Brown, private, 23d Inf., Co. A ; enl. April 30, 1861, two years. 
David D. Chapin, private, 23<1 Inf., Co. A; enl. April 30, ISGl, two yeai-s; 

wounded at the battle of Anlietam, Sept. 17, 1S62 ; disch. in convalescent 

camp; re-enl. in Co. — , 180th Inf. 
Charles C. Campbell, piivate, 23d Inf., Co. A; enl. April 3(i, ISfil, two yeare ; 

disch. for disub., Sept. 20, 1S62. 
Columbus Dudley, private, 23d Inf., Co. A; enl. April 30, 1861, two yeai*s. 
William Greek, private, 23d Inf., Co. A ; enl. April 30. 1861, two years. 
William A. Hopkins, private, 23d Inf., Co. A ; enl. April 30, 1861, two yeara. 
Augustus W. Ilyi-r, private, 23d Inf., Co. A; enl. April 30, ISGl, two yeais. 
William Jump, private, 23d Inf., Co. A; enl. April 30, 1861, two years. 
Gilbert H. May, iirivate, 23d Inf., Co. A ; enl. April 30, 1861, two years. 
Henry Mora, private, 23d Inf., Co. A ; enl. April 30, 1861, two years. 
John M. Mowers, private, 23d Inf., Co. A ; enl. April 30, 1861, two years; died 

at Falls Church hospital of typhoid fever, Dec. 31, ISGl. 
Edward E. Ostrander, private, 23d Inf., Co. A; enl. April 30, 1861, two years; 

appointed sergt. Jan. 1, 1862 ; went into ranks Feb. 16, 1862. 
Charles W. Smith, private, 23d Inf., Co. A; enl. April 30, 1861, two years. 
Herkimer Shults, private, 23d Inf., Co. A ; enl. April 3o, 1861, two years ; died 

Dec. 18, 1861, in hospital at Falls Church, of typhoid fever. 
George B. Staniford, 2d liout, 23d Inf., Co. A; enl. April 30, 1861, two years; 

appointed corp., Aug. 1, 1861 ; appointed sergt., May 20, 1862 ; pro. to 2d 

lieut., Oct. 20, 1862. 
John Wilhelm, private, 23d Inf., Co. A ; enl. April 30, 1861, two years. 
William M. Terrill, private, 23d Inf., Co. A; enl. April 30, 1861, two years; dis- 
honorably disch. by order of general court-martial. 
James Beaty, private, 23d Inf., Co. A ; enl. Aug. 17, 1861, two years. 
Horace Ellis. _ 

James Mclntyre, private, 23d Inf., Co. A ; enl. Aug. 17, 1861, two years. 
William M. Earway, private, 23d Inf., Co. A ; enl. Aug. 17, 1861, two years. 
Abrani S. Gould, private, 23d Inf., Co. A ; enl. Aug. 17, 1861, two years ; wounded 

at battle of Atitietam, Sept. 17, 1862 ; disch. at Elmira, N. Y., Dec. lfe62. 
William Rutherford, private, 23d Inf. Co. A; enl. Aug. 17, 1861, two years. 
Stephen A'an Bviren, private, l89th Regt.; enl. Sept. 16, 1864, one year. 
Abrani BrowneU, private. ls9th Regt. ; enl. Sept. 29, 1864, one year. 
Jerome Jenkins, jirivate, 1st Art.; enl. Sept. 2, 1S64, three years. 
Moses Davison, private, ISOtli Regt.; enl. Oct. 26, 1864, one year. 
Richard Montgomery, private; enl. Oct. 4, 1864, three years; substitute for 

Warren W. Wilson. 
Calvin Swain, private; enl, Aug. 3, 1864, three years; sub. for James Faucett. 
Roswcll Sogar, private, 180th Rpgt. ; enl. Sept. 15, 1864, one year. 
John Murray, private ; enl. A«g. 30, 1864, three years ; sub. for James Young. 
John Baker, private; cnl. Ang. 29, 1864, three years; sub. for Robert B. Wilks. 
John Stern, private ; enl. Oct. 29, 1864, three years; sub. for Charles Robie. 
Abel Casper, private; enl. Nov. 2, 1864, three yeai's; sub. for Seneca S. Smith. 
William Davis, private ; enl. Oct. 24, 1864, three years; sub. for Jonathan Robie. 
James Murdock, private ; enl. Oct. 26, 1864, three years; sub. for James Lyon. 
Joseph Dunlap, private, 189th Regt.; eul. Sept. 20, 1864, one year. 
Henry Coville, private, l89th Regt.; enl. Sept. 23, 1864, one year. 
James Fitzpalrick, private ; enl. Oct. 29, 1864, three years ; sub. for Wm. W. Allen. 
John FaTinon, private ; enl. Aug. 30, 1804, three years ; sub. for Benj. F. Young. 
Alfred Gordon, private ; enl. Aug. 27, 1SG4, three years; sub. for Jim. 1'. Sinclair. 
Jeremiah I). Gleason. pi ivat.-, 1st .\ rt. ; lmiI. Sept. 13, lM64, one year. 
Charles H. Butts, private, 1st Art.; enl. Sept. 2'>, 1864, one year. 
Curtis C. Cross, private, Ist Art.; otd. Sept. 13, 1864, one year. 



James M. Jenks, private, 1st .Vrt. ; enl. Sept. 13, 1864, one year. 

Philander Whitehead, private, 1st Art. ; enl. Sept. 13, 1864, one year. 

William Scott, private, 189th Inf.; enl. Sept. 20, 1864, one year. 

James Kennety, private, 161st Inf. ; enl. Sept. 20, 1864, three years. 

Moses McChesney, private, lS9th Inf.; enl. Sept. 13, 1864, one year. 

William Cooper, private, 189th Inf. ; enl. Sept. 13, 1864, one year. 

William McChesney, private, 189th Inf. ; eul. Sept. 13, 1864, one year. 

E. L. Rendt, private, ISOth Inf. ; enl. Sept. 15, 1864, one year. 

Amos S. Yeomans, private, 189th Inf.; enl. Sept. 15, 1864, one year. 

Philander Guines, private, 189(h Inf. ; enl. Sept. 15, 1864, one year. 

Isaac W. Storms, private, 189th Inf. ; enl. Sept. 15, 1864, one year. 

Floyd Miller, private, 189th Inf.; enl. Sept. 15, 1864, one year. 

James Trnmble, private, 189th Inf.; enl. Sept. 15, 1864, one year. 

Gilbert Ingersnll, 1st Art.; re-enl. Jan. 1864, one year. 

James ]\Iiner, 16th Art.; enl. Jan. 16, 1864, three years. 

Amasa D. Ells, private, 179th Regt. ; eul. April 22, 1864, three years. 

Silas Spreaker, private, 179th Regt. ; enl. April 9, 1864, three years. 

John Costen, private, 22d Cav.; enl. Apn'l 9, 1864, three years. 

Zenas Dildine, private, 22d Cav.; etd, April 9, 1864, three years. 

William H. Davis, private, 22d Cav.; enl. April 9, 1864, three years. 

Joliii Kitchen, private, 22d Cav. ; enl. April 9, 1864, three years. 

John A. Hnher, private. 22d Cav.; enl. April 9, 1864, three years. 

Samuel Y. Grisword, private, 22d Cav. ; enl. April 9, 1864, three years. 

George A. Havens, private, 22d Cav.; enl. April 9, 1864, three years. 

Jackson Wilhelm, private, 14tli Art. ; eul. Oct. 19, 1863, three years. 

James M. Finch, private, 22il Cav.; enl. April, 1864, three years. 

Joseph M. Bailey, private, 22d Cav. ; enl. Feb. U, 18(54, three years. 

John Morton, private, 22d Cav. ; enl. Feb. 11, 1864, three years. 

William C. Saltsman, 1st Art.; re-enl. Feb. 7, 1864, three years. 

Hiram Ilorford, loth Cav. ; enl. March 22, 1864, three years. 

Jeremiah Mowers, private, 22d Cav. ; enl. March 22, 1804, three years. 

John Swartz, i»rivate, 22d Cav.; enl. March 22, 1864, three years; died at Auder- 

sonville. 
John S. Vangeldei-, private, 22d Cav. ; enl. March 22, 1864, three years. 
A. H. Spier, private, 16th Art.; enl. Jan. 19, 1864, three years. 
0. W. Beach, private, 16th Art.; enl. Jan. 19. 1864, three years. 
Lewis Hille, private, 22d Cav. ; enl. Feb. 23, 1864, three years. 
Mattliew McGuiness, private, 1st Art. ; enl. Feb. 7, 1864, three years. 
William F. Harris, private, ITOth Inf. ; enl. Feb. 7, 1864, three years. 
Jame*! Fluent, private, 179th Inf. ; enl. March 31, 1864, three years. 
William R. Pratt, private, 179th Inf.; enl. Feb. 24, 1864, three years. 
Robert S. Wilcox, private. 179th Inf.; enl. March 31,1864, three years. 
Charles Rogers, private, 179th Inf. ; imiI. March 31, 1864, three years, 
William Welch, private, lOth Cav.; enl. Dec. 17, 1863, three years; re-enlisted. 
Charles C. French, priv. ; eul. Sept. 1861. three years ; sub. for John L. Schofield. 
Jesse Price, eul. Sept. 16, 1864, three years ; substitute for Augustus T, Barnes. 
David Peters, private; eul, Ang. 8, 1864, three years ; sub. for John Wilson. 
Dwight Warren, 1st lieut., 189th Inf.; enl. Sept. 19, 1864, one year. 
Nathan Crosby, capt., lS9th Inf.; enl. Sept. 20, 1864, one year. 
L. G. Rutherford, 2d lieut., 189th Inf. ; enl. Sept. 20, 1864, one year. 
Hiram Schofield, 1st lieut., 189th Inf. : enl. Sept. 20, 1864, one year. 
Bnrrage Rice, capt., lS9th Inf. ; enl." Sept. 19, 1864, one year. 
James McQuigan, private, Ist Art.; enl. Dec. 24, 1863, three years ; re-enlisted. 
James L. Storms, private; enl. Dec. 28, 1863, three years. 

Frank W. Brewster, private, 50th Eng. ; enl. Dec. 20, 1863, three years ; re-enl. 
Philo Jump, private, 50th Eng. ; eul. Dec. 20, 1863, three years; re-enl. 
George F. Kirk, private, 50th Eng. ; enl. Jan. 4, 1864, one year. 
Oiristian Gardner, private, 5th Art. 
Thomas Honhalan, private ; enl. Jan. 8, 1864. 

Anthony Hogan, private, 1st Art. ; enl. Dec. 24, 1864, three years; re-enlisted. 
Francis Turner, private ; enl. Jan. 1, 1864. 
Joseph Shirley, private, 1st Art. ; enl. Dec. 24, 1864. 
E. B. Miller, private, 1st Art.; enl. Dec. 24, 1864. 
James Lindsay, private, 16th Art. ; enl. Jan. 5, 1864, three years. 
Charles L. Davis, private, 16th Art.; enl. Jan. 5, 1864, three years. 
William A. Sliney, 16th Art. ; enl, Jan. 5, 1864, three years. 
William S. White, private, 16t': Art. ; enl. Jan. 6, 1864, three yeare. 
Charles Wilson, privati', 16th Art. ; enl. Jan. 5, 1864, three years. 
William Beamer, private, 16th Art. ; enl. Jan. 2, 1864, thi-ee years. 
Frank Bl. Wedge, private, 1st Art. ; enl. Dec. 24, 1863, three years ; re-enlisted. 
Jacob Blarch, private, 16th Art. ; enl. Dec. 31, 1863, three years. 
D. D. Leavenworth, private, 16th Art. ; enl. Dec. '. 8, 1863, three years. 
Joshua F. Van Buren, private, 78th Inf. ; enl. Dec. 31, 1863, three years. 
Henry Shults, enl. Jan. 5, 1864. 

James B. Ells, private, I89th Inf. ; enl. Jan. 23, 1864, one year. 
John M. Fairfield, private, 10th Cav.; enl. Dec. 31, 1863. 
Ford Lewis, private, 10th Cav. ; eul. Dec. 31, 1863. 
.Tames Morrison, piivate, 10th Cav. ■ enl. Dec. 31, 1863. 
John Birkett, private, 50th Eng, ; enl. Jan. 21, 1864. 
Charles Kuox. 

John Moss, private, 50th Eng. ; onl. Jan. 4, 1864. 
Andrew IHjller, private, 107th luf. ; enl. Jan. 1, 1864, one year. 
Martin Cavanagh, private ; enl. Dec. 31, 1863. 
Peter Veely, 

Harris Biith-r, 1st Art.; eul. Dec. 24, 1S63. 

Edward Burkett, private, 50th Fug. ; enl. fur three years ; re-enl. Jan. 21, 1864. 
Michael Ryan, private, 50th Eng, ; enl. Jan. 21, 1864, throe years. 



184 



HISTORr OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



George Clark, private, 50th Eng. ; enl. Jan. 21, 1864, three years. 

William Templar, private, 50lh Eng. ; enl. Jan. 21, 1S64, three years. 

William B. Dingley, private, 50th Eng. ; enl. Jan. 20, 1S64, three years. 

Theodore Hawkins, private, 10th Cav. ; enl. Dec. 3], 18&J, three years. 

Benjamin Sutler, private, 16l8t Inf.; enl. Jan. 13, 1S64, three yeai-s. 

Seymour E. Hosford, private, lOth Cav.; enl. Dec. 31, 1863, three years. 

J. D. Smith, private, 86th Inf. ; enl. Dec. 3o, 1863, three years. 

Jesse J. Tolbert, 86th Inf.; enl. Dec. 31, 1863, three years. 

Edward Chavelier, 5th Art.; enl. Jan. 4, 1864, three years. 

Sidney J. Hadley, private, 16th Art.; enl. Dec. 7, 1863, three years. 

George Hadley, private, 16th Art.; enl. Dec 7, 1863, throe years. 

Lemuel Smith, private, 16th Art.; enl. Dec. 7,1863, three year«; died in service. 

S. M. Atwell, private, 16th Art.; enl. Dec. 24, 1863, three years. 

Elihu Lockwood, enl. Dec. 30, 1863. 

Henry Richardson, private, 1st Art. ; enl. Feb. 7, 18G4, three years; re-enlisted. 

Beiij. F. Smcad, private, 1st Art. ; enl. Feb. 7, 1S64, three years ; re-enlisted. 

Philander P. Thorp, 1st sergt., 1st Art.; eul. Dec. 24, 18G;J, three years; re-enl. 

Orrin L. Daniels, private, 1st Art. ; o'ni. Dec. 24, 1863, three 3'ears; re-enlisted. 

Ezra Niles, private, 1st Art. ; enl. Dec. 24, 18G3, three years; re-enlisted. 

Charles Clarkson, private, 1st Art. ; enl. Dec. 24, 1863, three years. 

Thomas Stinson, private, 179th Inf.; enl. Feb. 3, 1864, three years. 

Monroe R. Brewster, private, lT9th Inf.; enl. Jan. 12, 1HG4, three years. 

Charles Grumpt, private, 179th Regt.; enl. Feb. 1, 18G4, three years. 

Samuel E. Breck, private, 179th Regt. ; enl. Feb. 12, 1864, three years. 

William D. Potter, private, 179th Regt. ; enl. Jan. 4, 1864, three years. 

George F. Comstock, sergt., IGth Art. ; enl. Dec. 29, 1863, three years. 

William H. Covert, private, 189th Regt. ; enl. Sept. 16, 1864, one year. 

George W. Simons, private, lS9th Regt.; enl. Sept. 16, 1864, one year, 

Robert Read, private, 189th Regt. ; enl. Sept. 16, 1864, one year. 

William R. Goodsell, private, ISOtli Regt.; enl. Sept. 15, 1864, one year. 

Oliver Billington, private, I89th Regt. ; enl. Sept. 15, 1864, one year. 

David P. Whitaker, private, 189th Regt. ; enl. Sept. 15, 1864, one year. 

David Crosby, 1st sergt., ISUth Regt.; enl. Sept. 15, 1S64, one year. 

Robert Robinson, private, lS9th Regt.; enl. Sept. 15, 1864, one year. 

Anthony Collins, private, 189th Regt.; enl. Sept. 15, 1864, one year. 

Martin Collins, private, 189th Regt. ; enl. Sept. 25, 1864, one year. 

Thomas II. Stills, private, lS9th Regt.; enl. Sept. 25, 1864, one year. 

Thomas J. Manning, private, 180tli Regt.; enl. Sept. 15, 1864, one year. 

Alexander W. Holly, private. 189th Regt. ; enl. Sept. 15, lf64, one year. 

Robert McCann, sergt., lS9th Regt.; enl. Sept. 15, 1864, one year. 

James R. Putnam, private, 189th Regt. ; enl. Sept. 15, 1864, one year. 

Nathaniel Thomas, private, 189th Regt. ; enl. Sept. 19, 1864, one year. 

Nathan Morse, private, 189th Regt. ; enl. Sept. 19, 1864, one year. 

John R. Wyckoff, private, lS9th Regt. ; enl. Sept. 15, 1864, one year. 

Thomas Fogarty, private, 189th Regt.; enl. Sept. 13, 1864, one year. 

Thomas Williams, private, lS9th Regt.; enl. Sept. 20, 1864, one year. 

Willis Stewart, private, 189th Regt. ; enl. Sept. 20, 1864, one year. 

George W. Yeilie, private, 189th Regt.; enl. Sept. 20, 1864, one year. 

Lorenzo J. Sawyer, private, lS9th Regt. ; enl. Sept. 19, 1864, one year. 

Benjamin Morse, private, 189th Regt.; enl. Sept. 15, 1S64, one year. 

James Bain, private, lS9th Regt.; enl. Sept. 20, 1SC4, one year. 

James C. Keive, private, 50rh Eng.; enl. Dec. 13, 1863, three years. 

George Edwards, private, 50th Eng. ; enl. Dec. 13, 1863, three years. 

Edward Mullen, private, lS9th Regt.; must. Oct. 5, 1864, one year. 

Frederick Smith, private, 189th Regt. ; must. Oct. 5, 1864, one year. 

John Pratt, private, 189th Regt. ; must. Oct. 5, 1864, one year. 

Charles W. Barrett, private, 189th Regt. ; must. t. 5, 1864, one year. 

James Bennett, private, 189th Regt. ; must. Oct. o, 1864, one year. 

Charles McCann, private, lS9th Regt.; must. Oct. 5, 1SG4, one year. 

William G. Frank, private, lS9th Regt., Co. M ; enl. Oct. 5, 1864, one year. 

Harvey A. Fairchild, private, lS9th Regt. ; enl. Oct. 5, 1S64, one year. 

Isaac Watts, private, lS9th Regt. ; enl. Oct. 5, 1864, one year. 

William McElwain, private, 189th Regt.; enl. Oct. 5, 1864, one year. 

Henry S. Sprague, private, lS9th Regt.; enl. Oct. 5, 1864, one year. 

Seymour Huston, private, lS9th Regt.; enl. Oct. 5, 1864, one year. 

William Covill, private. 189th Regt. ; enl. Oct. 5, 1864, one year. 

John Presho, private, 189th Regt. ; enl. Oct. 5, 1S64, one year. 

James S. Loughrey, private, lS9th Regt.; enl. Oct. 5, 1864, one year. 

Elisha H. Evans, private, 189th Regt. ; enl. Oct 5, 1864, one year. 

S. S. Wheeler, private, 189th Regt. ; must. Oct. 5, 1864, one year. 

Thomas Maxwell, private, 189th Regt. ; must. Oct. 5, 1864, one year. 

Daniel Brace, private, 189th Regt.; enl. Oct. 5, 1864, one year. 

Henry Morrison, private, lS9th Regt.; enl. Oct. 5, 1864, one year. 

Julius C. Duiitou, private, 189th Regt.; enl. Oct. 5, 1864, one year. 

J. W. Knight, private, lS9th Regt.; enl. Oct. 5, 1864, one year. 

Joseph MulhoUon, private, 189th Regt.; enl. Oct. 5, 1864, one year. 

Merton Ostrander, private, 189th Regt.; enl. Oct. 5, 1864, one year. 

James McPherson, private, lS9th Regt. ; enl. Oct. 5, 1S64, one year. 

Henry Covill, private, 189th Regt. ; en!. Oct. 5, 1864, one year. 

Henry G. Bull, private, 189th Regt., Co. M : enl. Oct. 5, 1S64, one year ; died in 
hospital near City Point. 

Michael Shea, private, 189th Regt. ; enl. Oct. 5, ISW, one year. 

Charles M. Frink, private, 189th Regt. ; eul. Oct. 5, 1864, one year ; died in hos- 
pital near City Point. 

Samuel G. Highcock, private, 189th Regt. ; enl. Oct. 5, 1864, one year. 

John S. Benham, private, I89th Regt.; enl. Oct. .^, 1864, one year. 

Judson V. Caige, private, 189th Regt, ; enl. Oct. 5, 1864, one year. 



Howard Waters, private, 189th Regt.; enl. Oct. 5, 1864, one year. 

John Kniffin. private, 189th Regt. ; enl. Oct. 5, 1864, one year. 

Mortimer Ferguson, private, 189th Regt. ; enl. Oct. 5, 1864, one year. 

Charles S. Grey, private, 189th Regt. ; enl. Oct. 5, 1864, one year. 

Andrew J. Snell, private, lH9th Regt.; must. Oct. 5, 1864, one year. 

Stephen A. Hagadorn, private, 189th Regt.; must. Oct. 5, 1864, one year. 

John Slocum, private, 189th Regt. ; must. Oct. 5, 1864, one year. 

Ahram S. Gould, private, lS9th Regt. ; must. Oct. 5, 1864, one year. 

Abram Clarkson, private, 189th Regt. ; must. Oct. 5, 1864, one year. 

Benjamin Davis, private, 189th Regt.; must. Oct. 5, 1864, one year. 

Alonzo Vunck, private, 189th Regt. ; must. Oct. 5, 1864, one year. 

Charles E. Willys, private, lS9th Regt. ; must. Oct. 5, 1864, one year. 

George T. Daniels, private, 189th Regt.; must. Oct. 5, 1664, one year. 

Samuel Faucett, private, 189th Regt. ; must. Oct. 5, 1864, one year. 

William Bottriel, private, lS9th Regt. ; must. Oct. 5, 1S64, one year. 

Isaac Ferris, private, 189th Regt. ; must. Oct. 5, 1864, one year. 

George W. Ferris, private, lS9th Regt.; enl. Oct. 5, 1864, one year. 

Henry Heron, private, 189lh Regt. ; enl. Oct. 5, 1864, one year. 

Nelson Kring, private, 189th Regt. ; enl. Oct. 5, 1864, one year. 

James Woodbury, private, 189th Regt. : enl. Oct. 5, 1864, one year. 

James Heron, private, 189tli Regt. ; enl. Oct. 5, 1864, one year. 

Henry L. TownsemI, private, 189th Regt. ; enl. Oct. 5, 1864, one year. 

Isaac Baker, private. lS9th Regt. ; enl. Oct. 5, 1804, one year. 

William P. Cox, private, 189th Regt. ; enl. Oct. .% 1S64, one year. 

George Blakesly, private, 189th Regt. ; must. Oct. 5, 1864, one year. 

Robert Heron, private, 189th Regt. ; must. Oct. 5, 1864, one year. 

Benjamin F. Ferris, private, ISOth Regt. ; must. Oct. 5, 1864, one year. 

Ahram Brownell, private, 189th Regt.; must. Oct. 5, 1864, one year. 

William Algor, private, ISSth Regt.; must. Oct. 5, 1864, one year. 

Barney J. Hyer, private, iy9tli Regt. ; must. Oct. 5, 1864, one year. 

George Ellsworth, private, 189th Regt.; must. Oct. 5, 1864, one year. 

Patrick Bowes, private, ISOth Regt. ; must. Oct. 5, 1864, one year. 

Frederick Arnd, sergt., 22d Cav.; enl. Jan. 24, 1864, three years; pro. to 2d lieut. 

Henry T. Grants, private, 22d Cav. ; eul. Dec. 17, 1863, three years. 

Daniel B. Boilieu, sergt, 22d Cav. ; enl. Dec. 17, 1863, three years. 

Edward E. Ostrander, private, 22d Cav.; enl. Jan. 17, 1864, three years; served 

two years in 2:5d Iiif, ; discharged and re-enlisted. 
Wellington Wheaton, private, 22d Cav.; enl. Dec. 5, 1863, three years. 
Henry L. Moore, corp., 22d Cav.; enl. Jan. 4, 1S64, three years; served two 

years in 23d Inf.; discharged and re-enlisted. 
William M. Pratt, private, 22d Cav.; enl. Dec. 14, 1S63, three years. 
Cornelius Grants, private, 22d Cav.; enl. Dec. 28, 1863, three years. 
Thomas J. Clickner, private, 22d Cav. ; enl.'Jan. 20, 1864, three years. 
Elias Shults, farrier, 22d Cav. ; enl. Jan. 7, 1864, three years. 
Alexander Stewart, private, 22d Cav.; enl. Jan. 4, 1864, three years. 
Dwight Barker, private, 22d Cav.; enl. Jan. 7, 1864, three years. 
James Bartlett, private, 22d Cav. ; enl. Jan. 19, 1864, three years. 
Robert B. Campbell, private, 22d Cav. ; enl. Jan. 1, 1864, three years. 
Zachariah DiUline, private, 22d Cav. ; enl. Jan. 16, 1864, three years. 
Daniel H. Dickerson, private, 22d Cav. ; enl. Jan. 2, 1864, three years. 
Daniel M. Ellas, priv.,22d Cav.; enl. Jan. 5, 1864, three years; died at Rochester. 
William A. Hopkins, private, 22d Cav.; enl. Dec. 21, 1863, three years. 
Clint^in N. Ostrander, private, 22d Car.; enl. Nov. 20, 1863, three years. 
Lewis E. Shaw, private, 22d Cav.; enl. Dec. 28, 1863, three years. 
Thomjis Stewart, private, 22d Cav. ; enl. Nov. 21, 1863, three years. 
William N. Terrill, private, 22d Cav.; enl. Nov. 21, 1863, three years. 
Tobias Vangelder, private, 22d Cav. ; enl. Jan. 16, 1864, three years. 
Lewis H. Covert, corp. ; enl. Oct. 1863. 

Thomas Scarvell, private, 107th Inf ; enl. Aug. 4, 1862, three years. 
Moses Grants, private, 107th Inf. ; enl. Aug. 4, 1862, three years. 
Thomas Wilcox, private, 12th Cav.; eul. Sept. 12, 1864, three years. 
Job Loder, private, lOlst Inf.; enl. Aug. 3, 1864, three years. 
John F. Little, capt , 161st Inf. ; enl. Sept. 19, 1862, three years. 
Thomas Smith, private, IGtU Art., Co. D ; enl. Dec. 1, 1863, three years; disch. 

Aug. 1865. 
Anson Marsh, private, lS9th Regt. ; enl. Aug. 27, 1864, one year. 
Otis Corbin, private, 141st Regt.; enl. Aug. 22, 1864. 
Monroe Brundage, 2d lieut., 34th Regt. ; enl. June 16, 1861, three years ; pro. to 

capt. ; lost an arm at the battle of Antietam. 
Reuben Eels, private, 161st Inf.; enl. Aug. 21, 1862, three years. 
Carlton Eels, private, 161st Inf.; enl. Aug. 18, 1862, three years. 
James H. Lane, private, 16l8t Regt. ; enl. Aug. 18, 1862, three years. 
Alvah B. Clark, private, 7Sth Regt. ; enl. Feb. 6, 1862, three years. 
Alexander Kenety, private, 102d Inf.; enl. 1864, three years. 
Seneca Watson, private, 50th Eng. ; enl. Feb. 22, 1S64, three years. 
George Lane, private, 78th Inf. ; eul. Dec. 1, 1S61, three years. 
William Kirkham, private, 161st Regt.; enl. Feb. 1862, three years. 
Otis n. Smith, strgt., 161st Regt.; enl. Aug. 21, 1862, three years; pro. to lieut. 
Arnold Shults, sergt., 161st Regt.; eul. Aug. 22, 1862, three years. 
Reiiben Smith, private, 1st Art., Co. E; enl. Sept. 10, 1861, three years. 
Luther C. Townshend, private, 22d Cav.; eul. Jan. 29, 1864, three years; died 

at Andersonville, Ga. 
Willard Chase, private, 161st Regt., C\). F ; eul. June 3, 1862, three years ; died 

in hospital, New York City. 
Wm.Emei-sou,priv. ,101st Regt.; enl. Aug. 31,1862, three years; died atElmira. 
Henry Emerson, private, 7Sth Regt.; enl. Dec. 2S, 1861, three years; killed at 

the battle of ChaucellorsTille. 



TOWN OF BATH. 



185 



Francis Wheatoii, private, lUTth Regt.; eiil. Ang. 5, lS6:i, three years; died at 

Maryland Heights. 
George W. Lindsay, private, lOTtli Kegt., Co. D ; enl. Aug. 5, 186'2, three yeare; 

taken prisoner near Athinta and confined at Florence, S. C; died at An- 
napolis, Md., March 27, 1865. 
James R. Lewis, private, 161st Regt., Co. D ; enl. Aug. 2a, 1862, three years. 
Charles Hicks, private, 78th Regt. ; enl. March 8, 1862, three yeai-s ; killed at 

the buttle of Chancellorsville, May, 18G3. 
Dennis Story, private, 78lh Regt.; enl. Jan. 1862, three years. 
Jacob Story, private, 50th Eng. ; enl. Sept. 9, 1861, three years; re-enl. in ii'th 

Eng., Sept. 9, 1864. 
Chas. Story, priv , 50th Eng.; enl. Sept. 0, 1861, three years; re-enl. Sept. 9, 1864. 
Lewis Hathaway, private, IGlst Regt.; enl. Aug. 20, 1862, three years ; died in 

hospital, La. 
Elcazer Cole, private, 47th Regt. ; enl. Feb. 1865, one year; sub. f<>r Wm. McFee. 
Lorenzo D. Conine, private, 22d Cav. ; enl. Feb. 3, 1864, three years. 
Richard H. Harvey, private, 161st Regt.; enl. Aug. 25, 18G2, three years. 
Dugald Cirabam, private, 161st Regt. ; enl. Aug. 23, 1862, three years. 
John Story, private, 50ih Eng. ; enl. Sept. 1861, three years. 
George H. Hardenbrook, Ueut.,78tli Regt., Co. F; enl. March, 1862, thr^-e years. 
William \V. Lindsay, 1st lieut., 161st Regt.; enl. Aug. 21, 1862, three years. 
Almcron Slills, private, 101st Regt., Co. D; enl. Aug. 21, 1862, three years. 
John F. Lewis, private, 10th Cav. ; enl. Feb. 23, 1864, three years. 
RiisUrn Freeman, 1st lieut., 161st Regt.; enl. Oct. 15, 1862, three years. 
James Fawcelt, 2d lieut., 101st Regt.; enl. Oct. 15, 1862, three years. 
Hugh Brennan, private, 107th Regt., Co. D; enl. Aug. 1862, three years. 
Patrick Ilrennan, private, IGlst Regt.; enl. Oct. 1862, three years; disch. for 

disability, and died at home. 
Rene Hopt, coi-p., lOlt^t Regt.; enl. Sept. 4, 1862, three years. 
Joseph S. Dolson, asst. surg., 161st Regt.; enl. Oct. 6, 1862, three years. 
Elias I'almer, private, l07tb Regt.; enl. Aug. 6, 1862, three years. 
James Rutherford, private, 14th Art.; enl. Sept. 1863, three years. 
Jacob McCann, private, 161st Regt.; enl. Aug. 29, 1862, three years. 
Anthony Shanwicb, private, 7Sth Regt.; etil. Jan. 13, 1862, three years; taken 

prisoner at Cedar Mountaiu. 
James Knight, private, l07th Regt.; enl. Aug. 16, 1862, three years. 
Robert Lindsay, private, oOth Eng.; enl. March 7, 1S04, three years. 
Robert M. Luve, private, 161st Regt.; enl. Sept. 1, 1802, three years. 
David E. Benedict, private, 50th Eng.; enl. Dec. 28, 1863, tlivee years, 
riiilip R. Loder, private, 5uth Eng. ; enl. Sept. 11, 1801, three years. 
William 0. Mitchell, private, 141st Inf.; enl. Aug. 21, 1862, three years. 
Daniel A. Stark, private, 161st Inf. ; enl. Oct. 22, 1802, three yeara. 
Jolni Greene, corp.. 107th Iiif. ; enl. Aug. 0, 1802, three years. 
Ira Bulkley, private, 161st Inf. ; enl. Sept. 1802, three years. 
George Clark, private, 50th Eng. ; enl. Aug. 22, 1801, three yeare. 
Emmons W, Jack, private, 141st Inf.; enl. Aug. 10, 1802, three years. 
Theodore F. Horton, private, 141st Inf.; enl. Sept. 24, 1804, one year. 
William Horton, private, Hilth [nl". ; enl. Aug. 20, 1802, three years. 
Peter H. Durland, capt., 161st Regt.; enl. Oct. 28, 1802, three years. 
Thaddeus S. Reamer, private, 16th luf. ; enl. Sept. 9, 1861, three years ; re-enl, 

Feb. 14, 1864, in 14th Art. 
Oliver Cromer, private, 141st Inf. ; enl. Sept. 14, 1862, three years. 
Clark Evans, private, lOlst Inf.; enl. Sept. 10, 1862, three years. 
William II. Miller, private, 141st Inf. ; enl. Aug. 1862, three years. 
John Payne, private, lo7th Inf.; enl. July 14, 1862, three years. 
Earl Evans, private, 76th Inf.; enl. Oct. 1801, three yeai-s; re-enl. Feb. 1864. 
James RI. Wbittaker, private, 141st Inf.; eul. Aug. 1862, three yeai^s. 
Stephen Thomas, corp., 80lh Inf., Co. I; enl. Oct. ISOl, three years; reenl. in 

86tli, April, 1865. 
George Jack, private, 141st Inf.; enl. Sept. 10, 1864, one year. 
Willi:»in H. Thomius, 1st Art., Co. E; enl. Oct. 1, 1861, three years. 
Peter Austin, private, 107th Inf.; enl. July 23, 1862, three years. 
Rufus S. Alderman, private, 161st Inf.; enl. Oct. 22, 1862, three years; pro. to 

q.-m. sergt. 
James N. Cadmus, capt., 161st Inf.; enl. Oct. 27, 1862, three years. 
William Moss, private, 107th Inf., Co. H ; enl. July 25, 1802, three years. 
James Austin, corp., 07th Inf., Co. C; enl. Aug. 29, 1862, tliiee years. 
Jnhn Bakeman, private, IGlst Inf., Co. D; enl. Aug. 22, 1802, three yeai-s. 
John Blunt, private, 50th Eng., Co. E ; enl. Sept. 12, 1801, three yejtrs. 
George W. Lowell, private, 16th Inf., Co. G ; enl. Dec. 1863, tbioe years. 
Charles J. Smith, private, 101st Inf., Co. E; enl. Oct. 10, 1862, three years. 
Daniel H. Hilt, private, 3d Art., Co. E; enl. Oct. 3, 1864, one year. 
Bradford Sanford, ord. sergt., 161st Inf., Co. D ; enl. Oct. 27, 1862, three jears. 
John T. Merrim, private, IGlst Inf., Co. D ; enl. Oct. 27, 1862, three years. 
Syvanus A. Van Knren, private, 78th Inf., C-o. F; eul. March, 1862, three years. 
Clark B. Oicutt, corp., 64tb Inf., Co. E; enl. Nov. 28, 1862, three years; re-enl. 

Aug. 1, 1S64, in 1st Batt., V. R. C, for three years. 
William Bryan, 1st lieut., 141st Inf., Co. A ; enl. Sept. 10, 1862, three years. 
Joseph Blunt, private, 161st Regt.; enl. Aug, 20, 1862, three years; killed at 

Sabine Cross-Roads. 
Henry Blunt, private, 50th Eug.; enl. Aug. 1861, tliree years; died at Bellevue 

hospital; buried at Cypress Hill. 
William Sanford, private, 101st Inf.; enl. Aug. 18(rJ, three yeare; died at Baton 

R"«ge, July 10, 1803. 
[saac S>';iger, private, 10 1st Inf.; enl. ,\ug. 1802, three years; shut by guerrillas. 
John M. Evans, private, I41st Inf.; enl. Sept. 1862, three years; killed at 

Georgia, Tenn. 

24 



Selah Ev:ins, priv., 86th Inf. ; enl. Oct. 1861, three yeai-s ; died at Washington, D. C. 
Walter S. Fairfield, jirivate, 34th Inf.; enl. Juno 11, 1861, three years; died at 

Washington, D. C. 
Charles E. Hughes, corp., 141st Inf. ; enl. Sept. 1802, three years; died at Wash- 
ington, D. C. 
Daniel H. Miller, private, oOth Eng. ; enl. Sept. 18, 1861, three years; died at 

Savona, Steuben Co., N. Y. 
Chester Wise, ord. sergt., Ulst Inf.; enl. Sept. in, 1802, three years; died or 

killed at Savannah, Ga. 
David B. Sanford, private, 107th Inf.; enl. Aug. 10, 1862, three years; killed at 

the battle of Dallas, May 25, 1864. 
David Abel, private, 87th Inf.; enl. Oct. 1, 1861, three years; died at Harper's 

Ferry, Oct. 29, 1862. 
Charles M. Carr, private, 161st Inf.; enl. Sept. 18G2, three years; died at Baton 

Rouge, Sept. 9, 1SG3. 
James L. Storms, private, 7Sth Inf. ; enl. Miirc!i 7, 1S(;2, three years; re-enl. in 

leth H. Art.; died at Wilmington. X. C. 
Neimiah Youmans, drummer, IClst Inf , enl. Aug. 1862, three years ; died in 

Bath, Nov. 1862. 
William C. Fuller, private, 141st Inf.; enl. Aug. 21, 1862, three years. 
James Stewart, private, 141st Inf.; enl. Aug. 21, 1862, three years. 
Judson Clark, color sergt., 161st Inf. ; enl. Aug. 21, 1SG2, three years. 
Andrew Can-oil, private, 141st Inf.; enl. Aug. 21, 1862, three years. 
George Brown, private, 161st Inf.; enl. Aug. 21, 1862, three years. 
David White, corp., 16lst Inf. ; enl. Aug. 21, 1862, three years. 
Ambrose Stewart, sergt., 141st Inf. ; enl. Aug. 21, 1862, three years. 
William Mills, private, 141st Inf, ; eul. Aug. 21, 1862, three years. 
R. Sackett. private, 78th Inf. ; eul. March, 1862, three yearns ; re-enl. March, 1864. 
Abram B. Van Loon, pri\Tite, 1st Art., Co. E; enl. Sept. 10, 1861, three years ; 

re-enl. in the navy. 
Charles Clarkson, private, 1st Art., Co. E ; enl. Sept. 10, 1861, three years ; re-enl. 

in Jan. 1864, in 1st Art. 
George Snell, sergt., 161st Inf. ; eul. 1SG2, three years. 
John L. Barber, private, 161st Inf.; enl. 1802, three yeai-s. 
John Bennett, 2ii lieut., 10th Mich. Regt.; enl. 1863, three years. 
Cliuton Pelbain, juivate, IGlst Inf.; enl. 1802, three years. 
Evi Winfield, private, lOIst Inf. ; enl. 1802, three years. 
John Ferris, privati-, 101st Inf. ; enl. 1862, three years. 
George W. Morrell, private, 1st Art. ; enl. Sept. 1861, three years. 
James S. Gillette, corp., 16l8t Inf. ; enl. 1862, three years. 
Frank Fay, private, 86th Inf.; enl. 1862, three years. 
Eugene Bassett, private, 161st Inf.; enl. Aug. 26, 1862, three yeara. 
Clinton Ostrander, private, 34th Inf.; enl. May, 1861, three years. 
Josiah Like, private, IGlst Inf.; enl. Sept. 20, 1862, three years. 
Harmon Denandler, private, IGlst Inf.; enl. Aug. 21, 1862, three yeare. 
Charles W. Wright, Corp., 1st Art., Co. E; enl. Sept. 9, 1861, three years. 
Clark Slewait, private, 14 1st Inf. ; enl. Aug. 20, 1862, three yeara; died at Nash- 
ville, Trnn., Nuv. 29, 1863. 
Dana Clark, private, IGlst Inf. ; enl. Sept. 20, 1862, three years ; died at Mobile, 

May 19, ISGo. 
Samuel T. Stewart, corp., 141st Inf.; enl. Aug. 21, 1802, three years; died at 

West Point. Va., Jan 25, 1864. * 
William B. Aber, private, 161st Inf.; eul. Sept. 20,1862, three years; died at 

Vicksburg, June 22, 1864. 
Henry Shults, private, 101st Inf. ; cnl. Ang. 21, 1862, three years. 
Stephen Read, private, 16lst Inf. ; enl. Sept. 20, 1802, three years; died at Mem- 
phis, Jan. 23, 1864. 
Adam H. Wilcox, private, 161st Inf.; enl. Aug. 20, 1862, three years; died at 

Baton Rtiuge, La. 
James McCuUough, private, lOSth Inf.; enl. Aug. 20, 1802, three years ; died at 

Falmouth, Va. 
Stephen Magee, private, 1st Art., Co. E ; eul. Sept. 25, 1861, three yeare; died at 

Alexandria, Va., Feb. 9, 1803. 
Cornelius Ocorr, private, IGlst Inf. ; enl. Sept. 20, 18G2, three years; died at 

Bath, March 7, 1865. 
Juhn Clark, private, I07th luf.; enl. Feb. 25, 1862, three year.>; dii-d at Bath, 

Aug. 25, 1802. 
Ferdinand Nellis, sergt, 34th Inf. ; enl. May 18, 1861, three years ; re-enl. 1863, 

in 1st Vet. Cav. ; died at Audersonville, Feb. 18G5. 
Cornelius Voorhis, private, 78th Inf.; enl. Feb. 16, 1802, three yeara; re-enl. in 

2d N. Y. Art., 1863 ; died at City Pciint, June 28, 1864. 
William Reamer, private, 16th H. Art.; enl. Jan. 5, 1804, three years. 
Isaac Green, 1st heut., 1st N. Y. Batt.; eul. Jan. 19, 1864, tliree years. 
Williiim Cooper, private, 189th Inf. ; enl. Sept. 13, 1864, one year. 
John James, private, 22d Cav. ; three years. 
John Herman. 

Thomas D. Flynu, private ; enl. July 15, 1863, three years. 
David Van Wie, private; eul. July 15, 1863, three years. 
Harvey Payne, Jr., private; enl. July 15, 1863, three years. 

JohnC. Vail, priv.; cnl. Sept. 7, 1863, three years ; .sub. fur George Reail, drafted. 
Israel L. Barber, private; enl. Sept. 9, 1863, three years ; sub. for (iilbert Stew- 
art, drafted. 
Wm. Brooks, private; enl. Sept. 9, 1803, three years; sub. for Daniel Dorsey 

(colored), drafted. 
Thos. 0. Huiton, pnv. ; cnl.Sept.8, 1863, three years; sub. forWm. King, drafted 
Wm. Horn ill. priv. ; enl. Sept. 9, 1863, tliree years; sub. for Albert Thomas, il raited. 
David N. Morrison, private, 189th Inf.; enl. Aug. 18, 1864, one year. 



186 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



William B. McCay, private, IClst Inf.; eul. Sept. 8, 18C3, three ye;irfl; suit, for 

Clarence I'criiie, drafteii ; pro. to 1st lietit., IGl^t Inf. 
Parley Cole, priv.; eiii. Feb. 15, 1SG5, llirec years; sul'. for Wm. McTee, dmfted. 
John Richardson, Jr., corp., 1st H. Art, ; enl. Feb. 7, 1804, three yeara. 
Welcome Kichardson, private, 107th N. Y. Regt. ; enl. Aug. 5, 18G2, three years ; 

wounded at the hattle of Gettysburg; discharged. 
William Barnes Mason, private, IGlst N. Y. Regt., Co. F; enl. Aug. 21, 1802, 

three years; disch. Sepr. 2i>, ISGo, 
Arthur McGuiggan, private, IGlst Regt.; enl. Aug. 21, 18G2, three years: disch. 

Sept. 20, 1865. 
Robert Gansvoort, ca]»t., 107th Regt. ; enl. .Tiily, 1862, three years. 
Joliu J. Layman, eapt., I07th liegt. ; enl. July, 1862. 
William Runisey, 1st lieut; enl. Oct. 17, ISfil. three years; pro. to capt. and 

asst. adj.-gen., Sept. 12, 180:?; mtij., Sept. 9, 18G4; lieul.-col., March 10, 

18G5; wounded at Fair Oaks, May 31, 18G2; must, out Sept. 1865. 
Dr. Ira P. Smiih, act. asst. snrg., regular army, Aug. K, 1SC2, to Sept. 24, 18C4. 

NAVAL RECORD. 
Gilbert Higgiiis, enl. May 8, 1864, one year; Colorado. 
Edward Stillnian, enl. May 8, 1804, one year ; Oilnrndo. 
Pbineas Towle, asst. paymaster ; eul. Aug. 22, 1862, four years ; I'arnkrbiU and 

Brooklyn, 
Charh's Brother, private, marine corps; enl. Aug. 1SG2, four years; Vanderbill 

and Bartford. 
Theodore Harris, private, marine corps; enl. Aug. 18G2, four years; Vandeibilt. 
Josiah H. Gregg, private, marine corps; enl. Aug. 1SG2, four years; Vanderbill 

and Brooklyn. 
Wm. Iii^iersoU, private, marine coriis ; enl. Aug. 1862, four years ; Vanderlilt. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKHTCHES. 



COL. lUA DAVENPORT. 

Ira Davenport was born at Spencertown, Columbia Co., 
N. Y., on the 20th day of September, 1795, and died at 
Bath, N. Y., May 2, 1868, in the seventy-third year of his 
age. His life was one of active business enterprise, begin- 
niug in early boyhood and attaining pi'actical results rarely 
realized as the fruit of one's own unaided exertions. He 
probably obtained his first ideas of mercantile life, to which 
he began early to devote himself with so much assiduity, 
in his father's store, who was a merchant at Spencertown, 
and had also an interest in a store at Harpersfield, Delaware 
Co. To this latter place he was sent as a clerk at the age 
of fourteen, and remain^ till he had attained his majority. 
His plan of future business, on his own account, .seems to 
have been devised while he was gaining this practical ex- 
perience ; for we find him at once, in the year 1815, start- 
ing out for himself to the western portion of the county of 
Steuben, in the then backwoods settlement of Canisteo, 
now the town of Hornellsville, — named by Col. Davenport 
after Judge Horneil, who was one of the earliest .settlers, 
— and taking with liim his first wagon-load of goods, a dis- 
tance of three hundred miles through a newly-settled coun- 
try. On his arrival he was the first merchant in the place, 
and he built with his own hands the store in which he sold 
his first goods. By such enterprise Col. Davenport laid the 
foundation of his future ample fortune. Few 3'oung mer- 
chants in these days, we fear, would be content to call such 
a beginning " commencing business." But, as might have 
been expected, a youth of such courage brought jiersever- 
ance, economy, and untiring industry to add to his little 
capital ; and, as to these qualities were added integrity, 
strong, shrewd sense, and first-rate business talents, he was 
soon in the full tide of .success. The career of Col. Daven- 
port as a merchant at Hornellsville embraced a period of 



about thirty-two years, during which he was engaged in all 
the loading business enterprises of the times. While car- 
rying on mercantile business at that place, he had stores at 
Baker's Bridge, Angelica, Burns, Canisteo, North Almond, 
Hammondspovt, Dansville, Almond, and Independence. 
He was also a partner in a mercantile house and in a coal 
company in the city of New York, and was largely engaged 
in running lumber and arks down the river from Hornells- 
ville. It is said that he and Hon. John Arnot, of Elmira, 
were almost the only survivors, at the time of their death, 
of the men who, in the early days, were largely engaged in 
arking grain. He removed to Bath in 1847, where he re- 
sided the remainder of his life. 

While through most of his life he was cliiefly conspicuous 
as the enterprising and successful business man, he will only 
be known to posterity as the founder of The Davenport 
Home for Orph.an Girl.s. This institution was the con- 
summation of a purpose long since formed. Unostentatious 
as he was, and totally indifl^oreiit to popularity, he was yet 
a man of deeper sympathy than many others whose philan- 
thropy is trumpeted to the world. The condition of 
fiiendless and destitute female orphan children had ex- 
cited his profoundest commiseration, and the admirable 
institution which bears his name is a proof that his pity 
was not left to exhaust itself in mere emotions. He began 
to erect a building designed for children of this class in 
1861. In 1863 the corporation was organized, and the 
fir.st orphan was received July 19, 1864. There are now 
sixty children in the Home, enjoying all the benefits of a 
genial Christian home, and a more cheery family can hardly 
be found in any of the benevolent institutions of the 
world. 

Col. Davenport conveyed to the Home sixty-five acres of 
the beautiful Cameron fiirm, in the village of Bath, which, 
with the massive structure of stone and iron whicli forms 
the main building, cannot be valued at less than seventy- 
five thousand dollars. He besides in his lifetime endowed 
it with funds to the amount of one hundred thousand dol- 
lars, to which his brother, Mr. Charles Davenport, has added 
thirty thousand dollars. Col. Davenport also made a bequest 
to the Home in his will of fifty thousand dollars more. At 
the time of his death additions to the building were in 
process of erection, which were subsequent!}' completed. 

If the future management of the Home shall follow the 
spirit in which it has been inaugurated, and its usefulness 
shall be developed to an extent commensurate with the 
munificence of its endowment, — as there is reason to believe 
from the test of experience thus far will be the case, — fu- 
ture ages will not fail to honor the memory of the founder 
till stone and iron shall crumble. Orphaned little ones will 
come forward, generation alter generation, to bless the 
fatherly spirit which was mindful of them before their 
lives began. And when centuries shall have passed away, 
and this good year of grace become one of the dates of 
antiquity, may there not be wanting the happy voices of 
children rescued from want and dishonor ( if such evils must 
needs burden the earth so long) to sing on yonder hill-side 
the simple songs which their benefact(n' loved so well to 
hear ! 

Col. Davenport married, in 1824, Lyilia, eldest daughter 




<^^j)0-yU-tyyV^^^^rA^^ 



td 

!> 
-i 






■=4 






?9 





-''■* iy S^nui .?.•«»" • 



'I 




TOWN OF BATH. 



187 



uf the late IIoii. Dugald Cinueron, nf Batli, wlio died up- 
wards of thirty years ago. Two sons and two daughters 
survive him, — John and Ira Davenport, Mrs. Christina D. 
Rogers, wife ot" lion. Sliernian S. Rogers, of Bufl'alo, and 
Fanny D. Waterman, wife of J. W. Waterman, Esq., of 
Detroit, Micli. One son, Dugald C. Davenport, died Feb- 
ruary, 1852, at St. Thomas, W. I., and one daughter, Mrs. 
Eliza D. Waterman, Dec. 28, 18G5, at Detroit, Mieh. 

Tlie death of Col. Davenport was not an unexpected 
event, although his iron constitution had so long baffled a 
fatal termination of his disease that it was hoped ho might 
be spared to witness the completion of the noble under- 
taking to which he had dedicated the later years of his life. 
The final attack of liis disease was of great severity, and 
he was taken away in a few houi'S. 

Col. Davenport's two sons, Messrs. John and Ira Daven- 
port, succeeded him as the responsible managers of his 
charities ; and while it would not suit their wishes were 
we to dwell in detail upon the manner in which they have 
acted, not only in regard to the express trusts committed to 
them, but also in forwarding other undertakings for the 
public good, as to which no filial obligation could be felt, it 
will suffice to remark that the designs of their father have 
been carried by them on the way towai-ds perfect completion, 
with a loyalty to the wishes of the founder, and with a 
liberality on their part, which has made the Davenport 
Home for orphan girls a model of well-devised and eftect- 
ivcly-managed charity. 



HON. JOHN MAGEE. 

John Magee, of Watkins, N. Y., formerly of Batli, N. Y., 
was born near Easton, Northampton Co., Pa., Sept. 3. 
1794. His parents, Henry Magee and Sarah Mulhollon 
Magee, came to this country from County Antrim, in the 
north of Ireland, about the year 1784. Henry Magee 
was a descendant from an ancient family of note, often 
mentioned in the early hi.story of Ireland. He was a first 
cousin of the late Rev. William Magee, D.D., Protestant 
Archbishop of Dublin, who is extensively known as an 
author. 

In 180.5, John Magee, with his j)arents, removed to 
Groveland, Livingston Co., N. Y., where his mother died 
Oct. 12, 1805. In 1808, the family, con.sisting of the 
father and five children, — Rebecca, John, Hugh, Thomas 
J., and Mary, — removed to Michigan, and settled in the 
vicinity of Detroit. 

In May, 1812, John Magee, with his father and brother 
Hugh, enlisted at Detroit, in the rifle-company of Captain 
A. de Quindra. This company went immediately into 
active service, had several skirmishes with the Indians, 
and took part in the battle of Brownstown on the 8th of 
August of that year. His company, belonging to the 
command of General Hull, was surreudeved, with his army, 
to the British forces, under General Brock, on the IGth 
of the same month. He remained a prisoner, on parole, 
until .January, 1813, when he was sent, with the captured 
troops, to St. Catherines, C. W., and thence across the 
country to Fort George. In the following month of March, 



obtaining his release, he joined Major Cyrenius Chapin's 
command of mounted rangers. In the mean time, Forts 
Erie and George had been taken by the American forces, 
under General Dearborn ; and the British army, in their 
retreat, had scattered their .supplies over the country. 
Major Chapin's command were engaged in gathering up 
these supplies, and in making other foraging expeditions, 
in the region lying between the Lakes Erie and Ontario. 
He was again taken prisoner at the battle of Beaver Dams, 
near St. Catharines, in June, 1811!. Finding his confine- 
ment excessively irksome, he determined to escape ; and 
though dissuaded by his commanding oflScer from making 
the attempt, he obtained pos.session of his horse, and set 
out at full speed acro.ss the lines towards Fort George, 
under a shower of bullets from the guard. On the way, 
a small boy begged so earnestly to be permitted to ride 
behind him, and take his chances for escape, that he allowed 
him to do so ; but the poor lad was killed ]>y the fire of 
the sentinels; his own clothes were riddled by their balls; 
his horse was wounded and fell under him, though not 
until he had reached General Dearborn's pickets ; and 
gaining the fort with but slight injury, he reported to 
the officer in command the disaster at Beaver Dams. 
,That officer did not fail to avail himself of the courage 
and address which this young soldier had exhibited. He 
was immediately ajipointed as a messenger, to carry dis- 
patches for the government between Fort Niagara and 
Wa.shington, and to points along the frontier. This duty, 
attended as it was by many hardships and perils, he dis- 
charged with a degree of skill and endurance rarely equaled. 
On one occasion, when dispatches of great importance were 
forwarded by him to the Department of War, at Washing- 
ton, he continued in the saddle for forty-eight hours, pro- 
curing fresh horses from time to time, until he reached 
Northumberland, Pa., when, becoming completely ex- 
hausted, he obtained a reliable person to proceed to 
Washington with the papers, and to obtain the requisite 
answers, which, as soon as they reached him, he conveyed 
to General Wilkinson, then in command. On arriving at 
lieadquartors, the general refused to believe lliat he could 
possibly have been to Washington in the short time that 
had elapsed, until he had received and read the answers 
to his communications, when, eying John with astonish- 
ment, he mentally expressed his admiration, and, proceed- 
ing to his military chest, he presented to him five hun- 
dred dollars in gold. This money was not made " the 
ffcrm of his subsequent fortune" (as has been repeatedly 
stated), but was generously given, every dollar of it, to poor 
widows with needy children, whose husbands had been killed 
by the Indians. Leaving the service of the government, in 
the spring of 1816, John, in company with his brother 
Jefi'er.son, made the journey from Buflalo to Bath, Steuben 
Co., on foot ; their road for a good part of the distance 
being only a path designated by marked trees. 

His first employment was cutting cordwood for Capt. 
William Bull at twenty-five cents per cord. It had been a 
result of the removals of his father's family, the want of 
schools, and other privations met in the newly-settled state 
of the country, tliat he had entered upon the work of life 
almost destitute of education. This deficiency he deeply 



ISS 



Hl:?T\>KY OF STKl'BtlS COUNTY. NEW YORK. 



fyt. *aJ appKt"d 1tiat$<jf vorv oar««aly to supplv by readinz 
aiivl sfuviv, Ihinuc :ho years lSli>-lT he e^lp»s^^^ iu tjuiu- 
u»^ with hk btvHher-in-law, A<i«m H*wrfing. — a part of 
the (itue at a «vui|>ott5aik>n of ei^ht dollars {vr mouth. 

In the sprinsr of ISIS he was ekvted to the offiee of 
ivustable auvl sx^leetor of the town of Bath, aud in ISll* 
he was a].^viuted to the offiiv of deputv sheritF under 
Oetvrw M«.-Cl«nt\ the dutkis of which he continued to dis- 
charw until 1S:J0. In the year lS:h> he w^»s appointed 
matshat for the county of Steuben to take the census. 

On the 6th of Jaaitarr. 1S20, he w*? niarrted to Sarah 
"■' " " : r of Hon. Thoutas MeBuriK-y. She 

~ - ^. leaving no chikirea. 

The arduotts dutieif of luarshat he performed pw^raJhr 
on fi>i«. : ^' _ : " -y which exfetuled to iHitarto 
County V .ujrfton County on the wvsts 

and to Tompkins iVuuty on the <<*£*> «aibraciag a territiMnr 
laore than double the prvsent limits of Steuben CV>uniy. 
Upon th« coiupletioa of his nfp^wt he received the public 
thanks of the authoritieis for the n^iuarkable ftithfulness 
and accttney of hts returns. ac«v4upauied by a handsome 
se* v^f tabie-silrer. In the year 1S2I the office of his:h- 
^^wriff beiMauiKr Taeaat by the death of Henry Schriver. 
he w»s a{^MBted in his place. In IS-o. when a chai^ 
in the ovwstitution of the State tool: place, the office of 
hi|:b-«h««ff. which had preriotk^y been cooierred by a 
cv^Dcil of appcintweot. became eWtire. and he was then 
ehosen by the pei^nte to that ^^ffice. and serr^vi till IScfS. 
IHurii^ the last years of hfe ".rred to an eluMtee 

still standii^ within the lim:.. viUa^ of WackiiKf, 

which marked the boandary^ine be<wx>en the cv^anti^ of 
SteabMt aitd Tompkins, under which he had iik«« than 
o«ce wanted in the nkht for fti^tiT«s 6v>iB justice, who 
had motivvs &r crassii^ the bounds at utkseissoaahle bouts. 
While <&ehai^i(^ the duties of hfeoSo'. '^ .t;^ with 
charactenstie public spirit iu estabfis: , . v^f mait 
coacheis between the principal towns of Southw«stera Xew 
York and Harndtwir^. Phibtd^phia. Baltimore, and Wash- 
in^tou. In thfe lna»^ of biKtneiss he was assjctaied with 
JiM^ Cx^i:. of Bath, and others. In the n ia nagtm e nt of 
this« linets of stages, which were of great puhite utifitr at 
that period, he became strvx^iy impnxfsed with the impor- 
taaes «f raifa«ad fiKtlities. in the pnMwticu of which he 
sdbsaiqaeaily took so eott^ptcuotts a part. In the year lSf6. 
Mr. Ma^ee was b(««^t forward by hk feUow-^-itiaetis as a 
caadiifate for Coagiess. He was ele«ted by a Terr ««•- 
siiliinhie majority, aad was again a success&I (.-aatBtxtie Kir 
th«saweoSee. 

I^ui^ both th«se terms it: Cc: .;t\s!- r.; :,vk. .i -. r.-.iL:- 
■eat pv^tioo. G«ne(al Jaeksoo. wh-. s; -.Ixi: -.iax* -.wuj;^ 
the pK^adeMsd chwr. ie»anied him a^ a wan of extraonfi- 
Kirr sa$»ettT and soundmsss of ju^ment. and Ma«le him 
his evafidential {nml and adrfeer. He often eiMstdted 
him ifon ii^pxtuit ^»£tM«s, and ofeted him a :»u in 
1^ cabinet, vhkh 3f r. Mage«. howiever. de«£ned. 

Mr. Magee was manied to Atabeik Steuart. Feb. ±1 
ISSl. at W^ui^uw. SW«&«d at Watkixs. May 16, 1S<>4. 
She w;fe$ the modMM- of ten duldrea. &«r of whom surriTed 
her and her htdbjand. Kunely. J^ucan &, Gevxvie J.. John. 
and Hebe P. }fage«. and only tww of whtiat ai« now fixi^. 



T 



Til.. Geu. litxirg*.- .1, Magee, ot" Watkms. aiui Mrs. Hebe 
r. Ellsworth. 

In I Sol the Steuben County Bank was established. 
Mr. Magee was chits^n its first president, and evinced uiucb 
^ill and fidelity in cotiducting its affairs until his death, a 
jvriod of thirtvsieven years. 

Ihiring his residence at Bath. Mr. Magee was one of the 
projectors of the New Yi>rk ami Erie Railroad, and devoted 
hims^f with characteristic energy to the carrying forward 
of that great enterjirtse. strongly anticipating as he did its 
great influeiKe in the deveJopmeni of the resources of the 
" Svnuhern Tier" ivvinties of the State and its general utility. 
Ho was associated with Jv>hn Aruot. Constant Ci^'k. Charles 
CVjok. J. H. Chedell. and J. S. T. Stranahau in coustruct- 
ing the road fr\»«u Binghamton v. - Homellsville- 

Mr. Magee was the prv^jector _ y instrumental in 

the baiidii>g of the Couhocton Valley RailrvYtd from Cora- 
ing to Bttffalvv a work in which the interests of the citiieits 
v>f Steuben County were immediately coiKvmed. His irf- 
forts and personal sacrifices in its behalf are well known 
among his neighbors, the older citiaeos of that county. 

In 1S51 he became interested in the Blte^urg and 
Corning Railroad, which was chiefly indebted to his ener- 
getic co.<.^>eratioo f»»- its comp4etioo. At that period the 
coal bttsiiKss had assumed bot little importance iu the Tic^ 
Valley. Mr. Magee made his first puivhase of coal lands 
iu IS59. and opened the mines at Fall Brook in the saime 
year. Entering upon this new field with l^ usual nsoht- 
tiott and sa^ran.'ity. overcoming obstacles which, to otho' 
min«bk mkrht have appeared insurmountable, he soon found 
this work grv^wing so rapidly upon his hands as to donnd 
hb constant attention, aikd hts later years were chiefly de- 
voted to its ptwectttioB. 

In 1S64. Mr. Ma^ee removvd from Bath to Watkiits, in 
' -^ ' ' r. Prior to this time, in 1S59 and 
xtensive purdta^s of viU^ie i«if>i«ty 
at the head of Seneea Lake, for the location of tr«stle-w\»ks. 
baeii^ etc.. for the deKverr and slupment of real : for the 
purp«£e of K?at-buildi^ : for a steam flouriis:-miIl ; for 
dwellings for his wvfktnen : for hk own r^idenee ; aitd for 
other purposes^ These btuMiKSS and improvements de~ 
maitded a wit large outlay, and fun^wd employment 
to a hr^ nunri>er of labcreis. TV? bi^iitess interests of 
die vilb^ received a vkible impulse from the commence- 
matt of theise operattoos. and these intetests Mr. Magee 
always manifested a eon&l deaie to promote in a substan- 
tial manner. He was a Kieial contributor for the pureh^e 
and ia^coveMent of the present cemeterr gtounafe near 
Witkias. 

He was an ean«t and fiitUul attnitdint upon the Pt«s- 
bytetian Chnrek. of which he was a member, and piovided 
for the erection of the large Pt«sbytetian church e^fiee ia 
Watkins at a cost of SoO.OOt). 

In 1S*7. Mr. M^Kse w« ehoain a delegate w the Oi»- 
stitutioKJ Cvavention of the State of Xev Toik, and hk 
ha pnhficsetriceswaerendetedasaaKndberof thatbody. 
He did not Kve to see the work of tkit conventiENi com- 
pleted, but hk iaflnenee ^ a member was coasorative and 
vahndbie. and hk opinion were ie;»ided with respect. 

Mr. Magee £ed of pwahsb. at Watkios. N. T.. April 



TOWN OF BATH. 



189 



5, 1868, and was buried in Glenwood Cemetery, in the plat 
of ground which he had provided and tastefully improved 
for his family burial-place. 

John Magee was an honest man. He could not abide 
trickery. He never stooped to any meanness in all his 
varied and gigantic transactions. He always did business 
in a direct, honest, straightforward way. He wanted every 
one to come right to the point, for he was already there 
himself There was no double-dealing with him. He 
hated shams of all kinds, pretensions, and superficial .seem- 
ings. 

He was an original and marked man. He constitutes a 
notable specimen of the American growth which starts from 
poverty and develops into wealth, statesmanship, wide per- 
sonal influence, and financial control. 

In his intercourse with the people of all classes Mr. 
Magee was courteous and affable, and always ready to do a 
kindness. He had a strong sympathy with young men 
who, like himself, were obliged to struggle with privations 
and to surmount obstacles in the commencement of their 
career. Many instances of his generous assistance to such 
persons are remembered with gratitude. Industry, economy, 
and self-reliance he commended, and was ready to aid ; 
while idleness, wastefulness, and any lack of honesty, in- 
tegrity, or of straightforward diligence and thrift, met from 
him only the most severe reprehension. If actual misfor- 
tune had overtaken a man, if the real wants of the widow 
or the orphan reached his knowledge, his heart was ready 
to respond and his hand prompt to offer relief 

A statesman, second to none in the republic, writes of 
him as follows : 

" To me he was an attractive man. He was a strona: 

o 

man upon those points where I feel my own weakness, and 
it always gave me pleasure to talk with him. Beyond any 
one I have known he was quick in his perceptions of char- 
acter, keen in seeing through the facts of matters with 
which he had to deal, and prompt in his action. While 
he was resolute in his purposes, firm in demanding his 
rights, he had, what is rare with men of his cast of char- 
acter, great charity for the weaknesses of others, and a 
kindly generosity in helping those who made mistakes or 
who fell into trouble fnim want of wisdom or .skill. I never 
knew another whose .sharp questionings, stern probings, and 
close scrutinies always ended in such liberal and generous 
conclusions. I have known more or le.ss of the leading men 
of our country during the last thirty years. Not one of 
them made more marked and deep impressions upon me 
than John Magee." 

And one of the first judges of the land says of him 
that " He was one of those sterling and able men whose 
names we are accustomed to as.sociatc with the stability and 
prosperity of the state, and whose weight of character far 
transcends the dignity of mere official position." 



HON. CONSTANT COOK. 

The life of this prominent t-itizen of Bath serves admir- 
ably t(j illustrate the suuces.s that attends upon habits of 
industry, self-denial, and genuine economy, — habits which 



were his only capital when, sixty years since, in the first 
flush of his manhood, he became a resident of this county, 
and step by step placed himself among the most widely 
known busine.ss men of Western New York. It will be 
seen that he did not stumble upon a colossal fortune ; that 
it was by no mere luck or chance that he became a million- 
aire. His was an example from which we may all learn 
to conquer fortune and deserve success. 

Constant Cook, the son of Philip and Clarissa (Hatch) 
Cook, was born in Warren, Herkimer Co , N. Y., on the 
10th day of November, 1797, and there with his father 
passed his earlier years in the work of the farm. On Christ- 
mas-day, 1819, he was married at Richfield, Otsego Co., 
to Maria Whitney, daughter of Nathan and Hannah Whit- 
ney, formerly of Fairfield Co., Conn. 

Mrs. Cook, now a " widow of about fourscore years," still 
survives, active and unwearied still in those works of piety 
and beneficence which have greatly endeared her name to all 
who know her. It was an auspicious day to Mr. Cook and 
his fortunes that found him united to one who so nearly 
realized the divine ideal* of the excellent woman. So, at 
least, thought and felt all they who fifty years later assem- 
bled to celebrate the golden wedding in Bath. 

In April, 1820, about three months after his marriage, Mr, 
Cook removed to Cohocton, in Steuben Co., where he re- 
sumed the business of farming ; but soon became interested 
with John Magee, late of Watkins, but formerly of Bath, in 
immerous passenger and mail routes, by the efficient man- 
agement of which they gave great satisfaction to the 
public, and laid the foundation of the fortunes which they 
subsequently built up. About the year 1840, while still 
residing at Cohocton, Mr. Cook was appointed one of the 
judges of the county, an office which he filled for the term 
of three years. 

In 1843, Judge Cook removed to Bath, and engaged in 
commercial pursuits with Mr. Magee ; but their attention 
was soon drawn to that great work, the construction of 
the Erie Railway, and, in company with J. S. T. Strana- 
han, of Buflalo ; John H. Chedell, of Auburn; John 
Arnot, of Elmira ; and Charles Cook, of Havana, they 
took the contract for the building of the road from Bing- 
hamton to Corning. The general management of this 
work was intrusted by his associates to Judge Cook, who 
prosecuted it with such vigor and success as to win for him 
very substantial tokens of satisfaction from all concerned. 
Subsequently, with the Hon. John Magee, he projected 
and built the Buffalo, New York and Corning Road, from 
Corning to Buffalo, by way of Batavia and Attica. Still 
later he projected the Bloss Coal Company, located at 
Arnot, near Blossburgh, Pa. 

During the last twenty years of his life, Judge Cook 
became widely known for his banking-houseat Bath, which, 
early in the war, was converted into a national bank, and 
soon took rank with the soundest and most successful insti- 
tutions of the kind in the State. The last great and crown- 
ing euterpri.se of his life was one of special interest to the 
congregation of St. Thomas' Church, Bath, who learned one 
day, about six years before his decease, that he had pro- 

* Proverbs xzxi. 10-.31. 



190 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



posed to the vestry to start a subscription for a new church 
edifice, which had lung been greatly needed, with the sum 
of twenty thousand dollars, which he soon after increased 
to thirty thousand, on condition that half as much more 
should be raised by the parish. The proposition was 
gratefully received and warmly seconded, and the result is 
now seen in one of the most commodious and beautiful 
church edifices in the diocese. 

Bishop Co.\e, in his address to the Convention of the 
Diocese of Western New York in 1871, says: 

" It was a good day for the diocese when, in Easter 
week, I consecrated the church at Bath. It is one of the 
most beautiful fabrics in Western New York, and it adorns 
one of its most charming villages. The munificence of a 
single parishioner, Mr. Constant Cook, gave it this scale of 
spaciousness and splendor, but the parishioners generally 
had liberally contributed to the work. The large attendance 
of our clergy and laity at the consecration, the spirit and 
animation of the services, and the crowded missionary 
meeting that completed the solemnities of the festive day, 
bore witness to the depth of interest which the good work 
had awakened throughout the diocese." 

The death of Judge Cook, after a long-protracted illness, 
occurred on the 24th day of February, 1874, at the age of 
.seventy-six years, three months, and thirteen days. The 
Courier of March 4 adds : " The funeral of the late Judge 
Cook was attended from his residence in this village on 
Thur.sday afternoon last, a very large number of citizens 
and friends from abroad being present The solemn and 
impressive services were conducted by the rector. Rev. Dr. 
Howard. Delegations of mourning friends from Elmira, 
Corning, and other places were present, and a long proces- 
sion followed his remains to their final resting-place, in 
Grove Cemetery." 

Of eight children, three only survive him, — Henry H. 
Cook, Esq., now of New York City, and Mrs. L. D. Hodg- 
man and Edwin C. Cook, both of Bath. He also left six 
sisters, — Mrs. Hiser, Mrs. Woodruff, Mrs. Chedell, and 
Miss Celente Cook, of Auburn ; Mrs. Orton, of Brooklyn ; 
and Mrs. Brown, of Bath. 

As before intimated, it will be readily seen that the suc- 
cess of Judge Cook was greatly owing to early-formed 
habits of persevering diligence and strict economy. Never 
idle himself, he had little sympathy with the drones in the 
great hive of human industry. We have met with no more 
apt disciple of the school that teaches " whatsoever thy 
hand findeth to do, do it with thy might." 

And then, as was natural to such a man, he was socially, 
and practically at heart, one of the most democratic of men, 
sympathizing deeply with all sorts and conditions of men, 
so long as they respected their own manhood, and sought 
to act well their part in that state of life to which it had 
pleased God to call them. 

Naturally, too, his was a wise and discriminating liberality. 
The truly needy and deserving always found in him one 
who was ready to listen to their appeals, and to take their 
cases into consideration. And there was hardly any public 
improvement, or any religious, educational, or benevolent 



enterprise, to which he was not a generous contributor. 
Churches and ministers of all denominations could testify to 
this enlarged spirit of liberality. 

Judge Cook will also long be remembered, by those 
associated with him in various enterprises, as one who 
habitually sought to promote harmony and peace. In the 
vestry, of which he was a member some ten years, and 
especially in the new church enterprise, it was natural that 
he should have his own views and preferences upon some 
points, and feel, too, that he was entitled to press them. 
But he never did. If the majority differed from him, no 
one could yield his opinion more readily or gracefully. 

We may add that he will be remembered by those who 
knew him familiarly for the shrewd and pithy sayings which 
daily fell from his lips, as, for instance, his reply to the 
aspiring youth who " wanted to know how to get rich." 
" Hire out to some i'armer," said the judge, " at ten dollars 
a month, and save half of it." We shall have studied his 
life and character to little purpose if we tail to discover 
that taking care of money is quite as important an element 
in all prosperity as earning or making money. 



JOHN A. BOWLBY. 



John A. Bowlby was born in the town of Dryden, 
Tompkins Co., N. Y., Feb. 6, 1829. He is the son of 
James and Catherine Bowlby, both natives of New Jersey, 
where they were married. Mr. Bowlby, Sr., was bound 
out when a boy to learn the tanner and currier's trade, and 
served until he reached his majority. He settled in Tomp- 
kins County soon after his m.irriage, and, being naturally 
of an ingenious turn of mind, gave his attention to the 
carpenter and joiner trade, in which he became an expert. 
After several years he turned his attention to farming, and 
in 1838 came to Steuben County and settled in the town of 
Bath, where his son now resides, on one hundred and 
twenty acres of land. He was a man of much resolution 
and activity, and a peculiar characteristic of him was his 
fondness for hunting, — being a remarkably good marksman. 
He died September 14, 1862, at the age of eighty-four. 
His wife died Sept. 14, 1869, at the same age. 

John A. Bowlby is the youngest in a family of nine chil- 
dren, and received a fjiir education from books, which he 
has improved by reading and contact with business. He 
was married Sept. 30, 1854, to Lydia R., daughter of 
Peter and Lucinda Hunter, of Bath, but formerly of Orange 
County, settling here about 1823. Their children are 
Frank H., John H., Helen C, and Carrie L. 

Mr. Bowlby is known as a representative agriculturist in 
the town, and resides on the farm occupied by his father, 
to which he has made an addition of seventy acres, besides 
valuable tracts in other localities. A view of his residence 
and surroundings may be seen on another page of this work. 

Mr. Bowlby has been a Republican since the organiza- 
tion of the party, hijs served the towfi officially, and is now 
one of the assessors. 




*t:t^5vr^;. 




John A.BowLBY. 



[viRS. John A.BowLBY 




f^ESiDENCE or JOHN A.BOWLBY, Bath, Steuben Co NY 



B E A D F O R D. 



GEOGRAPHICAL SITUATION. 

The town of Bradford is situated near the centre of the 
east border of the count}', and is bounded nortli by Wayne, 
east by the county-line, soutli by (.!:nnpbell, and west by 
Urbana and Bath. 

PHYSICAL FEATURES. 

The southern part of this town i.s made up of high hills, 
from which the waters run northeast into Mud Creek and 
southwest into Mcad'.s Creek, both streams being tributaries 
of the Conhocton. The soil of the valleys is rich alluvium, 
gravelly clay, and sand, productive of excellent crops of 
corn and wheat. The hills yield abundance of pasturage 
and grass, and of late years are being subjected to a more 
systematic cultivation. 

EARLY SETTLEMENT. 

In 171)3, Frederick Bartles and John Harvey, from New 
Jersey, located on the outlet of Mud Lake, at a place known 
in the early days as " Bartles' Hollow." Under the pa- 
tronage of Col. Williamson, he erected a flouring- and saw- 
mill in 1795. While the men were employed in erecting 
this mill, Benjamin P atterson, the hunter, was hired to 
supply them with wild meat, and was paid $2 a day and 
the skins of the animals. In three months he killed nearly 
100 deer and several bears, and his companion, named 
Brocher, nearly as many more. 

Bartles was an intelligent, generous, and hospitable man. 
His mill-pond covered about a thousand acres, and was 
filled with fish of various kinds, affording rare sport during 
the fishing season. Parties of pleasure were entertained 
by Mr. Bartles in the best style and free of charge. He 
possessed an inexhaustible fund of pleasant anecdote, and 
his dialect, being a mixture of Dutch and English, was 
very amusing. 

Mud Creek at this time was a navigable stream, and it 
was thought that the commerce of Mud Lake would re- 
quire considerable of a town at this point, but the early 
expectations were not realized. 

In 1798, Mr. Bartles rafted 100,000 feet of boards from 
his mills to Baltimore. In ISOU he ran two arks from the 
same place, of which the following record was made by 
the county clerk : 

"Steuben County: — This fourth day of April, one thousand eight 
hundred, started from the mills of Frederick Bartles, on the outlet of 
Mud Lake, two arks of the following dimensions: one built by Col. 
Charles Williamson, of Bath, 72 feet long and 15 wide; the other 
built by Nathan Harvey, 71 feet long and 15 wide, were conducted 
down the Conhocton (after coming through Mud Creek without acci- 
dent) to Painted Post, for Baltimore. Those arks are the first built 
in this county, except one built on the Conhocton, at White's saw- 
mill, five miles below Bath, by a Mr. Patterson, Sweeny, and others, 



from Pennsylvania, 70 feet long and Ifi feet wide, which was finished 
and started about the 20th of March the same year. 

*' This minute is entered to show, at a future day, the first com- 
mencement of embarkation in this (as is hoped) useful invention. 



' Bv IIknuv A. 



ToWNSENO, 

** Clerk of Steubvn Cuiinty." 



IMud Creek has ceased to be navigable since the clearing 
of the forests, and the produce of this region seeks the 
Eastern markets by canals and railroads. 

Among the early settlers of Bradford were Henry Swit- 
zer, Samuel S. Camp, Abrani Rosenborg, Thomas Howies, 
Michael Scott, Daniel Bartholomew, and Capt. John N. 
Hight. Henry Axtelle, John Hemiup, John Sehriner, 
Ezekiel Sackett, and a Mr. Smith also settled here at an 
early day. The first birth was that of a daughter of John 
Harvey, in 1799, and the first death that of Mrs. Thomas 
Bowles, in August, 1803. Frederick and Charles Bartles 
opened the first store in 1800, and the first tavern or inn 
in 1806. Mr. Smith taught the first school, in 1810. 
Rev. E. Sanford was the first preacher in town, and Rev. 
Mr. Lazelle (Baptist) was the first settled minister, settling 
in town in 1816. 

The flouring-mill built by Frederick Bartles stood on 
the site of the present mill in the village of Bradford. Its 
dimensions were 30 by 40 feet. It was destroyed by the 
flood and another built on the same site, which was burned, 
and a third was built ; that also burned and was replaced 
by the present building. Frederick Bartles conveyed the 
property to Frank Whitney ; the latter conveyed it to 
Munson k Merriman, and it finally passed from their 
hands to the present owners, Jesse and Cyrus Mun.son. 

Thomas Rowles came from the State of Maryland in the 
year 1805, and settled in the town of Bradford, on the farm 
on the corner about one mile southeast of the village of 
Bradford. By hard work he soon erected a house and 
made an opening in the heavy timber, and finally saw his 
ftrm cleared up. His children were Thomas Howies, who 
died in the town of Bradford, David, Sally, Mercy, Amy, 
and Mary. 

Michael Scott came from Maryland in 1805, and settled 
the first farm southwest of that settled by Thomas Rowles, 
with his wife and two children, Thomas and Mary. He 
was one of the first blacksmiths in town. He experienced 
the life common to the pioneer in an unsettled country, sur- 
rounded by wild beasts and Indians. Bears were often 
seen, and on one occaision chased his hogs to his house. 

At one time Mr. Scott having gone from home, and his 
wife being then dead, his little children were left alone, and 
the [ndi:ins came and took possession of his house. They 
turned three horses into a lot near the barn, and scattered hay 
taken from the barn over the lot for their horses. During the 

191 



192 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



night Mr. Scott's cattle hooked one of the horses, and it 
died the next morning. When Mr. Scott returned, in com- 
pany with Thomas Corbitt, lie found liis home in possession 
of the redsliins, and was soon told of their loss. As the 
dusky savages gathered around a blazing fire on his hearth- 
stone, they earnestly said to him, " You pay all." Mr. 
Scott told them, " No, I am not to blame ; you are more to 
blame yourselves than I am. You came here and took pos- 
session of my hou.sc and barn when my little children were 
alone, and you will have to stand it yourselves ; you are 
more able to lose it than I am to jiay for it." 

The Indians laid the case before Sijuiro Bartlcs, who told 
them they claimed more than $50, and ho could not entertain 
the case, and referred tlicm to Samuel S. Ilaight, of Bath. 
They went to Mr. Ilaight, and while he was making out 
the papers Mr. Corbitt entered and gave the counselor the 
history of the case as he saw it, and legal proceedings were 
stopped. The Indians afterwards frequently visited Mr. 
Scott, and their relations were always friendly. His child- 
ren were Thomas, who now lives on the same farm; Samuel, 
who went to Michigan; Michael, who also went West; 
Mary, who married Levi Miller ; Jane, who married for her 
first husband Thomas Sanford, and again mavried Joseph 
Tichner ; and Nancy, who married Henry Younger. 

Daniel Bartholomew lefl Lancaster Co., Pa., for Seneca 
Co., N. Y. When he reached the place where he now 
resides, in the Mud Creek Valley, his family were taken 
sick with fever and ague, and he was, in consequence, 
compelled to stop. He there erected a rude cabin and 
commenced clearing. He always lived on the same farm, 
and reared a family, of which the fulKiwing were mem- 
bers: Nancy, Catherine, Jacob, and Daniel (who .served 
in the war of 1S12). Both sons died in the town of Brad- 
ford. 

Henry Axtell came from near Binghamton, about the 
year 1815, and first settled the farm on which James 
Decker now resides. He served in the war of the Revo- 
lution. His children were John, Nancy, Alfred, and 
Henry, the latter of whom became a successful fanner 
by persistent effort, and died, in the town of Bradford, 
possessed of about five hundred acres of land. His 
children were Samuel, John B., Sarah, Melissa Franklin, 
and James. 

Asa Tolbert was the first settler, and made tlie first clear- 
ing, on the first farm south of that settled by Thomas 
Rowles. A number of years after, while his family still 
lived on the same farm, he was drowned while running a 
raft down the Susquehanna River, near Tunkhannock, Pa. 
His children were Asa, Samuel, Joshua, Mary Ann, Betsey, 
and ^laria. 

In an early day George Snell located and first settled 
about 500 acres of land, about three miles south of the vil- 
lage of Bradford, on the brow of Oak Hill. He laid out 
and opened the road that now runs south from the first 
corner below the village as far as his settlement. His chil- 
dren were Anson, Sylvenus, Jacob, and Margaret. 

Stephen Edwards first settled the Piatt property, and 
built the first saw-mill on the mill-site about two miles 
we.st of the village of Bradford, lie felt the deprivations 
usual in a new country. Being unable at that time to get 



any tea, he used in his family, as a substitute, hemlock ; and 
the twigs, after being steeped, accumulated in a large pile 
near his door. His children were John Edwards, Charles, 
Dennis, Luman, and a daughter. 

John Zimmerman, an early and prominent pioneer, was 
born in Austria, and at the age of sixteen was taken from 
his bed at dead of night, ironed, and forced into the military 
service of the Au.strians, and afterwards was taken prisoner 
by the French ; and after service uiidor Napoleon Bonaparte, 
was again taken pri.soner by the English and sent tn Canada, 
in the service of the British government, al which place he 
was sent to look for a corporal who had deserted, when he 
and Jacob Swartz, following the example of the corporal, 
deserted, as the following copy of the original passjiort, 
found among his papers, will show : 

••IJci'r.ii.ii. L'ntli .-Jfipt.. IS14. 
" This is to certify that the bearer hereof, John Zimmer- 
man, late private in His Majesty's service, is a deserter from 
the British army, and after passing Canandaugua may be 
at liberty to engage as a laborer or otherwise, but not to re- 
turn of his own accord within one hundred miles of this 

frontier. 

" H. Brady, Col. Comd'g." 

He often said that he was looking for the corporal yet. 

From Buffalo he made his way through sparse settle- 
ments and deep woods to the settlement of Jersey (^now 
Bradford), in the month of September, 181-i, and immedi- 
ately engaged with Frederick Bartles as a distiller, and after 
a service of seven months he received a recommendation 
from his employer " as an excellent distiller, industrious and 
faithful, and has behaved himself in a very becoming man- 
ner in every other respect," which indicates somewhat the 
qualities that afterwards gave him prominence in his pioneer 
home. He then went to Tiaiicaster, Pa., intending to re- 
turn to Austria, but there learning that affairs in his old 
home were still viiisettlcd, turned his attention again to dis- 
tilling, with a good degree of prosperity. On the 7th day 
of March, 1S19, he was married to Elizabeth Green. In 
182-1, with his wife and two children, Jacob and Elizabeth, 
he returned again to play a part in the history of Jersey. He 
erected a distillery on the present site of G. H. Given's barn, 
and engaged with characteristic energy in business. He 
added brewing, lumbering, farming (on the farm now owned 
by G. H. Givens), and grain-buying to his business, and 
for a time was the most prominent business character in 
Jersey. Later his fortunes turned, as is often the case with 
men of too large benevolence. 

The following children were born in Bradford : John, 
Catharine, Martin, Sylvaims, and Napoleon; tlu; two last of 
whom now live in the town of Bradford. 

David Hight .settled the farm Jeremiah Longwell now 
lives on, about two miles west of the village of Bradford. 

David Woodard first settled the farm Franklin Barkly 
now lives on. His sons were George, John, and Gamaliel. 

John In.scho and Abel Eveland settled, in 1830, the 
farm, on the edge of Oak Hill, David Inscho now lives on, 
about one mile from Mud Creek. The children of the 
former were Jo.seph, Andrew, Abel, Frank, Mary, Lucy, 
and Sobrina. Abel Eveland held the office of justice of 



1i 






John Kishpaugh. 



|vtRS John Kishpaugh 



JOHN KISHPAUGH. 



John Kishpaugh was born in Sussex Co., N. J., June 15, 
18. He was the son of Joseph and Catharine Kishpaugh. 
s ancestors were of German descent. Joseph Kishpaugh 
1 family came from New Jersey, and settled in the town of 
Ian, Yates Co., in the year 1832, John Kishpaugh being 
in fourteen years of age. From a boy he was taught the 
3on of self-dependence. Beginning at the age of fifteen as a 
ver on the Erie Canal, and after that working summers on a 
m and attending school winters, he never since that time 
i known what it was to be dependent upon anybody. One 
the prominent features in the history of John Kishpaugh 
8 his uniting with the Baptist Church at Lodi, N. Y., at the 
i of twenty-one years. In 1837 he enlisted in the Hector 
fle Company, of Hector, N. Y., and held the offices of 1st 
geant, lieutenant, and captain. From 1839 until 1843 he 
ed in Tompkins County. In December, 1843, he married 
irgarette Clawson, and on March 17, 1846, with his wife, he 
ne to Bradford, Steuben Co., and settled upon the farm upon 
lich he now resides, surrounded by the results of his ambition 
a toil. To Mr. and Mrs. Kishpaiif h were bom two children, 
1. : Garry B., who married Agnes M. Ay era, and is a farmer of 
ites County, and Elanor Jane, who married Francis L. Drake, 
d lives in Schuyler County. Mr. Kishpaugh has always fol- 
ded the occupation of a farmer. Coming into Bradford in 1846, 
cleared land upon his own farm, and for a time lived in a 



log house upon the same farm, where since he has erected a fine 
farm-house and commodious buildings, which stand to-day as an 
exponent of what his industry and economy have accomplislied. 
His wife, Margarette, after bringing up her children so that they 
are useful members of society, and ever performing her duties 
as wife and mother, died Sept. 10, 1872. 

Politically Mr. Kishpaugh is a Democrat, and has always 
adhered to the principles of that party. He has held the offices 
of overseer of the poor and justice of the peace. Mr. Kish- 
paugh is essentially a self-made man, and by his own energy and 
labor has made himself one of the successfiil farmers of Brad- 
ford. On the 29th of January, 1 874, Mr. Kishpaugh married 
Christina Brymer, of Schuyler County, whose father was one of 
the pioneer farmers of Steuben County, having served in the 
war of 1812. Mr. Brymer was regarded as one of the repre- 
sentative farmers of the county. John Kishpaugh is now an 
acting justice of the peace, and deacon of the Baptist Church 
at South Bradford. His wife is also an active member of that 
denomination and society. Mr. Kishpaugh has never taken 
any steps backward in regard to the principles shown when he 
was twenty-one years old, but has endeavored to strengthen 
them by age. He is regarded by his townsmen as a good citizen 
and an honest man. Mr. and Mrs. John Kishpaugh live upon 
the old farm in Bradford, and after lives of toil they are in- 
dependent in a good degree and enjoying the fruits of their labor. 



TOWN OF BRADFORD. 



193 



the peace eight years, was town commissioner of schools, 
and served one term as member of Assembly. His chil- 
dren are Alonzo, Isaac, Joseph, Thomas, Catherine, and 
Mary. 

Eli IS Thomas settled the first farm on the hill north of 
the village of Bradford, on which Benjamin Whitehead 
now lives ; he held the office of commissioner of highways 
in 1815. 

Peter Rose was also an early settler on the same farm, and 
the first' physician in the town. His children were Jesse, 
Maria, E., and Ira ; the latter of whom, returning late at 
night from hunting, while hanging up his rifle, accidentally 
discharged it, and the ball passed through the floor and 
bed above, and lodged in the body of John Sanger, from 
the effects of which he soon died. 

Capt. Hight settled the first farm north of the farm last 
mentioned ; killed the first panther, on the Caleb Hedges 
farm ; killed the first bear. 

The first clearing on Oak Hill — in the south part of the 
town — was made by John Shriner, on the farm John Kish- 
paugh now lives on. His children were Cornelius and 
Low. 

The next clearing was on the farm now owned by E. W. 
Bennett, by Peter Low, to the extent of 6 acres, and sowed 
to wheat. Deer destroyed the crop. 

Rumsey Miller settled the farm where Asa Walling now 
lives. 

David Dennis, in an early day, settled and cleared the 
farm on which he died. He drew straw with an ox-team 
from Wayne Hotel, twelve miles, through the pines and 
hemlocks on Mud Creek, to take his stock through the first 
winter. He went to mill in the summer on .sleighs, with 
wooden shoes. He married Anna Biggers. His children 
were Robert, John, David, Joseph, — who live in the town 
of Bradford, — Sallie, Emily, Fannie, Ira, Hannah, Rachel, 
— who married Levi Fergus and lives in the town of Brad- 
ford, — and Maria, who married James Gillmore and also 
lives in this town. 

Evan F. Thomas came from Luzerne Co., Pa., and set- 
tled in Bradford in 1827. He followed the trade of a 
carpenter for thirty-two years, and built two arks for trans- 
porting grain in the early days of Bradford. Since 1859 
he has been a farmer, and at the present time owns a farm 
of 202 acres. 

Capt. John Phelps came from Connecticut, and settled 
in Yates County in 1780. He was a soldier in the war of 
1812. He settled in Bradford upon a farm of nearly 300 
acres of land, known as the Peter Houk farm, in 1836. 
He was a successful farmer, and raised a large family. He 
died in 1856. 

James D. Morris came from New Jersey, and settled in 
Bradford, in 1820. He helped clear the land upon the 
farm now owned by his son, Frank Morris. At his death, 
which occurred in 1862, he owned 240 acres. 

Benjamin Whitehead came with his father, Charles 
Whitehead, who settled in Jersey, now Orange, in 1827. 
Benjamin Whitehead settled in Bradford, upon lot 9, where 
he now lives, in 1847. He is a successful farmer, and 
has raised a large family. His farm now comprises 288 
acres. 

25 



Hosea Longwell was born in Sussex Co., N. J., Aug. 8, 
1811, and is, therefore, in the sixty-eighth year of his age. 
He is the son of James Longwell and Sarah Carver. On 
his father's side, his ancestry came from Ireland. His 
mother was a descendant of the old Puritan family of 
Carvers, famous in the early history of New England. 
Hosea Longwell was the first son of a family of twelve 
children. His father came from New Jer.sey with his 
family, and settled in Steuben County in 1822. He reared 
his family to industry, and instilled in them while young 
moral lessons which they have always retained. From 1823 
until his death, which occurred in 1871, he lived in Urbana, 
and was regarded as one of the representative successful 
farmers of the town. In 1833 he married Harriet Brun- 
dage, daughter of John Brundage, one of the pioneer men 
and representative families of the town of Urbana. In 
1842, Mr. Longwell moved from Wheeler to Bradford with 
his family, and settled upon the lot where he now resides. 
At that time the country was comparatively new, and Mr. 
Longwell cleared a good share of the land which he now 
owns, and in place of the log house of half a century ago, 
has erected a substantial farm residencs and suitable build- 
ings, and is surrounded by the results of hLs ambition and 
toil. To Mr. and Mrs. Longwell were born eight children, 
viz., Eliza, who lives at home; Azariah, who in his early 
life studied and practiced law in Corning, and died in 1873 ; 
Frank, who lives in Bradford ; Phoebe, who lives at home ; 
Hosea, Jr., who married Mary Bale, and is a farmer of 
Urbana ; Rachel, who married Thomas Spink, and lives in 
Yates County ; Carver, who married Cassie Switzer, and is 
a farmer of Bradford ; Eugene, who is a young man of 
twenty-two, and lives at home. 

Daniel Taylor, in an early day, came with a sack, kettle, 
and axe on his shoulder, settled and cleared the farm Henry 
Conelly now lives on. He helped lay out and open the 
road that runs from Sonora to Mead's Creek, by the way of 
South Bradford. He made a clearing and put up a log 
house, and the next year moved in his family, consisting of 
a wife and nine children. His furniture was simple, — a 
board table, two rude bedsteads ; some of the family had to 
sleep on the floor. Some of the family went twelve miles 
to work to pay the first tax, $1.50. He hauled wheat to 
Penn Yan, about twenty-five miles, and sold it for three 
shillings and sixpence per bushel. They dressed in flax 
garments, winter and summer, and used thorns for pins. 
His children were Levi, James, Daniel, John, Mary, Phoebe, 
John, Anna, and Henry, the last of whom served his (own 
as overseer of the poor and assessor. 

John Stilts settled and cleared the farm now owned by 
Richard Leonard, and lived and died there. He was an 
industrious man and good citizen. He reared six children. 

Caleb Rock settled where Elijah Shaw lives. 

Philip Morse settled where Jeremiah Inscho lives, about 
1830. Wolves troubled his sheep some, and Indians some- 
times came to his house for something to eat. Philip 
Morse kept the hotel at South Bradford about sixteen 
years. His children were Levi, Isaac, Stephen, William, 
Catherine, and Philip. 

The first frame house built on Oak Hill was on the farm 
John F. Havens now lives on. 



194 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YOKK. 



The first frame barn was built on the Ephraim Bennett 
farm by Moses Ellas. Carpenter, JaiDes Carr.' 

Mr. Skinner was an early settler on the farm E. W. Ben- 
nett lives on. His first winter was a severe one. He and 
his family lived on wheat bran nearly all winter. He 
drew to market the next spring the hides of the stock he 
had lost through the winter. 

Increase Cooley cleared the southeast part of the Chubb 
farm ; Moses Wilcox, Truman Ward, and Jeremiah Dick- 
inson, the north part.. 

Joel Halleck cleared the first land in the village of South 
Bradford, ten acres, on the corners occupied by Stephen 
Dorman's store and the Baptist church. The village stands 
on about the highest land in the town. 

Increase Cooley and Milo Drake were among the first 
postmasters. Increase Cooley was the first merchant or 
storekeeper ; William Fragles, the first blacksmith ; Isaac 
Dennis, the first wagon-maker ; Dr. Woodruff, the first 
physician ; Moses Ellas, the first hotel-keeper ; Joseph 
Buckingham, the first shoemaker ; John F. Havens, the 
first justice of the peace. 

The present business interests are as follows : 

Grocery. — George Fragles. 

Wagon- Maher. — William Slocum. 

Dry- Goods and Groceries. — Stephen Dorman. 

Blacksmith. — David Dennis. 

Harness-Maker. — Daniel My res. 

Notary Fublic. — E. W. Bennett. 

Justices of the Peace.- — John Kishpaugh and William 
Mathews. 

The first settler in the village of Bradford was Frederick 
Bartles, who came with his family from New Jersey about 
1793. He brought with him a number of horse-teams and 
wagons, and cut bis way up the creek from Savona to 
the present site of the village. Four of bis sons were 
Jacob, William, Frederick, and Charles. He brought a 
slave with him, Jim ; he now lies buried at the foot of his 
master's grave.* 

The first merchant was Frederick Bartles. Among the 
first blacksmiths was Samuel Thatcher. The first doctor 
was Peter Rose. Capt. Hight was the first surveyor. John 
Rosenhark was the first child born in the town. The wife 
of Thomas Rowles was the first person who died and the 
first buried in the cemetery above the village. The first 
wagon-maker was Azariah Genung. 

Bradford is pleasantly situated on Mud Creek, about 
nine miles from Savona. It has a population of about 200. 
The present business interests of the place are represented 
as follows : 

Merchants. — Munson Wright & Co. and WilRam Hedges 
& Son. 

Grocery. — E. S. Bennett. 

Innkeepers. — J. F. Ward and A. J. Emery. 

Postmaster. — William Hedges. 

Harness- Maker. — Frank Morris. 

Wagon-Maker. — Charles Switzer. 

Shoemakers. — H. D. Rosenkrans and L. Green. 

Flour, Saw-Mill and Lumber. — Munson Brothers. 



* Frederick Bartles Jied in 1SI9. 



Physicians. — F. M. Lockwood and W. A. Tallmadge. 
Justices of the Peace. — -E. S. Bennett and J. A. Stewart. 
Cooper. — David Paddock. 
Blacksmiths. — George Jaynes and L. Austin. 

ORGANIZATION. 

Bradford was formed from Jersey (now Orange, Schuyler 
Co.) April 20, 1836, and received its name from Gen. Brad- 
ford. A portion of it was annexed to Orange, April 17, 
1854. The first town-meeting for Bradford was held at 
the house of John Zimmerman, on the fourth Tuesday in 
May, 1836. S. Suell was elected Supervisor; Charles 
McFane, Town Clerk ; Thomas Kowles, Collector ; James 
Wolverton and James Bradley, Justices of the Peace. 

Under the old organization as Jersey, James Boyd, A. 
Ful.som, and Samuel Adams were Supervisors in 1819, '20, 
and '24. Henry Switzer was Supervisor from 1825 to 
1830 inclusive, and represented the district in the Legisla- 
ture. From 1830 to 1834, William H. Seybolt was Super- 
visor; and A. M. Libolt for 1834 and '35. From 1815 to 
1822, John N. Hight served as Town Clerk ; Samuel Scbo- 
field, 1822; John N. Hight, 1823; Jesse Rose, 1824-31 ; 
Stephen Northup, 1831-36. The Collectors we have been 
able to obtain as far back as 1 824, as follows : Ephraim 
Rolfe, 1824 and '25 ; William H. Seybolt, 1826-31 ; Isaac 
D. Little, 1831 ; Abraham Allen, 1832; Thomas Rowles, 
1833-30. The following were Justices of the Peace from 
1815-36 : James Boyd, Frederick Bartles, Henry Switzer, 
Stephen Grifieth, Edward Stubbs, Stephen Haight, Samuel 
Schofield, Samuel Buckbee, S. Snell, Samuel Kimball, Nor- 
man Libolt, A. M. Libolt, William H. Seybolt. 

The following is the list of the principal ofiicers since 
the organization of the present town ; 

LIST OF TOWN OFFICERS. 





Supen-isors. 


Town Clerks. 


Collectors. 


1836. 


S. Snell. 


Charles McLane. 


Thomas Rowles. 


1S.37. 


(( ii 


it If 


if ti 


1838. 


Wm. It. Seybolt. 


ii a 


David Dennis. 


1839. 


a «( 


Ransom Coats. 


Thomas Kowles. 


1S40 


J. C. Cameron. 


" 


it 


1841. 


Joseph S. Ft'uton. 


Aug. J. Monroe. 


AVm. Bovier. 


1842. 


James Barkley. 


Ransom Coats. 


it ft 


1843. 


a ft 


" 


Sayres Whitehead. 


1844. 


Hosea Longwell. 


a it 


it a 


1845. 


Wm. Bovier. 


li ti 


Micajah M. Lewis. 


1846. 


(( ti 


ft if 


*( ti 


1847. 


John Phelps. 


a ft 


Newman M. Bennett 


1848. 


Wm. Bovier. 


it a 


John D. Seybolt. 


1849. 


James Barkley. 


Piatt P. Clark. 


i< (( 


1850. 


Charles Hubban. 


if it 


it ti 


1851. 


Wm. Phelps. 


Chancy J. Uarring. 


David Rowles. 


1852. 


it it 


Ransom Coats. 


Samuel A. Goble. 


1853. 


John D. Seybolt. 


it u 


Lewis Bennett. 


1S54. 


u 


t( ii 


a a 


1855. 


John F. Havens. 


tt if 


J. J. Compton. 


1856. 


" " 


Rufus S. Alderman 




1857. 


Lewis Bennett. 


A. J. Switzer. 


it tt 


1858. 


Jesse Munson. 


B. B. Switzer. 


A. T. Kress. 


1859. 


tt u 


u 


Elijah Wortman. 


1860. 


John D. Seybolt. 


U it 


Sayres Whitehead. 


1861. 


it it 


t( ft 


a it 


1862. 


Edgar Munson. 


tt tt 


James Beard. 


1863. 


Jesse Munson. 


it tt 


C. W. Strait. 


1864. 


if it 


tt tt 


Sayres Whitehead. 


1865. 


it if 


tt tt 


Lewis Holly. 


1866. 


ft ft 


W. A. Talmadge. 


a a 



TOWN OF BRADFORD. 



195 





Supervisors. 


Town 


Clerics. 


Collectors. 


1SG7. 


Lewis Bennett. 


W. A. 


Talmadgo. Byron Ferris. 


1S68. 


B. B. Switzor. 


ti 


a 


Van Kcnssel'r Dyke 


ISflO. 


Frank Aulls. 


Geo. D 


Woodard. Thoma.s Walling. 


1870. 


« 


(( 


" D. A. Grander. 


1871. 


Lewis Bennett. 


a 




Erastus Kopaleo. 


1872. 


Theron Cole. 


P.A.I 


ryant. 


Ira Dennis. 


1873. 


Alonzo Eveland. 


W. A. Talmad 


ge. " " 


1874. 


" " 


tt 


it 


■ Isaac Eveland. 


1875. 


J. M. Gillmore. 


tt 


" 


" 


1876. 


tt it 


" 


a 


Frank Dorman. 


1877. 


Isaac Easterbrook. 


Jersey 


Green. 


Wm. Cook. 


1878. 


Ephraim Bennett. 


G. P. Morris. 


Charles Walling. 




JUSTICES OP 


THE PEACE. 


183li. 


James Wolverton. 




1860. 


Evan P. Thomas. 




James Barkley. 




1861. 


Charles Tompkins. 


.1837. 


Milton S. Wells. 






John F. Havens. 


1838. 


Henry H. Tupper. 




1862. 


James S. Tobias. 


18.39. 


Wm. H. Seybolt. 




1863. 


William Willover. 




James Buckbec. 




1864. 


Hosea Longwcll. 


1840. 


James Wolvcrlon. 
Epbraim Bennett. 




1865. 


Charles Tompkins. 
John F. Haven.s. 


1841. 


Orin Tompkins. 




1866. 


Evan F. Thomas. 




Henry Switzer. 




1867. 


Wm. H. Genung. 


1842. 


Milo Sexton. 






James C. Goble. 


1843. 


Wm. H. Seybolt. 






John F. Havens. 


1844. 


James Wolverton. 




1868. 


H. 11. Kelly. 


1845. 


John F. Havens. 






Azariah Longwell. 


1846. 


Milo .Sexton. 




1869. 


Alonzo Eveland. 


1847. 


Alva Clement. 






Martin Longear. 


1848. 


-James Wolverton. 




1870. 


Jacob S. Zimmerman. 


1849. 


John E. Havens. 




1871. 


C. M. Merriman. 


1850. 


Abel Eveland. 






Wm. Matthews. 


1851. 


Amos Crosby. 




1872. 


Alonzo Eveland. 


1852. 


Henry Conkrite. 




1873. 


Robert Lantz. 


1853. 


Geo. S. Patterson. 




1874. 


John Swart. 




James C. Goble. 




1875. 


Richard M. Blaine. 


1854. 


Abel Eveland. 
Orin Buckingham. 




1876. 


E. F. Thomas. 
Joseph Dennis. 


1855. 


Orin Buckingham. 
E. F. Thomas. 




1877. 


John Kishpaugh. 
Charles Switzer. 


1856. 


Evan F. Thomas. 






E. S. Bennett. 


1857. 


James C. Goble. 






Wm. Matthews. 


1858. 


Hosea Longwell. 




1878. 


Wm. Elyea. 


1859. 


Milo Drake. 
Amos Sherwood. 
John Kishpaugh. 






E. S. Bennett. 
Wm. Matthews. 



SCHOOLS. 

The first school building in the village of Bradford was a 
log house, on the flat just back of the pre.seut site of J. P. 
Ward's hotel. Thirty-one scholars reported in 1814. First 
teacher in the frame building, Jesse Rose. Among the 
teachers at that early day were John Broderick and Elder 
Fuilerton. In 1815 (Charles Bartles and Joshua King, 
tru.stees), a log school-hou.se was built and ceiled inside to 
the rafters on the side hill back of the lot now occupied by 
John Stetlar. Still later, about 1838, a frame building 
was erected on a lot southwest of the present dwelling of 
Jesse Mun.sou (2d), — carpenter, Barzilla King. Since 
about 1854 that building has been torn down, and a new 
one, with more modern fixtures, burlt on the same site, — 
Henry Switzer, carpenter. About thirty years ago a little 
building, known as the " Little Academy," was built at the 
uiouth of the glen on the northwest side of the village, 
under the supervision of Jesse Munson and Hiram Merri- 
man, where, in an unpretentious way, much good in edu- 
cation was done fur the community. Among the teachers 



in that place were Rev. Wm. B. Atwell, Rev. Mr. Benton, 
George Ford, D. M. Merriman, Wm. H. Brown, and 
Alonzo Eveland. 

In 1869, the district school-house above spoken of was 
moved to the glen, and joined to the " Little Academy," at 
a cost of about $500 (Oscar Genung, carpenter), and the 
district was at that I'ime organized into a union free school. 
John A. Stewart, C. M. Merriman, Wm. Hedges, Wm. S. 
Knapp, and B. B. Switzer were chosen members of the 
board of education ; Alonzo Eveland, teacher. The present 
board is composed as follows ; Jacob Zimmerman, 0. B. 
Whitehead, Frank Longwell, Benjamin Hedges, and Jacob 
Carmen ; Robinson, teacher. 

School district No. 1 was organized about 184(5, and a 
frame building was erected on the present site the same 
year. A few years previous, a neighborhood school was 
held at different places, in vacant houses, and among the 
teachers at that time were Joseph Crane and Abel Eveland. 
At the time of the organization of the district, Thomas 
Scott, Henry Axtell, and John Inscho were elected trustees. 
The first teacher was Hannah Miller, and Ansel Hill the 
second teacher. At that time Jamas Barkley was town 
commissioner of schools. 

In an early day, in district No. 1, a log school-house 
stood on the corner opposite where Clark Carr now lives. 
In 1841, 55 children of school age were reported. Money 
received from the commissioners, $23.62, for school pur- 
poses. Library money, $5. The library was commenced 
in that year, 21 volumes. Willard Childs and John W. 
Silvernail were trustees. In 1846 the south part of the 
district was added to the South Bradford district, and the 
north part, with a portion taken from the Bradford village 
district, was organized into the present district No. 1. 

In an early day, in what is now known as district No. 5, 
school was taught in a log house near the present site of 
the Methodist church. The next school was taught in a 
log house on the corner opposite S. Dorman's store. After- 
wards a frame building was erected on the present site, and 
school has been held there to the present time. 

Some of the early teachers were Abbey Scudder, Eliza 
Robins, and Jacob Snell. Thos. Eveleth and John Diven 
were trustees in 1825. The trustees in 1830 were John 
B. Stilts and Moses Ellas. Ninety-four children reported 
that year. The present trustee is Jacob Fragles. Teacher, 
Peter Dennis. 

The father of Christopher Cramer first settled the Phelps 
property. 

James Boyd settled the Nicholas Myres farm and the 
Hosea Longwell farm. 

Jacob Switzer first settled the farm where B. B. Switzer 
died. 

The first marriage wa.s that of Frederick Bartles to his 
second wife, by Henry Switzer, justice of the peace; the 
first innkeeper, John N. Hight ; the first substantial frame 
house was built by John Zimmerman ; the first justice of 
the peace was Frederick Bartles, appointed; the first justice 
elected by the people was Henry Switzer ; John N. Hight 
was the first surveyor; Henry Switzer carried the first 
mail, and mails continued to be carried by him or under 
his supervision during a period of twenty-four years. 



19G 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Frederick Bartles built the first distillery. The first lawyer 
who settled in the town was Heman Train, Esq. The first 
clover-seed was brought into the town from Geneva by 
Henry Switzer, who paid for the same $40 per bushel, and 
sowed it on the farm where Henry Switzer now lives. 
Thomas Sanford sold the first wheat at $1 per bushel at 
Dresden. In 1827 wheat .sold for fifty cents per bushel ; 
poultry three cents per pound ; maple-sugar three cents 
per pound. 

Rattlesnakes were abundant. The mowers in the meadow 
of Jesse Munson wound their legs with hay-bands to keep 
rattlesnakes from biting them. 

CHURCHES. 
BRADFORD BAPTIST CHURCH. 

What is now now known as the Bradford Baptist Church 
was constituted a separate church by a council of delegates 
Oct. 28, 1834. The council was called by the Tyrone 
and Jersey Church, and convened in their meeting-house 
in Jersey village. 

Brethren representing the following churches were pres- 
ent : Campbell — Rev. D. Smith, T. Corbit ; Hornby — Rev. 
T. Graves, Deacon Slauntin ; Plainsville (now Dundee) — 
Rev. E. W. Martin, 8. Hults, A. Sunderlin ; Catlin and 
Jersey— Deacon Lybolt, A. M. Vandeveter; Reading — 
Bros. S. N. Smith, S. S. Hurley, R. Drake: Tyrone- 
Elder Stone, I. W. Peck, A. Coon ; Barrington, Rev. J. 
Ketchum, S. Robertson, L. Forrester. 

Rev. D. Smith was chosen moderator, and Rev. D. R. 
Coryell clerk of the council. After listening to the read- 
ing of their articles of faith and church covenant, the 
council agreed to fellowship them as a church, to be known 
as the Jersey Baptist Church. Rev. E. W. Martin 
preached the sermon. Rev. J. Stone gave the right hand 
of fellowship in behalf of the council. Rev. D. B. Coryell 
addressed the church. Rev. J. Ketchum made the con- 
cluding prayer. 

The constituent members were 60 in number. We have 
no records previous to 1834, but by reference to the history 
of the Tyrone Church, and by old residents still living, we 
are informed that this church was originally the south part 
of the Tyrone and Jersey Church, and that in ] 825 Rev. V. 
R. Wall was sent here by the Domestic Mission Society, 
and commenced supplying this church and the Tyrone 
Church, which relation he sustained till September, 1839. 
In 1833-34 they .succeeded in erecting a house of worship, 
which was dedicated soon after its completion. In 1835 
the church was admitted into the Steuben Baptist A.ssocia- 
tion. Rev. V. R. Wall, John Wixon, Comfort Beebe, were 
delegates. 

From the time that Rev. V. R. Wall closed his labors 
with them till 1841, they appear to be without any stated 
settled pastor, when Rev. D. Olney (a licentiate) commenced 
his labors with them, which relationship he sustained until 
the spring of 1842, when he was succeeded by Rev. J. D. 
Carr, which relationship he sustained until June, 1843, 
when Rev. Ellett Otis came, who served them one year. 

In the spring of 1844, having added to their membership 
16 by baptism, they settled as pastor Rev. James L. Cofiin, 



which relation he sustained until October, 1849, leaving a 
reported membership of 74. In 1850, Bro. I. Estabrooks 
(a licentiate) became pastor of the church, he having been 
ordained by a council which was called by the church and 
convened in their meeting-house June 19, 1850 ; closed his 
labors in the spring of 1853, when Rev. 0. B. Call became 
the pastor of the church and served them in that relation 
for one year. 

In June, 1854, Rev. J. Ketchum became pastor of the 
church, and served them in that relation for three years, 
leaving a reported membership of 85, being an increase of 
11 since 1849. 

In 1857, Bro. R. Hults (a licentiate) became the pastor 
of the church. In November of the same year their pas- 
tor, being assisted by Rev. Geo. Balconi, held a series of 
meetings, which resulted in an addition to their membership 
of 22 by baptism. Bro. Hults closed his labor with them 
in the spring of 1859, leaving a reported membership of 102. 
Bro. W. P. Omans (then a licentiate) was their next pastor ; 
continued two years ; being ordained while with them in 
1862. 

In February, 1862, Rev. I. Easterbrooks again became 
the pastor of the church and supplied them nearly three 
years, during which time they repaired their house of wor- 
ship at a cost of $1870, which was re-dedicated June 1, 
1864. Rev. Geo. Balcom preached the dedicatory sermon. 

During the associational year of 1865, Bro. M. H. Perry 
(a licentiate) became pastor of the church, which relation 
he sustained about one year. 

In March, 1867, Rev. R. T. Gates commenced a series 
of meetings, as the result of which 23 were added to their 
membership by baptism, which made their present number 
100. 

In June, of the same year, Rev. A. B. Green became 
pastor of the church, which relation he sustained until 
April, 1873. 

In the summer of 1872, they having applied to the 
proper authority, had their name changed from Jersey to 
Bradford. 

During the summer of 1873 they were supplied by Rev. 
E. T. Mallory. 

In April, 1874, they again procured the labors of Rev. 
A. B. Green for one year. 

In June, 1875, Rev. E. T. Mallory became their pastor, 
which relation he sustained till succeeded by the present 
pastor, Rev. F. D. Worth, in 1878. 

In the fall of 1875 a series of meetings was held, in 
which their pastor was assisted by the Rev. C. W. Brooks, 
Rev. I. W. Emery, and Rev. E. F. Francis, which resulted 
in an addition to their membership of 33 by baptism, 
which increased their membership to 103. 

The Bradford Baptist Church is now in the forty-third 
year of its history. The known records show that there 
have been 149 baptized into the fellowship of the church ; 
62 added by letter; 15 upon experience and former bap- 
tism ; 14 restored ; 70 dismissed by letter ; 40 excluded ; 
15 died. 

The church has built but one meeting-house, which they 
now occupy. Ordained by council to preach the gospel 
ministry, 2 ; licensed one of their members to preach the 



TOWN OF BRADFORD. 



197 



gospel. Have chosen 7 of their number to the office of 
deacon, 2 of whom were ordained. Present number, 98. 

SOUTH BRADFORD BAPTIST CHURCH. 

Previous to 1850 the society held meetings in the school- 
house, and the following pastors at various times preached 
to the society: Rev. V. Wall, Rev. E. W. Martin, Rev. 
Mr. Coffin, Rev. J. B. Rogers. 

The first organization was effected July 29, 1848. P]. 
W. Martin was chosen moderator and Wm. Gillmoro clerk. 
Wm. Gillmore, Asa Walling, Ephraim Bennett, Increase 
Cooley, Gilbert Oakley, and David Dennis were elected 
trustees. The society bought the site of James Taylor, 
and erected a church building thereon in 1849 at a cost of 
about $1200. 

Oct. 20, 1849, E. Bennett, David Dennis, Wm. Mor.se, 
and Wm. Gillmore were appointed a committee to visit the 
church on Mud Creek to consult with its fiiembers on the 
subject of forming a church on Oak Flill. 

The church was dedicated Nov. 8, 1849. Wm. Morse, 
David Dennis, Isaac Dennis, and John Kishpaugh were 
the committee of arrangements. The following were mem- 
bers at the time of organization : Ephraim Bennett, Wm. 
Gillmore, David Dennis, Robert Babcock, Isaac Dennis, 
J. D. Carr, Gilbert Oakley, John Kishpaugh, Phoebe Tay- 
lor, Rachel Blaine, Hannah Emerson, Louisa Dykes, Polly 
Dennis, Betsey Andrews, Fanny Carr, Margaret Kishpaugh, 
Sylvia A. Sylvernail, Melinda Gillmore, Anna Dennis, 
Eunice Gillmore, Eliza Goble, Mary Morse. 

The first deacons were David Dennis, Wm. Gillmore, 
and Ephraim Bennett. 

In 1873 the church was repaired at a cost of $260 ; the 
trustees were L. W. Chubb, Isaac Dennis, James M. Gill- 
more, G. D. Pruden, John Kishpaugh, and James H. 
Stedge. 

Since the organization 219 members have been added to 
the church. 

Pastors since the organization : J. D. Carr, seven years 
and six months; Philo Griffis (licentiate), nine months; J. 
D. Carr (second term), two years and six months ; Wm. H. 
Prentis, one year ; J. Kctchum, one year ; S. G. Keim, one 
year; A. C. Agar (licentiate), two years; S. Gardner, five 
years; George Crocker, two years and a half; E. T. Mallory, 
six months, and is the present pastor. 

The present deacons are John Kishpaugh and O. D. 
Wixon ; trustees, Lewis Bennett, Jeremiah In.scho, Harri- 
son Stedge, Leander Chamberlain, 0. D. Wixon, and E. W. 
Bennett. 

FIRST METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH OP SOUTH 
BRADFORD. 

The first class on Oak Hill consisted of seven members, 
among whom was Mrs. John R. Stilts. It was organized 
by Mr. Kent in 1826. Meetings were held from time to 
time, mostly in the school-house, until 1847, when the 
church was organized on the 23d day of February of that 
year, with Aaron Fulkerson, Josiah Conkliu and wife, 
Isaac Dennis and wife, Ebenezer Rurasey and wife, Jacob 
Stilts and wife, John Tomer and wife, Mrs. John Stilts, 
and Joseph Dart as members. The first trustees were 



Lorenzo Orcutt, Isaac Dennis, John Tomer, Jesse S. Lay- 
ton. A church building was erected the same year at a 
cost of about $1000, and dedicated at the beginning of the 
next year. 

The building was repaired in the fall of 1868, at a cost 
of $935.84, and dedicated Jan. 7, 1869. Dedicatory ser- 
mon by Rev. B. J. Ives, of Auburn. 

Preacher in charge, S. Brown ; trustees, Asa Walling, 
W. D. Tomer, Richard Howard. The following has been 
the standing of the church at different times: 

1851. — -Nathan Fellows, Presiding Elder; Nelson A. 
De Pew, Preacher in charge ; John Tomer, Class-Leader. 
Members, about 40. 

1856. — Porter McKinstry, Presiding Elder ; J. C. Brad- 
bury, Pastor in charge ; J. Tomer, Leader. Members, 50. 

1859. — Porter McKinstry, Presiding Elder; Josiah Ar- 
nold, Pastor in charge ; Asa Orcutt, Supernumerary ; T. 
Tomer, Leader. Members, 50. 

1862. — F. Congdon, Presiding Elder ; J. Knapp, Pas- 
tor in charge; A. F. Countrymen, Assistant; J. Tomer, 
Leader. Members, 50. 

1866. — John Gulick, Presiding Elder; James H. Ross, 
Pastor in charge ; John Tomer, Leader. Members, 50. 

1874.— A. F. Mory, Presiding Elder; R. R. Rork, Pas- 
tor in charge ; J. Tomer, Leader. Members, 50. 

Rev. George Shearer is the present pastor. 

THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF BRADFORD. 

Meetings were first held in the Baptist church and in the 
school-house. Rev. 0. D. Davis was the first resident 
minister. 

The society or church organized April 26, 1876. The 
following were the members at date of organization : Frank- 
lin Curtis and wife, Hiram Dykes and wife, Henry Dykes 
and wife, Chas. Dykes and wife, Peter Walling and wife, 
Hiram Craig and wife, Ursula Andrews, Christina Rapalee, 
Mary Gorham, Mrs. Wm. O.sgood. 

The first trustees were H. Craig, H. Dykes, G. H. 
Givens, N. Christler, and E. S. Bennett. The first class- 
leader was Franklin Curtis. 

The house of worship was built in 1877, at a cost of 
$2385, and dedicated Sept. 11, 1877, by E. T. Green, 
presiding elder. Dedicatory sermon by R. D. Monger. The 
lot was bought by the society of John Morris, 1877, for 
$360. July 17, 1876, six were baptized by Elder E. J. 
Cook. Thirty-six persons have since joined. 

The Sunday-school was organized Nov. 20, 1876. Present 
trustees : John Axtell, James Decker, H. Craig, Stephen 
Gannon, Harvey Givens, Henry Dykes, E. S. Bennett. 
Present minister, Rev. Geo. Shearer. The parsonage was 
purchased in 1877, of H. C. Van Duscr. 

In 1877 sixteen persons were baptized by Rev. Geo. 
Shearer. 

ST. Andrew's church, Bradford. 

Prior to the organization of this parish, services had 
been held in Bradford by Rev. William Bostwick and Rev. 
Erastus Spalding, rectors of St. James' Church, Hammonds- 
port. The separate existence of St. Andrew's Church dates 
from the arrival of Rev. William Atwill, who came from 



198 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Connecticut, and commenced services on the 8th of October, 
1850. On the 4th of June following, the place was visited 
by Bishop De Lancey, wlio confirmed one person in the 
Baptist house of worship and one in the Presbyterian 
church on the forenoon of the same day. 

On the 8th of June following, the parish was organized, 
under the name of St. Andrew's, in a room over the store 
of John Mitchel (now Munson & Wright), which had 
been previously fitted up for a place of worship. Of this 
meeting, which had been duly called by notice read on two 
preceding Sundays, the Rev. William Atwill was president 
and Edgar Munson secretary. 

The officers cliosen were Joseph W. Lord and p]dgar 
Munson, wardens; Jesse Munson, Sr., Hosea Longwell, 
Jonathan Wood, John H. Read, M.D., Ezelciel Birdseye, 
Henry H. Foote, M.D., Rufus Munson, and Andrew T. 
Wood, vestry. They were thereupon duly incorporated. 
Edgar Munson and Hosea Longwell were elected delegates 
(Aug. 13) to the next Diocesan Convention, which was 
held in Geneva, on the 21st and 22d of August, 1850, 
when they were received into canonical union with the dio- 
cese. Twelve communicants, 18 families, and 90 persons 
were reported this year. 

On the 1st of October, 1864, Rev. Mr. Atwill resigned 
the rectorship, and for eighteen months services were main- 
tained by lay reading. 

On April 1, 185G, the Rev. Milton B. Benton, who had 
been a teacher in the school, took charge of the parish, and 
in August reports 29 communicants and a congregation of 
93 persons. His rectorship closed the last Sunday in 
June, 1858, and in March, 1859, it was decided to recall 
the Rev. Mr. Atwill, who took charge of the parish again 
in May of the same year. 

At Easter, 18(jG, he again resigned the parish, to take 
effect in April. The Rev. J. T. Cushing assumed the rec- 
torship of the parish 3Iay I, residing in Hammondsport, 
and officiating, as it would seem, once each Sunday, and on 
the principal festivals. During his rectorship the church 
edifice was completed, and afterwards consecrated t;>y Bishop 
Coxe. A new organ had also been purchased in 1867, at 
a cost of $175. In June, 1867, Rev. Mr. Bell became 
rector, and in that month the church was consecrated. In 
September, 1870, Mr. Bell closed his labors with the 
parish, and Rev. Mr. Atwill took charge for the third 
time, continuing till April, 1875, when he resigned, and 
was succeeded by Rev. William Chattcrson. Rev. Mr. 
Chatterson remained with the parish till Sept. 30, 1877, 
and for nearly nine months the church was without a rec- 
tor. Rev. A. J. Warner, the present rector, took charge 
of the parish June 23, 1878, since which time the services 
have been regularly maintained, Sundays and week-days. 
The erection of a parsonage is contemplated in the spring 
of 1879. 

The churcli numbers about 50 communicants. 

MASONIC. 

Jersey Lodge, No. 668, was organized on the 12th day 
of June, 1868. John A. Stewart, W. M. ; Cyrus M. 
Merriman, S. W. ; Jacob Zimmerman, J. W. 

The charter members were John A. Stewart, C. M. Mer- 



riman, J. S. Zimmerman, Hiram Merriman, F. Holly, 
Amos W. Sherwood, J. N. Switzer, R. Compton, Jr., John 
F. Ballard, James S. Tobias, B. B. Switzer, F. M. Lock- 
wood, Elijah Wartman, A. Longwell, J. P. Wood. Sev- 
enty-nine have joined since by initiation or uniting. Regular 
communications every other Friday night. 

The Order of the Eastern Star, under title of Harmony 
Chapter, No. 24, was organized June 7, 1871. The fol- 
lowing officers were appointed : John A. Stewart, W. P. ; 
Nancy T. Goble, W. M. ; C. E. Zimmerman, A. M. Sev- 
enty-nine have since united. Meetings every other Satur- 
day. 

MILITARY RErORD OF BRADFORD. 

Kinsman, Edward Benedict, private, 141st Inf., Co. B; enl. Aug. 22, 1862, three 
years; in battles of Re.saca, Dallas, Kenasaw; discli. on account of dis- 
ability, June 27,1865. 

Elyea, John Hai-rison, artificer, 50th Eng., Co. M ; enl. Jan. 4, 1854, three years ; 
first enl. Ang. 11, 1861; in battle of Camden ; diach. ; re-enl. Jan. 4,1864; 
in battle of \YilderneS5; disch. 

Elyea, Jacob Lewis, private, oOth Eng., Co. M; enl. Sept. 13, 1864, one year; 
must, oirt at Wasliington, D. C. 

Can-, Cliarles Davis, private, 50tli Eng., Co. E ; enl. Dec. 20, 1861, three years ; 
re-enl. Dec. 20. 1863; in battles of Wilderness, Fredericksburg, North 
Anna, Petersburg ; was at the surrender of Lee ; disch. June, 1865. 

Cunningham, Seneca, private, 2d N. Y. Vet. Cav. ; enl. Jan. 4, 1864, three 
years. 

Iloaglin, John A., private, 2d N. Y. Vet. Cav. ; enl. Jan. 4, 1864, three years. 

Spencer, Henry A., private, 2d N. Y. Cav. ; enl. Jan. 4, 1864, three years. 

Angel, Theodore, private, 5Uth N. Y. Eng.; enl. Jan. 11, 1S64, three years. 

Brewster, Monroe R., private, 50th N. Y. Regt.; enl. Jan. 12, 1864, three years; 
re-enl, ; veteran. 

Iloaglin, William, private, 2d N. Y. Vet. Cav. ; enl. Jan. 4, 18(V1, three years ; 
re-enl. ; veteran. 

Brink, West Calvin W*., private, 50th Regt. ; enl. Jan. 13, 1864, three years. 

Barber, William, private,86th Regt.; enl. Dec. 20, 1864, three years; re-enl.; 
veteran. 

Amadou, Cliailes A., private, 86th Regt.; enl. Dec. 21, 1864, three yeare ; re- 
enl.; veteran. 

Rowley, Levi, 179th Regt.; enl. March 27, 1864, three yeatB. 

Starks, Clark, 179th Regt.; enl. March 20, 1804, three years. 

Lind^ley, Henry, private, 179th Regt.; enl. Marcil 25, 1864, three years. 

Bowen, Stephen, private, 10th N. Y. Cav. ; enl. March 2, 1864, three years. 

Chapman, Thomas C, private, 179tli Inf. ; enl. March 3, 1864, throe yeare. 

Rogers, George P., private, 179tli Regt. ; enl. March 28, 1864, three years. 

McDonald, James G., private, 179th Regt. ; enl, April 7, 1864, three years. 

Carr, Clark S., Ist lieut,, 86th Inf., Co. I; enl. Dec, ISS!, three years; re-enl. 
Dec, 1863 ; pro, to 1st lieut., Feb., 1864 ; iu battles of 2d Bull Run, Fred- 
ericksburg, Chancellorsville, Mine Run, Beverly Ford, Spottsylvania C, 
H., at which place was wounded in left arm, in consequence of which 
was honorably disch, Oct, 6, 18C4, 

Simmons, Wesley, private, 8Gth Inf, Co. I; enl. March 5, 1861, three yeare; re- 
enl. March 5, 1864 ; was in battles of 2d Bull Run, where he was tJtken 
prisoner, paroled inlmeiliately, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Beverly's 
Ford, where he lost a finger. Wilderness, Spottsylvania C. H., Deep Bot- 
tom, Bull Run, near Hatcher's Run ; was at surrender of Lee. 

Miller, Benjamin, private, 86th Inf,, Co. I; enl, Oct. 9, 1861, three years; rc- 
enl, Jan, 13, 1864; was in battles of 2d Bull Run, Fredericksburg, Mine 
Run, Wilderness, Spottsylvania C, H, ; honorably disch, June 27, 1865, 

Riindall, Charles, private, 86th Inf,, Co. I; enl. Oct, 9, 1861, three years; re- 
enl, March 5, 1864: was in battles of '2d Bull Run, Fredericksburg, Bull 
Run, at the left of Petersburg, Deep Bottom, near Hatcher's Run ; was 
at the surrender of Lee ; honorabl,v disch, June 27, 1865, 

Davis, John, private, 86th Inf,, Co, I; enl, March 5, 1.S61, three yeare; re-enl, 
March 5, 1864; was in battles of 2d Bull Run, Fredericksburg, Chancel- 
loreville, Mine Run, Beverly's Ford, Wilderness, where ho was killed; 
remains buried at same place, 

Simmons, Halsey, private, S6tli Regt, ; enl. March 5, 1864, three yeare; re-enl,; 
veteran, 

Johnson, Henry, private; enl. March 2, 18G4, three years, 

Salsbury, James A., private, 14th Inf, ; enl. Sept, 14, 1864, three years. 

Pulver, Jacob, private, 161st Inf. ; enl. Sept, 22, 1864, oneyear. 

Marks, James A,, private, 16th Inf.; enl. Aug. 24, 1861, three yeare; re-enl. 
Aug, 24, 1864, 

Willover, Harvey, private, 180th Inf., Co. H ; enl. Sept, 13, 1864, one year; in 
battles of Hatcher's Run, Bellville, Levis' Farm, Borden Plank-Road, 
Gravel Run, Five Forks, .\ppomattox C, H, ; disch, June 25, 1865, 

Stills, Thomas Henry, 7lh corporal, 189th Inf., Co. 11; enl. Sept, 17, 1864, one 
year ; in battles of Hatcher's Run, Boilden's Plank-Road, Five Forks, Clo- 
ver Hill, Appomattox C, H, ; died at Lincoln hospital. May 12, 1865, 

Oakley, James, private, 50th Eng,, Co, A ; enl. Sept, 1, 1864, one year ; was at 
the surrender of Gen, Lee. 





fvlRS.B.B.SWITZER. 



B B.SWITZER 



BATTICE BRANSON SWITZER. 



iice Branson Switzer was born in Bradford, Steuben Co., 
Oct. 20, 1817. He was the son of John and Sarah 
r, and grandson of Henry Switzer, of German extraction. 
Switzer came from New Jersey with his family, and 
in Steuben County about the year 1800. He was two 
I coming from Savona to what is now known as Bradford, 
cnown as Jersey. Henry Switzer reared a family of 
children, of whom John, the father of the subject of 
etch, was the eighth. John Switzer, the father of Bat- 
ransoD, shared the early struggles and hardships of the 
rs of Steuben County. He was a soldier in the war of 
being then twenty-six years of age. He died in 1860. 
such an ancestry, and among such scenes as were known 
early history, was the subject of this sketch born and 
. He was the fir.st son of John Switzer, and one of a 
of six children, of whom the following were the mem- 
dz. : Lawrence, Julia Ann. Battice Branson, Richard 
Jacob NefT, and Andrew Jackson. Battice Branson 
:r was married to Eliza Littell, Jan. 5, 1842. After his 
ge, and during the same year, upon the farm of one 
ed acres given him by his father, and upon which his son 
now resides, he commenced farming. During his whole 
: has followed the occupation of a farmer, and in his early 
opped and cleared land to a considerable extent. He was 
i regarded as one of the representative farmers of Bradford, 
irly advantages for education were limited, but he was re- 
1 by his fellow-citizens as a successful business man of more 
rdinary ability. Was simple in his habits, energetic in his 
iss, and exact in his slightest promises. His determination 
:;ceed, combined with his integrity and industry, were 



prominent characteristics. In politics, Battice B. Switzer was 
a Democrat of the old school. He never neglected his business 
to gain political notoriety, but was held in high esteem by his 
townsmen, and held the oflGices of assessor, town clerk, and 
supervisor. To Mr. and Mrs. Battice B. Switzer were bom 
eight children, of whom all are now living, viz. : Eleanor, who 
married Franklin Morris, and lives in Bradford ; John C, who 
married Sarah Keeper, and is a farmer of Bradford ; Sarah S., 
who man'ied Henry S. Bronson, and lives in Horseheads ; Cassia 
C, who married Carver Longwell, and lives in Bradford ; Bat- 
tice B., who married Ada Lory, and is a farmer of Wayne; 
Frank W., who married Jennie Minter, and is a farmer of 
Bradford ; Lavina M., who married MiUer S. Aber, and lives 
in Schuyler County ; and Edwin Curtis Switzer, who is a lad 
of twelve, and lives at home. Such a famUy did Mr. and Mrs. 
B. B. Switzer rear, teaching them lessons of industry and 
economy, so that now they are useful and active members of 
the communities in which they live. Mr. Switzer made several 
large purchases of land during his life, and at his death, -which 
occurred upon the 18th of July, 1871, he left as a result of his 
labors and successes to his family three hundred and fifty-five 
acres of land in Bradford, N. Y. His widow, Eliza, still lives 
upon the old Switzer homestead at Bradford, which has been in 
the possession of the Switzer family since 1810. Mrs. Eliza 
Switzer shared in all the joys and successes of her husband 
during his life, and has never failed to perform her duties as a 
wife and mother. She has now the gratification of seeing her 
children well started in the world. The Switzer family stands 
prominently identified with the best interests of the towns in 
which they live. 



TOWN OF BRADFORD. 



199 



GenuDt', Henry, private, 50th Eng., Co. H ; enl. Sept. 10, 1864, one year; died 
Aug. G, iHOt), without Vicing disch., of iiiflamuiation of lunge. 

Stepenfii'ld, John, private, U)7th Inf., Co. C; enl. July IS, 18C2, three years; was 
in the battle of Antietain. 

Stepeufield, Wm. 11., private, lOTtb Inf., Co. C; enl. Aug. 1, 1862, three years; 
wus in the battle of Antietara. 

Stepenfield, George, private, 107th Inf., Co. C; enl. July 18,1862, three years; 
was in battles of Antiotuui, Snake Creek Gap, Buzzards' Roost, Dallas, 
Atlanta, Savannah, llaleigh; was at the surrender of Johnson ; honor- 
ably disch. June, ISOri. 

Stepenfield, Charles, private, lUTth Inf., Co. C ; enl. July 18, 1862, three years; 
was in the battle of Antietani. 

Ames, Monroe W., private, 16lst Inf., Co. D; enl. Sept. 1,1862, three years; was 
in the battle of Sabine Pa^-s, where he was taken prisoner; was a prie- 
oiier eleven months ; was in the battle of Mobile ; now in the seiTico. 

Bartholomew, Joseph II., corporal, leist Inf, Co. D; enl. Aug. 1, 1862, three 
years; was scahUd slightly at Sabine Pass; was in the battles of Store 
Plains, Port Hudson, Donaldsunville ; was taken prisoner at Sabine Pass 
for eleven months ; was in battle at Mobile. 

Couipton, Lewis P., private, 107th Inf., Co. C; enl. Aug. 1, 1862, three years; 
was in the battle of Antietam. 

Randall, Charles, [)rivate, 86tli Inf.; enl. Oct., 18C2, three years; re-enl. March, 
ISCA. 

Randall, Benjamin, private, 8Gth Inf., Co. I; enl. Oct., 1861, three years. 

Randall, John, private, SGth Inf., Co. I; enl. Oct., 1861, three years; was in 
thy battles of 2d Bull Run and Fredericksburg; re-enl. in Ist Cav., D. 
C, May, ISfhJ ; since re-enl. was in the battles of SpottsylvauJa C. H., 
North Auna ; was at the surrender of Lee ; now in the service. 

Bartholomew, Je^se, 3d cori)ural, lU9th Inf., Co. G ; enl. July, 1862, three years ; 
. wounded in left leg at battle of Wilderness ; disch. June, 1865. 

Decker, Heniy, private, 86th Inf., Co. D ; enl. Oct., 1862, three years; died Aug., 
1863. 

Miller, Benjamin, private, iiVih Inf. ; enl. Jan., 1861, tliree years ; re-enl. in 
Jan., 1864. 

McEnlyre, Gilbert, private, 16Ist Inf., Co. D; enl. Aug., 1862, three years; took 
part in the battle of Sabine Pass, was there taken prisoner; was a pris- 
oner eleven montlis; now in the service. 

Kishpaugh, Gara B., private, IGlst Inf., Co. D; enl. Sept., 1864, one year. 

Wheaton, Lyman B , private, 4th Art., Bat. A ; enl. March 1, 1865, three years. 

Dickerson, John, private ; enl. Sept., 1861, three years. 

Beakman, Isaac, private, IGlat Inf., Co. D ; enl. Sept., 1862, three years. 

Blain, Richard, private, 141st Inf., Co. A ; enl. Sept., 1863, three years; disih. 
June, 1865. 

Gipple, Lewis, private, 86th Inf, Co, I ; enl. Nov. 1, 1861, three years. 

Edwards, George W., private, oUlh Eng. ; enl. Sept. 7, 1861, three years; was in 
the battles of Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Wilderness, North Anna, 
Cold Harbor, Petersburg, Hatcher's Run; was at the surrender of Lee ; 
honorably disch. June 13, 1865. 

Walliug, Thomas, private, 189th Inf., Co. H ; enl. Sept. 14,1864, ouo year; disch. 
June, 1865 ; was at the surrender of Lee. 

Blain, Stephen, private, 2:id Inf; enl. April 2U, 1861, two years; was in battles 
of 2d Bull llun, South Mountain, Antietam, 1st Fredericksburg; disch. 
at expirajtion of term, 

Chubb, Ira, private, 161st Inf., Co. D ; enl. Sept., 1862, three years ; was in the 
battles of Stone Plains, Port Hudson, Donaldsonville, Sabine Pass, where 
he was taken prisoner for eleven months ; was sealded by the explosion 
of a boiler; was in battle at Mubile; now in the service. 

Dennis, Isaac, private, 161st Inf, Co. D; enl. Sept, 1, 1862, three yeai-s; received 
a wound in the shoulder from the accidental disch, of a pistol, in conse- 
quence of which was disch. June 1, 1863. 

Covert, Floriden, private, S6th Inf., Co. I ; enl. Sept., 1861, three years ; was in 
service about two years; disch. 

Morse, Mason, private, 101st Inf., Co. D; enl. Sept., 1862, three years; was 
trausf. in 1863 to Bat. E, 5th U. S. Art. ; yet in the service. 

Holcomb, Josiah B., private, 86th Inf., Co, I; enl. Oct., 186J, tiin-e years; was 
in the battle of the Wilderness, where he was wounded in the hand; 
disch. June, 1865. 

Carr, George II., private, 50th Eng., Co, E ; enl. Sept., 1861, three years ; in serv- 
ice about a year; honorably disch. ; was in battles of 2d Bull Run, Wilder- 
ness, Petersburg. 

Sawyer, Thomas, corporal, 161st Inf., Co. D; oul. Aug., 1862, three years. 

Longcor, William, orderly-sergt., 161st Inf., Co. D; enl. Aug. 22,1862, three 
years; now in service. 

Crans, Lewis, private, 141st Inf, Co. B ; enl. Sept., 1864, three years. 

Kniffin, George, private, 107th Inf., Co. H; enl. July 25, 1865, three years; 
disch. 

Sawyer, Croinza, private, 189th Inf , Co. H; enl. Sept. 17, 1864, one year; disch. 
May 30, 1865. 

Morse, Philip, private, 44th Inf, Co. C; enl, Aug. 13,1862, three years; trunuf. 

to 140th Regt.; trausf, to 5th Regt. ; hon. disch. 
Zimmerman, S. A,, private, 23d Inf ; enl. Sept., 1862, three years. 
Miller, F. Oscar, surgeon, 2d Cav. ; enl. Dec, 1863, three years; disch. Oct. 7, 

1864. 
Seybolt, John, private, 141st Inf., Co. B; enl. Aug., 1862, three years. 
Bryant, Phileman A., private, 161.".t Inf., Cu. D; enl. Aug. 22, 1862, three years; 
taken prisoner at Sabine Pass and held for eleven months ; now in the 
service. 



Bryant, David, private, 16l8t Inf. ; enl. for three years. 
La Cost, Theodore, private, 1st Cav. ; enl. Nov., 1863, three years. 
Gannon, George T., private, 161st Inf., Co. D ; enl. Sept. 1 , 1862, three years ; 
wounded at Antietam ; taken prisoner, and as such died, at Beaumont, 
Sept. 10, 1863. 
Compton, William A., private, 80th Inf., Co. A ; enl. Aug., 1861, three years; 

wounded at Antietiim; died May 30, 1863. 
Compt«m, Antony, priviite, 161st Inf, Co. D; enl. Oct., 1862, three years ; killed 

on board the transport "Sachem" by a cannon-ball. 
Holcomb, Seymour L., private, 161st Inf., Co. D; enl. Sept., 1864, three years; 

died at Hart's Island, April 19, 1865, of disease. 
Woodward, Jackson A., Ist lieut. ,86th Inf., Co. I; enl. April, 1861, three years ; 

died at Georgetown, D. C, of wounds received at Chancellorsville. 
Covert, John E., piivate, oOth Eng., Co. E; enl. Aug. 17, 1861, three years; 

disch. Jan. 20, 1804; re-enl. Jan. 20, 1864; died of disease, Aug. 1, 1864. 
Dykes, Isaac C, corporal, 161st Inf., Co. D ; enl, August 19, 1862, three years; 

died at Bradford of fever, Nov. 10, 1862. 
Whealon, Daniel S., private, 50th Eng, Co. G; enl. Dec. 25, 1863, tliree years; 

died March 11, 1864, of fever, at Washington, D. C. 
Miller, Leonard, private, 161st Inf., Co. D; enl. Sept., 1862, tliree years; died 

Dec, 23, 1863, of fever, at Baton Rouge. 
Norris, John, private, 161st Inf., Co D; enl. Sept., 1862, three years; died Sept. 

or June, 1863, at Baton Ronge, of fever. 
Decker, Henry, private, 161st Inf., Co. D; enl. Sept., 1862, three yeai-s; died 

Oct., 1863, at Baton Rouge, of fever, 
Booram,Orville, private, 16Ut Inf, Co. D; enl. Aug., 1862, three year's; died 
at Sabine Pass, from the effects of the explosion of the boiler of steam 
ti-ansport "Sachem," Sept. 10, 1863. 
Crane, Carlton, private, ISOth Regt. ; must. Sept. 15, 1864, one year. 
Loyde, Frank J., private, 179th Regt ; enl. Sept. 10, 1864, one year. 
Casey, Martin, private, 179th Regt.; enl. Sept. 12, 1864, one year; re-enl. as 

veteran. 
O'Brien, John, private, 179th Regt. ; enl. Sept 12, 1864, one year. 
Horning, Jacob, private, I7yth Regt.; must. Sept. 13, 1864, one year. 
IloUett, Arthur P., private, 189th Inf. ; must. Sept. 15, 1864, one year. 
Mudget, 0. Jay, private, 16th Vet. Res. Corps; must. Aug. 25, 1864, three years, 
Middletou, John, private, 16th Regt. ; must. Aug. 24, 1864, three years. 
Casper, Frederick, private, 16th Vet. Res. ; must. Aug. 24, 1864, three years. 
Carpenter, Henry D., piivate, 16th Vet. Res. ; must. Aug. 24, 1861, three years; 

re-enl. veteran, Aug. 24, 1864. 
Rockwell, Melvel, private ; eid. Sept. 9, 1864, one year. 
Crawford, Frank, private; must. Sept. 15, 1864, one year. 
Rjitbbone, George, private, 50th Regt. ; enl. Sept. 15, 1864, one year. 
Orcutt, Wallace, private, lS9th Regt.; must. Sept. 15, 1864, one year. 
Morrisey, John, private ; must. Sept. 12, 1864, one year. 

Bryant, George David, private, 161st Inf., Co. D ; enl. Aug. 22, 1862, three 
years ; wounded in leg at Doualdsonyille ; wounded in arm at Mansfield, 
arm since amputated. 
Dodge, Gara, private, 161st Inf, Co. D; eul. Aug. 22, 1862, three years ; scalded 
by the explosion of the boiler of the steam transport " Sachem ;" died at 
Beaumont. 
Peacock, John, private, 161st Inf, Co. B; enl. Aug. 22, 1862, three years. 
Gennug, Azariah, privaie, 161st Inf. Co. D; enl. Aug. 22, 1862, three years; 

taken prisoner at Donahison ; died at Vickaburg, Oct. 16, 1864. 
Sawyer, Thomas, corporal, 161st Inf., Co. D; enl. Aug. 22, 1862, three years; 
prisoner eleven months; lost two fingers at battle of Sabine ; hon. disch. 
Sept. 4, 1865. 
StoU, Philetus, private, 141st Inf, Co. B ; enl. Aug. 19, 1862, three years ; died 

at Nashville, Tenn. 
Talraage, Warren, asst. surgeon, 2oth Inf. ; enl. Aug. 18, 1862, three years: re- 
signed on account of disease. 
CoUon, Charles, private, 189th Inf, Co. A; enl. Aug., 1861, three years; hon. 

disch. 
Inscho, Abel, private, 86th Inf, Co. I; enl. Oct. 9, 1861, three years ; wounded 
in the hand at Chancellorsville ; trausf to the Invalid Corp^, Oct., 1863 ; 
diach. Oct. 10, 1864. 
Paine, John, private, 107th Inf, Co. C; onl. Aug., 1862, three years; disch. 
Fuller, Charles, private, 14th luf, Co. C; enl. July 26, 1861, three years; 

wounded in Seven Days' fight before Richmond ; disch. 
Bartholomew, Joseph H., corporal, I61st Inf ,Co. D; enl. Aug., 1862, three years. 
Sanford, Frank, private, 189th Regt.; enl. Aug. 13, 1864, one year. 
La Co=t, Theodore; drafted July 14, 1862, three years. 
Givens, George; drafted July H, la63. 
CoUingwood, Robert C. ; must, Sept. 8, 1863, three years ; sub. for John Slorris, 

drafted July 14, 1863, 
Wharton, Alfred; must. Sept. 10, 1863, three years; sub. for George Givens, 

drafted July 14, 1863. 
Cassidy, Thomas; three years; sub. for Nathaniel Mathews, Jan. 17, 1865, 
Corneal, James, private, lU7th Inf, Co. C; enl. Aug. 1, 1862, three years. 
Kishpaugh, Garry B.; enl. Sept. 25,1864, 16lBtN, Y, Vols.; discharged Oct. 1865. 

NAVAL SERVICE RECORD. 
La Cost, Theodore A. ; enl. Jan. 8, 1865, three years ; U. S. S. Wasp. 
Merriman, Clarence Edgarton. 



200 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUiNTY, NEW YORK. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



-JESSE MUNSON. 

Jesse Munson was born in Manchester, Bennington Co., 
Vt., Aug. 21, 1792. As the name indicates, his remote 
ancestors were of Scandinavian extraction ; but, coming 
down through England, and the early days of the Con- 
necticut colony, the descent conveys those marked New 
England traits of character, resolution, force of will, ear- 
nestness and directness of purpose, coupled with readiness 
and willingness to labor and learn, and a quick, active sym- 
pathy with all things tending to advance and improve man- 
kind. 

Jared Munson, his paternal grandfather, was born in 
Suffield, Conn., from whence he emigrated to Granville, 
Mass. ; thence to Manchester, Vt., where he died. His 
brothers, Ephraim, Thaddeus, and Jesse, accompanied him. 
His sister Anna married a Mr. Wells. Betsey and Mercy 
never married. His wife's maiden name was Honora Hale. 

Rufus Munson, father of Jesse Munson, was born in 
Manchester, Vt., where he followed agriculture, owning 
one of the best farms in that section. He married Betliiah 
Burton. To them were born four children, — Cyrus, Jesse, 
Benjamin, and Polly; all born in Manchester. He died in 
1797, leaving the subject of our sketch a child of five 
years. After his father's death, Mr. Munson resided among 
relatives at St. Alban's, Vt, until his removal to Greenfield, 
Saratoga Co., N. Y., in 1802, when he went to reside with 
his uncle, Curtis Burton. To show the resolute will and 
faith in his abilities that actuated the young man, and which 
was shown in all his maturer years, we would particularly 
note the fact, that, at the age of nineteen, he purchased the 
entire business interests of his uncle, consisting of a tannery, 
a boot- and shoe-manufactory, farm, etc. In this connec- 
tion, we would mention that the only opportunities of edu- 
cation available to the young man were the primitive ones 
of that day, when the student graduated oftener with knowl- 
edge of axe, rifle, and scythe than with that of books. 
His education and his capital were his resistless energy and 
manly integrity. 

When scarcely twenty-one he married, in May, 1813, 
Sophia, daughter of Jonathan Tallmadge. She was born 
in Canaan, Conn., Oct. 13, 1791. This union was blessed 
with five children, — Rufus (deceased), Cyrus (deceased), 
Adeliza (Mrs. Hiram Merriman), Edgar, Augusta (Mrs. 
Geo. R. Curtis). 

For twenty-seven years he conducted to a financial suc- 
cess, with and without partners, his extended business, in 
connection with lumbering interests in Essex County. In 
1837, in connection with Mr. Hiram Merriman, he pur- 
chased the grist-mill, .saw-mill, land, and lumbering interests 
of F. and W. Whitney, in Bradford, Steuben Co., N. Y. 
In 1838 he took up his residence in this wild locality, 
where Mr. and Mrs. Merriman had settled in March of the 
previous year. 

No man for the succeeding forty years was more promi- 
nently identified with the growth and development of the 
town of Bradford than he. Building at once a larjrer srrist- 
mill, he al.so commenced lumbering and farming, and, with 



the whole power of his energy, threw himself into the work 
of improvement. Under his management, acre after acre 
was cleared of its primeval forest, and from that day to the 
present the name of Munson has been attached to the 
heaviest business house of the town. For many years the 
firms of " J. Munson & Co.," " Merriman and Munson," 
and " Merriman, Munson & Co." transacted the bulk of 
the business of that section. The same force was given to 
every scheme of improvement as to business. In education 
this was especially .shown. The Bradford Academy was 
established by himself and Mr. Merriman, and a school of 
high grade furnished the .settlement. 

He contributed largely to the erection and support of the 
Episcopal church in Bradford, while other churches re- 
ceived his bounteous aid. 

Mr. Munson never aspired to oflice, but in times when 
he was necessary to success in important matters, he was 
placed in such position, and never betrayed a trust. He 
served his town several terms as supervisor, and during the 
Rebellion assisted in raising the war quota of Bradford, 
giving from his own funds from ten to twenty-five dollars 
to each man. By his activity the quota of Bradford wa.s 
the first filled in the county. 

Mr. Munson is of a quick, impulsive temperament, posi- 
tive in his likes and dislikes, strong in his friendships and 
attachments. Benevolent to a fault, no cry of need went 
without relief. He is the unrelenting foe of intemperance, 
and an instance in his early life will show the ardor of his 
convictions. He had said he would have no liquor but hot 
coffee in his harvest-field. This was then almost unheard 
of, but the work was commenced. One day, while visiting 
a field, he found a decanter of liquor. With indignation 
he seized it, and, without waiting for explanations, dashed 
it to atoms. In early life Mr Munson was a Presbyterian, 
latterly an Episcopalian. 

Politically, Mr. Munson has ever been a Democrat. In 
all circumstances he has clung to the constitiition as the 
bulwark of our liberty, jealously resisted all intrusion upon 
its teachings, and has been one of the leading counselors of 
the party in the county. 

Soon after the death of his wife. May 10, 1871, Mr. 
Munson gave up business, which had brought him more 
than a competency, and for several years has resided with 
his children, in Willianisport, Pa. He has lived to see his 
wilderness home " blossom like a rose," his memory cher- 
ished and honored, his children occupying high social and 
bu.siness positions, and can look back on an unusually long 
career of activity without a wish to blot or erase any acts 
written in the book of memory. 

His son Rufus, who married Lavinia Early, Feb. 13, 
1839, died Jan. 6, 1866 ; Cyrus, an Episcopal clergymen, 
died in Connecticut, Aug. 1, 1848; Edgar married, June 
15, 1852, Lucy Maria Curtis, of Meriden, Conn, and is 
now one of the leading business men of William.sport, Pa. 
Mr. Hiram Merriman, who married Adeliza, Sept. 22, 1836, 
is another of Williamsport's solid citizens. Both of the 
latter have been prominently connected with Steuben County 
in past years both by residence and business. 

Augusta was married, May 22, 1855, to George R. 
Curtis, of Meriden, Conn. 





>^ 




^/1y> r/>^ 



I 



TOWN OF CAMERON. 



201 



WILLIAM HEDGES. 

William Hedges wa.s born in BarriimtDn, Yates Co., Aug. 
6, 1 827. He i.s the .son of Caleb >S. Hedges and Nancy 
McDowell, and is of English descent. Caleb S. Hedges 
came from Yates County to Steuben County with his family, 




WILLIAM HEDGES. 

and settled in Cameron in 1830. In 1838 he moved to 
what then was Bradford, Steuben Co., now Orange, Schuy- 
ler Co., and settled upon the farm where he now resides. 
The subject of this sketch lived at home until he was eigh- 
teen years of age and worked upon his fatlier's farm, im- 
proving his advantages as best he could for obtaining a 
limited education. At the age of eighteen years, having a 



desire to mingle with the world, and commence life's battle for 
himself, he purchased his time of his father for twenty-jSve 
dollars, with the understanding that he was going to learn tlie 
trade of boot- and shoe-making, and went to Penn Yan, Yates 
Co. Mr. Hedges served his apprenticeship in Penn Yan, 
Bradford, and Dundee. At the age of twenty-one years he 
was in the possession of his trade, which had been secured 
by determined perseverance. In 1849 he formed a part- 
nership with H. D. Roseukrans, in the boot and shoe busi- 
ness, in Bradford, N. Y., which partnership was continued 
until 18.53. In 1854 lie again formed a partnership, in the 
manufacture of boots and shoes, with E. S. Bennett. This 
partnership was dissolved in 1855, by Mr. Hedges buying 
the interest of his partner. He then continued in the 
manufacture of boots and shoes until 1862, when he began 
to enlarge his bu.siness by adding groceries. In 1869, Mr. 
Hedges formed a partnership with Jonathan Robie, of Bath, 
in the general mercantile bu.sine.ss, and since that time has 
been a merchant in Bradford. The mercantile firm is now 
Wm. Hedges & Son. In politics he is a Republican. He 
has never allowed politics to interfere with his business, but 
has always been identified with the best interests of his 
party. He was appointed postmaster of Bradford in 1872, 
which office he still holds. Few merit the term of a self- 
made man more than does Mr. Wm. Hedges. Beginning 
life by learning a trade, entirely thrown upon his own re- 
sources, he has by perseverance, industry, and economy 
worked himself up step by step until now he is regarded as 
one of the solid business men of Bradford. 

In 1850 he married Ruth Goble, of Bradford. They 
have had children as follows: Carrie A., who died in in- 
fancy ; Frank W., who is a partner with his father in busi- 
ness ; Mary E. and Lizzie L., who are young ladies and 
live at home. Besides his mercantile business Mr. Hedges 
has also a farm of one hundred and fifteen acres in Brad- 
ford, which receives .something of his attention. 



C A M E R O IsT. 



GENERAL DE.SCRIPTION. 

This town was named from Dugald Cameron, one of the 
first settlers of Bath, and afterwards an agent of the Pulte- 
ney estate. It was formed from Addison, April 16, 1822. 
Thurston was taken oif in 1844, and part of Rathbone in 
1856. It is bounded north by Bath, east by Thurston, 
south by Rathbone and Jasper, and west by Canisteo. 
The Canisteo River passes through the southwest part of 
the town. The northern part comprises the highlands 
between the Canisteo and Conhocton, from which creeks 
run south to the river. A portion of the country is some- 
what rough, broken into hills and ravines, but it is fairly 
productive, yielding good crops of grain, grass, and dairy 
products. 
26 



SETTLEMENT. 

The first settlement in the town of Cameron was made 
in the year 1800 by Richard Hadley, also known as "The 
Second James," and Phones Green. Richard Hadley first 
lived on the Baker place, at tlie foot of the hill, near the 
present railroad-crossing, and it is said he was driven from 
that locality by a land-slide, which opened the gap in the 
hills at that point where before had been a high wall of 
unbroken rock, large masses of earth and rock falling into 
the valley, crushing down trees and closely threatening his 
cabin. Many high points of soft rock resembling chim- 
neys originally covered the slopes of these hills, and have 
been gradually disappearing until but few are left. The 
process of their formation is again going on, portions of the 



202 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



disintegrating rock being held by the roots of a new growth 
of pine, while around the surface caving gradually away 
leaves a succession of pyramids of stone, each crowned 
with a single tree. Wild animals were plenty, and found 
a safe refuge among these almost inaccessible rocks. At a 
height of from eighty to one hundred and twenty feet above 
the level of the river a wall of scraggy rock projects in a 
straight line from the steep hill-side on each side of the 
valley. The tops of the hills rising three or four hundred 
feet above this wall, covered with a thin second growth of 
pine, form an almost level line where they shut off the 
lower valley, less than half a mile wide in its general 
course through the town. In passing through the valley 
the view is constantly obstructed by steep headlands and 
walls of rock, which give additional interest to the scenery. 
Phones Green lived below Baker's Mill, where the old 
reformation meetings were held. He was a grandfather 
of Capt. Luther White, ihe oldest resident of the town of 
Cameron now living. Baker's Mill, a mile below the vil- 
lage of Cameron, on the right bank of the river, was the 
site of the first saw- and grist-mill in the town. Mr. Had- 
ley built the saw-mill, and Capt. Samuel Baker, who came 
to the town in 1816, built the first grist-mill, in company 
with a Mr. Warden, the same year. Mr. Baker was ac- 
companied by his grandson, James B. Wheeler, then a boy 
of seven years, who succeeded to the mill, several times 
rebuilt, and now occupied by his sons, Grattan H. and 
John I). Wheeler. Urbane Baker, a son of the original 
owner, is still living upon the hill near by. A carding- 
maehine was also erected there by Amos Caldwell, and 
operated by John Place several years. John Dean came 
from Massachusetts, and located near the mill soon after 
Mr. Baker. He is still living in the valley, at the ad- 
vanced age of ninety years. His wife is eighty-four years 
of age. 

Isaac Santee, father of John Santee, of Hornellsville, 
and William and Jesse Santee, of Cameron, settled in the 
valley, a mile from the Canisteo line, in 1820. 

John Hallett, who kept tavern near the bridge, half a 
mile west of Cameron, Isaac Santee, Joseph Butler, and 
Michael Loughry, were the only residents in the town, west 
of Cameron Corners, when Capt. Luther White settled 
where he now lives, near the Santee place, in 1824. Amasa 
Downs kept a tavern at that time on his farm, and James 
Brownell, who was a professional constable, nearly always 
managing to get elected to that ofiice, also lived there. 
John F. French had a custom tannery on the creek, near 
the Methodist par.sonage. John French was married to 
Almira, daughter of Matthew Dickey, in 1820, this being 
the first marriage in Cameron of which we find a record. 
Captain White, who is still living where he first settled 
with his grandson John White, was for many years a 
prominent citizen and leading lumberman of the Canisteo 
Valley. 

Elisha Leach, one of the first settlers in Cameron, south 
of the river, located on South Hill in 1825, and in 1835 
was joined by his father-in-law, Hirah Chase, a native of 
Rhode Island, who was the father of Elias D. Chase. 
Judah, Hirah, and John B. Chase, a Baptist preacher, 
came from Yates County, in 1832, and settled near Elisha 



Leach, two miles south of the village of Cameron. Elias 
Chase, of Cameron, is a son of Hirah ; Charles, Eli, and 
Levi Chase, farmers of Cameron, are sons of Judah Chase. 

Reuben Drake, father of George W. Drake, of Cameron 
village, was an early settler on that part of the South Hill 
called "The Swale." Another son, Peter II. Drake, occu- 
pies the old homestead. 

Chauncey P. Hubbard, who entered the south part of 
Cameron in the extensive forests on the south branch of the 
Tuscarora Creek, in 1832, built a .saw-mill, and became 
soon well known for his enterpri.se and public spirit. It 
was mainly through his efforts that the Presbyterian 
Church of Cameron was oiganized, on the Canisteo River. 
The old water-mill, in the south part of the town, near his 
residence, is still running. His eldest son. Rev. Albert W. 
Hubbard, is a missionary in Turkey, under the American 
Board of Foreign Missions. 

One of the earliest marriages in the town of Cameron 
was that of John French. 

Among the first settlers in the north part of the town 
was Elias IMason, Esq., who came from Madison County, 
and in 1815 located on the farm now occupied by his son, 
C. W. Mason, as a dairy-farm and cheese-factory. At that 
date there was no inhabitant between Cameron Corners and 
the church ground, a mile and a half east. Elias Mason 
was postmaster of North Cameron for thirty years, the 
post-office being at his house until the cheese-factory was 
established, in 1870, when it was moved to the " Gulf 
James and Henry Knickerbocker came from Chenango 
County, and settled on the ridge in northeastern Cameron, 
in 1826, and cleared ten acres of land, from which they 
obtained 305 bushels of wheat the next year, worth, at that 
time, fifty cents a bushel. Afterwards, Henry Knicker- 
bocker kept one of the numerous " Gulf" taverns for sev- 
eral years. Andrew Bates, also from Chenango County, 
joined them soon after their arrival, and John Shaw settled 
a mile north, towards the Big Gulf, where Leonard Porter 
kept a tavern, on the road from Cameron Corners (Cameron • 
village) to Bath. Timothy Carpenter, father of Uriah, 
and Alva Carpenter, came from Yates County, and settled 
where Uriah Carpenter now lives, in the north part of the 
town, near the Thurston line, in 1825. Joseph Plaisted, 
from Rhode Island, settled a mile south, and N. Rou.se 
farther west. Mr. Rouse is well remembered by the old 
settlers as the popular " fiddler " of his day. The Shingle 
school-house was built, near the Plaistead place, in 1828. 

Samuel V. Pugsley came from Dutchess County, and 
settled in the north of Cameron, south of Stocking Creek, 
in 1841. John Barber was an early settler west on the 
ridge. 

" The Gulf" is a deep, dark ravine forming the bed of 
Stocking Creek ; commences some distance above the cheese- 
factory, and continues three miles below, including in its 
curve Bonny Hill, a circular hill three miles across, in the 
northern parts of Cameron and Thurston, and is filled with 
the original growth of hemlock. This deep, narrow gulf 
is crossed by roads only at two points — Yost's Mill, in 
Thurston, and at the North Cameron })ost-office on the old 
county road, where access to the bottom of the ravine is 
had. at the junction of a small branch from the south. The 



TOWN OF CAMERON. 



203 



settlement consists of an old saw-mill and ten houses, four 
of which were built for the entertainment of travelers. 
It was here that H. Knickerbocker, J. D. Yost, Porter and 
others kept their taverns, and accommodated parties from 
Bath as well as travelers across the country. Harley Sears, 
a native of Seneca County, settled north of Timothy Car- 
penter in 1832, James Rowe, who came with him, joining 
him on the south. Eli Northrup, from Yates County, set- 
tled in the east part of the town in 1830. His son, Asahel 
Northrup, lives near by, and is a prosperous farmer. This 
is a separate family, and not connected with the Northrup 
in the south of the town. 

Hiram Averill was an early settler in the north part of 
Cameron, on the high land which is known as Averill Hill, 
and has been from 1826 a leading man of the town, and 
for many years a magistrate. His son, William W. Averill, 
a graduate of West Point, early distinguished himself as a 
soldier while fighting the Kalamath Indians in the North- 
west, where he was wounded. At the outbreak of the war 
of 1861-G5 he entered into active service, and distinguished 
himself as a brilliant cavalry ofiicer, obtaining a brigadier- 
general's commission before the close of the war. Samuel 
Watrous and Barnabas Robinson were early settlers in 
North Cameron. 

In 1831, John French settled on Averill Hill, his brother, 
David, father of Byron French, coming soon after. Timothy 
Hastings, David Thayer, and Isaac Hedges were early set- 
tlers. 

From Averill Hill to the south and southwest may be 
obtained a fine view of the steep, broken hills bordering 
the Canisteo River, from two to four miles distant, forminsr 
a magnificent circle around a lower pine-clad hill in front, 
while near by, on either side, cultivated farms slope toward 
a common centre. To the right, near the west line of the 
town, the distant hill is broken off' abruptly by a bend in 
the river, leaving a prominent headland. Far to the south 
are blue lines of hills in Pennsylvania. Down in the river- 
valley in front, on a sloping hill-side sixty feet above the 
river, is West Cameron, a hamlet of a dozen houses, a 
church, and a school-house. Here was the first home of 
Isaac Santee, David Ames, who came in 1825, and Luther 
White. The business has been transferred to Cameron, and 
the two stores changed, one to a church, and the other, 
more recently occupied, is used as a dwelling. The post- 
ofiiee of West Cameron was closed in 1874. 

As late as 1804, Indians were scattered along the valley, 
their temporary camps occupying the sunny knolls along 
the north bank of the river. On these knolls they raised 
their little store of corn, which was carefully gathered for 
winter's use, braided together by the husks, and buried in 
hills raised above the surface of the ground. For some 
years they were more numerous than the white settlers, ex- 
pressing their astonishment at the appearance of the first 
arks with childlike simplicity, as they followed them along 
the banks. Ainus White, the trapper and hunter, was a 
great favorite with them, teaching and learning from them 
the arts of woodcraft. 

Milling trips were excursions of pleasure down the river, 
in which several joined, taknig their bags of grain and their 
rifles in a canoe, and watching through the night for deer 



which came into the river to feed. Fish were so plenty in 
the river that it was not uncommon for a man to spear all 
he could carry, in a couple of hours. 

Lumbering was commenced along the river by the early 
settlers selling the most accessible trees along its banks, and 
the manufacture of long shingles, two feet in length, which 
were put up in round, barrel-shaped bundles, and sent down 
the river in arks. In 1828-29, there began a general 
swarming of lumbermen at all the most accessible points, 
and mills were erected at every available point along the 
river. The boards were made into rafts and run down the 
river to Baltimore and Port Deposit, Md., for market. A 
boy did not consider himself to be a man, in those days, 
until he had been " down the river." 

Sometimes belated rafts, lodged along the river by the 
falling current, would be carried away by late floods, entail- 
ing a loss of thousands of dollars. Making " grubs," which 
were pins of white oak, four feet in length, with heads 
formed from the root, was an occupation for winter resi- 
dents on the hills. The rafts, composed of separate " plat- 
forms" of boards, laid each way to a depth of two feet, 
were fastened with grubs, which passing up through, were 
wedged in their places, and were joined by strong pieces 
built in from one platform to another. The rafts were 
wielded by strong oars fastened at either end of the raft, 
and propelled by the rapid current over falls and rapids, the 
ends being elevated by strong timbers to prevent them from 
dipping into the rough waters. Ten platforms, making a 
raft 160 feet in length and 16 feet wide, were provided with 
a temporary cabin, some extra oar blades ; strong ropes to 
tie up with when landed, replaced the hickory withes of the 
first raftsmen, who had no ropes. A sheet-iron stove or 
platform of earth for a fire, bunks for the three men, 
cooking utensils, an axe, an auger, and a saw, completed 
the outfit, and when once on the way, the country along 
the route furnished their provisions. Sometimes, in going 
over a fall, the front platform would plunge under the 
water and bring up fish, for which the men would scramble 
as soon as they could get free from the oars. On the first 
trip down, the novice was made the butt of many jokes, 
and was the laughing-stock of the older raftsmen. 

Long, straight stems of Norway pine, 80 to 120 feet in 
length, and free from limbs or knots, were rafted whole, 
fastened together with withes, and run to the seaboard to 
be used for the masts of sailing-vessels. Rival crews, when 
far down the river, were always anxious to see who had the 
best man. When the rafts were disposed of. the crews 
were paid, and started on foot to return to their homes. 

Among the leading lumbermen of earlier years were 
Capt. Luther White, who ran as many as 40 rafts of from 
50,000 to 60,000 feet each in a season, James H. Miles, 
and Capt. James Young. 

The village of Cameron is built on a narrow neck of land 
at the mouth of a ravine which breaks through the hill 
from the north, and is entirely surrounded by the high, pre- 
cipitous hills, which open only to admit the river at the 
the north, and closes again half a mile below. 

A main street runs through the village, parallel with the 
river, and along this sti'eet are ranged the older residences 
and some fine modern ones, including the beautiful residence 



204 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



of Dr. Charles E. Annabel. A street crossing this leads 
to the depot beside the river. 

Daniel A. Ordwaj', who came to Cameron village in 1849, 
has kept the hotel near the depot since the opening of the 
railroad. 

Near the central corner is the Pierson House, now closed, 
where, in 1830. Ama.sa Downs entertained traveler.s. Beyond, 
towards the church, a street, closely occupied by dwellings, 
leads past the old tannery of 1824, long since abandoned as 
unable to compete with factory work. The pioneer black- 
smith-shop of James Lawrence, whose custom came from 
far beyond the limits of the present town, in 1824, has 
been replaced by two blacksmith- and wagon-shops, both 
well supported by the work from their immediate neighbor- 
hood. 

The log tavern of John Hallett, near the bridge, has 
given way for a more modern one near the depot, and the 
Briggs Hotel, near which Andrew P. Erwin kept the first 
store in the town, on the principal corner, around which are 
grouped the various other business houses of the place, con- 
sisting of four dry-goods stores, one of them kept by William 
Hallett, son of Nathan, and grandson of John Hallett, the 
pioneer, another by Jesse Santee, town clerk, and son of 
Isaac Santee, a drug-store, furniture-store, hay-press, a 
general warehouse, and a shoe-shop. The Methodist Epis- 
copal church occupies a conspicuous position in the west 
end of the village, while at the east end of the main street 
is a fine school-house divided into two graded departments, 
and the school taught by a faculty of two teachers. This 
school-house was erected in 1858, and supplies the place of 
the little building with sliding windows and rude benches, 
in which Malinda Willard, daughter of Stephen Willard, 
now the venerable Mrs. James B. Wheeler, taught the first 
school in the town of Cameron. The village contains 30 
residences and 220 inhabitants. 

ORGANIZATION. 

The first annual election of the town of Cameron was 
held at the house of Samuel Pierson, a mile and a half from 
the village of Cameron, towards Bath. February, 1823. 
The old records and papers belonging to the town having 
been destroyed, it is impossible to obtain a full report of the 
action of this meeting, or a full list of the town officers. 
At this election Elias Mason was elected Supervisor ; Moses 
L. Pierson, Town Clerk ; and James Brownell, Constable. 

At the third annual election, commencing Nov. 7, 1825, 
for presidential electors, 49 votes were polled, including the 
present town of Thurston, which was a part of Cameron 
until 1844. Dexter Pratt, Elias Mason, Isaac Santee, 
Joseph Loughry, and Reuben W. Miller were inspectors of 
election. Only 8972 of personal property was assessed in 
the town in 1823, although then including Thurston and 
part of Rathbone. 



SuperviBora. 

1823. Elias Mason. 

1824. " 

1825. " " 

1826. " " 

1827. " " 



TOWN OFFICEKS. 

Town Clerks. 
(Xo Record.) 

Joseph Loughry. 
(No Record.) 



Collectors. 
Moses L. Pierson. 



De.\tpr Pr.ntt. 





Sapervisore, 


Town Clerks. 


Collectors. 


1828. 


Joseph Loughry. 


{No Record.) 




George S. Pierson. 


1829. 


H it 


" 


" 




11 it 


1830. 


'• 


tt 


it 




Moses L. Pierson. 


1831. 


Moges L. Pierson. 


" 


" 




William Bundy. 


IS32. 


Andrew G. Pierson. 


" 


it 




Stephen Baskin. 


183.3. 


Isnac Santee. 


it 


it 




Henry Hollett. 


1834. 


« u 


tt 


" 




Jacob Thayer. 


1835. 


ti ti 


" 


.( 




" " 


1836. 


it tt 


ti 


" 




it n 


1837. 


C. P. Hubbard. 


" 


" 




EH R. Eddy. 


1838. 


James H. Miles. 


it 


" 




.. 


1839. 


Joseph Loughry. 


James 


Liawrence. 


Daniel Barber. 


1840. 


(1 tt 


Peter Chase. 




tt ti 


1841. 


Moses De Pue. 


(No Record.) 




William P. Dailey. 


1842. 


James Lawrence. 


it 


■' 




Ahram C. Tost. 


1843. 


" 


" 


" 




ti tt 


1S44. 


ti it 


it 


it 




James Barber. 


1845. 


H. L. .«wift. 


" 


'• 




James H. Pierson. 


1S46. 


Luther White. 


Henry 


J. Hoyt. 


David Orser. 


1847. 


" 


" 


■' 




Nathan Fluent. 


1848. 


H. J. Hyatt. 


H. H. Brownell. 


James H. Pierson. 


1849. 


John Miles. 


D. H. Hinds. 




it ti 


1850. 


« i. 


Henry 


T. Hoy 




it tc 


1851. 


H. J. Hyiitt. 


James 


S. Reynolds. 


Daniel Barber. 


1852. 


William X. Smith. 


.Tames 


E. Jones. 


Samuel Edwards. 


1853. 


■' 


.James 


jawrence. 


John D. Bump. 


1854. 


Peter Cha.=e. 


" 


" 




a a 


1S55. 


John Mitchell. 




" 




.John H, Pierson. 


1856. 


W. N.Smith. 


H. S. S 


wift. 




James A. Smith. 


1857. 


" 


James 


Lawrence. 


ti it 


1858. 


a 


" 


" 




" " 


1859. 


ti a 


" 


" 




Byron French. 


1860. 


Samuel D. Sellick." 


it 


" 




William Ordway. 


1861. 


" 


" 


it 




Robert Brady. 


1862. 


Orange ^V. Hinds. 


" 


it 




it it 


1863. 


a a 


(( 


tt 




it ti 


1864. 


tt ti 


it 


it 




it it 


1865. 


Luther White. 


it 


it 




tt tt 


1866. 


Heman S. Swift. 


tt 


it 




tt it 


1867. 


it a 


It 


ti 




William Ordway. 


1868. 


Jesse Santee. 


" 


it 




" " 


1869. 


A. .T. Lawrence. 


" 


" 




Daniel Z. Sanford. 


1870. 


a a 


•' 


it 




Robert Brady. 


1871. 


Charles A. Bateman 




ti 




t. it 


1872. 


Lucius C. Pierson. 


" 


it 




it it 


1873. 


it it 


" 


a 




Charles F. Johnson 


1874. 


Gratton H. Wheeler 


it 


a 




Robert Brady. 


1875. 


it ti 


Robert E. Misner. 


it a 


1876. 


S. A. Gardner. 


Jesse Santee. 




a ' it 


1877. 


Charles A. Bateman 


■■ 






Robert Brady. 

George Eaton. 


1878. 


tt it 


" 


" 




Nathan Osborn. 




Jt7STICES OF 


THE PEACE. 




1839. 


Joseph Loughry. 




1863. 


Michael H. MoCIane. 


1840. 


John S. Depue. 




1864. 


Lewis Cross. 




Harlow Smith. 




1865. 


Jesse Santee. 


1847. 


K. B. Swartwood. 






Elias D. Cha^e. 


1848. 


Wm. N. Smith. 
E. D. Swartwood. 




1866. 


Charles N. Mason. 
George W. Byron. 


1856. 


John M. Rowley. 




1867. 


Wickham R. Crocker. 




.7. B. Finch. 




1868. 


S. C 


Williamson. 


1857. 


L. C, Pierson. 




1869. 


Rich 


ard Smith. 




C. W. Mason. 


• 


1870. 


Uriah A. Carpenter. 


1858. 


Lucius C. Robinson. 
James Santee. 




1871. 


Gratton H. Wheeler. 
Samuel D. Sellick. 


1859. 


James A. Smith. 




1872. 


Miram M. Carr. 




Abram D. Sutton. 




1873. 


Richard Smith. 


1860. 


William Santee. 






Dav 


d L. Williamson. 


1861. 


Charles W. Mason. 




1874. 


V. A 


. Carpenter. 




Peter W. Drake. 




1875. 


Thomas Campbell. 




Joel Eggleston. 




1876. 


L. C 


. Pierson. 


1862. 


Mich.ael McLane. 




1877. 


Chai 


les Jones. 




Nathan M. Boebe. 




1878. 


O.J 


Mason. 



TOWN OF CAMERON. 



205 



CHURCHES. 
BAPTIST CIIITRCH OF CAMERON. 

A meeting was held in the school-house, near the present 
church, June 12, 1844, for the purpose of forming a sepa- 
rate organization in the town of Cameron. Rev. Moses 
Rowley, wlio had been an early missionary preacher, was 
moderator, and David French clerk. A committee was 
appointed to obtain the names of those who wished to form 
a separate organization. Previou.sly the Baptist residents 
of Cameron belonged to the church in Bath. Meetings 
were held in the school-house, and at the residence of David 
Freuch ; Rev. John B. Chase pi'eaching there as early as 
1 832. Occasional meetings were held, but no regular preach- 
ing was had previous to about 1842, when Rev. Mr. Ray- 
mond supplied them. July 11, 1844, under the pastorate 
of the Rev. Moses Rowley, a council of the neighboring 
churches of the Canisteo River Baptist Association met in 
the French school-house, and Rev. D. M. Root was chosen 
moderator. Thirty-six persons presented themselves and 
were organized into the Second Baptist Church of Cameron, 
the first being the church of Bath. Among the first mem- 
bers were Moses Dudley, Elias Mason and wife, John L., 
John, and David French, Isaac C. Forgus and wife, Wil- 
liam Johnson, Orange W. Hines, Peter Chase, Samuel 
Watrous and wife, Barnabas Robinson and wife. Elder J. 
D. Carr, and Elisha Thayer, who was licensed to preach the 
same year. David French was made clerk, and Isaac C. 
Forgus, David French, and Barnabas Robinson were the 
first deacons. On the dissolution of the Canisteo River 
Association in 1848, the name was changed to the Cameron 
Baptist Church. During the pastorate of Revs. Rowley and 
Carr, in 1844-45, a great revival added over 100 converts 
to the church, including nearly all the population within 
reach of the French school-house, where the meetings were 
held. During the pastorate of Rev. T. R. Clark, the old 
Presbyterian church was purchased and moved from the 
river to its present site near the old .school-hou.se, where 
the early meetings were held, and rededicated by Rev. Mr. 
Todd, Oct. 18, 1871. The trustees rebuilding this church 
were Elmer French, John French, George Wolverton, 
Samuel Watrous, Clark Ellis, and Benjamin Swartz. 

The following pastors have been assigned to this charge : 

1832, John B. Chase; 1842, Raymond; 1843-44, 

Moses Rowley; 1845, J. D. Carr; 1846, Jesse G. Williams ; 
1847, J. D. Carr; 1848, J. S. Chapman; 1849, John C. 
Mallory; 1850, Allen B. Chase ; 1851, Benjamin Balcam ; 
1852, Wm. H. Prentiss; 1853, J. Scutt; 1854-55, A. B. 
Chase; 1856-57, Jesse G. Williams; 1858, W. H. Pren- 
tiss; 1859, J. G. Williams; 1860, Francis Sherer; 1861, 
Thomas B. Clark; 1862, S. B. Peck; 1863-64, T. B. 
Clark; 1865-67, C. C. Park; 1870, Ira Thomas; 1871, 
T. B. Clark; 1872, II. Chase; 1873, Rev. Mr. Bron- 
dage ; 1874-75, Comfort Beebe ; 1877-78, I. M. Taylor. 
John C. Mallory was ordained here in 1849, and Francis 
Sherer in 1860. I. C. Fergu.son, David French, B. Robin- 
son, Thomas Horton, Samuel Watrous, Henry Rising, Jas. 
N. Jack, Harvey Halliday, and John French have been 
deacons ; the last three still serving. Byron Freuch is the 



present clerk, and John French, Spencer Merrill, and Ben- 
jamin Swartz are trustees. 

There is also in the south part of the town of Cameron 
the Pjast Cameron Baptist Church, whose organization con- 
sists mainly of residents of Woodhull. This society is de- 
scribed in the history of that town. The church, which 
was erected at an expense of $2000, was dedicated by Rev. 
Alanson Tilden, June 3, 1861. The trustees were G. 
Northrup, William Allen, and P. Northrup. The present 
trustees are William Allen, D. Northrup, and S. Newell. 

METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH. 

The first religious meetings in the town of Cameron were 
held by Rev. Abner Chase, a preacher who was admitted 
to the New York Methodist Episcopal Conference in 1812, 
and preached at tlie hou.se of Phones Green, in the Canisteo 
Valley, the same year. Rev. Mr. Chase, at that time, made 
his circuit of four hundred miles on foot, preaching several 
days in a place, and doing much to awaken an interest in 
religion among the pioneers of Cameron. He followed this 
circuit for a number of years, and was afterwards assisted 
by Revs. Ebenezer White and Charles Giles. The first 
regular organization was efi^ected in 1834, during the pas- 
torate of Rev. Ira Bronson. Early meetings were held also 
at the house of Isaac Santee, who was the first class-leader, 
and afterwards at the school-house near. Luther White 
was the first steward. Isaac Santee and wife. Phones Green 
and wife, and Luther White were early members. 

The first church building was made from the store of 
Merriman & Co., at West Cameron, which was purchased 
by Luther White, and converted into a church at his own 
expense. This church was dedicated in June, 1842, by 
Rev. Mr. Babcock, presiding elder ; Rev. John Bowman 
was the pastor in charge. This church was private property 
until 1865, when it was deeded by Mr. White to the Metho- 
dist Episcopal Church, on condition that they make the 
necessary repairs. 

The present ofiicers of this church are Rev. J. H. Blades, 
Pastor ; Charles Bateman, Recording Steward ; Jesse San- 
tee, Erastus Dickey, Stewards ; William Santee, Class- Leader. 
The following have been pastors of this church : 1812-20, 
Abner Chase, Ebenezer White, Charles Giles, I. J. B. 

McKinney, Dubois; 1834, Ira Bronson; 1835, 

Thomas Wheat; 1838, Chandler Wheeler; 1840, Philo 
P. Tower; 1841, R. T. Hancock; 1842-43, John Bow- 
man; 1844, Carlos Gould; 1845, Samuel Nichols; 1847, 
E. Colson; 1848, J. Ashworth ; 1850, Daniel Clark; 
1851-52, Wm. Potter; 1853-54, Henry Wisuer; 1855- 
56, R. D. Brooks; 1857, C. Goal; 1858, Joseph Chap- 
man ; 1859, Jared Copeland ; 1860, H. C. Brown, Elisha 
Sweet; 1861, J. Thompson; 1864, Wm. Sharp; 1865-66, 
Charles Bush; 1867-69, M. D. Jackson; 1870, D. D. 
Van Allen; 1871-72, Carlton G. Lowell; 1873-74, F. 
M. Smith ; 1875-76, Harris Peck ; 1877-78, J. H. Blades. 
The late pastors of the Cameron village church were : 
1856, Carlos Gould, J. L. S. Granden ; 1857, C. Gould ; 
1858, J. Chapman; 1859, H. C. Brown; 1860, J. Thom- 
•son, Jr. ; 1863-65, C. Bush ; 1866-68, M. D. Jackson. 

In February, 1S51, a cla.ss was formed at Cameron vil- 
lage, with 13 members, of which Samuel M. Reynolds was 



206 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUiNTY, NEW YORK. 



made leader. Edward Walton and wife, llosetta Chase, 
James Lawrence, Wyman D. Ogden, Heman S. Swift and 
wife, and Amelia Scliermerhorn were among the first mem- 
bers. A fine edifice was erected in the village at a cost of 
S8000, under the pastorate of Rev. William Potter, and 
dedicated by Rev. Nathaniel Fellows, in 1852. The first 
trustees were Heman S. Swift, James Reynolds, Isaac 
McDuifey, and William N. Smith. The first stewards 
were Luther Severance, Dr. John Mitchell, H. S. Swift, 
John Toles, John Santee. 

In 1857 a revival under the administration of Ralph D. 
Brooks increased the membership to 55, and Heman S. 
Swift was made class-leader. In 1S5G, Robert Morey was 
licensed to exhort. Ira Martin, Edward Peckham, Wil- 
liam Santee, and E. D. Chase are Class-Leaders ; Charles 
Bateman, Clerk ; E. E. Chase, Steward; James B. Wheeler 
and Andrew Lawrence, Trustees. The pastors are enumer- 
ated in the list previously given. 

A branch Methodist Episcopal church was built on South 
Hill, during the pastorate of C. G. Lowell, by Charles Bate- 
man, Thomas Bateman, John I. Countryman, and John 
Quick, trustees, at an expense of ?25UU, and dedicated in 
1872 by Rev. J. E. B. Huntington. There is a society of 
80 mcmber.s at thi.s place, under the leadership of Charles 
Bateman, who is also recording steward. The other officers 
are John Quick, Steward; John Quick, Wesley Sherwood, 
and Thomas Bateman, Trustees. 

THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH. 

The first meetings of this church, in the town of Cam- 
eron, were held in the old log school-house, a mile north of 
the church, on the Rowe farm, by Rev. John Stocking, who 
held revival-meetings there in the winter of 1831-32, and 
was assisted by Rev. Gideon Hendricks. Among the first 
members were James Rice, Eli Northrup, George Cameron 
and wife, Henry Lott and wife, Harley Sears and wife, 
James Rice, John D. Yost, and Joseph Plaistcd and wife. 
Eli Northrup was made clerk, and John D. Yost, deacon. 

In 185-1 a neat little church edifice was erected near the 
east line of the town, at an expense of $700, by John D. 
Yost, Timothy Carpenter, and Stephen Aldrich, trustees ; 
and was dedicated by Rev. Oliver P. Alderman on Christmas- 
night of the same year. The present trustees are Uriah D. 
Carpenter, Peter Rumsey, Benjamin Osborn. Uriah D. Car- 
penter is clerk, and Asher Northrup i.s deacon. The society 
has 37 members. The following is the list of pastors : 
1831, John Stocking; 1832, William Hendricks; 1833- 
■43, Amos Chapman; 1844, Abner J. Wetton; 1848, Ches- 
ter D. Kinney ; 1852-5G, Oliver P. Alderman ; 1857, 

Burlingame, William D. Rutherford ; 1861, C. D. Kinney ; 
1862-63, J. N. Price; 1868, C. D. Kinney; 1869-70, 
Henry Wilber; 1873, John H. Carr, 0. P. Alderman; 
1874, Lewis Palmeter ; 1875, A. J. Hammond. 

A Presbyterian society was formed, and a church was 
built in the south end of the village of Cameron, in 1853. 
This organization received the Pulteney donation of 100 
acres of land to the first church organized in the town 
under legal charter. Several years after the society de- 
clined, and the building was .sold to the Baptists, who 
moved it on to the hill three miles north. 



MILITARY RECORD OP CAMERON. 

Jiilin F. Frencli, Co. G, 23d N. Y. Inf. 

.loljn V. Ackerman, Co. F, 78th N. Y. Inf.; re-enl. vet., same Co. and regt. ; con- 
solidated with 102d N. Y. Inf. 
Cornelius McGregor, Co. F, lIlTth N. Y. Inf 
Wickham J. Barry, cook, Co. K, 107th N. Y. Inf. 
David Morandeville, Kl7th N. Y. Vols. 
Moses H. Morse, Co F, 107th N. Y. Inf. 
James B. (Mierry, Co. F, 107tli N. Y. Inf. 
William Crane, Co. F. 107th N. Y. Inf. 
John Crane, Co. B; died in hospital. 
Mai tin Hallett, IGlst N. Y. Inf.; killed. 
Martin L. White, 23d N. Y. Inf.; re-enl. in UI7th N. Y. Inf 
Isiuic White, died at Elniira, N. Y. 
Joseph White, Md N. Y. Inf. 
Alexis Crane, Co. H, Ulst N. Y, Inf. 
David Farrand, Co. A, 23d N. Y. Inf. ; killed at Antietain 
.\. O. .\nderson, died in hospital. 
James Longhry, died in Washington, 
riiineas Baker, Cornelins Bahcock. 
Solomon Brownell, tVt. G, 1st N. Y. Inf ; re-enlisted. 
Daniel Bnrley, Arthnr Henderson, Richard B. Smith, Ceylon .Smith, James A. 

Snnth, James B. Wheeler, Jr., John D. Wheeler. 
Charles E. Baker, Co. K, ln7lh N. Y. Inf. 
George W. Kichmond, Co. II, S.ith N. Y. Inf. 
Parker Kulopson. 

Hiram Gofl', Co. K, lU7lh N. Y. Inf. ; re-enl. Co. F, 189th N. Y. Inf. 
Peter FalT.and, Co. G, l8t N. Y. Inf. 

Monroe Snyder, Co. D, IGlst Itegt. ; killed on the Miss. River by an explosion. 
Elijah Monroe, John Glover. 
Asa Cross, Co. K, SOth N. Y. Vols. 
Daniel S.anford. disch. for wound. 

George Smith, sergt., Co. F, loTlh N. Y. Inf.; wonnded at .\ntietam and disch. 
John Armstrong, Wm. Knap[i. 
Wm. Stu.art, Co. K, 8Bth N. Y. Inf. 
Kiinsom II. Sahin, Co. F, lOTth N. Y. Inf. 
Nehemiah Wiuship, Co. K, 86th N. Y. Inf. 
Joseph liowhind, James Crowell, Joseph Reynolds, Henry Scutt, George Scutt, 

Horace Dickey, Charles Wood, .\llen Kinner, Decatur Kinner. 
Samuel Punches, Co. G, 141st Inf. 
John Colhath, Co. G, 141st Inf. 
Erastus Dickey, Co. H, Ulst Inf. 
Charles Slater, Frank Angel. 

John D. Aker, Co. A, 189th N. Y. Inf ; enl. Sept. 6, 1804. 
Daniel F. Burley, Co. A, 189th N. Y. Inf ; enl. Sept. 12, 1864. 
Daniel Brownell, Co. A, ISOth N. Y. Inf. ; enl. Sept. 12, 1864. 
Sidney Church, Co. A, 189th N. Y. Inf. ; enl Sept. 12, 1804. 
Charles E. Hacket, Co. A, lS9th N. Y. Inf ; enl. Sept. 12, 1864. 
James A. Jackson, Co. A, lS9th N. Y. Inf.; enl. Sept. 12, 18G4. 
Chas. P. Knap, Co. A, 189th N. Y. Inf. ; enl. Sept. 12, 1864. 
Wilson Longhrey, Co. A, 189lh N. Y. Inf. ; enl. Sept. 12, 1864. 
Moses H. Moree, Co. A, 189th N. Y. Inf; enl. Sept. 12, 1804. 
Norman Stewart, Co. A, 189th N. Y. Inf; enl. Sept. 12. 1864. 
Charles E. Stewart, Co. A, 189th N. Y. Inf ; enl. Sept. 12, 1864. 
Wesley Travis, Co. A, lS9th N. Y. Inf.; enl. Sept. 12, 1864. 
Jarvis Talbot, Co. A, lS9th N. Y. Inf.; enl. Sept. 12, 1864. 
Wm. H. Winship, Co. A, 189th N. Y. Inf; enl. Sept. 12, 1864. 
William Austin, Co. H, 189tli N. Y. Inf; enl. Sept. 14, 1864. 
William Withey, Co. H, ISUth N. Y. Inf. ; enl. Sept. 14, 1SC4. 
James A. Smith, Co. F, 189th N. Y. Inf; enl. Sept. 28, 1804. 
Horace Dicker, Co. F, 189th N. Y. Inf ; enl. Sept. 28, 1804. 
Peter Fanand, Co. F, 189th X. Y. Inf ; enl. Sept. 28, 1864. 
Theodore Wood, Co. F, 189th N. Y. Inf; enl. Sept. 28, 1864. 
Aliram P. Gould, Co. F, lS9th N. Y. Inf. ; enl. Sept. 28, 1864. 
James N. Brady, Co. F, 189th N. Y. Inf ; enl. Sept. 28, 1864. 
Delos Withey, Co. F, 189th N. Y. Inf ; enl. Sept. 28, 1864. 
(;eorge Wilder, Co. F, 180th N. Y. Inf.; enl. Sept. 28, 1864. 
Henry S. Waggoner, Co. F, lS9th N. Y. Inf ; enl. Sept. 28, 1864. 
Gilbert Ackloy, Co. F, 107th N. Y. Inf. ; enl. July 29, 1862. 
George W. Drake, Co. F, 107th N. Y. Inf; enl. Aug. 5, 1862. 
Wm. W. Gere, Co. F, ll)7th N. Y. Inf ; enl. Aug. 5, 1862. 
Harvey S. Marshall, Co. F, 107th N. Y. Inf ; enl. Aug. 5, 1862. 
Ira R. Smith, Co. F, 107th N. Y. Inf; enl. Aug. 6, 1862. 
Samuel Ackley, Co. G, 141st N. Y. Inf ; enl. Sept. 11, 1862. 
Burrows Cole, Co. G, 141st N. Y. Inf ; enl. Sept. 11, 1862. 
George Stewart, Co. G, 14lBt N. Y. Inf ; enl. Sept. II, 1862. 
EJson J. Ripley, Co, B, 86th N. Y. Inf; enl. Oct. 14, 1861. 
Daniel E. Bailey, Co. K, 86th N. Y. Inf; enl. Aug. 3(1, 1861. 
Daniel Brownell, Co. K, Seth N. Y. Inf; enl. Aug. 30, 1861. 
James R. Brownell, Co. K, 86th N. Y. Inf ; enl. Sept. 6, 1861. 
Thomas Ferrand, Co. K, 86th N. Y. Inf; enl. Sept. S, 1861. 
Hynnin Hazleton, Co. K, 86th N. Y. Inf.; enl. Aug. 30, 1861. 
Elias 0. Owens, Co. K;80th N. Y. Inf; enl. Aug. 30, 1861. 
Henry S. Swarlwood, Co. K, S6th N. Y. Inf. ; enl. Aug. 30, 1861. 
John C. Sabin, Co. K, 86th N. Y. Inf ; enl. Aug. 30, 1861. 



CAMPBELL. 



GEOQRAPHICAL SITUATION. 

This is an interior town, lying southeast of tlie centre 
of the county. It is bounded on tlie nortli by Bath and 
Bradford, east by Hornby, soutli by Erwin and a part of 
Addison, and west by Thurston. 

physical features. 
The surface of the town consists chiefly of high, broken 
ridges, separated by the rich valleys of tiie streams. The 
declivities of the hills are generally steep, and their sum- 
mits from three to five hundred feet above the valleys. 
The streams arc the Conhocton River, which flows south- 
east through the west part of the town, and its tributaries, 
Wolf Run, McNutt's Run, Mead's Creek, Dry Run, and 
Stevens and Michigan Creeks. The valley of the Conlioc- 
ton River is about one mile in width, and aftbrds a beauti- 
ful scope of rich fariuing country. A similar valley lies 
along Mead's Creek, in the northeast part of tlie town. 
The soil of these valleys is a rich alluvium, wliile that of 
the hills is clayey and gravelly loam. 

early settlement. 

Among the early and prominent settlers of the town 
were the Campbell family, from whom its name is derived. 
Before them, however, came a few others, who had built 
their cabins on the fertile banks of the river, and at Mead's 
Creek, before the beginning of this century. These pio- 
neers were Joseph Wolcott, Elias Williams, Samuel Cal- 
kins, and David McNutt, who gave his name to McNutt's 
Run. Mr. Wolcott, with his family, occupied a cabin near 
Wolf Run, on a part of the present residence lot of J. D. 
Hamilton ; Mr. Williams was a blacksmith, and lived at 
Mead's Creek ; Mr. Calkins built his cabin on the bank 
of the river below where Curtisville now is, and Mr. 
McNutt lived with his family in a little log cabin on 
McNutt's Run. These were all the persons or families re- 
siding within the six miles square when Mrs. Lucy Teeple, 
daughter of 'Rev. Robert Campbell, still residing in the 
town, came here with her parents, in 1803. Abram and 
Isaac Thomas, hunters, had built a cabin on Mead's Creek, 
but they probably were not occupying it at the time referred 
to. It was unoccupied and apparently abandoned when the 
settlers came into that section. 

The first conveyance of this town (numbiir three in the 
second range) was made by Oliver Phelps to Prince Bry- 
ant, of Pennsylvania, in a deed bearing date Sept. 5, 17S'J. 
Mr. Phelps then resided in Massachusetts, although he 
had established a land-ofiice at Canandaigua. This deed, 
conveying the whole township for a consideration of 
£10U0, New York currency, was conditional upon the 
acceptance of the terms by Nathaniel Uorhani. i'rince 



Bryant convoyed the township to Elijah Babcock, Oct. 2, 
1789. Elijah Babcock si>ld 7G80 acres to Roger Clark, 
Nov. 22, 1798, and various parcels at other times to Sam- 
uel Tooker, David Holmes, and William Babcock. The 
title to a large portion of the tnwnship afterwards reverted 
to Oliver Phelps, who sold to Joshua Hathaway, Zalmon 
Tousey, Robert Campbell, and (lideon Granger. Joshua 
Hathaway 's deed for 2037 acres bears date Oct. 2, 1801. 
He bought of Oliver Phelps fur 65092.52. Robert Camp- 
bell purchased half of the township, Xnv. 21, ISOl, and 
the deed of Mr. Phelps to Zalnion Tousey for 1132 acres 
is dated Dec. 2, 1801, 

Most of these later jjurchasers became prominent in the 
early affairs of the town. 

In the year 1803, Rev. Robert Campbell and ('apt. Sol- 
omon Campbell, his nephew, who had served as an officer 
in the Revolutionary war, emigrated from Stillwater. Sara- 
toga Co., and settled in this town. Robert Campbell 
brought with him four sons, viz., Robert, Jr., 31iner 
Campbell, father of Rev. Dr. S. M. Campbell, of Rochester, 
N. Y. ; Bradford, who died the second year after their 
arrival, and was the first person buried in the Campbell 
burying-ground ; Philo, who resided at Painted Post until 
his death ; and his daughters, Rebecca, Rachel, Tamar, and 
Lucy. Rebecca married Daniel Curtis, one of the old 
settlers at Mead's Creek, and father of Daniel B. Curtis, 
proprietor of Curtis' Mills ; Rachel married Asa Milliken, 
and their marriage was probably the first in the town ; 
Tamar married her cousin, Capt. Solomon Campbell, who 
came from Saratoga when a young man. They moved to 
the West many years ago. 

Lucy, widow of the late George Teeple, still resides in 
town, and is the only one living of the large family. She 
was eighty-seven years old on the 5th day of May, 1878, 
and still retains a distinct recollection of the incidents of 
their settlement here in the wilderness when she was but a 
little girl. When her father came with his family they 
rented a house near Bath until he could erect a house to 
live in near where the grave-yard now is. He built a frame 
house which stood until 1877, wlien it was burned down. 
Mrs. Teeple has still living with her an old colored servant, 
Jeu, who is the daughter of a slave woman, and was born 
in Robert Campbell's house in Saratoga County. She came 
here with the family when a child ten years old, and is 
eighty-five, and almost entirely blind. She had a brother, 
Jehu, who was drowned while running rafts down the river. 

Joseph Stevens was one of the first settlers of Campbell. 
He came to this town from Sangerfield, Oneida Co., in 
1805, and bought land and became a prominent and influ- 
ential citizen. He had sons Joseph and John, who settled 
and reared families in Campbell. Joseph Stevens, Jr., had 

207 



208 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



the following-named children : .Tared, Amos, Jonas; Ben- 
jamin, Joseph, Rulpli, Marcus, Almond, and John, and 
daughters Pernielia (Mrs. Aden J. Pratt, deceased) and 
HaddiLssah, who married Daniel Horton, father of Charles 
Horton, Esq., of Campbell. 

All the sons except Jonas and Benjamin removed to 
Michigan many years ago. Marcus and John are among 
the leading merchants and manufacturers of Detroit. Mr. 
Jonas Stevens, of Campbell, has hanging in his parlors the 
likenesses of the nine brothers taken in a group, with their 
mother — then eighty-five years old — and their sister, the 
late Mre. Horton. This group was taken at Canton, Midi., 
on the occasion of a family reunion, in 1861. Mrs. Ste- 
vens had five of her grandsons then in the army. Since 
then Mrs. Stevens, her daughter, Mrs. Horton, and three 
of the brothers have died. Mrs. Stevens died in her eighty- 
eighth year. 

REMINISCENCES OF JONAS STEVENS. 

A short sketch of the early settlement of the town of 
Campbell, with something of a description of the manners 
and customs of the first inhabitants, interspersed with some 
items of experience by the author, may not be without 
interest. 

" The town of Campbell is a part of the large town of 
Painted Post, and derives its name from the numerous 
family of Campbells living in it. The Campbells, 1 think, 
emigrated from Stillwater, in this State, about the year 
1803. Robert and Solomon, with their sons and daughters, 
made (juite a colony. Then the Stevens from Oneida Co., 
N. Y., in 1804 and 1805, — almost as numerous as the 
Campbells. These, with a few others, and here and there 
a hut of Indians, composed the first inhabitants of this 
town. They were scattered along the Conhocton Valley, 
and here and there a little spot cleared and a log house 
built, with a rough stone chimney and large fireplace, and 
a crane or some other contrivance to hang the kettle over 
the fire. With these arrangements the pioneers expected 
to produce a support for their whole families by their own 
labor. They raised flax and dressed it, and their wives 
spun and wove it, to make their summer clothing, and for 
winter the fleeces of their sheep went through the process 
of picking and carding by hand, and mixed with black to 
make a gray or colored with butternut-bark to save expense ; 
and as to buying anything out of the store, that was almost 
out of the question. They made their own sugar. There 
was one store, which was kept by William Bonham, at 
Knoxville, between Bath and Big Flats, a log school-house, 
and only two frame houses in town. Their cattle, sheep, 
and hogs had the wide range of the big pasture and to go 
as they would. At night they must go and hunt them up. 
One of them would wear a bell, and it was not strange to 
see a deer with them. I was informed of one man who, 
while hunting his cows, shot and killed two large bears, and 
next morning he took his oxen and cart and brought them 
home. 

"Their sheep had to be driven up and yarded to keep 
them from being torn and devoured by wolves. One night 
I unavoidably failed to yard my father's sheep, and I went 
out next morning and found tliem within about twenty 



rods of the house, with eight of their number killed, or 
Wounded so that the}' died. Wolves especially were very 
plenty, and often committed depredations upon the farmer's 
flocks, and in the fall of the year, late in the evening, their 
bowlings could often be heard in the woods all around, 
which was extremely frightful. It was rare that the most 
skillful hunter could get a shot at one of these. But the 
deer — the most beautiful and harmless of wild animals — 
were quite plenty, although pursued by wild beasts as well 
as men. It was a very pleasing sight to see them start up 
in the forest, sometimes as many as four or five together, 
and hoist their white flag and bound off most gracefully 
among the trees. I have seen as many as seven at one 
time come in the depth of winter within fifteen rods of my 
father's door, and stand by a stack of cornstalks and eat 
as long as they would. 

" Almost every man kept a rifle with a flint lock, which 
often disappointed him when he expected it to go off and 
take down a deer. Their plows in those days were the 
old-fashioned bull-plow, with wooden mould-board, and no 
iron about them except the share. We knew nothing 
about the mowing-machine, horse-rake, thrashing-machine, 
grain-drill, steam-engine, railroad, telegraph, sewing-ma- 
chine, or any of the numerous inventions now in use. We 
were very profligate of our timber; it was so plenty that 
we would not have thought of charging a neighbor any- 
thing for a dozen or twenty pine-trees. We felt secure 
from burglars in our habitations without a lock to our 
doors. 

•' One incident in the war of 1812 I remember very dis- 
tinctly. It used to be talked that there was danger of the 
Indians coming over from Canada and going around killing 
and scalping the inhabitants. Well, one day I was busy 
with my play, my back towards the road, no one near me 
that I knew of, when suddenly a hand came spat on the 
top of my head, and fingers clenched into my hair and 
gave it a shake. I turned my head while he yet held my 
hair, and two large Indians with their hunting implements 
stood behind me. I thought my scalp had got to come 
ofi'. They asked me in plain English if my father was at 
home ; I answered that he was. When they saw how 
they had surprised me they had a hearty laugh over it. 

" One of the Campbell boys and myself once built a fish- 
rack, and one night, late in the fall, we caught fish enough 
to fill a common-sized two-horse wagon box full. I will 
also tell an authentic hunting story. An old hunter in this 
neighborhood saw an animal which he took to be a large 
wolf, feeding on the carcass of a deer, and shot and wounded 
it slightly. He followed it the remainder of the day, and 
the next day with another man, but saw nothing of the 
animal. The next day another man went with a gun and 
dogs. The dogs going ahead of the hunter soon came up 
with the animal, and it turned and looked at the dogs, but 
they kept out of its reach, while the man came up and saw 
that it was a panther. The day following a brother and 
cousin of mine went with him and followed it till almost 
night, when the dogs started it in a thicket of large hem- 
lock-trees. The dogs drove it into a tree. The men came 
up, and after looking some time saw the panther in the top 
of a large tree. Brother Ben shot him, and he barely kept 





KoBERT Campbell, the great-grandfather of the subject of 
this sketch, was a native of Scotland, and was born Apnil 23, 
1709, and was married April 13, 1727, and settled in Canaan, 
Conn., Oct. 20, 1761. He had eleven children, viz. : Kebecca, 
born Oct. 2, 1728; Lydia, born Aug. 21, 1730; Daniel, born 
March 12, 17S3; Mary, born Aug. 10, 1734; Elizabeth, born 
Oct. 1, 1736; Joan, born June f9, 1739; Kobert, Jr., born 
May 3, 1741 ; Daniel (2d), born July 29, 1743; Sarah, born 
Oct. 15, 174.5; and Solomon, born June 13, 1749. 

He was a Presbyterian clergyman of marked ability, and 
was ordained minister Oct. 20, 1761, at Canaan. He removed 
to Stillwater, Saratoga Co., N. Y., in 1762, and was accom- 
panied by a very large number of his congregation from Con- 
necticut, aboutonehundred members. He continued to preach 
as long as his health would permit, and died, mourned by a host 
of warm friends, on the 19th of February, 1789; his wife died 
July 29, 1763. 

Solomon Campbell was undoubtedly born in Connecticut, 
and removed to Stillwater, Saratoga Co., N. Y., in company 
with his ]iarents and many others who left Connecticut for 
tlieir new home in Stillwater. His father was the first min- 
ister in Stillwater. Solomon, Sr., married Sarah Andrews, 
Aug. 1, 1771, and liad the following children, viz. : Sarah, 
horn May 14, 1772; Mary, born June. 21, 1775; Archie, born 
Feb. 23, 1777; Solomon, Jr., born Oct. 30, 1779; Elizabeth, 
born Dec. 20, 1781; John, born Dec. 6, 1785; Lydia, born 
April 3, 1788; Rebecca, born July 18, 1790; TartuUius, born 
Aug. 11, 1792 ; Daniel, born June 31, 1797. 

Solomon was known as Capt. Campbell, and no doubt served 
in the Revolutionary war. He was a farmer by occupation. 
Capt. Solomon Campbell removed to Campbclltown very soon 
after his son Archie, who settled in Camjibell in the winter of 
1801-1802. Solomon died Dec. 30, 1823, and his wife died 
Sept. 20, 1806, in the fifty-fifth year of her age. 

Col. Archie Campbell, son of Solomon, was born on Long 
Island, and married Miss Sarah Persall, a native of Fishkill, 
N. Y., about 1796 or 1797. 

Of this union seven children were born, viz. : Solomon A., 
James, Bradford, Elvin, Mary, Jane, and George W. Of this 
number, Solomon A. and James were born before coming to 
Campbclltown, and Bradford was the first white child born 
in the town of Campbell. Col. Archie Campbell was a colo- 



nel of the State militia, and served as captain in the war of 
1812. He was extensively engaged in the lumber interest 
while a resident of Campbell, and was a farmer. He died 
suddenlv, March 14, 1825, in the prime of life, and Mrs. Camp- 
bell died July 11, 1852. 

George W. Campbell, son of Col. Archie and Sarah Camp- 
bell, was born in Campbell, Steuben Co., N. Y., Aug. 2, 1818. 
He received a common-school education, but at the age of six- 
teen he quit attending school, and was compelled to work in 
order to get a living. He commenced to learn the harness 
trade at Hammondsport, Penn Yan, and Bath, and continued 
four years ; then went into a store at Bath for Amos Babcock, 
and continued till 1844; then was engaged in company with 
his brother, Solomon A., in the lumber trade in running lum- 
ber down the Susipiehanna until 1848; then went to Painted Post 
and engaged in the mercantile business with R. O. Smith, now 
of Clean, for two years, when Mr. Campbell's health compelled 
him to give up the business. He soon commenced the lumber 
interest again with Solomon A. until 1857, when he purchased 
one-half of his brother's farm, some four hundred acres, and 
was engaged in farming for eight years, when he sold his farm 
in 1866, and commenced the mercantile business at Campbell, 
where he now resides. 

Mr. Campbell's business career has been one of steady, on- 
ward gain. He commenced life poor, and to-day is one of 
the most substantial business men of his native town. In 
politics he is closely identified with the Republican party, and 
joined the party at its organization in 1856, having previously 
been a Whig, as all of his ancestors were. He was supervisor 
of his towuYrom 1861 to 1865, and suiierintendent of the poor 
from 1872 to 1875. Mr. Campbell has been identified with 
the Board of Education for the past three years, and is serving 
in that capacity now. Mr. Campbell has given general satis- 
faction in all his oflicial business, and to-day is honored by the re- 
spect and confidence of his fellow-citizens. He married Mi.ss 
ElizabethM., daughter of Columbus and Louise Burrill, of 
Fairfield, Maine, July 10, 1853. Mrs. Elizabeth M. Campbell 
was born in Fairfield, Maine, Nov. 16, 1829, and settled in 
Campbell with her parents in October, 1850. Of this union 
three children were born, viz.: Sarah Louise, born Jan. 6, 
1857; Solomon A., born March 7, 1860; and Archie W., born 
Sept. 6, 1863. 





JONAS STEVENS. 



MRS. JONAS STEVENS. 



^' 



JONAS STEVENS. 



Joseph Stevens, Se., was either a native of New 
England or came from England previous to the 
Revolutionary war, as he served in that war and had 
settled in Saratoga County before the war, where 
some of his children were born. 

Joseph, Sr., and his son, Joseph, Jr., settled in 
Campbelltown, Steuben Co., about the same time, 
being March, 1805, — both of whom were farmers. 
Joseph, Sr., died while a resident in Wheeler, Steuben 
Co., far advanced in years. He and his wife were 
members of the Baptist Church at the time of their 
death. 

Joseph, Jr., and family (except one) were members 
of the Presbyterian Society. 

Jonas Stevens came to Campbell with his parents 
March 13, 1805, and has continued to reside here 
ever since except a few years spent at Monterey. 
He married Elizabeth, daughter of Jedediah Miller, 
of Ulysses, N. Y., Sept. 28, 1826. Mrs. Stevens 
was born Aug. 18, 1807. Of this union five children 
were born, viz. : George, Hannah, Harmon, Ralph, 
and Jennie. All are living in Campbell, except 
Jennie, who resides at Avon, N. Y. Mr. Stevens 
has been a farmer by occupation, and has endured 
the privations incident to a pioneer life. 

For more tiian forty-eiglit years he and Mrs. 
Stevens have been living at their present home in 
Campbell, and he has always been closely identified 
with the best interests of the town. Mr. and Mrs. 
Stevens have been members of the Presbyterian 
Society for more than fifty years, and Mr. Stevens 
is one of two of the first seven who organized the 
Presbyterian Church at Campbell. In politics Mr. 
Stevens is a staunch Republican, and two of his sons, 



Harmon aud Ralph, were soldiers in the 107th 
Regiment, New York Volunteers, in the late war. 
Ralph lost his right arm during the engagement at 
Dallas, Ga., in 1864. Harmon and Ralph were 
both honorably discharged, and are now citizens of 
Campbell. 

For more than fifty-two years Mr. and Mrs. Stevens 
have been walking life's journey together, and now 
in their advanced years they can look back over 
those years of labor with the satisfaction of knowing 
that their children are numbered among the respect- 
able citizens of Steuben County. 

Jonas Stevens, the subject of this sketch, is of 
English origin. Jonas, son of Joseph, Jr., and Abi- 
gail Knowlton Stevens, was born in Sangerfield, 
Oneida Co., N. Y., March 13, 1803. 

Joseph, Jr., son of Joseph, Sr., was born in Still- 
water, Saratoga Co., N. Y., Dec. 5, 1771, and died 
in Campbell, N. Y., Dec. 1, 1843. His wife, Abigail 
Knowlton, was born in Stillwater, Saratoga Co., 
N. Y., June 22, 1777, and died in Michigan, Dec. 
19, 1864. Her remains were brought home and 
buried by the side of her husband, upon the farm 
where they spent so many pleasant years together. 

By this marriage Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Stevens had 
eleven children, all of whom, save the five oldest, 
were born in Campbell, N. Y., and the others in 
Sangerfield, Oneida Co., N. Y. Names of children, 
— Jared, Permelia, Haddassah, Amos, Jonas, Ben- 
jamin, Josej)h, Ralph, Marcus, Almon, and John. 
All of this large family lived to be men and women, 
and those who died each reached more than seventy 
years save two. Two others are to-day upwards of 
seventy-two years of age. 





t<?- 



'dOTOS dl EVANS - 



DEACON Jacob Woodward. 



fjiRs Jacob WooDWAffD 



DEACON JACOB WOODWARD. 



The ancestors of the subject of this sketch came from England, 
and settled in Massachusetts. Jacob, son of Jonas and Mary 
Woodward, was born in Stratton, Windham Co., Vt., Jan. 2, 
1794. Ilis father was a native of Millbury, Worcester Co., 
Mass. He married Mary Morsman, a native of Massachusetts, 
also. Of this union thirteen children were born, twelve of 
whom lived to be men and women, and eight are still living. 

Jonas was a farmer by occupation, and followed it through 
life. He was a member of the Baptist Church, and every one 
of his family, two of whom have been deacons and two 
ministers. 

He left Vermont in May, 1816, and came to Steuben County, 
and located on Mead's Creek, his son Jacob having preceded 
him some two months. Jonas and Jacob kept bachelors' hall 
during their stay, and returned to Vermont in July — Jonas to 
get his family, and Jacob to marry. 

Jacob married Miss Betsey, daughter of Joseph Wilder, of 
Wardsboro, Windham Co., Vt., Sept. 2, 1816. Of this union 
four children grew to manhood and womanhood, viz. : Abigail, 
died at the age of sixteen ; Christiana, married Isaac P. Good- 
sell, of Painted Post; Zatter W., married Sarah Powers, and 
is now on the home farm ; and Dimmis S., married Dr. Samuel 
N. Everett, who is now a practicing physician at Campbell. 

Deacon Woodward has always been a farmer. He united with 
the Baptist Church at the early age of twelve, and ever since 
has been a veiy active member of the same, and for more than 
forty years has been a deacon. When a young man he commenced 
as a teacher of music, and has continued to follow his chosen 
profession until within a few years. In politics, formerly a Dem- 



ocrat, but when the Republican party was organized he joined 
it. He has been a staunch temperance man for a great many 
years, and was the first man to organize the first temperance 
society in his community. He has held various official positions 
to the satisfaction of his constituents. 

His wife died Nov. 23, 1873, while visiting with her daughter, 
Mrs. I. P. Goodsell, at Painted Post. Her memory is cherished 
by her husband and children. Deacon Woodward is now an old 
man of eighty-five, hale and hearty, and retains all his faculties. 
His only son, Zatter W., is a prominent man of Campbell, and 
is a farmer by occupation. He has two sons, Gernane P. and 
Miles J., and a daughter, Mary, who mai'ried Geo. Mason, of 
Campbell. 

Zatter W. was born May 11, 1823 ; mamed Miss Sarah D. 
Powers, November, 1862. Mra. Z. W. Woodward was bom 
Nov. 10, 1826, in Cortland, Cortland Co., N. Y. Mr. Wood- 
ward is a farmer by occupation. He has been magistrate, for 
■nine consecutive years, of Campbell, and at present is one of 
the assessors of the town. 

In politics he is identified with the Republican party. Like 
his honored father, he early espoused the temperance cause, and 
is one of the strong temperance men of the town. He and 
his wife are worthy members of the Baptist Church of Cooper's 
Plains. He has been clerk of that society for more than twenty 
years. Perhaps there is no family in the county that is more 
highly respected than the Woodward family. The impress of 
a well-ordered life is plainly seen in this family, and Deacon 
Woodward, like Deacon St. John, of Hornby, has an untar- 
nished name. 



TOWN OF CAMPBELL. 



209 



from falling. Then Nute attempted to .shoot, but his gun 
would not go off, so Ben reloaded his gun. The hunter 
then shot and brought him down dead. One man could 
not lift him from the ground. They turned the skin off as 
whole as they could ; filled it with straw. It looked quite 
natural. It measured eight feet from the end of its nose 
to the tip of its tail. Benjamin Patterson, well known 
about Painted Post and Corning, saw it, and said he had 
killed many of them, but he never saw as large a one as 
that."* 

The first grist-mill was built by Gen. John Knox and 
Archa Campbell, in 1812. It stood across the race from 
the present flouring-mills of Bemis & McKay. 

In 1846 a saw- and grist-mill combined was built by 
Marcus Wheelock for Andrew Langdon, where the Bemis 
saw-mill now stands. Mr. Samuel Cornell, now residing 
with his son-in-law Emmons Abel, was many years miller 
in this mill. He is the father of John Cornell, of Bath, 
and Johnson Cornell, of Cooper's Plains, and is now eighty- 
four years of age. 

mead's creek colony. 

David Holmes and his brother William were the original 
owners of the lands on Mead's Creek, in the eastern part 
of the town. They traded their wild lands here with the 
first settlers for small farms in Vermont. The offer to ex- 
change in this manner induced quite a colony to emigrate 
to this part of the town in 181G. The original colonists 
were Jonas and Jacob Woodward, Hinsdale Hammond, and 
Stephen Corbin, from Windham Co., Vt. Jonas Wood- 
ward had a family of eleven children, and his son Jacob, 
still living near the old homestead, was a young married 
man when they came to the town. From his remarkably 
clear recollection we have elicited the following facts con- 
cerning the old settlers : 

The colony came in 1816. The next year Sampson 
Bixby and his son Amasa settled in the edge of what is 
now Hornby. Mr. Hammond settled on the place where 
the Hendersons and Mr. Welch now reside. Seth Hammond 
settled on the Mead's Creek road, where I. F. Dibble now 
lives. Jonas Woodward settled on the Harmon Stevens 
place, on Mead's Creek, and Jacob Woodward on the place 
now occupied by Mr. Anthony Brown. He built here his 
first log house, in 1817. About ten years later he settled 
on the first farm over the Hornby town line, where he 
resided about twenty years. Then he exchanged his farm 
with Amos Bixby for the place which he now owns on 
Dry Run, and where he has resided for the past thirty 
years. 

Of the original settlers all are dead except Jacob Wood- 
ward. He was born in Windham Co., Vt., Jan. 2, 1794, 
and is consequently in his eighty-sixth year. Jonas and 
Benjamin Stevens, Mrs. Lucy Teeple, and Mr. Woodward ' 
are the oldest settlers now left in town. Alson Pierce, 
whose place is just over the line, in the town of Erwin, 
settled here from Windham Co., Vt., in 1814. 

Z. W. Woodward, son of Jacob, is a citizen of the town, 
residing on the old homestead. Demis Woodward, now 

*Mr. Stevens wrote this sketch at the age of seventy-five. 

27 



Mrs. S. N. Everett, a daughter of Jacob Woodward, re- 
sides on the farm adjoining the old homestead. A daugh- 
ter of Hinsdale Hammond, who was born in Vermont, and 
came here with the family, is still living in Hornby. Her 
name is Rachel, widow of the late Jonathan Remington, 
who came to the town about 1818. 

When the colonists came here there was a little patch of 
land which had been cleared by Cyrus Ames, the hunter, 
on the place where Jonas Woodward settled, on which was 
a little log cabin. All the rest of the valley was an un- 
broken wilderness. The hunter's cabin was made the com- 
mon stopping-place of the settlers till they could get their 
own cabins ready for occupancy. 

Of the eleven children of Jonas Woodward whom he 
brought with him to this valley, eight are yet living. Two 
daughters — Mrs. Lucy Davis and Mrs. Olive Wheeler — 
reside in Bradford. 

The first school in the settlement was taught in the hun- 
ter's cabin, by Rhoda Simmons, in 1817. The next school 
was taught in a frame barn. Betsey, wife of Joseph Wood- 
ward, and Mrs. Davis, his sister, were among the early 
teachers. The first school-house proper was a log building 
on land now owned by David Cook. 

The little colony from Vermont were mostly Baptists. 
On the 22d of February, 1823, they organized what was 
known as the " First Baptist Church of Painted Post," 
Rev. Jonathan Stone, pastor. They held services in private 
houses and at the first school-house. About 1840, they, 
with others, built the Baptist church at Cooper's Plains, 
where the members in this neighborhood now attend wor- 
ship. Rev. A. Tilden, pastor. 

ORGANIZATION. 
The act for the organization of the town was passed 
April 15, 1831. The first town-meeting was held at the 
house of Samuel Bestly, at which Daniel Clark was elected 
Supervisor ; Milo Hurd, Town Clerk ; William Stewart, 
Samuel Cook, Daniel Horton, Assessors ; John H. Burritt, 
William Stewart, Selah Hammond, Commissioners of High- 
ways ; Joseph Stevens, Plyna Cobb, Overseers of the Poor ; 
Holace Corbin, Frederick Stewart, Miner Campbell, Com- 
missioners of Schools ; Milo Hurd, Harvey Burritt, Daniel 
Horton, Inspectors of Schools ; Aden J. Pratt, Collector ; 
Aden J. Pratt, John Bobbins, Jr., Constables ; Parley 
Seamans, Alvin Corbin, Justices of the Peace. The town 
was divided into fourteen road districts, of which the fol- 
lowing persons were overseers in the order named, beginning 
with District No. 1 : Richard Gregory, Samuel Bestly, 
Daniel Clark, Gilbert Reed, Benjamin F. Balcom, Alson 
Pierce, Peter Covenhoven, Stephen Boyden, Moses Ham- 
mond, Moses Woodworth, Salmon Hunsinger, Salmon 
Dickinson, Parley Seamans, Hosea Bobbins. 

LIST OF TOWN OFI'ICERS. 

Supen-isore. Town Clerks. Collectora. 

1S32. Daniel Clark. Milo Hurd. A. J. Pratt. 

1833. William D. Kno.t. Harvey Burritt. " " 

1834. " " Daniel Clark. Minor C. Nute. 

1835. Benjamin Farwell. Jared Stevens. " " 

1836. " " Frederick Stewart. " " 

1837. " " " " " " 



210 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY. NEW YORK. 





Supervisors. 


Town Clerks. 


Collectors. 


1838. 


William Stewart. 


Aden J. 


Pratt. 


Selah Hammond. 


1839. 


i< a 


" 


" 


" " 


1840. 


S. A. Campbell. 


" 


" 


., 


1841. 


<( t( 


" 


" 


Miner Campbell. 


1842. 


t( It 


tt 


tt 


.. 


1843. 


William Stewart. 


" 


tt 


tt tt 


1844. 


" " 


John P. 


Knox. 


it 


1845. 


Willis McNeil. 


" 


" 


Charles T. Horton. 


1846. 


" 


Walter 


roHsey. 


E. S. Millard. 


1847. 


.1. P. Kno.\. 


•' 


" 


Elijah Dawley. 


1848. 


« .« 


Aden J. 


Pratt. 


Charles T. Horton. 


1S4'J. 


S. A. Campbell. 


" 


" 


Henry Van Curen. 


1850. 


John P. Knoi. 


(( 


" 


.. 


1851. 


Willis McNeil. 


" 


•' 


Orville Sharp. 


1852. 


tt it 


tt 


tt 


Joseph Hammond. 


1853. 


Joseph Hammond. 


" 


tt 


Z. W. Woodward. 


1854. 


S. J. Teeple. 


tt 


" 


Joseph S. Pratt. 


1855. 


Alson Pierce. 


tt 


tt 


S. M. Quimby. 


1856. 


Daniel Curtis. 


" 


" 


Sidney Thornton. 


1857. 


Sivmuel Balcom. 


tt 


it 


Edward S. Millard. 


1858. 


n n 


tt 


li 


A. J. Pratt. 


1859. 


" 


" 


" 


S. N. Everett. 


1860. 


" 


" 


" 


A. J. Pratt. 


1861. 


Geo. W. Campbell. 


if 


tt 


Saml. H. Thompson 


1862. 


" 


" 


" 


Z. W. Woodward. 


1863. 


" 


" 


" 


it 


1864. 


" " 


" 


it 


Robert B. Dawson. 


1865. 


" " 


" 


" 


Philo Campbell. 


1866. 


Charles Cass. 


Charles 


T. Horton. Byron Pierce. 


1867. 


ti 4. 


■• 




Ralph Stevens. 


1868. 


" " 


" 




it It 


1869. 


a tt 


.< 




" " 


1870. 


Charles H. Beinis. 


" 




Josiah T. Burrows. 


1871. 


tt i( 


tt 




Isaac T. BuUard. 


1872. 


•' " 


Ralph Stevens. 


Josiah T. Burrows. 


187.S. 


E. J. Armstrong. 


Jacob Clawson. 


John WiIco.x. 


1874. 


'• 


Solomon A. Cos 


5. J. T. Quimby. 


1875. 


e. R. Sutherland. 


Jacob Clawson. 


J. T. Burrows. 


1876. 


" 


" 


" 


N. S. Jaynes. 


1877. 


" 


.( 


•' 


it 


1878. 


Elias A. Overhiser. 


•' 


" 


Jerome T. Quimby. 



JUSTICES OF THF. PEACE. 



1832. 


Parley Scamans. 


1854. 


John Tomer. 




Alvin Corbin. 


1855. 


J. S. Drew. 


18.33. 


Selah Hammond. 




Daniel S. Whittenhall 


1835. 


Plyna Cobb. 


1856. 


Joseph Hammond. 




Daniel Clark. 




Miner C. Nute. 


1836. 


Seth Hammond. 


1857. 


John P. Kno-\. 


1837. 


Daniel Horton. 


1858. 


Charles Cass. 




William Stewart. 




Joreah Devcndorf. 


1838. 


Plyna Cobb. 


1859. 


Miner C. Nute. 


1839. 


Daniel Clark. 




John Tomer. 


1840. 


Ebcnezer Leavenworth. 


1860. 


Henry J. Wagner. 


1841. 


Miner C. Nute. 


1861. 


Charles T. Horton. 


1842. 


Alson Pierce. 


1862. 


John Tomer. 


1843. 


Daniel Clark. 


1863. 


Orr Smith. 




Seth Hammond. 


1804. 


Henry J. Wagner. 


1844. 


E. Leavenworth. 


1865. 


Charles T. Horton. 


1845. 


Miner C. Nute. 


1866. 


John Tomer. 


1846. 


Seth Hammond. 


1867. 


Orr Smith. 


1847. 


Orrin B. Chapin. 


1868. 


Zatter W. Woodward. 


1848. 


David Curtis. 


1869. 


Charles T. Horton. 


1849. 


Henry L. Griffith. 


1870. 


John Tomer. 




Plyna Cobb. 


1871. 


Orr Smith. 


1850. 


Vincent M. Shoemaker. 


1872. 


Zatter AV. Woodward. 


1851. 


Orrin B. Chapin. 


1873. 


Charles Cass. 




Seth Hammond. 


1874. 


Charles T. Horton. 


1852. 


Orlando Comstock. 


1875. 


Orr Smith. 


1853. 


E. S. Millard. 


1876. 


Harmon Stevens. 




J. D. Hamilton. 


1877. 


Charles Cass. 


1854. 


Plyna Cobb. 


1878. 


Charles T, Horton, 



EARLY POPULATION OF CAMPBELL. 

Rev. S. M. Campbell, D.D., of Rochester, who was born 
and spent his early life in this town, preached the dedication 
sermon of the new Presbyterian church, Feb. 4, 1868. In 
the course of his preliminary remarks he spoke as follows, 
in regard to the early population of this town and vicinity : 

" When the more permanent population of this place 
began to settle here, it embraced several valuable families ; 
but, as often occurs, it was divided into several Christian 
denominations. One of the families, that of Zalmou 
Tousey, quite marked among the surrounding population 
for literary taste and intellectual culture, preferred the Epis- 
copal mode of worship ; at a later day another household of 
the same preference and peculiarities also appeared, that of 
David Curtis, Esq. In the lower part of the town dwelt 
another influential family, that of Robert Bonham, em- 
bracing several very energetic women, whose sympathies 
were with the Methodists ; and they too were .soon strength- 
ened by a second household, that of Samuel Cook, who 
pitched their tent hard by, and who were of like religious 
feeling. Coming farther up the valley, we encountered 
still another household, that of Daniel Clark, the head of 
which, time out of mind, held the very lucrative office of 
justice of the peace among us, where the principles of the 
Baptists prevailed ; and this household, too, had its mate a 
little farther still up the valley, where another justice of 
the peace, Daniel Horton, held his court, who was also a 
Baptist. In our Methodist families the denominational 
preferences were mostly seen among the women ; in our 
Baptist families it was much the stronger with the men. 

" It will be seen, singularly enough, that thus far the 
denominational households came among us, as the living 
creatures went into Noah's ark, just two of a sort, and in 
a general sense the same statement will be found true as 
we turn to the Presbyterians. One of our Presbyterian 
households was more a tribe than a family, but the two 
names Stevens and Campbell, in some of their out-branch- 
ing relations, for a time embraced them all. 

" Such was the material out of which to build a church. 
It seems unpromising, perhaps, broken into so many frag- 
ments, but the hearts of the people were far better united 
than might be supposed. If they were unlike in denomi- 
national preferences in another thing they were agreed, — 
a willingness to forego such preferences for a common good. 
If there was a Baptist meeting in those early days, all went 
in ; if a Methodist, it was the same ; and in some respects 
the people of God here were at the time like those of a 
still more primitive period, when ' the whole multitude of 
them that believed were of one heart and one soul, neither 
said any among them that aught of the things which he 
possessed was his own, but they had all things common.' 

" Sufi"er a word also here upon the early industrial pur- 
suits of the town. Work is an educator, and the kind of 
work which men follow sometimes has great influence on 
the characters they form. In this place, besides the usual 
business of a new country, there were great inducements to 
engage in the manufacture and sale of lumber. 

" All over these hills, and up and down this valley, God 
had planted great forests of pine, and directly past our 
doors He had pjade a stream to flow, swift enough to turn 





fPHoros By £v»ns ) 



y^ V'S^, 



Cp>^^.^C^.e<^ (/ C0ii/7--Z^^^ 



William W. Bartlett, son of Luther and Maria Bartlett, was 
born in Dudley, Worcester Co., Mass., July 8, 1825. His 
father was born in Massachusetts about 1800 ; married Maria 
Windsor, a native of Dudley, Mass., Oct. 5, 1824. Mrs. 
Maria Windsor Bartlett was born May 10, 1803. Of this union 
three children were born, viz., William W., Eliza N., and Lucian. 
William W. is the only one of the children now living. 

Luther Bartlett was a manufacturer of scythes and axes ; 
later in life kept public house in Thompson, Conn., and died 
Feb. 9, 1830. Mrs. Bartlett married David Van Alstine, and 
now resides in California. Nathaniel Bartlett, grandfather of 
William W., was of Scottish origin, and was born in one of 
the New England States. William W. Bartlett's maternal 
grandfather, William Windsor (spelled by some Winsor), was 
born in Smithfield, R. I., October 12, 1779 ; married Eunice 
Nichols, a native of Thompson, Conn., May 8, 1800. Eunice 
Nichols was born June 6, 1775. Of this union five daughters 
were born, viz., Ann Frances, deceased ; Maria, Lucy E., Sally, 
and Elizabeth. William Windsor was a farmer by occupation. 
He settled in Campbell, Steuben Co., May 29, 1835, on the farm 
now owned by his gi-andson, William W. Bartlett. He died 
Jan. 12, 1866, and his wife died Jan. 2, 1852. 

William Windsor was a son of Abraham and Nancy Water- 
man Windsor, and was one of five children. 

The Windsor family is of English origin, having descended 
from Joshua Windsor, who emigrated to Anoerica and settled 
in Providence, R. I., in 1638, and was one of the twenty who 
paid thirty pounds (the amount of the first purchase of Provi- 
dence of the natives) on their being admitted equal sharers 
th'erein with Roger Williams, the first purchaser, and twelve 
othere who had gone there before. By his writings, which still 



remain, he appears to have been a man of a religious turn of 
mind and a man of ability. Prom him have descended a very 
numerous family, of whom William Windsor was one. Abra- 
ham Windsor was born March 10, 1756, and died June 27, 
1787. 

Nancy Waterman was born May 1, 1756, and died Feb. 7, 
1846. 

William W. Bartlett came to Campbell, Steuben Co., in com- 
pany with his grandparents (Mr. and Mrs. William Windsor), May 
28, 1835, when but ten years of age. He was reared a farmer, 
which honorable business he still continues to follow on the same 
farm which was purchased by his grandfather, William Windsor. 
He married Esther E. Pixley, daughter of Alanson and Mary 
Pixley, July 4, 1852. Mrs. Esther E. Bartlett was born at 
Albion, N. Y., March 22, 1832. Of this alliance eight children 
have been born, viz., Frances E., deceased ; Ella P., and William 
W. (twins), Mary E., George McClellan, Cora B., Luther E., 
and Essie. 

Mr. Bartlett is one of the largest farmers in the town ; he has 
some four hundred acres of land. He has made valuable im- 
provements upon his farm since he has owned it; his farm 
buildings are substantial, and will compare favorably with the 
best farm buildings in the county. In politics a life-long Demo- 
crat, casting his first vote for Martin Van Buren and Charles F. 
Adams. He has served three terms as assessor of Campbell. 

Miss Frances E. Bartlett graduated at the academy at Corning, 
married J. W. Burdick, of Newburgh, N. Y., Sept. 12, 1873, 
left one daughter, Sarah F., and died Aug. 15, 1876. 

Mr. Burdick married for his second wife, Miss Ella P. Bartlett. 
Jan. 20, 1878, and has one son, Julian W. Mr. Burdick is a 
telegraph operator at Newburgh. 





ABRAM HOLLENB£CK. 



/^RS.-ABRAM f^OU.ENBECK. 



ABEAM HOLLENBECK, 



son of Joshua B. and Clarissa Hollenbeck, was born in 
Greene, Chenango Co., N. Y., Jan. 8, 1830. He is the 
sea»ncl son in a family of five children. His father was 
a native of Massachusetts, and removed to New York 
when a young man. He married Clarissa Marsh, a 
native of Broome Co., N. Y., about 1826. By this 
marriage five children were born, viz. : David C, who 
was a soldier in the war of the Rebellion, and lost his 
life at City Point, Va. ; Abram; Ann E., married D. F. 
Woodward, of Jasper; Margaret; and Emily, who mar- 
ried Franklin Velie, now a resident of Campbell. 

Joshua removed into Steuben County with his family 
in the winter of 1843, and settled in Thurston, and in 
the following spring located in Campbell. His business 
vv;i.s farming. He purchased his farm, now owned by 
the estate, situated one and a half miles west of Curtis, in 
1847, and the following spring settled upon it, his son 
Abram owning a half interest in the original purchase 
of one hundred acres. In politics he was a Whig and 
Republican. He died April 10, 1872, and his wife 
died Nov. 16, 3 878. Both are buried in the cemetery 
below Curtis. 

Abram received a common-school education, and by 
application to his books has acquired practical business 
qualifications. He came to Campbell when a boy about 



thirteen years old with his parents, and has resided 
there ever since. He is one of the substantial farmers 
of the town, and well deserves to be ranked among the 
representative agriculturists of the county. Upon him 
has developed the care of his parents, though his father 
died at the age of seventy, and his mother at the age 
of seventy-six. He owns some two hundred and thirty 
acres of land west of Curtis, and has made creditable 
improvements upon his farm. In politics he is a Re- 
publican. He has held some of the town oflBces, but 
is not an aspirant after official honors. 

He married Miss Mary L., daughter of Jacob and 
Mary Velie, March 5, 1857. She was born in Orange, 
Schuyler Co., N. Y., Oct. 20, 1836. Her mother, 
Mary Miller, was born in Ulysses, N. Y., in 1804, 
and had eleven children, all of whom lived to ma- 
turity but George W. Velie, the youngest son, who 
died at Washington, April 29, 1865, while serving 
his country. 

Mr. and Mrs. Hollenbeck have four living children 
— George A., Ruby A., Lydia M., Esther E., — and two 
deceased. John died While an infant, and Clarissa while 
quite young. Mr. and Mrs. Hollenl)eck are now in the 
prime of life, surrounded by an intelligent group of chil- 
dren and all the necessary comforts of a happy home. 



TOWN OF CAMPBELL. 



211 



all our mills, and yet so perfectly navigable during the 
spring freshets as to afford us a highway to the markets of 
the outside world. 

" The result was the development of a branch of industry 
here which marked all our early history. In winter the 
choppers were at their work in the woods by early day- 
light, and the teams were moving to bring in the logs and the 
spars. Many a ship has plowed the blue sea, and perhaps 
gone round the world, bearing masts that were cut from 
these mountains; and the clack of the mills, the screech- 
in" of the saw-file, the shouts of the teamsters, and the 
crash of falling trees blended into a music which we all 
learned to enjoy. 

" One evil of this branch of industry was that it brought 
into our ftimilies as working men, and into our town as 
citizens, a class of rough people ; a still greater evil was 
that it took men every year into the temptation one meets 
away from home ; but the greatest evil of all was that in 
rafting-time it led to such entire disregard of the Sabbath 
day. The minister who was so audacious as to preach 
against ' rafting on Sunday' soon heard from his people in 
a way more forcible than agreeable ; and after our revivals 
it used to be said, ' Now, if your converts can go down the 
river and back again without losing their religion they will 
probably go through.' It was a very severe test, and some 
failed under it. 

" One of the good things of the business was the hardi- 
hood it gave us. This was conspicuous even among the 
children. I have some illustrations to give on this point, 
especially in the matter of barefoot children, for which one 
might challenge the country to find a parallel. It was not 
that in summer time we went to school, and to Sunday- 
school, and to meeting barefoot: all the children did that 
sometimes ; but we had one family of children who went 
to school all winter without shoes, who would sometimes 
go with us on the ice to slide, and who, when cold, in.stead 
of crying or running to the fire, would throw themselves 
down on their faces, lift their feet in the air, and strike 
them together till they were warm. This was, indeed, an 
extreme case among us, but young and old alike were edu- 
cated to endure hardships and not complain. Men who were 
in the woods at daylight swinging the axe and handling 
the frosty log-chains, — men who slept on the rafts, ran the 
chutes, and held their oars through Kanawagha, — learned 
to laugh at danger, and taught their children that a little 
finger-ache was not just the thing to cry for. And when 
an emergency came, requiring men to do and dare for the 
country, here were people of just the hardihood to meet 
the call. 

" Another thing which this special branch of industry 
did for us was to stir the public mind, and send men 
abroad to see the world. There we were, a remote popu- 
lation, hid away among the hills, far from the great cen- 
tre of social life, and in just the condition to live and die 
in contented ignorance of everything beyond the visible 
horizon. But, when rafting time came, the whole country 
was shaken. As soon as the snow began to melt and the 
rivers to rise, an energy was begotten among us which swept 
everything before it. The old men felt it at eighty, and 
walked out to the river-banks to see the rafis go by. The 



little boys felt it at ten, and counted the years till they 
should be old enough to go down the river, too. And al- 
most the entire adult male population left home, each year, 
for the long voyage, and came back to tell us of Northum- 
berland and Harrisburg, of Port Deposit and Havre de 
Grace, of Philadelphia and Baltimore, as places they had 
visited while they were gone." 

CHURCHES. 

" FIRST PRESBTTERIAN COHOCTON CONGREGATION" — SO- 
CIETY OP CAMPBELL AND MOD CREEK. 

We find the following in an old book of records : 

"The inhabitants of Campbell town and Mud Creek assembled at 
Capt. Archa Campbell's on the evening of the 2-ith of December, A.n. 
1811, for the purpose of promoting public worship, and appointed 
Rev. Robert Campbell moderator, and Ralph Malhone secretary. 

"The inhabitants of Mud Creek, including Mr. Fulton, have this 
evening agreed to be at one-half the expense for the support of the 
gospel, and the inhabitants of Campbell town the remainder. 

" Moved and carried by unanimous vote, that the spot for erecting 
a house of public worship shall be near the school-house, in the upper 
district of said Campbell town. 

" Moved and carried, that a committee be appointed to attend a 
meeting at the Great Flats, and make trial to get the Rev. Clement 
Heckman to preach one-fourth of his time. Solomon Campbell, Sr., 
and David Holmes were appointed as this committee. 

"Moved and carried, that the above committee be authorized to 
offer the Rev. Clement Heckman $12.5 per annum for five years as a 
compensation for the one-fourth part of his ministerial services. 

" Voted, that the inhabitants of the aforesaid places assemble at the 
house of F. Stewart, on the third Monday of January next, at one 
o'clock P.M., for the purpose of forming themselves into a religious 
society, and transacting all business connected thereto. 

"Resolved, That the Rev. Robert Campbell give legal notice of the 

above meeting. 

"Robert Cisipbei.l, Moderator. 

" R. MalBONE, Secretary." 

"At a meeting of the inhabitants of Mud Creek and Campbell 
town, assembled at Capt. Areha Campbell'.s, on the evening of the 
7th of January, a.d. 1812, and appointed Capt. Solomon Campbell 
moderator and Ralph Malbone secretary. Voted, that the above 
inhabitants send four delegates to attend a meeting at Post town,« 
on Friday next, on business respecting getting the Rev. Clement 
Heckman, 

" /iesoioeii, That these delegates shall be James Faulkner, James 
Fulton, Col. David Holmes, and Capt. Archa Campbell. 

" Voted, that these delegates be authorized to offer the Rev. Clement 
Heckman for one-fourth of his ministerial labors, at the rate of five 
hundred dollars per annum, and design the other societies to join 
them in the offer. 

" At a meeting of the inhabitants of Campbell town and the settle- 
ment of Mud Creek, held at the house of Frederick Stewart, inn- 
holder in said town, by a legal warning, according to law, in order to 
form into a religious society to support religious worship, held on the 
third Monday (or 20th) of January, 1812. Voted, that Solomon 
Campbell be moderator and David Holmes clerk. 

" Voted, that the name of said society be • The First Presbyterian 
Cohocton Congregation or Society in the county of Steuben.' 

" Voted, unanimously, to choose seven trustees for said society. 
Voted, that David Holmes, Solomon Campbell, Joseph Stevens, James 
Faulkner, John White, James Fulton, and Frederick Stewart be 
trustees for said society, and Archa Campbell clerk. Voted, that 
Frederick Stewart's be the place for holding public worship. Voted, 
that the trustees of this society do agree with Rev. Clement Heck- 
man to preach for said society agreeable to former votes of the in- 
habitants." 

(Copied from the minutes of S. Campbell, Jr.) 

"At a society-meeting held at the house of Frederick Stewart, 



» Painted Post. 



212 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



agreeable to adjournment. Voted, that a meeting-house be built at 
the place before mentioned, in size thirty by forty on the ground, the 
height not to exceed one story. Voted, that a general invitation be 
given to the inhabitants to meet for the purpose of hewing the timber 
for said meeting-house, on Monday, the 3d inst. Meeting closed in 
due form, March 4, 1812. 

"AnrnA C.»MPBEi,i., Clerk." 

**At a meeting of the First Presbyterian Cohocton Society, in the 
county of Steuben, at the house of Frederick Stewart, on the 26th 
day of June, 1812, Col. David Holmes was chosen moderator and 
Solomon Campbell clerit. Voted, we do proceed to build a meeting- 
house at the place heretofore named. Col. David Holmes voluntarily 
proposed that he would give the society a title to the said place, and 
he would, after the e.xpiration of five years, pay the society for the 
said house, if they then had no further use for it. Voted, unani- 
mously, to accept said proposals. Voted, that the size of said house 
be 22 feet by 32 feet and 13-feet posts. Voted, that John White bo 
authorized to employ a carpenter to do the necessary work on and 
about the house. Voted, that Obed Nute be a collector for the pur- 
pose of collecting the several sums subscribed for tlie support of the 
Rev. Clement Heckman, in Campbell Settlement. Voted, that James 
Faulkner be a like collector for that part of the society which 
includes Mud Creek. Voted, that the house of Archa Campbell be 
the place to hold public worship until otherwise directed by the 
society, or until the contemplated house be built." 

At a meeting of the society, Jan. 19, 1813, Asa Milli- 
ken, Arclia Campbell, and James Fulton were elected 
trustees for the ensuing year. In 1814 a new board of 
trustees was also elected, and with this the record closes. 

PRESBYTEBIAN CHURCH OF CAMPBELL. 

The first regular Presbyterian preaching began in 1830, 
in which year Rev. Benjamin B. Smith moved into the 
town, and was engaged as stated supply. His family occu- 
pied part of the great red house just below the Narrows, 
which at that time formed the residence of Joseph Stevens; 
and his little salary was supplemented by about ten dollars 
a month, which he received in winter for teaching district 
school. 

Mr. Smith held a noted revival in a school-house on the 
west bank of the river, opposite Gulp's Hill ; and, the 
attendance going beyond the capacity of the building, a 
shed was erected against the outside, and the windows taken 
out between it and the school-room, to accommodate those 
who could not get in. Many came from a distance to 
attend this meeting, and there was an unusual religious 
interest awakened. 

Soon after this revival. Rev. David Higgins, then of 
Bath, said to Deacon Jared Stevens, " What will you do 
with that little handful ? ' and Mr. Stevens answered, " We 
will make a church of them, and God will take care of it." 

On the 25th January, 1831, the Presbytery of Bath, 
then holding its se.ssion at Havana, was applied to for the 
organization of a Presbyterian Church in Campbell. The 
request was granted, and Rev. David Higgins, and Rev. 
Mr. Harmon, and an elder from the church in Painted 
Post, of the name of Fry, came by appointment to consti- 
tute the church. 

They met on the 14th day of February, 1831, for that 
purpose, in the same school-house where the Four Days' 
Meeting had been held. 

It was constituted of seven members, and those mostly 
received by letter. Six of the seven members were from 
the Stevens family, viz., Joseph Stevens and Abigail, his 



wife ; Jared and Jonas, his two sons ; Eliza, his son's wife ; 
and Mrs. Rhoda Nute, his sister. The seventh was Mrs. 
Hannah Campbell. Thus began the church, — three men 
and four women. More came .soon, however ; and the 
seed-corn planted on that cold February day soon gave 
token of genuine vitality. 

On the 6th day of March, 1831, less than one month 
from its organization, three persons came forward to unite 
by profession. Their names were Rachel Mulliken, Sarah 
Campbell, and George Teeple. In about two months more 
there was a still further accession. Mrs. Lucinda Gaylord, 
Mrs. Pamelia Pratt, Mrs. Lucy Teeple, and Mrs. Rhoda 
Ann Nute united by profession ; and Mrs. Hadassah Hor- 
ton, by letter, from the church in Pulteney, N. Y. In July 
following eleven more came forward, among whom were 
Mrs. Sally Ann Knox, wife of W. Douglas Knox, and 
Aden J. Pratt. Deacon Pratt held the office of deacon of 
this church for thirty-five years, ending only with his 
death. In October following there was another accession, 
Ralph Stevens, Joseph Stevens, Jr., and James Wheat. 
In November, one more, Plyna Cobb. 

This completed the year. During that time the church 
increased greatly : beginning the year with seven members, 
it closed with twenty-eight. Of the members ten were 
males. No deaths occurred that year to weaken the little 
flock, no one asked for a letter of dismission, and no one 
had to be excommunicated. All that had been gained was 
saved. Before the year closed the organization was per- 
fected by the appointment of three elders, Jared Stevens, 
George Teeple, and Aden J. Pratt. Mr. Stevens had pre- 
viously been ordained. The other two received ordination 
on the 6th day of November, 1831, at the hands of Rev. 
B. B. Smith. Mr. Pratt died in this town, June 29, 1865. 
Mr. Stevens died at Canton, Mich., in February, 1866. 
Mr. Teeple died quite recently. 

The church building was erected in 1833, at a cost of 
$850. They had a fashion in those days of getting on 
with a great enterprise without much money ; and, in 
building a church, every one who had lumber, every one 
who had a team, and every one who could chop or quarry 
stone, could pay his subscription easily. Even the builder 
would be glad to take his pay in produce ; and for gla.ss 
and nails and paint, a load of boards, or a stick of timber, 
would pay as well as gold. In the winter of 1832-33, the 
timber was got out for the frame ; and by the time haying 
was over in the following summer they were ready for the 
raising. They raised the building without whisky. 

The architect and builder was Philip Gettur, son-in-law 
of John Tanner ; and when the raising day came, he found 
himself at the head of a force of men and boys from all 
the country round. 

The church was dedicated on Thursday, the 5th of No- 
vember, 1833. 

Rev. B. F. Pratt, of Southport, preached the sermon. 
He was afterwards for ten years pastor of the church. 

Rev. B. B. Smith was the first stated supply. The 
church changed often, was often without preaching for 
months together, and often was supplied for only a few 
Sabbaths in succession. 

Next after Mr. Smith came Rev. Calvin Bushnell, as 





r ,=-S>X ', 



cJ^$-t^^ut (y; y^iayi^^;^ 



fMOroS Br CvjtMS.COlfHlMi.N.Y. 



MRS. JOHN P. KNOX. 



CAPT. JOHN P. KNOX. 



Among the old pioneer families of Steuben County 
none is more deserving of an honorable mention upon 
the pages of the county history than the Knox family. 
Judge John Knox, father of Capt. John P., was a native 
of Vermont ; married a Miss Hannah Douglas, of the 
same State, and removed to Steuben County and settled 
at Knoxville, in 1796, where he carried on farming, and 
at the same time was the proprietor of a public house. 
He was prominently identified with the early history 
of the county, and held many of its official positions, 
being justice of the peace and associate judge. His 
political convictions led him to espouse the cause of the 
Whigs. He reared a family of eight children, viz., 
Almira, Wm. D., John P., an infant daughter, Almaria, 
Hannah, Diadamia W., and Augustus F., seven of whom 
grew to manhood, and all married, save Augustus F., 
and had families. Judge Knox was born May 1, 1770, 
and died at Knoxville in 1854. His wife. Miss Hannah 
Douglas, was born Feb. 11, 1774. 

Their son, Capt. John P., was born in Knoxville, 
July 5, 1800, and died at his home in Campbell, Sep- 
tember, 1870. His boyhood was spent at home on his 
father's farm, receiving a common-school education. 
During the winters he was engaged in lumbering. 

He married Miss Mary G. Patterson, a daughter of 
Andrew F. Patterson, of Milton, Northumberland Co., 
Pa., Feb. 11, 1836. She was born March 4, 1806. Of 
this union five children were born, viz., John F., who 
served in the war of the Rebellion, and was captain 
of Company F, of the 107th Regiment New York 
Volunteers. He was in many of the hardest battles, 



and fell a victim by being shot at Dallas, Ga., May 
25, 1864, and died May 30, 1864; Chas. A., who mar- 
ried Miss Anna M. Grarrison, of Rockford, 111., is 
now a resident of Campbell, and is engaged as a farmer 
and dealer in live stock, and has been engaged in the 
lumber trade, saw-mill, and grist-mill business; Frances 
F., married J. G. Terbell, and now resides at Walden, 
Orange Co., N. Y., and is engaged in farming ; Hannah 
D., married J. H. Bemis, now resides at Jefferson, 
Texas, and "is extensively engaged in lumbering; and 
Robert P., who married Miss Mary Ardell, of Pratts- 
burgh, and now resides in Woodhull, Steuben Co., and 
is engaged in the millinery business; besides runs a 
saw-mill. 

Capt. John P. settled in Campbell about 1840, and 
was engaged in the lumber business, and was the owner 
of a large tract of land. By economy and hard work 
he made a good property, and was highly esteemed by his 
neighbors. In politics, a Whig and Republican. He 
was supervisor of Campbell, besides holding several 
other town offices. Mr. and Mrs. Knox were members 
of the Presbyterian Church at Campbell, and Captain 
Knox always contributed liberally to its support. 

He was captain of a company in the State militia, and 
was known as Captain Knox. He was a man who was 
guided by the principles of right, and reared his family 
to industry and sobriety. Mrs. Knox died June 1, 
1878, and was buried by the side of her husband at 
Campbell. 

This short sketch, and portraits above, are inserted by 
their children in memory of their parents. 



f 



TOWN OF CAMPBELL. 



213 



soon as the church was built. Some special services were 
held immediately after the dedication, in wliicii he was as- 
sisted by Rev. John Barton, then of Painted Post. On the 
evening of Nov. 12, 1833, Mr. Barton had for his subject, 
" The Fiery Flying Serpents." That was the night of the 
great meteoric shower, and one of his hearers who retired 
to rest full of the sermon, awoke in the night and saw the 
wonderful display. The long trails of light loft behind by 
the meteors instantly suggested the " Fiery Flying Ser- 
pents," and for a moment he supposed the old plague had 
come again. Then recollecting what the Scriptures say in 
regard to the falling of the stars from heaven, he changed 
his mind, and, hastily running to a neighbor's house, 
aroused him with the awful alarm that we had come to the 
jndgnient-day. Few were so much alarmed at the sight, 
but nearly the whole town was up and gazing with a certain 
feeling of awe at an exhibition so unheard of, so imprcfsive, 
and so grand. 

At tiie first communion in the new church, Dec. 15, 1833, 
there was an accession of four persons, on confes.sion of faith. 
One of the four was Philip Gettur, who built the church ; 
another was Jane, his wife ; the third was Elijah Dawley, 
since removed to Wisconsin ; and the Iburth was Ruth 
Stewart, deceased. 

The first death iu the church was tiiat of Mrs. Sally 
Williams, wife of John Williams, of Cooper's Plains, who 
left this world in hope, Feb. 13, 1834. 

Rev. Charles Goodrich was the immediate successor of 
Mr. Bu.shnell, and entered upon his work in January, 1835, 
and continued about two years. During his ministry there 
was a powerful revival at Mead's Creek, the influence of 
which extended into this congregation. Mr. Goodrich was 
assisted in the work by Rev. Mr. White, of Pulteney, N. Y., 
a brother of Rev. President White, deceased, of Wabash 
College. 

In this congregation the work was greatly assisted by the 
presence of Mr. Azariah Gregory, a man of extended in- 
formation, devoted piety, and considerable gift of speech. 
He died in Chicago about a year later. 

The next pastor was Rev. James Hotchkin, an admirable 
specimen of the clergy of the olden time. Ho stood erect, 
full six feet high, and well proportioned, had a fine fore- 
head, crowned with hair as white as snow ; was educated, 
correct, dignified, genial, orthodox ; and when he fell a- 
preaching or a-praying kept straight on to the end of his 
subject, without the slightest regard to the whims of his 
congregation or the tokens of pa.ssing time. His wife, too, 
was a woman of great dignity and fine character, and the 
bare presence of such people was elevating and refining. 

The next pastor was a man of very oppo.site peculiarities. 
He had a particular antipathy against people who fell asleep 
in church. Pausing in his sermon, as he saw a man nod- 
ding, he would say, " Brother A, won't you wake up Brother 
B ?" At other times he would call out as if the raftmen 
present were losing their lumber. With all these peculi- 
arities, however, he was a man of a good deal of ability, of 
a good, kind heart, and one who seemed intent on doing 
faithful service. 

Next in the order of pastors came Kcv. E. D. Wells, of 
Lawrenceville, Pa. His ministry began in November, 1841, 



and closed in Juno following, on account of his failing 
health. Then Rev. Lewis Hamilton was called in to assist 
iu a series of services, and the whole ripened up into a revival 
of religion. The favorable acfjuaintance thus formed with 
Mr. Hamilton led to iiis being invited to take the place 
made vacant by the retirement of Mr. Wells. 

In 1844, Mr. Hamilton was succeeded by Rev. Ebcnezer 
Everett. He was a plain man, but quite a scholar, a serious 
preacher, and a man of kind heart. 

In 1846, Mr. Hamilton was called back and was installed 
pastor. In 1849 he resigned, and Rev. B. F. Pratt became 
pastor. 

In the winter of 1859 and 1 8G0, Mr. Pratt's health having 
failed, he was a.ssisted for a time in his work by Rev. H. M. 
Johnson. Special services were instituted, and at once the 
work of the Lord began to revive. On the 15th of Janu- 
ary, 14 persons were received into the church, by profession ; 
in April following, 15 more; and among the 29 new mem- 
bers were several person.s who were at once set forward to 
take a prominent part in church affair.". Of these, one de- 
serves particular mention ; I mean the noble young man, 
Capt. J. Forrest Knox, who was ordained to the eldership 
in June, 1862, who directly after went into the army, and 
gave the world the benefit of a Christian example there. 
He fell, bravely fighting for his country. 

Of the more recent accessions, and of the several ministers 
who have served since the retirement of Mr. Pratt, we have 
not been furnished with sufficient data. The church is in 
a prosperous condition, and has a fine new edifice, which 
was finished and dedicated on the 4th of February, 18G8. 

CAMPBELL METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH. 

Among the influential early families who were allied with 
the Methodist faith and form of worship in this town were 
those of Robert Bonham and Samuel Cook. Some of the 
ladies of these families organized the first Sunday-school, 
and, with the help of such others as they could enlist, kept 
the school open the year round. Says Rev. Dr. Campbell, 
" The Methodist people, with characteristic promptness, had 
brought in their circuit preachers and organized in some 
form as early as 1827 or 1828." From this period services 
were held with more or le.ss regularity in the school-house, 
and differentministers, circuit preachers, and visiting clergy- 
men officiated from time to time. 

In 1858, Rev. S. M. Merritt, of the Savona charge, con- 
ducted a revival here, which resulted in a general religious 
awakening, and many were converted whose preference of 
church membership was with the Presbyterians, and who 
joined that church .it the close of the revival. 

In 1869 the society purchased the old church edifice of 
the Presbyterians, and remodeled and refitted it into a neat 
and commodious house of worship. It was dedicated Jan. 
21, 1869, the sermon being preached by Rev. Mr. Searles, 
of Auburn. J. P. Knox and J. M. Berais donated the 
lot. The building and repairs cost about $2500. 

The present trustees are Squire Knowles, John K. Ford, 
Henry Thorp, Theodore Barrett, and Charles Barrett. Rev. 
J. C. Stevens, pastor. 

The present church membership is about 100 ; Sunday- 
school, 50. 



214 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF CAMPBELL. 

This church was first organized as a branch of the Savona 
Baptist Church, 1870, in the old school-house of district 
No. 2. The followinn- 14 persons constituted the original 
membership : Daniel Clark, Samuel Strait, Mulford Walling, 
Joanna Walling, Mary A. Clark, M. B. Horton, Evelyn 
Morse, Boraldus D. Fisk, Benjamin Abel, Emmons Abel, 
Octavia Abel, Fanny Abel, and Harrison Abel. 

Rev. J. C. Mallory was pastor of the church at Savona, 
under whose ministry the organization was effected. It 
remained in connection with the Savona Church till 1873. 
Simon Bixby, George K. Bennett, and Josiah T. Burrows 
wore the first trustees ; Boraldus D. Fisk, Emmons W. 
Abel, and Samuel Strait, first deacons. Mr. Strait has 
served as deacon continously ever since; Mr. Abel, after 
serving several years, resigned, and Simon Bixby was chosen 
in his place. 

In 1»73 a lot was purchased and the present neat church 
edifice erected. Rev. Dr. Clark, of New York, preached 
the dedicatory sermon. Rev. E. F. Hard, licentiate of the 
Bath Baptist Church, oflaciated as pastor about a year and a 
half, and was succeeded by Rev. E. T. Mallory, the present 
pastor. The present membership is 51. 

VILLAGE OF CAMPBELL. 

This village, which is the chief place of business for the 
town, lies on the Conhocton River, and on the Corning and 
Rochester branch of the Erie Railroad. It contains three 
general stores, four churches, three boot- and shoe shops, 
one tannery, one saw- and grist mill, one planing-mill, one 
wagon- and carriage-shop, three blacksmith-shops, one 
harness-shop, one hardware-store and tin-shop, one post- 
office, two millinery-stores, one meat-market, one jeweler- 
shop, three physicians, and two clergymen. It has an ex- 
cellent graded school, and some very fine residences, among 
which may be mentioned those of John Runner, L. W. 
Stevens, L. Sutherland, John D. Hamilton, C. II. Bemis, 
and Col. J. S. McKay. 

UNION FREE SCHOOL, DISTRICT NO. 2, 

in the village of Campbell, is graded as primary, interme 
diate, junior, and senior departments. T. F. Pan"burn, 
Principal; Miss Kate Bockus, Junior; Miss H. Augusta 
Hubbs, Intermediate ; Miss A. R. Hubbard, Primary. 

The number of children of school age in the district is 
260 ; attendance, 175. The house is a two-story frame 
building, surmounted by a cupola which contains a bell. 

The building is sixty feet square, with a rear extension, 
and the property valued at $4500. Trustees, C. H. Bemis 
(^President), A. B. White (Secretary), J. D. Hamilton. 

Campbelltown Mills, Bemis & McKay, proprietors 
(C. H. Bemis and James S. McKay). — These mills stand 
on the Conhocton River, on the site of the former mills of 
the proprietors, which were erected in 1865, and burned 
June 20, 1875. The new mills were built by the firm in 
1876-77. They are merchant and custom tiouring-mills ; 
three run of stones, with a capacity of about 300 bushels of 
grain per day. 

Mr. Bemis is a native of Massachusetts, and came to 
the town in 1851. He has ever since been engao-ed in 



lumbering and milling. Col. McKay came (o this country, 
when a young man, from Ireland. He has resided in the 
county of Steuben since 1836, and came to this town from 
Corning in 1866. 

The Bemis Steam Saw-Mill was built by Charles H. 
and J. M. Bemis in 1861. It has a capacity of 10,000 
feet of lumber per day. The logs are chiefly hemlock, and 
brought down the river. The partnership between Charles 
H. and J. M. Bemis was several years ago dissolved, and 
the latter, now residing in the city of Buffalo, owns and 
operates the mill. 

Tannery of J. D. Hamilton & Co. — Manufacturers 
of hemlock sole-leather. The yearly capacity of this estab- 
lishment is 36,000 sides. The building;- was erected in 
1857. Since then 670,000 sides have been tanned, valued 
at $3,000,000. The company use 4000 cords of bark per 
year, and employ 25 men. They have another tannery of 
nearly twice this capacity at Emporium, Pa., established in 
1866. 

Mr. Hamilton is a native of Tompkins County, and came 
to this place with his parents in 1836. His father, Corne- 
lius Hamilton, carried on shoemaking till his death, in 
1850, to which occupation his son was brought up, and 
naturally became familiar with the leather business in which 
he has now so large an interest. 

CURTIS. 
Curtis is a post-office and station on the railroad, about 
two miles east of the village of Campbell. About 1835, 
Col. Balcom, father of Eri Balcom, built a saw-mill on the 
Conhocton at this point. The site is occupied by the 
present mill of Daniel B. Curtis, which was built by his 
uncle, Daniel Curtis, about 1850. A post-office was estab- 
lished here in 1875 ; Orr Smith, postmaster. District No. 
3, at this .place, employs two teachers, and there is a tan- 
nery owned by Allen Bros., of Rochester, which employs 
15 hands. 

MILITARY record OP CAMPBELL. 

John Purest Kno.x, 2d lieut., Co. F, lo7th N. Y. Inf.; enl. Aug. 5, 1SC2; pro. to 
1st lieut. and to capt. ; wounded at Dallas, Ga., May 25 ; died May 29, '64. 

Joliu M. Clawson, Co. F, 107th N. Y. Inf.; enl. Aug. 0, 1862; pro. to Corp., to 
sergt., to 1st sergt., and to 2d lieut., June 8, 1801; disch. June 8, 1805. 

Joiin Eccles, 1st sergt., Co. E, Hist Inf.; enl. Aug. 21, 1802; pro. to lieut.; disch. 
June 1.^1, 1805. 

John K. Austin, 141.st N. Y. Inf.; enl. Aug. 8, 1862; died May 22, 1864. 

Sterling Austin, 15lh N. Y. Regt. ; enl. Aug. 31, 1804 ; disch. June 15, 1865. 

Monroe Ames, 101st Inf. ; enl. Aug. 22, 1802; tatceii prisoner. 

Thima-s m,\Ui. 

Win. O. Bowers, Co. F, lUTth Inf. ; enl. Aug. 7, 1862 ; pro. to Corp. ; disch. July 

7, 1865. 
Charles E. Buck. 

Amos C. Barrett, 86lh Inf.; enl. Aug. 12, 1862; disch. July 6, 1865. 

George A. Bemis, Co. F, 107th Inf; enl. Aug. 6, 1862; pro. to sergt.; disch. June 

8, 18G5. 

Edward Brown, 188th Inf.; enl. Aug. 15, 1864; died Dec. 18, 1864. 

Isaac F. Bullard, Co. E, 141st Inf.; enl. Aug. 14, 1862; disch. June 8, 1805. 

S. C. Bassett, 142d Inf. ; enl. Sept. 7, 1864; disch. June 19, 1865. 

.John M. Blackman, Corp., Co. I, 80lh Inf.; enl. Oct. 1, 1801; killed July 2, 1862. 

Andrew Blackman, 86th Inf. ; enl. Oct. 15, 1861 ; disch. Nov. 17, 1864. 

Jacob Bafsel. 

Robert T. Bonham, Co. K, 107th Inf ; enl. Aug. 5, 1862 ; wounded May 3, 1863. 

V. Benedict. 

Loran Barnes, 34th Inf. ; enl. May 10,1861; died from wounds received July 

24, 1862. 
Samuel J. Cornell, Co. F, 107th Inf.; enl. Aug. 6, 1802; disch. July 30, 1865. 
F. Devillo Cooper, Co. B, 107th Inf. ; enl. Jan. 4, 1864 ; wounded May 25, 1864. 
Harris Devolso Cooper, Co. B, lU71h Inf.; enl. Jan. 4, 1864; died July 7, 1864. 
William It. Cliristler, l(l7th Inf.; enl. Aug. 9, 1862 ; wounded, and died March 

16, 1805. 
Helmus Chrisller, 107th Inf. ; enl. Aug. 8, 1802 ; disch. Aug. 9, 1865. 



TOWN OF CAMPBELL. 



215 



A. A. Covmnn, IClst Inf ; enl. Aug. 16,1802; wounded July l:!, 1803; disth.Oct. 

27, 18e:i. 
William Ciiok, IClst Inf ; enl. Aug.22,lSG2; disch. Feb.2, 1S05. 
William Cliristler, 107th Inf.; enl. Aug. 1, I6C2; disch. June 18,1805. 
William H. C'ooveit, Jr., ISOIh Inf; enl. Sept. 20, 1SC4. 
J. B. Clark, H8th Inf; enl. Aug. V.i, 1S02; disch. June 25, 1806. 
John Clark, ]48tli Inf; enl. Aug. 13, 1862; killed June 18, 1864. 
Albert Cumslork, 1881h Inf; enl. Sept. 3,1804; disch. July 11, 1805. 
Calvin Cumstock, 188lh Inf ; enl. Sept. 3, 1804 ; disch. July 11, 1805. 
Lorin Carpenter, 16lh Kegt.; enl. Sept. 6, 1804; disch. June 13, 1866. 
Abram Carpenter, Co. E, 14)st Inf; enl. Aug. 21, 1802; died J'cb. 21, 1863. 

F. Carpenter, 141st Inf ; enl. Aug. 21, 1802 ; died June 18, 1804. 

G. Carpenter. 16th Regt.; enl. Sept. 5, 1804; disch. June 13, 1805. 
Albert Carpenter, 15lli Regt. ; enl. Sept. 5, 1864; disch. July 2, 1805. 
Charles Christler, Hist Inf; enl. Aug. 21, 1862; disch. July 21,1866. 
Job G. Campbell, 147th Inf ; enl. July, 1863; died May 5, 1804. 
Theodore Deninney, Co. F, 107th Inf ; enl. Aug. 6, 1802: disch. Nov. 1, 1803. 
Elanson Dunklee, Co. E, 141st Inf; enl. Aug. 20, 1802; disch. June 27, 1865. 
James Dunklee, Co. E, 14lBt Inf; enl. Aug. 18, 1802; disch. July 7, 1805. 

J. C. Devolve, Hist Inf; enl. Aug. 21, 1862; wounded; disch. June 8,1866. 
H. N. Everts. 

P. A. Evans, 15th Regt. ; enl. Sept. 5, 1804; disch. July 12, 1865. 
David Franklin, Co. E, Hist Inf : enl. Aug. 14, 1862; killed May 15, 1864. 
L. C. F..ster, 1st Kegt. ; enl. May 23, 1805 ; disch. July 27, 1806. 
James Gurnsey, 107th Inf; enl. July 8, 1862. 
R. M. Garrison, 35th Inl. ; enl. May 18, 1801. 

William F. Goodrich, Hlh Regt. ; enl. July 16, 1863 ; disch. Aug. 4, 1805. 
Alpheus A. Goodrich, Co. E,141stlnf ; enl. Aug. 25, 1862; disch. June 29, 1805. 
William Greek, Jr., Co. F, 107th Inf; enl. July 6,1862; disch. June 11, 1805. 
Clarence Hubbard, musician, Co. F, 107th Inf ; enl. Aug. 0, 1802; pro. to chief 
musician ; disch. June 8, 1866. 

D. F. Hathaway, Corp., Co. F, 107th Inf; enl. Aug. 6, 1862; died at Maryland 

Heights, Va., Nov. 5, 1862. 
J. W. Hough, !i7th Inf; enl. July 12, 1863; died June 11, 1864. 

E. W. Hough, 14th Inf ; enl. July 13, 1803 ; taken prisoner Nov. 26, 1863, and 

never heard from. 
William B. Hathaway, 2d Regt.; enl. Sept. 5, 1864. 
Edward Hammond, loth Regt.; enl. Sept. 20, 1864 : disch. June 2, 1865. 
Selah Hammond, SOth Inf ; enl. Dec. 30, 1863 ; discli. Juno 27, 1866. 
Thomas J. Horton, SOth Inf; enl. Aug. 1, 1862; disch. June 2,1866. 
William W. Hanna, 105th Inf; enl. Aug. 20, 1862; taken prisoner. 
John G. Hamilton, 8th Uegt. ; enl. Jan. 4, 1864 ; disch. July 7, 1805. 
Silas U. Hamilton, 8th Kegt. ; enl. Jan. 4, 1804; wounded June 17, 1864 ; disch. 

June 7, 1866. 
T. F. Horton, Hist Inf : enl. Sept. 1864 ; disch. June 8, 1806. 
Winslow Jessiip, lOtli Regt.; enl. Oct. 5, 1861 ; died in service. 
N. E. Jessup, 97Ih Inf ; enl. Aug. 5,1863 ; killed Sept. 14, 1864. 
Charles F. Jinks, Co. E, 141st Inf ; enl. Aug. 21, 1862 ; disch. June 8, 1865. 
James N. 'Jinks, lllth Inf ; enl. Aug. 8, 1802 ; killed May 0, 1864. 
Thomas M. Jinks, Hist Inf; enl. Aug.2, 1804; disch. June 8, 1865. 
George W. Jump, Co. C, SOIh Inf; enl. Nov. 8, 1861. 
James Kelly, Co. F, 107th Inf ; enl Aug. 6, 1862 ; disch. Juno 19, 1805. 
Joseph Kiikendiill, 80th Inf ; enl. Nov. 2, 1801 ; disch. Aug. 20, 1802. 
Thomas H. Kirkendall, Co. F, SOth Inf ; enl. Oct. 31, 1801 ; wounded : disch. 

March 10, 1864. 
J. M. Kirkendall, Co. F, SOth Inf; enl. Oct. 31, 1S61 ; wounded; disch. Jan. 5, 

1863 ; died from wounds. 
David F. Kimble, Co. F, 107th Inf ; enl. Aug. 4, 1862; wounded May 3, 1863 ; 

disch. July 13,1865. 
William H. Knowlton, 107th Inf ; enl. Jan. 4, 1804 ; disch. July 17, 1866. 
I. H. Leavenworth, 1st Regt.; enl. Aug. 3, 1863; disch. July 2, 1865. 
Chester L. Morse, Co. I, SOth Inf; enl. Oct. 1S61 ; disch. July 4, 1865. 
D. C. Mills, Co. H, 189th Inf ; enl. Sept. 3, 1804 ; disch. May 30, 1865. 
John G. Miller, Ist Regt.; enl. Aug. S, 1862; wounded on cars coming home ; 

disch. July 18, 1865. 
John C. Merrill, Co. I, SOth Inf; enl. Sept. 1, 1801. 
Francis Millard, 28th Inf ; enl. Sepf 4, 1802; disch. July l:i, 1806. 
H. D. Millard, 112th Inf; enl. Sept. 6, 1S64; disch. July 15, 1866. 
Edward Millard, Co. E, Hist Inf ;enl. Aug. 19, 1802; disch. June 19, 1865. 
Enoch Mack, 1071h Inf ; enl. July 9, 1862. 

Francis M. Mill-, Co. F, 107tl] Inf; enl. Aug. 6,1862; disch. Juno 8, 1865. 
Wesley Mcintosh, Co. C, 80tli Inf; enl. Sept. 1801. 
Albert M..sher, 1st Regt ; enl. July 17, 1863 ; killed in battle. 

D. Meager, loth Regt.; enl. Oct. 10, 1861; wounded at battle of Antietam. 
Ambrose Mosier. 

Andrew Moaier. 

James B. Nellis, 107th Inf ; enl. Jan. 4, 1864 ; wounded May 25, and died Sept. 

7, 1804. 
Edgar D. Nales, 17th Regt.; enl. July 17, 1803; disch. Aug. 20, 1865. 

E. Northway, 5th Regt.; enl. Aug. 15, 1862 ; disch. June 13, 1805. 
H. Northway. 

William Prindle, lotstinf ; enl. Sept. 29, 1864. 

A. C. Palmer, SOth Inf ; enl. Oct. 1801 ; killed at Gettysburg, July 2, 1863. 

H. M. Palmer, 14l8t Inf; enl. July 2, 1862. 

Darius Parker, Hth Regt. ; enl. March 30, 1864. 

Leander H. Peck, Co. E, Hist Inf; enl. Aug. 22, 1862; disch. April 26, 1864. 

Lewis B. Robinson, Co. F, 107th Inf; enl. Aug. 6, 1862; disch. Feb. 1863. 



J. H. Rumsey, 112th Inf ; enl. Sept. 6, 1801 ; disch. June 13, 1865. 

Rali.h Stevens. Co. F, 107th Inf; enl. Aug. 6, 1802; lost a leg at Divllas, Ga. ; 

disch. March 2, 1865. 
George W. Stickler, Co. F, 107th Inf; enl. Aug. 6, 1802; wounded at Pine Ridge. 
Gilbert 0. Stickler, Co. F, 107th Inf; enl. Aug. 5, 1862; died Oct. 12, 1862. 
Peter Slagle, Hist Inf 

Thomas J. Strait, 14Stli Inf ; enl. Aug. 13, 1862; died Dec. 13, 1802. 
Eraslus Strait, SOth Inf ; enl. Sept. 23, 1804 ; disch. Feb. 18, 1803. 
Nicholas Smith, Co. E, Hist Inf: enl. Aug. 20, 1802; disch. Feb. 13, 1803. 
John Scott, ISSth Inf; enl. .Sept. 2, 1804; disch. June 22.1805. 
Cbas. B. Short, 3d Regt.; enl. Sept. 12, 1864; wounded ; disch. June 10, 1865. 
S. K. Sawyer, 107th Inf ; enl. Aug. 9, 1802 ; wounded at Dallas, Ga., May 25, 

1804; disch. June 18,1805. 
William H. Spicer, lS9th Inf; enl. Sept. 3, 1864; died at Elmira, N. Y., June 8, 

1866. 
N. Tompkins, 35th Inf ; enl. May 8, 1861 ; disch. Oct. 31, 1802. 
Lorine Tompkins, Hth Regt.; enl. Sept 10, 1864; died Nov. 27.1864. 
J. W. Tompkins, :i6th Inf ; enl. May 8, 1.'61 ; d sch. June 13, 1805. 
Dewitt C. Tolbert, IGlst Inf ; enl. Aug. 21,' 1862. 
Eli G. Todd, Corp., Co. C, 86th Inf ; enl. Sept. 10, 1861. 
Frank Vclie, 107tli Inf; enl. Aug. 4, 1S62; wounded at Dallas, Ga.; disch. June 

16, 1805. 
Geo. W Velie, 189th Inf ; enl. Sept. 16, 1801 ; died April 29, lSr6. 
William M. Wixon, S6th Inf; enl. Sept. 20, 1861 ; taken piisoner; disch. June 

8, 1805. 
Henry James Wagner, musician, Co. I, SOth Inf ; enl. Oct. 7, 1801 ; disch. Dec. 

29, 1802. 
Henry W. Wagner, musician, Co. I, SOIh Inf ; enl. Sept. 20, 1801 ; disch. July 4, 

1865. 
Hosea Williams, SOIh Inf ; enl. Sept. 10, 1861 ; rc-enl. in 141st Inf ; disch. June 

8, 1805. 
John R. Wyckoff, 180th Inf ; enl. Aug. 27, 1861; disch. June 8, 1865. 
Parley S. White, Corp., Co. F, 107th Inf; enl. Aug. 6, 1862; died Nov. 16, 1862, 

on Blaryland Heights. 

E. J. Walling, SOIh Inf ; enl. Oct. 1, 1861 ; disch. July 4, 1866. 

F. A. Wright, 107th Inf; enl. January, 1864. 

C. Washburn, 104th Inf ; onl. Aug. 13, 1864 ; disch. .lune 7, 1866. 

Henry Wood, 35tli Inf ; enl. May, 1861 ; re-enl. in 86th Inf; wounded May 10, 

1864; disch. July 19,180.6. 
King Foster, Co. H, lS9th Regt.; onl. Sept. 20, 1864. 
William Goodrich, Co. E, ,60th N. Y. Engineers; enl. Aug. 29, 1861. 
George Clark, Co. E, 60th N. Y . Engineers ; enl. Aug. 29, 1861. 
John E. Covert, Co. E, 50th N. Y. Engineers; enl. Aug. 20, 1861. 
William R. Charles, Corp.. Co. H, .60th N. Y. Engineers ; enl. Aug. 25,1801. 
Henry L. Mills, Co. I, SOth N. Y. Engineers ; enl. Aug. 17, 1801. 
John E. Hoag, Co. F, 107th luf ; enl. July 29, 1862. 
Francis M. Mills, Co. F, 107th Inf ; enl. Aug. 6, 1802. 
John Brewer, Co. F, 107th luf ; enl. Aug. 0, 1802. 
John R. Austin, Co. E, Hist Inf ; enl. Sept. 11,1662. 
Benjamin M. Babcock, Co. E, Hist Inf ; enl. Sept. 11, 1862. 
Franklin P. Carpfuter, Co. E, 141st Inf ; enl. Sept. 11, 1862. 
John Duval, Co. E, 141st Inf ; enl. Sept. 11,1802. 
James Baird, Co. C, SOth Inf ; enl. Sepf 10, 1S61. 
Charles W. Brower, Co. C, SOth Inf ; enl. Oct. 14, 1861. 
Hiram H. Waters, Oo. C, S6th Inf; enl. Sept. 10, 1861. 
Albert Youmans, Co. F, 86th Inf ; enl. Oct. 2, 1861. 
James S. Fry, Co. I, SOth Inf ; enl. Ocf 9, 1861. 
William Gray, Co. I, 861h Inf; enl. Nov. 8, 1861. 
George Waters, 801h Inf; enl. Sept. 1861 ; killed Nov. 16, 1804. 

G. T. Youmans. 

RESIDENTS WHO WENT TO OTHER TOWNS AND ENLISTED. 

Warren Steward, col., ICth Ill.Cav. ; enl. April, 1801 ; killed at Vicksburg, Miss. 
William L. Bailey, loOtli N. Y. Inf ; enl. Aug. 21. 1862 ; disch. June 13, 1805. 
Philander Grimes. 

Alva Green, 147th luf; enl. Oct. 1803; disch. July. 1804. 
William Hamilton, 8th Regt. : enl. Jan. 1, 1864 ; disch, June, 1865. 
Charles M. Lee, 141st Inf ; wound.d and discharged. 
William B. L\icas, 35th Inf ; enl. May, 1861 ; disch. Feb. 1803. 
George W. Mack, 0th Regt. ; enl. Jan. 14, 1864. 
A. J. Mack, disch. for wounds. 
P. H. Mosier, killed. 

William Mathews, llSth Inf ; enl. 1862 : disch. 1864. 
Isaac Mathews, 60th Regt. ; enl. 1863 ; disch. 1803. 
John Nute, died at Jacksonville, Fla. 

C. G. Prentice, U. S. Navy ; enl. Aug. 13, 1,864; disch. June 21, 1865. 
L. W. Putman, 50th N. Y. Regt.; enl. ISOI ; disch. June l:i, 1865. 
J. R. Putman, 2!d Inf ; enl. April, 1801 ; disch. April, 1863. 
George M. Putnam, 107th Inf ; enl. July 23, 1862. 
Eugene L. Rendt, 1891h Inf ; enl. Aug. 23, 1864; disch. May 30, 1865. 
Charles Rice, 78th Inf ; enl. Dec. 9, 1801 ; disch. 1S02. 

Isaiic C. Seager, 161st Inf ; onl. Aug. 7.1802 ; killed in Tennessee, May 2, 1863. 
N. T. Smith, 60th Regt. ; enl. Sept. 0, 1864; disch. June 13, 1865. 
Jason Stevens, 185th Inf; enl. Sept. S, 1864; disch. May 30, 1866. 
J. F. Vankeuren, SOth Inf; enl. Nov. 0, 1801 ; wounded May 10. 1861; disch. 
Julv 21, 1865. 



216 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



JOHN D. HAMILTON. 

The great-grandfather of the .subject of this sketch was 
born in Scotland, and came to America, settling in New 
Jersey, where he reared a large family, of whom William 
Hamilton was one. He (William Hamilton) was the father 
of eleven children, — five sons and six daughters, — all of 
whom lived to manhood and womanhood, and some to ex- 
treme old age. Of this number Cornelius S. Hamilton was 
born in Morris Co., N J , July 28, 1799. Early in life 
he commenced to learn the shoemaker's trade, and followed 
it through life. He married Miss Rebecca, daughter of 
John Davis, of Hunterdon Co., N. J., Nov. 29, 1827. 
She was born in Bethlehem, Hunterdon Co., N. J., April 
1, 1805, and left there, in company with her parents, about 
1825, and settled in Lansing, Tompkins Co , N. Y., where 
she became acquainted with her husband, who had left 
New Jersey some time before and settled in that place. 
Their children were John D., Jane, Sarah A., and Lewis. 
They were all born in Lansing. Sarah A. died at the age 
of twenty. 

In February, 1810, Mr. Hamilton with his family re- 
moved to Lawrenceville, Pa., and from there to Dix, Schuy- 
ler Co., N. Y., and Nov. 2, 1813, settled in Campbell, 
where he resided till his death. In politics he was a Whig. 

Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton were members of the Pre.sby- 
terian Church at Campbell. Mr. Hamilton died Feb. 20, 
1850, and was buried in the cemetery at Campbell. Mrs. 
H. is now well advanced in years, and lives with her son, 
John D. 

John D. Hamilton was born at Lansing, Tompkins Co., 
N. Y., Nov. 17, 1828. He was reared to industry, and 
early formed those business habits which have character- 
ized him through life. He received a common-school edu- 
cation, but by reading and reflection has acquired a good 
business education. 

He commenced life by working on a farm for seven dol- 
lars per month. He also learned the shoemaker's trade. 
Before his majority he had made ten trips down the Sus- 
quehanna as raft,sman, and acted as pilot during one trip. 

When Mr. Hamilton became of age he commenced busi- 
ness for himself in the shoe trade at Campbell. In April, 
1854, he entered into partnership with S. B. Howell and 
John G. Curtis, of Painted Post, and built a tannery at 
Curtisville, and this partnership continued till February, 
1857. During this time the company owned a store at 
Painted Post. 

. Messrs. Hamilton and Howell sold their interest in the 
tannery to their partner, John G. Curtis, and his brother, 
Daniel B. Curtis, and in a few weeks Mr. Hamilton sold 
his interest in the store to Mr. Howell. 

In April, 1857, he began building his present tannery. 
The firm was established under the name of J. D. Hamil- 
ton & Co., as it has since remained, though Mr. Hamilton 
has changed partners. In 18GG, Messrs. Hamilton, Curtis 
& Co. built a very extensive tannery at Emporium, Cameron 
Co., Pa. In 1870 the firm-name changed to Hamilton, 



Martin & Co., Mr. Curtis having retired. Mr. Hamilton 
has been the controlling manager in both tanneries. They 
give employment to more than ten men continually, and 
during bark-peeling time they employ some three hundred 
and fifty or more men. They use about ten thousand cords 
of bark annually. This company make the purchases of 
their stock in the city of New York, and sell their leather 
direct from the tannery. This firm owns several thousand 
acres of timber land, and is unsurpassed by any other for 
its credit. 

Mr. Hamilton aflaliates with the Republican party, and 
cast his first vote for Winfield Scott for President. He has 
never held any official position, as his extensive business 
relations would not allow him to do so. His firm has dealt 
with large firms in England, Scotland, and Germany, send- 
ing their leather direct to those firms. 

He married Harriet D. Lovell, a native of Chemung 
Co., N. Y., Feb. 17, 1858. Mrs. Hamilton wa.s born Aug. 
25, 1835. They have two children, — Willis L., born April 
14, 1860, and Sarah, born Feb. 24, 1874. 

Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton are worthy members of the 
Presbyterian Church. He has been one of the most suc- 
cessful business men in Steuben County (See view of his 
residence on another page of this work.) In all his busi- 
ness relations he has been actuated by a strict regard for 
truth and honor. He is a kind, hospitable neighbor, a 
dutiful son, and an affectionate husband and father. His 
life shows what can be accomplished by industry, integrity, 
and perseverance, coupled with those moral principles 
which lie at the foundation of every truly successful life. 



DANIEL B. CURTIS. ■ 

The subject of this sketch is the oldest son of John and 
Lucy Curtis, and was born in Newtown, Fairfield Co., Conn., 
March 30, 1826. His father owning and carrying on the 
business of a tannery, Daniel worked with him until his 
death, which occurred in 1845. He then continued the 
business alone until 1849, when he sold out and went to 
California by way of the Isthmus of Panama, being forty 
days on the way. He arrived in San Francisco about the 
15th of November, 1819, and for the first year was en- 
gaged in prospecting and mining, and the remainder of his 
stay in California as a general produce merchant, shipping 
goods by pack-mules into the mining districts, his head- 
quarters being at Marysville. He left California in the 
fall of 1856, and in the spring of 1857 he settled at Cur- 
tis, Steuben Co., N. Y., having purchased a half-interest 
in a tannery there. He continued in the business about 
two years, when he sold out to Messrs. Fitch & Ailing, of 
Rochester. 

He then purchased of his uncle, Daniel Curtis, after 
whom the railroad station of Curtis was named, the saw- 
mill and farm on which he now resides. The farm contains 
about four hundred acres. He was married in Bath, N. Y., 
in May, 1863, to Mary A., daughter of Lucius H. and 
Susan Y. Brown. They have had four children, Jennie B. 
(who died when three years old), John S., George H., and 
Uri B. Curtis. 



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RESiDtNCE OF A. J. Carter, Canisteo.New YoRif. 




"CANISTEO [lOUSC',' JOHN LARFER FffOFRltTOR, CANISTEO, N.Y 



CANISTEO. 



PHYSICAL FEATURES. 

Canisteo was one of the original towns of Steuben 
County, formed in March, 1796. A part of Troupsburgh 
was taken off in 1808, Hornellsville in 1820, and parts of 
Ja-sper and Greenwood in 1827. A part of the town was 
annexed to Troupsburgh in 1818. It is an interior town, 
lying a little southwest of the centre of the county, being 
bounded north by Howard, east by Cameron, south by 
Jasper and Greenwood, and west by Hartsville. Its sur- 
face is chiefly a hilly upland, broken by the deep valleys of 
the streams. The Canisteo River runs through the north- 
ern part, with a valley half a mile wide, and with hills 
450 feet high on each side. The principal creeks running 
from the south into the Canisteo are Bennett's and Col. 
Bill's Creeks, flowing through narrow, deep valleys, sur- 
rounded by steep hills. The .soil is chiefly a clayey and 
gravelly loam, with rich alluvium in the valleys of the 
streams ; some of the richest lands in the county b'jing the 
Bennett Flats, at the mouth of Bennett's Creek. 

EAKLY SETTLEMENT. 

■ The Canisteo Valley was among the earliest-settled por- 
tions of Steuben County Early in 1788, Solomon Ben- 
nett, Capt. John Jamison, Uriah Stephens, and Richard 
Crosley, from the Wyoming region in Pennsylvania, started 
on an exploring expedition up the western tributaries of the 
Su.squehanna. They passed up the Chemung and the 
Conhocton, but finding no land to suit them, crossed over 
the hills and discovered the beautiful valley of the Canisteo. 
This valley, about half a mile wide, was bordered by steep 
hill-sides from 400 to 500 feet high, inclosing a forest of 
heavy timber for a considerable distance, but terminating in 
an open flat of several hundred acres, covered with grass 
" so high that a horse and his rider could pass through it 
almost unperceived." The explorers decided to purchase 
two townships on the river, which included the open flats. 
In the summer of 1789 a company was sent to the flats to 
cut and stack hay for the cattle which were to be driven on 
in the fall. The first settlers conveyed their provisions, 
baggage, and families, from Newtown (Elmira), on a seven- 
ton boat, while four sons of Mr. Uriah Stephens drove the 
cattle along the shore. The ascent of the river was no 
easy task, as frequently they were obliged to cut away the 
trunks of trees and dams of driftwood to clear a passage 
for their boat. Sometimes they encountered rapids, when 
all hands were obliged to go on shore and tow their craft by 
means of a long rope. Having gained the upper flats, the 
cattle were turned loose to feast upon the luxuriant grass, 
while the pioneers proceeded to build a house of logs 2G 
feet long and 24 feet wide. There was only one room 
below. Four fireplaces were excavated in the four corners 
28 



of the room, and with plenty of wood the settlers passed 
the winter quite comfortably. Two families spent the 
winter in this log palace, and in the spring two others were 
admitted, each occupying a corner and arranging their 
domestic affairs in their own way, with as much good-humor 
as if their apartments had been separated by brick and 
mortar. 

In the spring of 1790, Solomon Bennett, Uriah Stephens, 
Jr., and Col. John Stephens, with their families, joined the 
new settlement. They immediately commenced breaking 
a portion of the open flats. Four yoke of oxen were neces- 
sai-y to force the old-fashinned plow through the thickly- 
matted roots of this miniature prairie. After sowing their 
wheat and planting their corn, they constructed an enormous 
log fence, inclosing about 400 acres of land. From the 
present site of the village of Canisteo down to the nest 
township, about six miles, they laid out twelve lots across 
the valley, and assigned them by lot to the several proprie- 
tors.* The first house was built on what has since been 
known as the Bennett or Pompelly farm. The first families 
who occupied the place were those of Uriah Stephens, Sr., 
and Richard Crosby ; then, as we have said, came Solomon 
Bennett, Uriah Stephens, Jr., and Col. John Stephens, in the 
spring of 1790. These were followed the same spring by 
Jedediah Stephens, John Bedford, and Andrew Bennett, 
making quite an important addition to the settlement. Sol- 
omon Bennett was one of the leading spirits. He built the 
first grist-mill on the Canisteo in 1793. It stood on Ben- 
nett's Creek, about half a mile from its mouth. It was 
burned in a year or two. Before this mill was built, the 
settlers carried their grain to Shepard's mill, on the Sus- 
quehanna, nearly one hundred miles. After the burning 
of the mill, Mr. Bennett went to New York to procure 
machinery for another, but became engaged in other busi- 
ness, and failed to .supply the wants of his neighbors 
George Hornell, afterwards known as Judge Hornell, set- 
tled in the upper township, now Hornellsville, in 1793, and 
was induced to build a mill on the site since known as 
Hornell's Mills. The settlers were so impatient for its 
erection that they turned out and prepared the timber vol- 



's The lots in Canisteo and Hornellsville were drawn as follows: 



Canisteo. 

No. 

Arthur Erwin 1 

Christian Kciss 2 

Solomon Bennett 3 

Kolomon Ucnnett 4 

Joel Thomas 5 

John Stephens 6 

John Jameson 7 

Uriah Stephens 8 

Uriah Stephens, Jr 9 

William Wynkoop 10 

Jatnes lludley .' 11 

Elisha Brown 12 



IIORSKI.I.SVII.I.E. 

No. 

James Hadley 1 

John Jameson 2 

Arthur Krwin 3 

Christian Kciss 4 

Joel Thomas 5 

Uriah Stephens, .Jr. 6 

John Stephens 7 

William Wynkoop 8 

Uriah Stephens, Sr 9 

Solomon liennett 10 

Elisha Brown 11 

Solomon Bennett 12 

217 



218 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



untarily. Solomon BenDett kept the first store, and Jede- 
diali Stephens the first tavern. James McBuniey, of Ireland, 
first came to Canisteo as a peddler. He bought Great Lot 
No. 12, in the upper township, of Solomon Bennett, and 
other lands ; went to Ireland, and upon his return settled 
some of his countrymen upon his lands. 

The first birth was that of Olive Stephens, Nov. 18, 
1790. The first marriage was that of Richard Crosby and 
Hannah Baker, and the first death that of Henry Stephens. 

The early settlers of Canisteo frequently recognized 
among the Indians, who came to hunt in that vicinity, 
some of their old antagonists at Wyoming ; but old enmities 
were generally forgotten, and the savages and settlers lived 
togetlier on the must amicable terms. 

Under the old organization of Ontario County, the set- 
tlement of Canisteo was in the town of Williamsburgh, 
whicli at that time embraced an indefinite amount of terri- 
tory in what is now Steuben and adjacent counties. Jede- 
diah Stephens was the first supervisor of that town, and 
attended the meetings of the board at Canandaigua in 1794 
and 1795. The town-meeting was held at the house of 
Uriah Stephens, and seven votes were cast. Solomon 
Bennett is said to have been the captain of the first military 
company organized in Steuben County. 

At the time of the first settlement, the Indians were 
accustomed to come down from Squakie Hill several times 
a year to engage in horse and foot racing, and other rude 
sports. At such times the uproar of their festivals made 
the valley appear like a den of maniacs. The Indians, 
though "quick as cats" and "limber as snakes," were not 
a match for their better trained and more experienced 
antagonists. On these festive occasions the Indians came 
down with all their households, women, children, dogs, and 
horses, but conducted themselves with great civility, giving 
their hosts no cause of complaint. 

Elias Stephens was a strong, athletic man, and a skillful 
wrestler. At one time the Indians proposed a wrestling- 
match between him and a young chief, whom they had 
selected and trained for the occasion. Mr. Stephens con- 
sented, and at the first round hurled the young savage to 
the ground with a broken thigh. The chief's backers were 
angry, and threatened to kill the victor, but the afliiir was 
finally made up, and the unfortunate chief was borne from 
the scene of his defeat on a deer-skin stretched between two 
poles. 

The Indians sometimes made a military display, marching 
forth upon the flats to the number of three hundred war- 
riors, in full costume, to exhibit the grand war-dance. 
They made a fire about eight rods long, and paraded 
around it with hideous chants, and a great clattering of 
little deer-skin drums. Elias Stephens, by his display of 
strength and resolution, became an object of respect to the 
Indians, who well knew that he dared to do all he promised. 
Fourteen men were once at work in Bennett's mill-yard, 
when sixteen of the savages came on whooping and brand- 
ishing their knives, and drove the men from the yard. Mr. 
Stephens was immediately informed of this raid, and, seizing 
a club, he hastened to the mill, where the Indians were 
capering- about and brandishing their knives in great glee. 
.' Put up your knives, and be off," said he, " or I will beat 



all your brains out !" The Indians, deeming that discretion 
was the better part of valor, put their knives in their belts, 
and quietly walked away. 

About 1820 a road was opened up Bennett's Creek as 
far as the point known as the Salt Spring.s. At an early 
period saline water had been discovered at this place, and 
several unsuccessful eflforts had been made to manuf;icture 
salt from the water. The water at the surflice was found 
not sufiiciently strong, and afterwards an attempt to find 
good brines was made by boring, but it was finally given up 
as fruitless. 

At this place there was a log house at the time the road 
was opened, otherwise it was entirely wild from William S. 
Thomas' through. There was a man by the name of 
Charles Moore, who owned a farm near where Purdy Creek 
unites with Bennett's Creek. He was among the early 
settlers, if not one of the pioneers. He was living on this 
farm as early as 1810, and his family was one well known 
in the valley of the Canisteo. One of the daughters be- 
came the wife of Uriah F. Stephens, Esq., and of the 
daughters of the latter, one is Mrs. David Woollever, of 
Hornellsville, and another Mrs. William Ilendershott. Mr. 
Moore also had one or more sons and two daughters, — Mrs. 
Enoch Ordway and Mrs. Atwell Cook, of Canisteo, — and 
some of the descendants are still living in the town. The 
place was afterwards occupied (perhaps owned) by John 
Moore, who was a relative, but not of the same family. 

There were two John Moores in the town ; one kept a 
public-house near Hadley's Eddy, on the river, and was 
called " Big John," being a large man ; the one who lived 
on Bennett's Creek was called " Little Johnny," by way of 
distinction, although he was a man of at least medium size 
and weight, his only peculiarity being his unusually short 
legs. Little Johnny lived in 1810 on the turnpike, in a 
little log house. The place has since been known as the 
Sweet farm. An old acquaintance, who knew Little Johnny 
at the time of which we are speaking, describes him as " a 
man in the best sense of the word, — intellectual, kind, and 
generous, a good neighbor and a valued citizen." Of Irish 
descent, he entertained but a small amount of good-will 
towards the government whose allegiance he had renounced, 
and he evinced his love and attachment for his adopted 
country by taking the field in her defense, in the war with 
Great Britain in 1812. Just before the war he was in 
Canada, with a friend, and in pa.ssing a fortification he ob- 
served that some of the pickets were broken off, and he 
remarked to his friend that " if a person was disposed, he 
might easily get through them." The remark was over- 
heard by a sentinel, and soon Johnny and his friend found 
themselves under arrest. They were taken before the com- 
manding officer of the fort, who very sternly inquired of 
Moore if he had made the remark. Johnny replied very 
frankly, " I did, sir." " And would you try it?"' inquired 
the officer. " I would, indade, if my country called me," 
was Johnny's prompt reply. The officer then ofi"ered him 
large inducements, in British uniform and gold, to enlist in 
the British service, but Johnny could not be moved from 
his patriotic loyalty to his adopted country. The next year 
found him au American soldier in the disastrous battle of 
Queenstown, where he was wounded and made prisoner. 





pL^-x^Jr ^^:/'^^-^' 



GEORGE H. STEPHENS. 



George H. Stephens was born in Canisteo, on the place 
where he now resides, June 19, 1803. His grandfather, Uriah 
Stephens, was a native of Litclifield County, town of Canaan, 
Conn. ; married Martha Ratlibun, a native of Stonington, 
Conn. Of this union were born before leaving that State: 
Benjamin, died in the Revolutionary war ; Mrs. Solomon Ben- 
nett, Mrs. Daniel McHenry, Uriali, Jr., John, Mrs. Judge 
George Hornell, Phineas, Elias, Elijah, William, and Benja- 
min ('2d). The familj' left Connecticut in 1V06, and settled 
in Stillwater, N. Y. ; afterwards in Northumberland Co., Pa. ; 
thence to Tioga Point; thence to Newtown, now Elmira, and 
in 1789 the father and his sons, Uriah and John, explored the 
Canisteo Valley, accompanied by his son-in-law, Solomon 
Bennett, and James Hadley. That year, with others, they 
purchased the upper and lower Canisteo, now Canisteo and 
Hornellsville, and the same year Uriah Stephens, Sr., settled 
here with his family ; the others settled the following year. 

Uriah Stephens, Sr,, was a soldier of the French and Indian 
war, and in the Revolutionary war his son Uriah, Jr., took 
his place, and served through the entire war on the Indian 
frontier in Pennsylvania. Phineas Stephens was in the war of 
1812, and ranked as major. Uriah Stephens, Sr., settled on 
the place now owned by Thomas Hallett, which remained in 
the family about eighty years, and on which he died, as also 
did his wife, and they were buried on the farm. 

He was a member of the Presbyterian Church, his wife a 
member of the Baptist Church, and buth a.ssisted in the or- 
ganization of the first church and school in the town. This 
family, whose posterity has become so numerous in the county, 
was the first to settle and begin the various enterprises of the 
Canisteo Valley. 

His father, Uriah Stephens, was very closely allied to the 
most important public interests of the town and county, was 
town clerk for several years, justice of the peace for eighteen 



years, supervisor for twenty years, and associate judge of the 
county for six years. He was a man of good business ability, 
temperate habits, and ranked among the prominent men of 
Steuben County; and his integrity of character, and faithful- 
ness to duty as an officer of the public, won the esteem of all 
who knew him. His early education was very meagre, but 
he possessed much native ability and good, sound common 
sense. He married Elizabeth Jones in 1785, while in the 
"Wyoming country, of which union were born three sons and 
five daughters, — John R. , Mrs. John Ayers, Mrs. Abbott, 
afterwards Mrs. Bazey Baker, Mrs. Silas Corey, Mrs. Joshua 
Stephens, Matthew, George H., and Mrs. Jerathmell Powers. 
Of these children, only the subject of this sketch is living. 
The father died Aug. 2, 1849, aged eighty-eight. The mother 
died March 30, 1849, aged eight)'-three. 

George H. Stephens has followed farming during his life 
on the farm settled by his father on the Canisteo River. He 
married Harriet, daughter of Daniel Baker, Sept. 5, 1825. 
She was born Sept. 6, 1802. Their children are George, 
Caleb, Paulina (deceased), Shirene, Elizabeth (deceased), 
Mary, Rhoda (deceased), Mrs. Edwin Foster, and Matthew. 
Like his father before him, Mr. Stephens is a staunch member 
of the Democratic party, and for some fifteen years has served 
the people of his town as asses.sor. He was the first man who 
joined the Morning Star Masonic Lodge in Canisteo, and has 
been a member of that lodge for over half a century. 

Mr. and Mrs. Stephens liave lived happily together for 
upwards of fifty years, and for some twentj- years of that time 
have been members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and 
contributors to that and kindred interests. They are now 
among the old landmarks that point back to the early days in 
the history of the town, and have lived to see schools and 
churches established, railroads, the telegraph, and modern 
machinery take their places in advancing civilization. 






^^^^ w« 



L/X-^^n-LAj ^T^^^' 




NATHAN CROSBY. 



The Crosby family in Canisteo is of English descent. 
His grandfiither, Benjamin Crosby, emigrated from Eng- 
land about the middle of the last century, arriving in New 
York after a long period of suffering by being cast away, 
one of the children having starved to death. The family 
remained in the vicinity of New York until 1789, when 
Mr. Crosby, in company with several others, explored the 
Canisteo Valley and purchased the territory that now com- 
prises the towns of Canisteo and Horuellsville, and thus 
he became one of the original proprietors of this section 
of Steuben County. In 1790 he .settled with his family 
where Hornellsville now is located, and there owned 
several hundred acres of land. He raised a family of eight 
children who reached maturity, among whom was Richard 
Crosby, who was a captain in General Washington's body- 
guard, and was also ensign in tlie first military company 
organized. 

Richard Crosby was with his father when he first visited 
the Canisteo Valley ; married for his first wife, Hannah, 
daughter of Jeremiah and Anna Baker, and sister of Hon. 
Jeremiah Baker, now living in Canisteo. 

Their children were Benjamin, Benjamin (2d), Hector, 
Troylus, Mrs. Absalom Travis, Frederick, John, Mrs. 
Charles Travis, and Samuel. 

The mother died in 1812, and about 1813 he married 
Hannah, daughter of Nathan Thomas, of this county. 
The children by this union are Nathan, Mrs. Elizabeth 
Hallett, Ulysses, and Robert. The father died about 1822 ; 
the mother died in 1863, aged seventy-seven. 



Nathan Crosby was born in the town of Canisteo, Jlarch 
26, 1815. He had limited opportunities for an education 
from books, yet received such parental training as to lay 
the foundation for a successful business life as a farmer. 
His father owned a mile square of land in the valley, and 
was thereby enabled to leave to each of his sons a small 
farm, which however at the time that Mr. Crosby started 
business for himself was of little value. In 1836 he 
married Nancy, daughter of Elijah and Elizabeth ( Moore) 
Hallett, of Canisteo. She was born Nov. 10, 1820. 

Their children are Mary (died young), Mrs. Thomas J. 
SheflSeld, Hiram, George, deceased, leaving a wife and two 
children, Byron and Lewis L. 

Hiram was a volunteer, in 1861, of the 86th New York 
Volunteers, Colonel Bailey commanding ; served three years, 
and was in the battles of second Bull Run, Wilderness, 
and all in which his regiment was engaged. 

Frank Hallett, a son-inlaw (Mrs. Sheffield's first hus- 
band), was in the same regiment, and met his death at 
Spottsylvania Court-House, being wounded, taken prisoner, 
and died as a prisoner of war. 

Mr. Crosby's life has been spent as a farmer and lumber- 
man; in the latter business he has been engaged for as 
many as thirty years of his life, mostly as pilot on the 
Canisteo, Chemung, and Susquehanna Rivers. He has 
been a member of the Free-will Baptist Church for over 
forty years, having been deacon for the last thirty yeai's of 
this time. He is a Republican in politics, but was origin- 
ally a member of the Democratic party. 



JOSHITJ^^ STEIPHEIsrs. 



Joshua Stephens was born in 1793, 
and was second child, born in Canisteo, 
of Jedediah Stephens. He was mar- 
ried Dec. 29, 1811, to Rhoda, daughter 
of Uriah Stephens, who was son of the 
first settler of Canisteo Valley. She was 
born in 1795, and married at the age of 
sixteen. This couple first settled by 
themselves in 1815 on Bennett Creek, 
then a wilderness, on two hundred acres 
of land, the property now being owned 
by his children, and on which three of 
them now reside. They commenced 
clearing their land, his wife not only 
attending to the housework in the rude 
log house, which now stands on the 
place, but she often assisted him at the 
log-pile piling brush, and in the gen- 
eral work of preparing the land for 
cultivation. At this time on their farm 
were scattered Indian wigwams, so that 
their immediate neighbors were the red 
men of the forest. Mr. Stej)hens was 
a warm friend of the Indian, and often 
befriended them; but other white men 
were unfriendly, and often had quarrels 
with them, burnt their wigwams, and 
tried to drive them away. This so en- 
raged the Indians that they resolved upon the death of one of their 
persecutors. Mistaking Mr. Stephens for this man, they shot him in 
mid-day; he was hunting for his oxen in the woods. His death oc- 
curred Sept. 20, 1825. 

The mother and her four children — Elizabeth, Abigail, De Witt C, 




&^Xx^ 



MRS. RHODA STEPHENS 



and George J — were left to meet the 
obstacles of a life in a new country as 
best they could, but she proved herself 
eaual to the emergency. Her courage, 
ambition, executive ability, and perse- 
verance made her successful. With the 
aid of her children she went on clearing 
the land, fencing and cultivating it. 

Her eldest son, at the time of the 
death of his father, was only seven 
years of age, but the daughters, being 
older, assisted the mother in her out- 
door work until the sons were of proper 
age to use the axe. 

The incidents, privations, and hard- 
ships of this family would interest the 
reader could they be narrated. The 
mother was a model woman in all her 
ways, and reared her children to respect 
and honor her. She lived to care for 
her children. Devotion to family faintly 
expresses her love for her children. 
She died Dec. 10, 1876, being eighty- 
one years and eleven days old, and 
lived upon the farm first settled upon 
after marriage the remainder of her 
life. The second daughter, Abigail, 
married Henry Hamilton, of Canisteo j 
and the oldest son, De Witt C, married Amanda Hamilton, and re- 
sides on a part of the old homestead. The portraits of George J. 
and his sister Elizabeth, together with their mother's, accompany this 
sketch. They now occupy the old home. The former was born May 
5, 1824; the latter, Nov. 2, 1812. 








GEORGE J. STEPHENS. 



ELIZABETH STEPHENS. 





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MBS. SI, H, STKPHEXJ^ 



MORDECAI H. STEPHENS. 



Jbu. la. l$ia He is SOB orif CVI. MlUnm umL Am 
Step ha c v aad gnoKbcn ot XTraJb ^eftlMi^ dK fiist 
sin]«r cif tike Ouusteo ValW. 

CoL TUlBut Siqnketts wais a Bttiv» of Bawfrl- 
rauHk. beu^ bon at Ak aMMik of tW Jaaao. Afiril 
3S, 1TT7. 

Hk wifr »«^ 31 BMTK oj 2sow J«sey, K-iira S<epi. 

OaL Sicfkas «•■» to Ae Cuskv* Talky ia dh^ 
^firii^ of 1T91, kavia^ atsissal w drnua^ oatide iqp 
tike mvr uin> tke oMOMtiy. He vxs Butnei Ai^. 
14. 1797. wi settled m HonelkvilH vImk ke 
kcnrever Ksided oahr a sIhr tnKv.awl icskoveJ «» 
Ou^ieo aoMl senjkd ca tke old kowesKad, Bov ovsed 
W TVaMK Halkn. 

He wn»< ji &raMr ■»$( of las fife: v:&^ a ref«^ 
jCMadw KHB of 1^ «ewa. He n^ed :^ {ckael 
w ^ :^ate ■uGtb: :9exv«i ae sapernskw sevfial 
\«Kt«: was a akUi of ^reae <«ebl»Btv, sad pama- 
pMed ia tke TaziiMS esariv tami g p rije:- of kcad ua- 
pravoMeacs ia d» Kwm. 

He .fied Not. 4, 1>;5IL Hjs aife died May 6. 
1<4T. Tkenr dHUna ai¥ Mrs;. C1m)s Mvx«e de- 
oat^ed^• ; Bi'apiTa (doMati^ : Ob»>iia& deca^ : 
Mis. PkiKp Lee. a^^v Mr^ Williua Beaaett. of 
HwMJlsviUe: Monkcu H..: Mi^ S^ii S. Beckvidk, 



of Ransts; MllKam B<: Urah, of Eitasae; aad 
Jolut. died TOQi^. 

OfcacBik mas ptvniioeat^T ivie:si:ced inui tbe iater- 
eiss of tke tova aad eowarr, aad «as efetned to rq»- 
!V£«ii his A>seaibhr «fistiM in ike Scue Lc'^tslataK. 

Oae bnikcr of CoL ^epkens — Joka — atko laaked 
as oijkael : aad one kioikHr — Elias — ^«^as na|or. 

iXCoideou H. i^qpkeas reHaaaed at kooie aatil tke 
3^^e i^ tv«9ty~&iar, v^KB ke named Pket«. dn^ier 
of Uriah U|«», of Ouiisfeo. Ske mas Kira Sept. 
ax 1S14. 

He settled oa a pan of die old k o w ertt ad. vkeK 
ke WBitiaed as a finaer dR wost patt of kis artiw 
Iwsia^fife. 

He mas finaethr idcadfied vidi die Tlli% pu^^ 
and kfes beoB a HMariier of tke R^aAGena paitr siaee 
ie fewwioa. Sooa afta- kis imiuB y ke bmuae a 
■RSiber of tke iJiiasoBie £taieniirr of Oaaistetv ^ad 
kae keld -ruiciE: oftoK ia dat twdr. He kas heea 
fer aaay veai^ a aKaaber of tke Honelkville Cka^K 
ter. Xo. 101, aad a diieetor of tke Somketa Her 
Masanur Selief Asswiatioa of SSaaiia. 

His «ife died CWt. tl\ l$7dk IVir duldrea are 
Meribatk, vko nsids «idi ker &iker : 3<i& Claries 
Hnkln-, dsd Jaae 17, ISTS, a^ed duiVF-tkiee, 
letTti^ oae daa^ner, Mrnie E.; aaid Hkaaa Bk^ 
BOT a Ksdeat of BaSa, BookiagkaB Ov, :S, C. 



TOWN OF CANLSTEO. 



219 



A pleasant little anecdote i» related of Moore, at hia 
surrender in this battle, exhibiting his courage and humor. 
In the fight, wiiich was a liand-t^j-hand bayonet encounter, 
Moore and a few of his companions had got separated a 
considerable distance from the main body, and were not 
included in the general surrender. A soldier was sent 
down to them to order them up to surrender their arms. 
Moore had posted himself on a barrel of whisky which 
they found in that part of the field, and drawn up his half- 
dozen men in order of battle around liira, and stoutly 
refused to surrender unless certain conditions were granted. 
'I'lie soldier returned and reported, whereupon an officer 
and a sufficient number of men were .sent to insure com- 
pliance. The officer found Moore still in posilitjn on his 
barrel of whisky. The officer demanded surrender. Moore 
replied that he was " ready U) capiialale, but must have 
terms." The officer, plea.sed with Johnny's humor, in- 
quired what terms he demanded. Johnny replied that, 
" his men be permitted to march into camp under shoulder- 
arms, and that each one be allowed to fill bis canteen from 
the barrel on which he stood." The officer humorously 
acceded to the terms proposed, and the canteens were filled, 
and Johnny, at the head of his column, marched into camp 
and surrendered. He was soon after paroled and sent into 
the American lines, but he did not for some time after 
leave the service. 

Another adventure used to be told of Moore, illustrating 
his courage and endurance. Early in the history of the 
Valley, Moore and several others made an excursion to 
(Jryder's Creek, a small stream in Allegany County. On 
their return they struck through the woods from some- 
where in the neighborhood of Andovcr to CanLsteo. It 
was in midwinter, the snow was deep, the weather cold, 
and the distance a good day's travel with ordinarily good 
roads. Towards night, and while yet a good way from the 
end of their journey, our travelers began to feel excessively 
weary, and especially Moore, who was very short-legged ; 
but all saw the neces.sity of persevering and even of quick- 
ening their pace, as night was fast approaching. At length 
Moore gave out and refused to go farther. The others, 
who were less exhausted, urged and entreated him to con- 
tinue his efforts, but nothing could move him to go farther ; 
and the party, thinking that all must perish if they 
attempted to spend the night there, finally left him and 
urged their way through. The sad story was soon told 
through the neighborhood, and a party early next morning 
started to find Moore, expecting that he had certainly per- 
ished during the night. Hut after going a few miles, what 
was their astonishment and joy to meet Johnny puffing his 
way through the snow and making as good headway as his 
abbreviated appendages would permit. On inquiring of 
him how he had kept from freezing during the night, he 
.said that after resting awliih;, ho followed on till he came 
to a hollow log, into which he crawled as far as he could 
and soon fell asleep. After sleeping awhile he was awakened 
by finding something was crawling on bis feet. The crea- 
ture, he said, lay ((uietly till nearly daylight and then 
quietly left. He said he lay warm and rested well. In 
the morning Moore backed out and found by the tracks 
that his bed-fellow had been a huge bear. His friends 



were so incredulous that they followed the back track to 
the log where Moore had slept, and found it even as he had 
said. 

Mr. Moore, though he lived and died in humble life, be- 
queathed to hw posterity a rich inheritance, — '• a good 
name," which we are a.ssured is far better than great riches. 

In passing up Bennett's Creek, the first settler above 
Johnny Moore wa.s Joshua Stephens, a son of the Rev. 
Jedediah Stephens. At what time he settled there we arc 
not aware, but he is mentioned by an old citizen as being 
there in 1819, and the clearing was then a small beginning ; 
a small log house stood on the right hand, and a barn on 
the left of the road, and only a few acres were cleared. It 
was, however, a very desirable location, embracing a full 
sweep through the flats, and oflFering to industry a reward 
in the future which his worthy sons have made full proof 
of Joshua Stephens was a man of kind and amiable di.s- 
position-, and was highly esteemed as a neighbor and citi- 
zen. He married Miss Rhoda Stephens, a daughter of 
Uriah Stephens, Esq. Two sons. Clinton and George, still 
occupy the old homestead where their father lived and 
died. One of the daughters married Mr. Henry Hamilton, 
one of the most enterprising farmers in this section of the 
country. Mr. Stephens was cut down in the very vigor of 
manhood, and when earthly prospects were most inviting, 
flattering, and full of hope. With an estimable lady for a 
companion, a promising little family of beautiful children, 
a farm susceptible of being one of the most desirable in the 
neighborhood, there seemed hut little between him and 
earthly felicity ; but in one sad hour the whole was shrouded 
in gloom. He went out one evening, as he w:is in the habit 
of doing, after his cows, but not returning and night coming 
on, the family became alarmed, and search was instituted. 
He was found the next morning a mile or more from the 
house, on the roadside, shot through the body and dead. 
He had evidently traveled some distance after being shot, 
as his course was indicated by traces of blood. It was sup- 
posed that he thought himself fatally wounded and had 
made a great effort to reach the road, so that his body might 
be the more readily found. It is supposed that this murder 
was committed by two Indians who were encamped near 
by. The Indians were soon after arrested and put in jail, 
and after a time were tried for the murder. They were 
ably defended through the influence of their old friends, — 
Jones & Clute, of Geneseo. The Indians were found not 
guilty, although a strong case was made by the people 
against them. Little doubt remained in the minds of the 
people that the Indians shot him. The names of the In- 
dians were Sundown and Curly Eye, and were well known 
to the early settlers. The latter was a professed doctor, 
and went by the title of Dr. Curly Eye. Deacon Mowry 
Thacher, now living in Hornellsville, seventy-six years of 
age, and still active and vigorous, knew the Indians well ; 
had an intimate acquaintance with Mr. Stephens, and was 
familiar with the circumstances of the tragic death and 
the solemn funeral of the murdered citizen. He said in 
18t!8, " Though some forty years have since elapsed, I have 
a most vivid recollection of that funeral. When the corpse 
was about to be removed from the house, his aged and ven- 
erable father, trembling under a weight of years, and his 



a2o 



HISTOKY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



heart smitten to the dust under his crushing sorrow, said 
to the audience, ' Stop, friends, a moment ; I want to pray 
before you remove the body.' The dear old man fell upon 
his knees, and the first words of his prayer were, ' Oh, 
God ! assuage my grief.' Few eyes were dry when he had 
finished. All hearts sympathized with the aged saint. 
But he had gained the victory. He arose apparently calm 
and submissive."* 

The Indians abandoned their hunting-grounds immedi- 
ately, and very few of them were ever seen in this quarter 
afterwards. 

A short distance above Mr. Stephens lived William S. 
Thomas, who accumulated a fair competence and lived to 
an old age. He left but one child. 

Soon after the road was opened from Mr. Thomas' to 
the Salt Spring (1820), John H. Stephens, son of Col. 
John, made a beginning in the midst of this nine or ten 
mile wilderness, with not a neighbor within five miles of 
him, Mr. Thomas being the nearest. Christian Coby about 
this time settled on the creek, and Phineas Stephens, bro- 
ther of John H., began an improvement the same or the 
following year. Batchelder and Woodard made .settlements 
a few years later, and later still, Manning and Ordway. A 
large proportion of the valley of the creek was covered with 
a dense forest of white pine. Mills were soon put up all 
along the creek, which abounded with excellent water-power, 
and soon a large and profitable business was done in the 
manufacture of lumber. The timber being now exhausted, 
fine farms are opened up tha whole length of the creek. 

John H. Stephens had quite a large family. Two of his 
sons, Jerome and Van Buren, are resident and active busi- 
ness men of Hartsville. One of the daughters is Mrs. Cos- 
ten, of Hornellsville ; and another, Mrs. King, of the same 
village. Two are in Andover, two in Greenwood, one in 
Hartsville, and one in Portage, Allegany Co. Mr. Stephens 
himself quit the scenes of his arduous toil many years ago, 
and is spending the evening of his life in Hornellsville. 

Phineas Stephens was located a little farther down the 
creek, and opened the farm afterwards known as the Stephens 
farm. He did not live long to enjoy the fruits of his toil, 
but died in the meridian of manhood, regarded by all who 
knew him as a good neighbor and a valuable citizen. His wife 
was a daughter of Rev. Jedediah Stephens (the late Mrs. 
Jeremiah Baker). Phineas had four children, — two sons, 
Edwin and Harvey, and two daughters, Melissa and Rachel. 
The former married Mr. Hector C. Baker, and the latter, 
Hon. John Santee, one of the most successful business men 
and influential citizens of Hornellsville. Daniel McHenry 
Stephens, another of the sons of Col. John Stephens, settled 
and still resides on Slate Creek. Daniel had four sons and 
two daughters. One of the sons, and both daughters, are 
in Michigan ; the other three sons are still engaged in agri- 
culture near the old home. 

Col. John Stephens, of whose children and grandchildren 
we have just spoken, moved upon the creek in 1822, and 
built the mills known as the Stephens Mills. The country 

® In 1S30, Curly Eye was visited on the Genesee by Hon. Jeremiah 
Baker, and he informed .the latter that Sundown's intention was to 
have shot Ezra'Sfephens instead of Joshua, and that he was opposed 
to the murderand advised Sundown not to shoot. 



was still new and the settlers few and far between. The 
mills in their first construction were adapted to the then 
present wants of the country rather than to prospective 
requirements of an increasing population. In 1830 the 
property passed into the hands of his son, Hon. Alexander 
H. Stephens. His wife was the daughter of Levi Davis, 
who settled in that part of the county in 1825, and became 
the owner of the Salt Springs property. Alexander H. 
Stephens had one son, Redmond D. Stephens, who was by 
profession a lawyer, and a young man of fine education and 
much promise. Soon after completing his education, with 
the enterprising spirit of the old stock, he went West in 
search of a field adapted to his energies and ambition. He 
found it in Marion, la., where, mainly by his own energy 
of character, he has made himself an enviable standing 
and accumulated a fortune. One of the daughters is now 
Mrs. Crandall, also a resident of Marion, la. ; another mar- 
ried a Joseph Woodbury, proprietor of the Stephens Mills 
in Greenwood ; and one daughter we believe still resides at 
the old home. 

Col. John Stephens, the old patriarch of the families, 
had two other children, to whom brief allusion has been 
made, — Blias Stephens, Esq., of Canisteo, and Mrs. Dr. 
Olin. The former has two sons and four daughters, all of 
whom, except one son, reside in Canisteo. Mrs. Dr. Olin 
had two sons and one daughter. Both of the sons, Mar- 
cellus and Marshall, reside in Hornellsville. Vernetta, the 
daughter, married Jedediah Baker, son of Hon. Jeremiah 
Baker, of Canisteo, and resides in Iowa. 

William Jameson, son of John Jameson, one of the 
original pioneers, is now living on the old farm where his 
father settled. He has one son, William Jameson, Jr., 
residing on the homestead, and one daughter, Mrs. Ira 
Day, of South Dansville. 

Of the large Halleft family, among whom were Dr. Samuel 
Hallett, Nathan and Thomas Hallett, only one is now liv- 
ing, viz., James E. Hallett, who resides at Adrian, in this 
county. 

Col. John Stephens was one of the original pioneers, or 
famous ten, who were enumerated as heads of families iti 
numbers three and four in the fifth and sixth ranges of 
towns in 1790. The other nine were James Headley, Wil- 
liam Baker, Jedediah Stephens, Uriah Stephens, Uriah 
Stephens, Jr., Richard Crosby, Solomon Bennett, Andrew 
Bennett, and John Jameson. This included all the heads 
of families in the Canisteo Valley, from Addison to Ark- 
port, at that date. 

Levi Davis was also among the early settlers on Bennett's 
Creek ; he moved in in 1825. He was a man of active 
business habits, and early, in addition to his agricultural 
operations, introduced merchandise on a small scale. It 
gradually enlarged under his skillful management and that 
of his sons, until it assumed for many years the proportions 
and dignity of a large and remunerative business. 

The Hon. Redmond Davis, one of the sons of Levi 
Davis, and merchant at Greenwood, has represented the 
Third Assembly District of Steuben County in the State 
Legislature, where he did honor to himself and his con- 
stituency as an efficient and faithful member. 

" In 1820," says one of our oldest citizens, " I passed 




Jeremiah Baker was born near the place where he now 
lives, in the town of Canisteo, Steuben Co., April 18, 
1791, and was said to be the first white male child born in 
Steuben County. His father, Jeremiah Baker, was born in 
New England, married Anna Stephens, sister of Rev. Jede- 
diah Stephens, the first settler of his branch of the Stepliens 
family in the Canisteo Valley, of Canaan, Conn. Of this 
union were born in the East: Polly, Hannah, Tliankfiil, 
Cynthia, William, Simeon, John, and Bazey. Their father 
was a soldier through the entire Revolutionary war, his family 
living at Wyoming. It was while residents of Wyoming 
that the mother and children were taken jirisoners, but were 
soon after rescued. He lost all his property there, his build- 
ings being burned at the time of the battle of Wyoming. 
The family removed to Tioga Point, now Athens, Pa., but 
soon after came to Canisteo by means of boats and canoes up 
the Canisteo River, and settled near the place where his son, 
Jeremiah Baker, now resides, in the fall of 1790, and hence 
was among the earliest pioneers of the valley. 

The children born here were Jeremiah, Noah, and James. 
Poverty, privation, and hardship wore common incidents 
for several years of this family, yet all were met with that 
courage and patience characteristic of the Baker family. His 
father, mother, and Grandmother Corey were members of the 
first class in the Methodist Church of this part of the country, 
and were the organizers of the first Methodist Episcopal 
Church, under John B. Hudson, in Canisteo Valley; was one 
of the seven voters of the town for four years, and held various 
offices in the early history of the town. He died about 1824 ; 
liis wife died in 182.5. 

Mr. Baker had limited opportunities for book-knowledge. 
At the age of nineteen he married Eunice Powers, of Addison, 
a very worthy young lady, and as a wife and mother, a woman 
of rare excellence, and did her part well in training her chil- 
dren in all that makes true manhood and womanhood. 

Mr. Baker's life has been mostly spent as a farmer, yet as a 
citizen he has been intimately connected with many of the 
most important local improvements of his town and county. 

In 1829 his wife died, leaving seven children, — Mrs. John 
Crosby, Hector C, Mrs. Nelson Hallett, Caleb, Asa, Elias, 
and Nathan. 



During the same year ho married Hilda, daughter of Rev. 
Jedediah Stephens, and widow of the late Phineas Stephens.. 
Of this union were born Jedediah, Orlando, and Mrs. James 
O'Connor, of Hornellsville. Po]iticall3-, Mr. Baker has 
always been a Democrat, yet ever looked well to the men as 
well as to the principles to be represented. As a citizen he 
has held almost every position within the gift of his towns- 
men, as justice of the peace, school commissioner, town clerk, 
etc. ; was deputy sheriff with the first sherift'. General George 
McCUire, of the county, and represented his Assembly district 
in the State Legislature in 1835. 

He is one of the old landmarks that )ioint to the early days, 
was for fifty years of the pasta representative man in Steuben 
County, and is now a pensioner of the war of 1812-14, having 
served on the Niagara frontier under General McClure. He 
is known as a man of broad ideas, liberal views, and in his 
day has been a liberal contributor, especially in the erection 
of church edifices in the county, and for the support of reli- 
gious institutions, having been a member of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church for sixty-one years. For over half a cen- 
tury he has been a member of the Masonic fraternity, and has 
ever been prominent in the councils of that body, and is now 
not onlj- the oldest member of that body in Canisteo, but also 
the oldest person living in the town, and now able to dictate 
the main facts for this sketch. His second wife died Nov. 22, 
1871. 

His son, Nathan S., was a volunteer in the late Rebellion ; 
was a member of the 86th Regiment New York Volunteers, 
Colonel Bailey commanding; was in the engagements of 
second Bull Run, Chancellorsville, Beverly Ford, Mine Run, 
Gettysburg, Manassas Junction, and the Wilderness, and was 
also in skirmishes before Petersburg and Richmond ; was cap- 
tain of his com])any, |iromoted in place of the captain, who 
died. He was wounded in the battle of the Wilderness, and 
was one of about ten of the original company who returned 
to their homes. He was honorably discharged in the fall of 
1865. He now resides on the old homestead, and cares for 
his father in his declining years. In May, 1855, he married 
Roxie Ordway, of Canisteo. 

Elias was also a volunteer of the 86th Ri-ginicnt, New York 
Volunteers, and served altogether about one and a half years. 




j:'^^.^^^ 



Lyman A. Cook was born in Cunisteo, July 22, 
1830. He is the third child of Atwell and Fanny 
(Moore) Cook, the former a native of Conway, Mass., 
born in 1792; the latter a daughter of James Moore, 
and born in 1796, in Canisteo. Her fatiier was one 
of tiie early settlers of Canisteo, and came here with 
his family about 1791. 

Mr. Atwell Cook is now one of the oldest resi- 
dents of Canisteo; married in 1823, he and his wife 
have lived together upwards of half a century, and 
now reside in Canisteo. 

Tiieir other children are James M., Mrs. Lawrence 
Hopper, Mrs. Richard Allison, and Mrs. David 
Corbett; the three daughters are living. 

Mr. Cook was eleven years of age when his parents 
removed to Hartsville. His minority was spent on 
the farm and attending the common school. In the 
year 1852 he married Polly, daugiiter of Nathaniel 
and Sophia Crane, of Waterloo, Seneca Co., N. Y. 
Her father was a native of Goshen, Orange Co., and 
lier mother was born in New Jersey ; reared a family 
of eight children ; were farmers, and settled in Harts- 
ville, in 1853, where the mother died in 1866, aged 
sixty-seven; the father died in Canisteo, in 1875, 
aged seventy-six. 

After tiieir marriage Mr. and Mrs. Cook settled in 
Horncllsville, and he, in partnership with his brother, 
James M., carried on farming, and to some extent 
lumbering for nine years; when they removed to 



Hartsville, and after several years' residence there, 
returned to Hornellsville village, where he remained 
for two years ; his brother dying in the mean time. 
After settling the business, he returned to Harts- 
ville, and in 1872 settled in the village of Canis- 
teo, where he carried on farming, lumbering, and 
general business until his death, which occurred 
Dec. 23, 1878. 

In politics INIr. Cook was active, and a staunch 
member of the Republican party, ^yhile a resident 
of Hartsville he represented his town in the Board 
of Supervisors, and after becoming a resident of 
Canisteo he held no office except as trustee of the 
village. 

He was an interested citizen in all local improve- 
ments, good society, and schools ; was trustee t)f the 
Canisteo Academy, and also a trustee of the Baptist 
Church Society. He possessed a generous nature, 
and integrity and strictness in all the relations of 
life. In his business relations his character was un- 
sullied ; his interest in and care for the poor were 
proverbial. He was a man of untiring industry, 
and, with a self-reliance characteristic of himself, he 
carried forward to successful completion whatever 
he undertook. 

Their children are Mrs. William O. Hamilton 
and Dwight, living. One daughter, Frankie S. Cook, 
died at the age of eleven, in September, the same 
year, prior to the death of her father. 



ll 



1 



TOWN OF CANISTEO. 



221 



up the valley of Bennett's Creek through a dense forest 
from William S. Thomas' to what was then the Salt 
Springs, at which point there was a little spot cleared and 
a small log house. Now, upon that site there is a fine, 
flourishing little village." In the winter of that year the 
same party, in company with others, passed from the Salt 
Springs to Independence, a distance of thirteen miles, over 
a road that had ju.st been opened by Nathaniel Thacher for 
the Pulteney estate. There was then not a house nor an 
acre of land cleared between the Salt Springs and Inde- 
pendence. The party came out at or near Peter Teatcr's, 
on what is known as the Forsyth farm. After being re- 
freshed by the kind hospitality of Mr. Peter Teater the 
party returned the same day to Elder David Smith's, in 
'J'roupsburgh, from whence they had started in the morning. 

ORG.\NIZATION. 
The first records of Canisteo which wc have been able 
to find are dated "the first Tuesday in April, 1801," and 
record the election of the following town officers, at a meet- 
ing held at the house of Benjamin Crosby, in what is now 
the town of Hornellsville : Supervisor, Uriah Stephens ; 
Town Clerk, Joseph A. Rathbun ; Assessors, Obediah 
Ayers, Richard Crosby, Nathan Hallett ; Collector, Samuel 
Hallett, Jr. ; Overseers of the Poor, James Hadley, Nathan 
Hallett; Commissioners of Higliways, Matthew McHenry, 
Daniel Upson, Joseph Purdy; Constables, Samuel Hallett, 
Jr., Samuel Van Campen, Joel Atherton ; Overseers of 
Highways, Christopher Hurlbut, George Hornell, Obediah 
Ayers, Joseph Coleman, Benjamin Crosby, Samuel Agnew, 
William Stephens, Benjamin Kenyon, and Samuel Hallett, 
Sr. ; Fence-Viewers, George Hornell, Uriah Stephens, and 
Moses Van Campen.* 

* As Moses Van Campen once held the humble office of fence-viewer 
in the town of Canisteo, and resided for many years in Dansville, 
formerly included in this town, the writer c.Tnnot forbear malting a 
note here respecting him. 

At the commencement of the Revolutionary war, Moses Van Cam- 
pen resided in Northumberlnnd, Pa. M^ith most of the young men 
of that patriotic vilbige, he joined the militia, and being stationed on 
the frontier, engaged in many perilous enterprises against the In- 
dians. He was selected during Sullivan's campaign to take charge 
of several important and dangerous scouting movements, sutfered the 
greatest fatigues and engaged in the most dangerous services. About 
one year after the campaign he was taken prisoner by a party of 10 
Seneca warriors, who had been sent by the British to make an attack 
in the Minsink settlements. The father of Maj. Van Campen was 
thrust through with a spear; and while the red warrior stood with 
his foot on the breast of his victim, endeavoring to extricate his spear, 
another savage dashed out the brains of Moses Van Campen 's brother 
with a tomahawk, and was aiming a blow at his own head. He seized 
the Indian's arm and arrested the descending blow. While thus en- 
gaged his father's murderer thrust the spear at his side; but he avoided 
the weapon, being only slightly wounded. At this moment the chief 
interfered and his life was spared. He was taken as a prisoner to 
near Tioga Point, and in the night, whi n the ten warriors were asleep, 
he and his two companions, Pence and Pike, secured the rifles, and 
falling upon their captors, slew all but one, and made their escape. 
An account of this terrible scene, and the marvelous heroism and 
daring of Van Campen, is found in the " Life of Brant," Vol. 2, p. 59. 
See also "Memoirs of Van Campen," by John Niles Hubbard, of 
Dansville, a grandson of Maj. Van Campen. 

About two years afterwards Van Campen was agaiu taken prisoner 
and carried by the Indians to a town i:n the Allegany, the residence 
of Cornplanter. Here he was saved l)y Captain Jones, who had been 
adopted into the tribe, and who, when they were discussing the ques- 



The supervisors of the town of Canisteo up to 1822 were 
as follows : Uriah Stephens, 1801-10 ; William Hyde, 1811 ; 
William Stephens, 1812; Christopher Hurlbut, 1813-15 ; 
Uriah Stephens, 1815-19; Thomas Bennett, 1820-22. 

In 1801, Christopher Hurlbut and Jedediah Stephens 
each took " licenses to keep public inns," for which each 
paid the sum of $5. 

May 4, 1802, Christopher Hurlbut, George Hornell, and 
Jedediah Stephens were each licensed to keep public inns, 
paying into the treasury of the town $5 each. In 1803 
the same persons were licensed to " keep public inns," with 
the addition of two more, viz., James McBurney and John 
Hunter, making five in all, and here the record for licenses 
stops. The early settlers now living will, we think, sustain 
the assertion that the first three years of this county gave 
Canisteo model men for " innkeepers. " 

In 1807, George Hornell received 83 votes for member 
of Assembly, and George McClure received 19 votes for 
the same office. At the same election Daniel D. Tompkins 
(for governor) received 12 votes, and Morgan Lewis 26 
votes for the same office. 

In 1807 the bounty on wolves' and panthers' scalps was 
#3. In 1808 it was raised to $5, and was again reduced 
to $2, to be paid only to the inhabitants of the town. In 
1810 it was raised to $3, " to be given only to the inhabi- 
tants of the town," showing pretty plainly that " outsiders " 
had been practicing a sharp game on Canisteo. 

Among the curiosities of the early records of Canisteo we 
find the following : 

"I do hereby certify that I have a black male child, born of my 
slave Milly (named Milo), on the 1/th day of November, 1811. Wit- 
ness my hand this 15th day of April, 1812. 

" George Hornell." 

Also this, — 

" I do hereby certify that I have a mulatto male child, born of my 
slave Lucy (named Rob), on the Itlth day of November, 1809. Wit- 
ness my hand. James McBurxey." 

And this, too, — 

** I do hereby certify that I have a mulatto male child, born of my 
slave Lucy, on the 15th day of November, 1811 (named Dick), as wit- 
ness my band. James McBurnev." 

At a special town-meeting held at the house of William 
Mulhollen, in December, 1818, for the purpose of voting 
on a division of the town, a majority of 6 votes was against 
the division. In 1819 the same measure was carried by 35 
majority, and in pursuance thereof the town of Hornells- 
ville was erected from Canisteo, April 1, 1820. 



tion of his life or death, with a single bound leaped over the Indians 
,and stood in the circle. His life was saved, and he was sent with other 
j>risoners to Niagara. After his settlement in this county, Mohawk, 
the escaped Indian from the slaughter of the ten warriors, often visited 
him, and the two laughed over that fearful night in the forest. Van 
Campen is described thus by a writer in 1842: " He is now nearly 
eighty-five years old, and is still healthy and vigorous. His memory 
is unusually retentive and his mind remarkably active. Indeed. I 
have seldom met a man at his age who possessed so much intelligence, 
activity, and uniform urbanity. I have before me two letters written 
by him during the past week, which show that his hand trembles not, 
and that his mind has not yet begun to fail." For these letters, see 
a little volume entitled " Notices of the Sullivan Campaign and other 
Documents," published in Rochester in 1842. 



222 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



CIVIL LIST. 
We have given a list of the supervi.sors from 1801 to 
1822. The town clerks for the same period vpere Joseph 
A. Rathbun, 1801-4; James McBurney, 1804-9; John 
Stephens, 1809-12; Simeon Bacon. 1812; James Mc- 
Burney, 1813-18; John R. Stephens, 1818-20; Samuel 
Russell, 1821 ; Uriah Stephens, 1822. 

TABULATED LIST FROM 1822 TO 1878 INCLUSIVE. 



Supervisors. 

182.3. Wm. Stephens. 

1824. " " 

1825. " " 

1826. " " 

1827. Joshua Chapman. 
IS28. Wm. Stephens. 

1829. " 

1830. Wm. Bennett. 

1831. " 

1832. •• 

1833. Wm. Stephens. 

1834. " " 

1835. Elias Stephens. 
183fi. " " 

1837. " " 

1838. Finley McClure. 

1839. Daniel Jameson. 

1840. " 

1841. 11. C. Wbitwood. 

1842. '• 

1843. Finley McCluie. 

1844. " '• 

1845. Wm. II. Mead. 



Town Clerks. Collectors. 

Uriah Stephens. Nathan Hallett. 

Joshua Chapman. Elijah Guyon. 



Uriah Stephens. 

Nathan Hallett. 

It ,i 

Jeremiah Baker. 
it tl 

Nathan ILallctt. 
Moses Hallett. 



Nehemiah Thomas. 
Joseph Abel, 
Obediah Stephens. 
Ellsha G. Stephens. 

A. N. Jarvis. 
Samuel Taylor. 



Nathan Stephens. Noah Baker. 

" " D. MeH. Stephens. 

Jeremiah Baker. *' " 

Charles Moore. James Moore. 

Hector C. Baker. John Shearer, Jr. 

" " De Wilt C.Stephens. 

Joshua C. Stephens. John W. Stearns. 
C. H. Stephens. A. H. Athertou. 

Joshua C. Stephens. De AVitt C. Stephens. 
Moses Hallett. " 

N. C. Taylor. Miner Sammons. 



1846. " " 

1847. Obediah Stephens. Joshua C. Stephens. Wm. Hallett. 
1848. 

' " Wm. Jameson. 



1849. 

1850. " " 

1851. Hart Eason. 

1852. " 

1853. Wm. B. Jones. 

1854. " 

1855. Hart Eason. 

1856. " '■ 

1857. Joshua C. Stephens. Lucius A. AValdo. 
1858. 

1859. Lucius A. Waldo, 
1860. 



M. H. Stephens. 
Miner Sammons. 
M. H. Stephens. 



W. AV. Bennett. 
Abram M. Stephens. 
Wm. Sammons. 
Abram M. Stephens. 



Thomas Hallett. 
Abram M. Stephens. 



1861. Nelson Hallett. 
1862. 

1863. Wm. H. Mead. 

1864. " 

1865. N. C. Taylor. 

1866. " 

1867. George Riddell. 

1868. " " 

1869. Thomas Hallett. 

1870. John H. Brown. 

1871. " " 

1872. " " 

1873. George Riddell. 

1874. " " 

1875. Miner Sammons. 

1876. " " 

1877. Albert J. Carter. 

1878. Smith Eason. 



Tim. R. Stephens. 
Francis Converse. 



Thos. L. Langley. 

Henry Bennett. 

Obed. Stephens, Jr. L. H. Pierce. 
It tl 

John H. Brown. 

tl tl 

" " Joseph Ashley, Jr. 

Eli Soule. " " 

" " Warren T. Davis. 

" " Edwin E. Baker. 

George S. Boasted. Harrison Cooley. 



Delaney King. 
Andrew Hallett. 



J. E. McCaig. 
D. C. Corbett. 

Terry J. Hiillett. 
M. E. Burrell. 



Benj. C. Richey. 



Abram Stephens. 



JUSTICES ELECTED BY THE PEOPLE. 

1830. John D. Jameson. 
1S3I. Elijah Guyon. 

1832. Orlando Bridgman. 

1833. Jerathmel Powers, Jr. 

1834. John D. Jameson, 



1835. Obadiah Stephens. 

1836. Elijah Guyon. 
Isaac Jones. 

1837. Joshua Chapman. 
Lucius Gushing. 



1838. 

1839. 
1840. 
1841. 

1842. 
1843. 

1844. 



1845. 
1846. 
1847. 
1848. 
1849. 
1850. 
1851. 
1852. 
1853. 
1854. 
1855. 
1856. 
1857. 
1858. 



Morris Hallett. 
William B. Jones. 
Elias Stephens. 
John Sherer. 
Jerathmel Powers, Jr. 
Edmund Cook. 
William B. Jones. 
Benjamin Stephens. 
Joshua Chapman. 
Jeremiah Baker. 
Elias Stephens. 
John Sherer. 
Daniel D. Davis. 
William B. Jones. 
Piiineas 0. Stephens. 
John H. Brown. 
John Sherer. 
B. C. Richey. 
Pbine.ts 0. Stephens. 
Edward L. Payne. 
Robert Boyd. 
Peter Masten. 
Phineas 0. Stephens. 
Robert Boyd. 
Amos B. Stanton. 
Charles H. Conklin. 



1S59. 



1860. 
1861. 
1862. 
1863. 

1S64. 
1865. 
1866. 
1867. 
1868. 
1869. 

1870. 

1871. 
1872. 
187.3. 
1874. 

1S75. 
1876. 
1877. 
1878. 



Phineas 0. Stephens. 
L. P. Weed. 
John Carter. 
John H. Consalas. 
Amos B. Stanton. 
Benjamin C. Richey. 
Phineas 0. Stephens. 
C. Vf. Daniels. 
John H. Consalus. 
M. R. Millard. 
C. W. Daniels. 
Phineas 0. Stephens. 
John H. Consalus. 
Nathan S. Baker. 
William B Jones. 
Phineas 0. Stephens. 
Morgan R. Millard. 
John H. Consalus. 
M'illiam B. Jones. 
George Crosby. 
William B. Jones. 
Elijah Hallett. 
Phineas 0. Stephens. 
H. S. Beebe. 
Morgan R. Millard. 
James B. Hargrave. 



VILLAGE OF CANISTEO. 



EARLY HISTORY. 



In the large open valley vfhere the village is now situated 
stood anciently a Delaware Indian town, known in colonial 
history as the " Kanestio Castle." It consisted of about 
60 hewed log houses, with stone chimneys in each. This 
village or castle was the seat of At-wee t-se-ra, the " Dela- 
ware King," who, in 1765, the year after the destruction 
of the place by Mont our and Brantj made a treaty with 
Sir William Johnson, at Johnson Hall, on the Mohawk. 
Sir William Johnson had sent an expedition under Capt. 
Montour, in the summer of 1764, and destroyed the place 
becau.se its inhabitants refused to give up two murderers 
who had killed two German traders somewhere in the 
country of the Senecas. The inhabitants of the ancient 
castle were a mixed set of Indians, of different tribes, 
chiefly Delawares, fugitive slaves, and deserters from the 
British army. They had settled in the broad, open valley 
and built there their strong houses, and, at the time of 
their destruction, had a considerable number of horses, 
horned cattle and swine. (See chapter on the Indian 
Occupancy of Steuben County.) 

When the first white explorers came here, in 1788, they 
were attracted by this broad, open valley, and, in conse- 
quence of its richness and immediate advantages for culti- 
vation, were induced to purchase the large tract of adjoining 
lands. Col. Arthur Erwin drew lot No. 1, where the village 
is now situated, but he exchanged lots with Solomon Ben- 
nett, who was the first settler in a log house at the Corners, 
which soon came to be called " Bennettsville." Mr. Ben- 
nett built the first mill one-fourth of a mile east on Bennett's 
Creek, to which place he afterwards removed. Nicholas 
Doughty was the first blacksmith on the site of the village. 
He was a well-educated German and an excellent citizen. 
Solomon Bennett opened the first store and kept the first 
hotel at the village. It is worthy of note that this hotel 
property has ever since, till within a few yeais, been kept 



.-^*j 





41 






THOMAS HALLETr. 



THOMAS HALLETT 



MRS. THOMAS HALLETT 



was bom in Canisteo, this county, April 19, 1830. His 
great-grandfather, Nathan Hallett, with his family, set^ 
tied near the centre of the town of Canisteo about 1800, 
and, although not the first to settle here, is numbered 
among the pioneers of the town. The Hallett family 
is of Irish descent, and the ancestors of the family are 
supposed to have come from the north of Ireland. 

Not long after their settlement in Canisteo the parents 
died. His grandfather, Nathan Hallett, Jr., came with 
his parents to the valley from Groton, Tompkins Co., 
N. Y., where they had resided ; reared a family of seven 
sons and one daughter, — John, Nathan, Samuel, Elijah, 
Isaac, Moses, James E., and Mrs. Thomas Hadley. Of 
these children only the youngest son, James E., survives, 
and resides in Canisteo. 

His father, Moses Hallett, a native of Tompkins 
County, where the family resided prior to settling in 
this valley, was. born May 8, 1796; married Nancy 
Fulton, of Canisteo, born 1800, and now living. Of 
this union were born seven children, — Mrs. James Ather- 
ton, Andrew S., Samuel, Thomas, John, Mrs. Giles 
Morgan, and James, — all living except Samuel. 

Mr. Hallett, senior, was a farmer by occupation, was 
in politics formerly a Whig, and as a member of that 
party was active and ever interested in all local elections 
and appointments, and in local and State legislation. 



Highly esteemed for his worth as a citizen of his town, 
for some twenty-five years he officiated as justice of the 
peace, and his counsel in cases of arbitration and as a 
jurist were always given to avoid litigation and promote 
harmony in the neighborhood. He was also town clerk 
for several years, and in all his public relations was 
known as a man of strict integrity. He died March, 
1866. 

Thomas Hallett, son of Moses and Nancy Hallett, 
spent his minority at home on the farm, and since, 
besides farming, has engaged in lumbering, and for some 
fifteen years rafted lumber down the Susquehanna to 
southern ports. For two years he resided in Kansas, 
acting as assistant superintendent of the Union Pacific 
Railroad. On Nov. 5, 1851, he married Sylvia, daughter 
of Absalom Travis, of Canisteo. Her grandfather, 
Amasa Travis, was one of the early settlers of the town, 
and her Grandmother Travis still survives at the age of 
ninety-five. 

Their children are Perry J. Hallett, of the law-firm 
of Burrell & Hallett, of Canisteo, admitted to the bar 
June, 1877 ; and Thomas R. and Alida M., both deceased. 
In politics Mr. Hallett is a Republican. As the result 
of his industry and self-exertion, may be seen on another 
page of this work a view of his residence, showing one 
of the finest farm locations in the Canisteo Valley. 



II 



TOWN OF CANISTEO. 



223 



in the Bennett family. It grew into the present brick 
hotel, known as the Canisteo House, which was built by 
William Bennett about 1827, and has more recently been 
added to and greatly improved in size and appearance. 
Solomon Bennett was succeeded in mercantile busine.is by 
Dr. Mordecai Hale, who carried on the business some four 
or five years. 

The Erie Railway, opened through the Canisteo Valley in 
1850, gave this village a station on its through line from 
New York to Dunkirk, and superseded, for the transporta- 
tion of its small amount of freight and travel, the old river 
navigation ; but still Canisteo was only a small rural ham- 
let, and but for the wise and liberal policy of her citizens in 
introducing and encouraging manufacturing interests, might 
forever have remained so. The impulse given to the growth 
of the place dates from the first establishment of manufac- 
tures in 1868. In that year the large boot- and shoe-fac- 
tory of L. Allison was put in operation. This was followed 
by the various planing-mills, sash-, door-, and blind-factory, 
chair-factory, and another shoe-factory, and bent-wood- 
works, so that the aggregate manufacturing interests now 
amounts to $1,000,000 a year. The effect of these 
interests on the growth and population of the place is 
shown in a striking manner by the fact that, in June, 
1868, an actual census showed the population of the vil- 
lage to be only 342 souls ; now the number of inhabitants 
is over 2000. This is probably the greatest growth of any 
similar village during the last decade. 

The manufacturers also brightened up all other interests : 
large blocks have been erected, a fine banking-house, the 
hotel raised another story and refitted, the stores supplied 
with larger stocks of goods, new ones opened, a new school- 
house built, and two churches remodeled and enlarged to 
meet the wants of growing congregations. In every way 
the effects of these various industries are visible, — in the 
improved streets and sidewalks, the new buildings, and the 
general air of thrift and activity which pervades the place. 

INCORPORATION. 

The village of Canisteo was incorporated under the gen- 
eral law in 1873. The finst charter election was held on 
the 17th day of May, 1873, and resulted in the choice of 
the following officers : Lucius A. Waldo, President ; Mor- 
timer Allison, L. P. Weed, Smith Eason, Trustees ; Daniel 
Upson, Collector; William H. Mead, Treasurer. 

At a meeting of the board of trustees, held May 19, Wil- 
liam E. Stephens was appointed Clerk ; Hiram J. Colgrove, 
Police Constable; and Hiram C. Whitwood, Street Com- 
missioner. 

The village ofiicers met at the office of Burrell & Soule, 
May 19, 1873, and took the oath of office, after which the 
president and trustees organized a board and proceeded to 
business. 

^'Resolved, That the treasurer and collector each give a 
bond in the penalty of $1500, and that the street commis- 
sioner and police constable give a bond in the penalty of 
$500 each." 

The bonds being given and approved, a survey of the 
village was ordered by the trustees, and it was voted to 
raise $500 by tax for the purpose of purchasing a site and 



erecting a lock-up. At this meeting a set of by-laws and 
regulations was adopted. 

Presidents of the Villoge. — 1873, Lucius A. Waldo; 
1874, George Davison; 1875, Lucius A.Waldo; 1876, 
Albert J. Carter; 1877, John E. McCaig; 1878, William 
J. Bailey. 

The village was laid out and a map made of it by John 
H. Consalus, Esq., at the time of the incorporation. Mr. 
Consalus .settled in the village in 1840, and has been en- 
gaged in lumber, hardware, and furnace business. 

CANISTEO ACADEMY. 

This institution was chartered March 16, 1868, with the 
following Board of Trustees: Lewis F. Laine, Henry 
Hamilton, Commodore P. Chamberlain, Nathaniel C. Tay- 
lor, George Riddell, John H. Consalus, Joshua C. Stephens, 
Edward P. Bartlctt, Mortimer Allison, Lucius A. Waldo, 
John Davis, and Richard Allison. 

The academy building is of brick, three stories, beauti- 
fully situated on an eminence overlooking the village, of 
tasteful architecture, and commodious in size and appoint- 
ments. It was finished and opened in September, 1871, 
and cost, including furniture, library, and apparatus, 
$17,500. Two thousand dollars endowment has since been 
added. 

The following have been the principal and teachers: Rev. 
J. S. Bingham and Mrs. Bingham, assisted by Miss Huy- 
son ; Prof. Ira Sayles, assisted by Miss Lizzie Conderman ; 
Prof Willington La Monte and Mrs. La Monte; Prof. D. 
M. Estee, assisted by Miss Ahida Beebe. 

Trustees. — Rev. L. F. Laine, President; Dr. George 
Riddell, Vice-President ; W. E. Stephens, Secretary ; John 
H. Consalus, Treasurer; A. M. Burrell, J. S. Hall, L. 
Davison, A. Davison, W. H. Mead, Rev. 0. 0. Lothrop, 
Wm. H. Ordway, John Carter, Smith Eason, M. Allison, 
L. A. Cook, L. A. Waldo. 

Attendance for tlie year ending June 28, 1878: males, 
38; females, 73; total, 111. 

CANISTEO GRADED SCHOOL. 

This school occupies a new wooden building, which was 
erected at a cost, including furniture, of $60(10. It employs 
five teachers, as follows : Principal, J. B. Ilargrave; A.ssis- 
tants. Miss Mary A. Forest, Miss Sarah Lothrop, Miss Ida 
Whiting, Miss Frank M. Brown. 

7/»s?fe.— William B. Taylor. 

The number of children in the district of school age is 
434 : attendance, 350. Assessed value of school property 
(assessed at one-third) is $178,000 ; value of school property 
(aside from the academy), $8000 ; expended during the 
year for teachers' wages, $1500. 

MANUFACTURES. 

Of the principal manufacturing interests of the village 
we give the following summary : 

Bootr and Shoe-Factory of L. Allison & Co., established 
by L. Allison, in the spring of 1808. — In 1873, Isaac Alli- 
son became a partner in the business. This firm manufac- 
ture hand-pegged boots and shoes, employing from 100 to 
110 hands. Their sales have sometimes run up to $300,000 



224 



HISTORY OP STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



a year, but the general average is $250,000. This was the 
first boot- and shoe-manufactory in Steuben County, and 
the first of any kind lu Canisteo, and by its success has 
prepared the way for many other prosperous enterprises. 
The Allisons are natives of Honiellsville, in this county. 

This firm have also a factory for the manufacture of 
ladies', misses', and children's fine shoes, in the upper 
story of the fine new brick block on the corner of Depot 
and Main Streets. This business was established in March, 
1874, by Pevear & La Croix, of Lynn, Mass. In Jan- 
uary, 1877, it passed into the hands of L. Allison & Co., 
by whom the business is successfully conducted. They 
employ in this branch about 60 hands, and do each year 
a business amounting to $75,000. 

A. B. Verbis' Planing-Mill, Sash-, Door-, and Blind- 
Factory. — Tills large interest was established on a small 
scale, as a planing-mill alone, by Mr. Vorhis, in 1868. 
The year following he put in machinery for sash, doors, 
etc., and from a small wooden building, in which he first 
began, he has increased the capacity of his shops, — adding 
a brick structure of large dimensions, — till he has now the 
second largest establishment of the kind in the State. The 
products of this factory are used for the local trade, for the 
Eastern and Southern, and are quite largely exported to 
Europe. The shops employ 65 bauds, and the sales amount 
annually to about $125,000. 

Chair-Factory, Taylor Bros., proprietors ; Steam Works 
established in 1874. — The chairs made at these works are 
exclusively wood-seated, and average in production from 
40,000 to 45,000 chairs per year, giving employment to 
40 hands, and amounting in sales, annually, to about 
$40,000. 

Steam Saw-Mill, L. P. Weed, proprietor. — Built in the 
spring of 1874, by Mr. Weed. The average amount of 
lumber sawn at this mill is about 500,000 feet per year. 

Foundry and jMachine-Shops, H. Carter & Sons. — In 
1873, Mr. Carter and Kelsy Bergen started in the manu- 
facture of agricultural implements, and built the present 
shops that year. After a few mouths, Mr. Carter bought 
out Mr. Bergen, and changed the establishment to a ma- 
chine-shop and boiler- works, adding, since, the manufacture 
of steam-engines. The proprietors themselves work in the 
shops, employing an additional force of from 10 to 12 
hands, and having ready sale for all the work they can turn 
out. Sales amount to about $18,000 a year. 

BANK OP CANISTEO. 

President, M. Allison ; Vice-President, L. Allison ; Cash- 
ier, W. W. Ball. 

This banking-house was established in 1876. It is located 
in the fine three-story brick block, known as the Bank Block, 
on the corner of Main and Depot Streets, which was erected 
by M. Allison, James S. Hall, and Davison and McCaig, in 
1875. The bank occupies a fine suite of offices in the cor- 
ner of the building, on the first floor, and is furnished in 
first-class style for banking purposes. 

CANISTEO TIMES. 

This is a weekly newspaper, started in the village, Jan. 
25, 1877, by S. H. Jennings. Mr. Jennings has labored 



earnestly to make his paper a success, despite the flood of 
dailies from all the cities. The people of the village and 
country appreciate the fiict that, aside from all these, they 
need a local organ, and are giving the enterprising editor 
and publisher an encouraging support. The T'mie* is inde- 
pendent in politics, and devoted to local interests. 

BUSINESS UOUSES. 

The principal business houses are the following : 

Dry Goods.— J. Roblee & Co., W. W. Bennett & Co., 
William Riddell. 

Dry Goods and Groceries. — Davison & McCaig, 
Martin 0. Van Delender. 

Clothing. — Louis Unger. 

Merchant Tailors. — Schermerhorn & Co., Levi 
Totten. 

Groceries and Crockery. — Waldo & Davison. 

Groceries.— E. E. Stewart, D. C. Corbett, T. K. 
Brownell. 

Stoves and Hardware. — 0. 0. Laine, William B. 
Taylor. 

Books and Stationery. — A. B. Laine. 

Undertaker and Furniture. — L. B. Riddell. 

Druggists and Physicians. — George Riddell & Co. 

Wagon-Shops. — George Sherman, A. A. Blonroe. 

Wagon-Makers and Blacksmiths. — Whitwood 
Bros., George Cooper. 

Harness-Makers. — James S. Hall. 

Jewelers. — Bateman .^IcKeane. 

Hotels. — Canisteo House, H. C. Cheney ; Commercial 
Hotel, Wilder Rice. 

T.4.NNERY AND Grist-Mill. — Charles Floher. 

Marble- Works. — D. P. Crane. 

distances. 

Canisteo is three hundred and thirty miles from New 
York, thirty-seven from Corning, ninety-three from Buffalo, 
and five miles from Hornellsville, on the main Erie Rail- 
way. 

physicians. 

Among the early physicians was Dr. Daniel D. Davis, 
who was not only eminent in his profession, but a citizen of 
prominence aud distinction. Dr. Whitney, also an early 
practitioner, came to Canisteo about 1830. Dr. C. P. 
Chamberlain, still residing and practicing here, made his 
advent to the place about 1845. Drs. George and Le Roy 
Riddell came with their parents in 1837. They have been 
from early life identified with Canisteo, and, in addition to 
their professional duties and labors, also hold a prominent 
position among the business men of the village. The pres- 
ent physicans are C. P. Chamberlain, Benjamin Pickett, and 
M. D. Ellison. 

LAWYERS. 

Burrell & Hallett, A. H. Burrell, Eli Soule, and William 
B. Jones. 

CHURCHES. 

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF CANISTEO. 

In 1836 a Presbyterian Church was first formed in this 
village, and continued for a few years. 



< 




H CARTER & SONS CANISTEO IRON WORKS, CANISTEO, NY 



. J ij I ' : ^ 1 A ' ,^^^i»a ■w^.v^^.j;; ' ^ 




;iiaK5aa«ifeaitai.-:i?«a--^,i ir-nrTymmi'flHtr 



Bank Block. CANISTED,f(.Y, M.ALLisON,j.s.HALL.DwisoNafJ''CAiG, Props. 



TOWN OF CANISTEO. 



225 



On the 2J of July, 1849, Rev. Horatio Pattengill com- 
menced preaching in Canisteo, and also a part of the time 
at Ark port. Services were held only occasionally for some 
time, when the congregations becoming large and the inter- 
est general, it was decided, in 1851, to have regular preach- 
ing. Rev. Mr. Pattengill from this time held regular 
services on each Sabbath. A choir was organized, the 
ladies formed themselves into a sewing society, a fair was 
held with profitable results, which awakened an interest in 
the erection of a church building. Among the foremost 
in this movement was the late N. C. Taylor, one of the 
leading citizens of the place for many years, who contrib- 
uted most liberally to the erection of the church and the 
support of preaching. No church edifice had yet been 
erected in the village, and the way was open for the Pres- 
byterians to go forward with their enterprise without incur- 
ring denominational jealou.sies. 

On the 20th of March, 1852, a society was organized 
and a board of trustees elected, consisting of the following- 
named persons : B. C. Riohey, N. C. Taylor, William B. 
Jones, Peter Myers, Thomas J. Magee, and William H. 
Mead. A lot was purchased of the Pulteney estate, $1360 
were subscribed, and the society proceeded to erect a church 
edifice. The corner-stone was laid in May, 1852, and the 
house was finished and dedicated Feb. 15, 1853, the addi- 
tional sum of $325 being raised at the dedication. 

On the 20th of March, 1853, a church organization was 
formed, with the following members, viz. : Stephen P. 
Sturdevant, Harriet P. Sturdevant, Sarah Waters, Joseph 
Ashley, Ann Ashley, and Henry Ackers. Joseph Ashley, 
Stephen P. Sturdevant, and Peter Myers were chosen eld- 
ers ; Joseph Ashley, clerk of session. 

Oct. 19, 1853, a call was extended to Rev. George 
Spaulding, who accepted, and was installed pastor, Feb. 7, 
1854. He was succeeded, October, 18G0, by Rev. L. F. 
Laine. Rev. J. H. Brown, present pastor, assumed charge 
in February, 1874. 

A bell was procured in 1856, and a spire erected in 
1868. In 1877-78, the church was remodeled and enlarged 
at a cost of $4500. 

A Sunday-scliool was organized at the beginning, and 
has continued prosperous. Present number, 225 ; church 
membership, 112. Present trustees, H. S. Beebe, M. L. 
Taylor, John E. McCaig, William Riddell, Henry Carter, 
L. P. Weed. 

METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH. 

Rev. John B. Hudson was the pioneer Methodi.st 
preacher in Canisteo, about the year 1800. He preached 
in nearly all the houses in the settlement, but chiefly at 
the residences of Jeremiah Baker and Jedediah Stephens. 
There was a revival under his ministry, and a class was 
formed, of whom Jedediah Stephens and Abigail, his wife, 
Mrs. Cory, mother of Mrs. Abigail Stephens, Jeremiah 
Baker, Sr., and Anna, his wife, Benjamin Crosby, father 
of Richard and Reuben Crosby, and his wife, were mem- 
bers ; and later. Daniel Up.son and Rachel, his wife, Elijah 
Stephens and Abigail, his wife. 

This early class continued in existence till the present 
organization was formed. Jedediah Stephens and Jereiaiah 
29 



Baker were the earliest class-leaders. The class in those 
days consisted chiefly of women. Mr. Baker used to go to 
meet his class to what is now the town of Howard. Jede- 
diah Stephens was ordained deacon in 1808, and minister 
in 1812. Jeremiah Baker, now living, son of Jeremiah 
Baker, Sr., was converted in January, 1818, and united 
with the church, and was elected steward, and has held the 
ofiiee ever since — a period of sixty-one years. He was also 
class-leader twelve years subsequently to joining the church. 

About the year 1 850 a society was organized and a par- 
sonage built. Trustees, Jeremiah Baker, Stephen Taylor, 
John H. Consalus, E. L. Gray, C. P. Chamberlain, and 
William B. Jones. 

In 1853 measures were taken to erect a church building, 
which was finished and dedicated in 1857. Jeremiah 
Baker, as one of the trustees, had charge of the erection 
of the edifice. At that time Rev. Chandler Wheeler was 
preacher in charge. The original cost of the church was 
$4000. In the summer of 1875 it was enlarged at a cost 
of $3000. Rev. C. E. Millspaugh was minister in charge. 

The ministers who have ofiiciated since the building of 
the church are the following : Rev. Chandler Wheeler, 
1856-57; Rev. L. L. Rogers, 1858; Rev. J. M. Park, 
1859; Rev. J. Tunon, 1860; Rev. W. A. Bronson, 
1861-62 ; Rev. A. S. Aldridge, 1863 ; Rev. Isaac Everetts, 
1864-65 ; Rev. N. N. Beers, 1866; Rev. Wesley Cochran, 
1867 ; Rev. F. D. Blakeslee, 1868 ; Rev. J. H. Blades, 
1869-71; Rev. James Landreth, 1872-73; Rev. C. E. 
Millspaugh, 1874-76 ; Rev. D. D. Cook, 1877-78 ; Rev. 
D. W. Gates, present pastor. 

The church at present numbers 150 members. Value of 
church property, $8000; attendance at Sunday-school, 150. 

BAPTIST CHURCH. 

The first church of this faith and order organized here 
was a branch of the Baptist Church of Hornellsville. 

On the 30th of November, 1876, previous notice having 
been given, a meeting was held in Riddell's Hall for the 
purpose of organizing a Baptist Church in Canisteo, Rev. 
D. Van Alstine presiding. It was resolved that " we whose 
names are hereunto subscribed do now organize ourselves 
into a regular Baptist Church, to be known as the Baptist 
Church of Canisteo." 

T. K. Brownell, Mrs. A. M. Dclaney, Mrs. Lima Covert 
Sherman, Mrs. L. T. Crane, Mrs. Rosetta Comfort, Mrs. 
Polly M. Cook, Mrs. Alice Jameson, Le Roy Riddell, Mrs. 
Emeline Pratt Riddell, Mrs. Elmira A. Pratt, Mrs. Clarissa 
Wood, Miss Diantha Bertrom, Rev. C. K. Bunnell, Mrs. 
M. J. Bunnell, Mrs. Adeline Cooley. 

Rockwell H. Comfort and Dr. Le Roy Riddell were 
elected deacons, and T. K. Brownell clerk. 

Rev. C. K. Bunnell has been pastor of the church since 
Dec. 1, 1876. 

The Sunday-school was organized in December, 1876, 
William La Croix, Superintendent. The Sunday-school 
numbers 80 members ; church membership, 50. 

The first trustees were Rockwell H. Comfort, Le Roy 
Riddell, J. W. Allen, T. K. Brownell, John N. Jcfi'ers, 
John W. Brown, M. S. Parkhill, Lyman A. Cook, and 
William La Croix. 



226 



HISTOllY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



The followinjj; constitute the present board : R. H. Com- 
fort, Le Roy Riddell, T. K. Brownell, J. N. Jeffers, M. S. 
Parkhill, Norman Roblee, Elmer Walker, B. McKeen, and 
J. W. Allen. 

J. N. Jeffers, Superintendent of Sunday-school. 

MASONIC HISTORY. 

Evening Star Lodge, now No. 44 (of Hornellsville), 
was organized in Canisteo about 181G. Its first Master 
was Rev. Andrew Simpson, who used to travel the forest 
twelve miles from his home, in Jasper, for a period of 
about four years, to be present at every regular communi- 
cation of the lodge. The lodge was subsequently removed 
to Almond, and thence to Hornellsville, where it still re- 
mains. (See history of Hornellsville.) 

After the removal of Evening Star Lodge (we are not 
informed exactly at what date), Morning Star Lodge, No. 
421 (which is now No. 65, its number having been 
changed upon the reorganization of Masonry, about 1840), 
was formed at the hou.se of Col. William Stephens, who 
was chosen the first Master. 

The lodges of Canisteo and Hornellsville were the only 
ones in the county which maintained their charter during 
the period of the Morgan excitement. The archives of the 
lodge in Hornellsville wore saved by a fortunate conjunc- 
tion of circumstances by Col. John R. Stepliens, who 
happened to be passing when they were thrown from the 
window of the lodge-room by .some zealous anti-Masons. 
Col. Stephens picked them up and saved them. He and 
Maj. Thomas Bennett and Bazey Baker met under Maj. 
Bennett's sign-post for several years, and made their re- 
turns to the Grand Lodge. In this way they preserved 
their charter. 

Morning Star Lodge, No. 65, F. and A. M., of Canisteo, 
has at present the following officers : H. C. Green, W. 
M. ; Elias Stephens, S. W. ; Walter Craudall, J. W. ; C. 
M. Coston, S. D. ; Thomas Dawson, J. D. ; H. E. Buck, 
Sec. ; L. A. Waldo, Eli Soule, and C. M. Coston, Trustees. 

ANCIENT ORDER UNITED WORKMEN. 

The following officers of Canisteo Lodge, No. 29, were 
installed Monday evening, Jan. 7, 1879, for the ensuing 
year, viz. : H. C. Beckwith, P. M. W. ; W. M. Crandall, 
M. W. ; H. W. Johnson, G. F. ; Daniel Rice, Overseer ; 
G. J. Kinney, Recorder ; R. Whitaker, Financier ; Jerry 
Burnham, Receiver; James Roblee, Guide; Lewis Neely, 
I. W. ; F. F. Thomas, 0. W. ; Harrison Crane, Represen- 
tative to Grand Lodge ; and Smith Eason, Trustee. 

MILITARY RECORD OF CANISTEO. 

James Bennett, capt., Co. G, 86th Regt. ; must. Nov. 12, 1861. 
Nathan S. Baker, 1st lieut., Co. G, 86th Eegt. ; ninst. Nov. 19, 1861. 
John Fulton, 2d lieut., Co. G, 86lh Uegt.; must. Nov. 20, 1861. 
Amos B. Stanton, Istsergt., Co. G, 86th Regt.; must. Oct. 7, 1861. 
Russel B. Taylor, sergt., Co. G, 8Bth Regt.; must. Sept. 28, 1861. 
Phineua S. Baker, sergt., Co. G, S6th Regt.; must. Sept. 28, 1861. 
Elislia S. .tones, sergt.. Go. G, 80th Regt.; must. Oct. 7, 1861. 
Harvey M. Bennett, sergt., Co. G, setli Regt. ; must. Oct. 7, 1861. 
Franklin Hallett, corp., Co. G, 86th Regt. ; must. Sept. 28, 1861. 
Lutlioi H. Pierce, Corp., Co. G, SOtli Regt.; must. Sept. 28, 1861. 
William Thomas, corp., Co. G, 86th Regt. ; must. Sept. 28, 1861. 
Hiram Crosby, corp., Co. G, 86th Regt.; must, Sept. 28, 1861. 
Nathan H. Crosby, Corp., Co. O, 86th Regt. ; must. Sept. 28, 1861. 
David Hadley, coi-p., Co. G, 86th Kegt. ; must. Sept. 28, 18CI. 
Reuben W. Millard, Corp., Co. G, 86th Regt.; must. Sept. :3U, 1861. 






Lewis Burgess, private, Co. G, 86tli Regt.; must. Sept. 28, 1861. 
James F. Baker, private, Cii, G, 86th Regt. ; must. Oct. 19, 1861. 
Robert 0. Carr, private, Co. G, 86th Uegt. ; must. Sept. 28, 1861. 
Wall.ice Chandler, private, Co. G, S6th Kegt. ; must. Sept. 28, 1861. 
Hascal B. Grah.anis, private, Co. G, 86th Regt. ; must. Sept. 28, 1861. 
Samuel Hall, private, Co. G, 86th Regt. ; must. Sept. 28, 1861. 
John Hall, private, Co. G, 86lh Regt. ; must. Sept. 28, 1861. 
Addison Hallett, private, Co. G, 861h Regt.; must. Sept. 28, 1861. 
Henry Hadley, private, Co. G, 86th Regt. ; must. Sept. 28, 1861. 
Nathan V. Hallett, private, Co. G, 86th Regt. ; must. Sept. 28, 18G1. 
Jefferson Hadley, Jr., private, Co. G, 8Gth Regt.; must. Sept. 28, 1861. 
James Kilberry, private, Co. G, S6th Regt.; must. Sept. 28,1861. 
George V. Mattison, private, Co. G, SGth Eogt.; must. Sept. 28, 1861. 
Alexander Moore, private, Co. G, 861h Regt.; must. Sept. 28, 1S61. 
James A. Jones, private, Co. F, 179th Regt.; must. May 2.0, 1864. 
,\ndre\v McConnell, private, Co. F, 179th Regt.; must. May 25, 1864. 
Aaron R. Sherman, private, Co. F, 179lh Regt.; must. May 25, 1864. 
Chauncy Foot, private, Co. F, 189th Kegt.; must. Sept. 30, 1864. 
I.eander A. Pickhard, private, Co. B, 86th Regt.; must. Sept. 13, 1861. 
Edwin E. Baker, private, Co. B, 86th Regt.; must. Sept. 10, 1861. 
Hiram Hallett, private, Co. K, 86th Regt. ; must. .\ug. 30, 1861. 
Charles K. Ordway, private, Co. K, 86th Regt. ; must. Sept. 10, 1861. 
Fi edcrick B. Kinner, private, Co. F, 107th Regt. ; must. Aug. 7, 1862. 
Almon W. Burrell, seigt., Co. K, 107th Regt. ; must. July 31, 1862. 
Merritt F. Smith, wagoner, Co. K, 107th Regt. ; must. Aug. 12, 1862. 
Charles E. Baker, private, Co. K, 107th Regt. ; must. July 31, 1862. 
Asa M. Clark, private, Co. K, 107th Regt. ; must. July 31, 1862. 
Sylvester Cole, private, Co. K, 107th Kegt. ; must. July 31, 1862. 
Philander Dawley, private, Co. K, 107th Regt.; must. July 31, 1862. 
James Fuller, private, Co. K, 107th Regt.; must. Aug. 8, 1862. 
Edward R. Gay, private, Co. K, 107th Eegt. ; must. Aug. 13, 1862. 
Ebenezer W. Helmes, private, Co. K, 107tli Kegt. ; must. July 31, 1862. 
James A. Japhet, private. Co. K, 107th Regt. ; must. ,\ug. 8, 1862. 
Perry Nicholson, private, Co. K, 107th Kegt. ; must. July 31, 1862. 
Levi B. Overhiser, private, Co. K, 107th Regt. ; must. Aug. 13, 1862. 
Martin Sago, private, Co, K, 107th Regt. ; must. Aug. 13, 1862. 
Shelden G. Tayler, private, Co. K, 107th Regt.; must. Aug. 8, 1862. 
John Van Dyck, private, Co. K, 107th Regt.; must. Aug. 8, 1862. 
Samuel Punches, Jr., private, Co. G, 141st Regt. ; must. Sept. 11, 1862. 
William A. Bronson, «ipt., Co. H, 141st Regt.; must. Sept. 11, 1862. 
David W. Langley, 1st sergt., Co. H, 14l8t Kegt. ; must. Sept. 11, 1862. 
De Witt C. Hamilton, sergt., Co. H, 141st Regt.; must. Sept. 11, 1862. 
George P. Burnham, Corp., Co. H, 141st Regt. ; must. Sept. 11, 1862. 
Willard T. Preston, Corp., Co. H, 141st Regt.; must. Sept. 11, 1862. 
Edwin E. Baker, Corp., Co. H, 141st Regt. ; must. Sept. 11, 1862. 
Charles C. Austin , private, Co. H, 141st Regt. ; must. Sept. 11, 1862. 
Jeremiah Archer, private, Co. H, 141st Regt.; must. Sept. 11, 1862. 
Henry Abbe, private, Co. H, 141st Eegt. ; must. Sept. 11, 1862. 
William Barkalow, private, Co. H, 141st Kegt. ; must. Sept. 11, 1862. 
Joseph M. Brown, private, Co. H, 141st Regt. ; must. Sept. 11, 1862. 
Albert Butler, private, Co, H, 141st Regt.; must. Sept. 11, 1862. 
Benjamin B. Buck, private, Co. H, 141st Regt.; must. Sept. 11, 1862. 
William D. Brayman, private, Co. II, 141st Kegt.; must. Sept. 11, 1862. 
Matthias Converse, private, Co. H, 14]sf Regt. ; must. Sept. 11, 1862. 
Thomas Crusen, private, Co. H, 141st Regt.; must. Sept. 11, 1862. 
Jacob T. Converse, private, Co. H, 141st Regt. ; must. Sept. 11, 1862. 
Ezra Conrad, private, Co. H, 141st Regt. ; must. Sept. 11, 1S62. 
William E. Codington, private, Co. H, 141st Regt.; must. Sept. 11, 1862. 
Alfred Downs, private, Co. H, 141st Regt.; mu.st. Sept. 11, 1862. 
Erastus Dickey, private, Co. H, 14l3t Regt. ; must. Sept. 11, 1862. 
Alfred S. Da.scam, private, Co. H, 141st Eegt. ; muft. Sept. 11, 1862. 
Warren T. Downs, private, Co. H, 141.st Regt. ; must. Sept. 11, 1862. 
William L. Fo.\, private, Co. H, 141st Regt.; must. Sept. 11, 1862. 
Jefferson Fox, private, Co. H, 141st Regt. ; must. Sept. 11, 1862. 
Jacob Gresa, private, Co. H, 141st Regt.; must. Sept. 11, 1862. 
Joseph Howland, private, Co. H, 141st Kegt. ; mn<t. Sept. 11, 1862. 
Jacob Howland, private, Co. H, 141st Regt.; must. Sept. 11, 1862. 
John Hallett, private, Co. H, 141st Regt. ; must. Sept. 11, 1862. 
Simeon P. Maride, private, Co. H, 141st Regt. ; must. Sept. 11, 1862. 
William Moore, private, Co. H, 141st Kegt. ; must. Sept. 11, 1862. 
Moses L. Monhart, private, Co H, 14l8t Regt. ; must. Sept. 11, 1862. 
Erastus Preston, private, Co, H, 141st Regt.; must. Sept. 11, 1862. 
Elisha W. Preston, private, Co. H, 141st Kegt.; must. Sept. 11, 1862. 
A.lelbert Rosa, private, Co. H, 141st Eegt. ; must. Sept. 11, 1862. 
John Stephen, private, Co. H, 141st Regt. ; must. Sei't. 11, 1862. 
Hardee Stephens, private, Co. H, 141st Regt. ; must. Sept. 11, 1862. 

eueca Thompson, private, Co. H, 141st Eegt.; must. Sept. 11, 1862. ^ 
Abraham Wampole, private, Co. H, 141st Regt.; must. Sept. 11, 1862. 
Augustus Wells, private, Co. H, 141st Kegt.; must. Sept. 11, 1862. 
Albert Colgrove, private, Co. H, 161st Regt. ; must. Sept. 18, 1862. 
Tlie following men enlisted from the town of Canisteo under the several calls 
of the President during the years 1S63 and 1864: 



-J 



FIRST CALL. 



William Ellison, must. Dec. 31, 1863. 
James Kilbury, must. Dec. 31, 1863. 
David H. Bruce, must.Jan. 4, 1864. 





/Vlf^S.C.B.Tf^AVIS. 



C. B.Tf^avis. 



CHARLES B. TRAVIS. 



Amasa Travis, the father of the subject of this sketch, was 
born in Dutchess Co., N. Y., Sept. 29, 1770. Hemanied Dec. 
14, 1800. Phoebe Travis, his wife, was also born in Dutchess 
County, Dec. 25, 1783. Of this union were born twelve chil- 
dren, three males and nine females, nine of whom lived to ma- 
turity. In May, 1801, they moved to Bergen, N. J., staying 
there four years ; thence to Sheshequin, Pa., where they remained 
one year. At this place Charles B. Travis, their third child, was 
bom, March 22, 1805. From Sheshequin they moved to Howard, 
in this county, in 1806. Coming through Chimney Narrows, at 
Corning, they were in great peril, their horses losing their footing 
in the rapid water, which was several feet in depth on the narrow 
roadway. Mrs. Travis says : " I held my babes, Charles, a year 
old, and Absalom, three years, and my husband reined the horses 
safely to land." They were the second family settling in 
Howard, where they occupied a place which had been' in the 
possession of a Mr. Hovey. He had chopped about three acres, 
and had put up a log house, which had only one gable end 
boarded up ; a floor had been laid, except around the fireplace ; 
no ceiling, no doors. Mr. Travis had to return for another load 
of goods, so they put up a quilt for a door, and rolled a barrel 
on the bottom of it to keep it secure. Here she remained alone 
with her babies until the return of her husband, with no neigh- 
bors within miles of her. In the night scarce a sound was heard 
save the shrill, piercing cry of the hungry panthers. 

They stayed in this place about one year, and then removed 
to Howard Flats, where they lived from 180G to 1818, twelve 
years. Mrs. Travis was a woman of wonderful genius and 
physical energy, and literally almost provided for and sustained 
a large family by her own labor, while her husband was felling 



the forest-trees and clearing a place for a home. She cut and 
made the coat worn by Seth Rice, the first supervisor of the 
town of Howard. Knowing her superior abilities as a spinner 
and weaver. Judge Hornell said to her that if she would spin 
and weave a piece of cloth to compete for a premium at Bath, 
and it took the premium, he would make her a present. She 
made the cloth ; it took the premium at the fair, and the judge 
made her a present of a two-year-old heifer. 

Mrs. Travis still resides on Travis Creek, in Canisteo, with 
her daughter, in good health, at the advanced age of ninety-five 
years. 

Chas. B. Travis was married Jan. 28, 1834, to Sylvia Crosby, 
daughter of Richard Crosby and Hannah Baker, sister of Hon. 
Jeremiah Baker. This marriage was blessed with eight children, 
— Solomon, Amasa, John C, Wesley, Cynthia M., Eleanor M., 
Samuel, and Nelson C. 

Mrs. Hannah Travis was bom April 6, 1811. Mr. and Mrs. 
Travis settled on Travis Creek, in Canisteo, in an unbroken 
wilderness, and the flourishing settlement on the creek bearing 
their name is the result of their hard labor — unintermitting 
labor — and praiseworthy economy. 

Mr. Travis and his sons now own about nine hundred acres 
in the vicinity of the old homestead. Mr. and Mrs. Travis, in 
the possession of health, enjoy the fruit of their industry on 
their well-tilled farm in the pleasant valley. Both have been 
consistent and active members of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church for over fifty years, and their house has ever been the 
home of the itinerant. 

Mr. Travis in early life was a Jackson Democrat, but latterly 
has been identified with the Republican party. 



II 



TOWN OF GANISTEO. 



227 



Joseph Williams, must. Jan. 4, 18G4. 
Samuel A.Stephens, must. Jan. 4, 1864. 
Newman Harding, must. Dec. 4, 1863. 
Hiram Hallett, must. Nov. 25, 1863. 
Lewis J. Quant, must. Dec. 4, 1863, 
Jeremiah J. Baird, must. Jan. 4, 1864. 
Miles Hallett, must. Jan. 1, 1864. 
David C. Osborn, must. Jan. 1, 1864. 
William H. Baker, must. ,Ian. 4, 1864. 
John H. Colier, must. .Ian. 5, 1864. 
James A. Allen, must. Doc. 31, 1863. 
Franklin Hallett, must. Dec. 31, 1863. 
William G. Brady, must. Dec. 31, 1863. 
Van E. Ellison, must. Dec. 31, 1863. 
Oscar Swarthont, must. Dec. 31, 1863. 
Nathan H. Crosby, must. Jan. 5, 1863. 
John Uadley, must. Dec. 31, 1863. 
John S. Campbell, must. Dec. 31, 1863. 
David Longhery, must. Jan. 4, 1864. 
George B. Sherman, must. Jan. 4, 1864. 
Adalbert Buck, must. Dec. 31, 1863. 

SECOND CALL. 

Foster Gregory, must. March 14, 1864. 
Luther Mattison, must. March 14, 1S64. 
Wm. W. Sanford, must. April 8, 1864. 
Nathan Thomas, must. Feb. 20, 1864. 
Jesse Campbell, must. Dec. 31, 1863. 
George W. Thomas, must. Feb. 20, 1864. 
Sanford Downs, must. Dec. 17, 1SG3. 
James H. Stewart, must. Feb. 22, 1864. 
Homer Stewart, must. March 9, 1864. 
Larry Ireland, must. Feb. 22, 1864. 
James B. Chilson, must. Dec. 26, 1863. 

THIRD CALL. 

James S. Williams, must. May 13, 1864. 
James .\rpel, must. May 13, 1864. 
William Kilter, must. May 13, 1864. 
William Brower, must. May 13, 1864. 
Charles Brayman, must. 5Iay IG, 1864. 
Oliver Clark, must. May 'J, 18G4. 
George Archer, must. March Si, 18G4. 
James A. James, must. March 23, 1864. 
Henry Cole, must. March 10, 1SC4. 
Aaron R. Shearm:in, must. March 17. 1864. 
Andrew M. Cornell, must. March 14, 1864. 
Wm. Armstrong, must. March ."), 1804. 
J. W. Robinson, 51.D., must. March 16, 1864. 
James Wood. 

FOURTH CALL. 
Lemnel H. Curtiss, must. Aug. 20, 1SG4; substitute. 
Albert B. Baan, must. Aug. 17, 18G4; substitute. 
Horace P. Butler, must. Aug. 17, 1S64 ; substitute. 
Commodore Thurber, must. Aug. 19, 1864; substitute. 
John H. Reynolds, must. Sept. ."?, 1864; substitute. 
Albert H. Ordway, must. Sept. 20, 1864. 
Ellas S. Baker, must. Sept. 27, 1864; discharged. 
N. F. Rosa, must. Sept. 26, 1864. 
Simeon C. Turner, must. Sept. 21, 1864. 
Marshall Hallett, must. Sept. 26, 1864. 
Edwin Taylor, must. Sept. 28, 1864. 
William H. Marvir), must. Sept. 30, 1864. 
Lorenzo B. Linsey, must. Sept. 28, 18C4. 
James E. Wilson, must. Sept. 3(1, 1864. 
Jesse Bovier, must. Sept. 30, 1864. 
Jesse W. Yaw, must. Oct. 8, 1804. 
Charles Millard, must. Sept. 28, 1864. 
Curtiss D. Cross, must. Sept. 21, 1864. 
Truman C. Shaver, must. Sept. 21, 1864. 
Hosea Brnner, must. Sept. 30, 1864. 
Edwin P. Angell, must. Sept. 28, 1864. 
Warren Denning, must. Sept. 21, 1864. 
William H. Olmsted, must. Sept. 21, 1864. 
John J. Arnold, must. Sept. 21, 1864. 
Cassius M. Hadley, must. Sept. 28, 1804. 
Joseph Cunningham, must. Sept. 28, 1864. 
Wilson Robinson, must. Sept. 28, 1864. 
Isaac Vorhis, must. Sept. 28, 1864. 
Alonzo Hauler, must. Sept. 28, 1864. 
Milton E. Crane, must. Sept. 30, 18G4. 
Argus Seram, must. Oct. 4, 1864. 
Chester Monroe, must. Oct. 3, 18G4. 
Michael Higgens, must. Oct. 13, 1864. 
Daniel A. Griswold, must. Oct. 3, 1864. 
Chauucey Foot, must. Sept. 30, 1864. 
Benjamin Clark, must. Oct. 3, 1864. 



Tlieodore Tourney, must. Oct. 1, 1864. 
Benjamin Greeley, must. Oct. 7, 1864. 
William Mathews, must. Sept. 30, 1864. 
\. T. Shoemaker, must. Oct. 3, 1864. 
John Gibson, must. Sept. 28, 1864. 
Stephen P. Marsh, must. Sept. 26, 1864. 
Henry Swarthont, must. Sept. 27, 1864. 
George S. Wilson, must. Sept. 27, 1864. 
Jonathan Van Schover, must. Sept. 26, 1864. 
Edward W. Mai-sh, must. Sept. 26, 1864. 
J. M. Kauna, must. Sept. 24, 1864. 
John S. Colbroth, must. Sept. 30, 1864. 
John Mattison, must. Sept. 26, 1864. 
Martin L. White, must. Sept. 28, 1864. 
Jos. R. Wilson, must. Sept. 27, 1804. 
Bloses Hurderden, must. Dec. 29, 1864. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

NATHAN STEPHENS. 

Nathan Stephens was born in Harderstown, N. J., Dec. 
8, 1783. 

According to history, Henry Stephens, whose father, 
Nicholas, was an officer in Oliver Cromwell's army, after 
the death of the " Protector" emigrated to America, first 
settling in Stonington, Conn., 1G60, with his two brothers, 
Thomas and Richard. 

The line of descent from Henry Stephens to Jedediah 
Stephens, the first settler of this branch of the Stephens 
fiimily in the Canisteo Valley, is as follows: (1) Henry; 
(2) Henry ; (3) Jedediah ;* (4) Jedediah 2d, the first set- 
tler of Steuben County of thi.s branch; born May 11, 
1757, at Canaan, Litchfield Co., Conn., married in Goshen, 
Orange Co., N. Y., to Abigail Corey, Jan. 1, 1778 ; was a 
volunteer soldier of the Revolutionary war and served six 
years; was in the Indian battle of Wyoming, July 3, 1778, 
where his brother, Rufus, was killed. He owned a farm at 
Wyoming; was taken prisoner by the Peunamites, under 
Gen. Plunket, but after a few days released. 

In May, 17tM», with his wife and family of five children, 
Abigail, Silas, Nathan, Sylvina, and Cynthia, removed from 
Wyoming and settled on lot No. 10, in the town of Canis- 
teo, on the place now owned by his grandson, Joshua C. 
Stephens, the property having been in the flimily since. 
He purchased six hundred acres of timbered land, some 
fifty acres of which he cleared prior to his death, Jan. 26, 
1830. He was a man of little book knowledge, but pos- 
sessed of much native ability, and upon settling in the neW 
country was soon recognized as a worthy citizen. While 
Canisteo belonged to Ontario County, in 1793-94 he rep- 
resented his town as supervisor. In early life he was a 
member of the Congregational Church. About 1800 he 
became a member of the Methodist Church, and from 1812 
to the time of his decease, was a local preacher of that 
denomination. 



* Jedediah Stephens, Sr., married Mary Ralhbone. Their children 
were Joshua; Anna, born March 17, 1753; Eunice, born June 12, 
1755; Jedediah, born May 11, 1757 ; Ira, born July 18, 1759; Rufus, 
born May 2, 1762 ; Sylvania, born Jan. 14, 1764; Nathan, born Aug. 
4, 1766; Cynthia, born Sept. 26, 1768. 

Joshua Stephens married Oct. 27, 1767, Christiana Dutcher: Anna 
Stephens married Jeremiah Baker, Sr.; Eunice Stephens married Elijah 
Rude; Jedediah Stephens married Jan. 1, 1778, Abigail Cory; Ira 
Stephens married Sibyl Ransom; Cynthia Stephens married Francis 
Saturlee. 



228 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



His sixth child, Olive, born Nov. 10, 1790, in Canisteo, 
was the first white child born in Steuben County. The 
other children born here were Joshua, Hila, and Pamela. 
The mother died Aug. 28, 1825. 

Nathan Stephens, familiarly called Capt. Nathan Ste- 
phens, was seven years of age when the family came to this 
valley; was brought up to know and experience all the hard- 
ship of the pioneer; was married May 14, 1804, to Rachel 
Gilbert, of Addison (her father, Elisha Gilbert, being one 
of the first settlers of that town), and for some eight years 
resided in that town, on what was known as the Gilbert 
estate, now owned by Col. Henry Baldwin. The remain- 
der of his life was spent on the old homestead in Canisteo, 
where he erected commodious buildings and made many 
other improvements, among which was the " Methodist 



The father died April 3, 1862 ; the mother having died 
Feb. 7, 1850. 

Joshua C. Stephens, youngest son, born May 30, 1816, 
received a fair education in the common school, in Howard 
and Alfred Academies ; was a teacher for several terms. Aug. 
3, 1845, he married Hannah, daughter of Harris Abbe, of 
Howard. She was born Sept. 30, 1823, in Enfield, Conn., 
from which place her parents removed about 1800, and 
settled in Howard about 1825. Their children are Ira G., 
James A., Harris M., Nathan J., Mrs. James H., Stewart, 
of Howard, Emma H., and Mary M. 

He has resided on the old homestead his whole life and 
carried on farming, and to some extent has carried on lum- 
bering. He has been closely allied to the best interests of 
his town, and ever interested in all its local improvements, 




^^/-/^C^H^ 



t^^ 



tavern," which he assisted his father in building. He was 
a staunch member of the Democratic party, and cast his 
first vote for President of the United States for Thomas 
Jefi'erson. 

He was elected to fill many offices in his town, was town 
clerk for several terms, and also school commi.ssioner, and in 
the interest of education was a strong and able advocate, 
and did much to forward its progress. Although a farmer, 
he was very fond of hunting and trapping, and it was esti- 
mated that for thirty years of his life lie averaged to kill 
one hundred deer annually. 

His children are Elisha G., Jedediah H. M., Ebenezer 
C, Franklin D., and Joshua C, all living, and all residents 
of Steuben County except the third son, who is a resident 
of Allegany County. 



— the education of the young and good society. Educated 
in the Democratic party, of which his grandfather was an 
unswerving member, he has been a somewhat active exponent 
of its principles. Many years ago he was school inspector 
of the town, subsequently, about 1850, town superintendent 
of schools, and has been town clerk and supervisor for 
several terms. In 1842 he became a member of the Morning 
Star Lodge, No. 65, Canisteo ; his father and grandfather 
having been among the founders of that lodge. In 1854 he 
was appointed Eminent Commander of the Edwards Com- 
mandary, at Hornellsville, now called De Molay Command- 
ery, No. 22, which position he held for some two years. His 
connection with Masonry has been continuous since he first 
became a member, having been called during that time to 
fill various official positions in the several bodies. 





fvfRs John CAf?TER. 



John Carter. 



.^. - ik 



I .,'j'._;;-SH.. .1- Jb., 




RESIDtNCt OF JOHN CARTER, CaniSTELO, N Y 



TOWN OP CATON. 



229 



JOHN CARTER 
was born in Ithaca, Tompkins Co., N. Y., Jan. 26, 1821. 
His father, Anthony Carter, was a native of Vermont, born 
Oct. 19, 1787; married Rachel Teter, — born in Tompkins 
Co., N. Y., Sept. 22, 1791,— Aug. 19, 1807, and settled 
in Tompkins Co., N. Y., with his parents about 1816. 
The family, on account of famine in Vermont, left that 
State, oro-ssed Lake Champlain on the ice, and with a very 
small amount of money, as the result of the sale of their 
property, finally settled in their new home in the far west, 
and were among the pioneers of Tompkins County. 

Her father, Peter Teter, came from New Jersey, was 
about the first settler of Lansing, that county, built the 
first mill, owned a large tract of land, became wealthy, and 
died where he first settled on coming to the county. Both 
grandfatliers, Anthony Carter and Peter Teter, were soldiers 
of the Revolutionary war. 

Anthony Carter was next youngest of five children of 
the Carter family, settled in the town of Greenwood, 1830, 
where the family resided nine years, and came to Canisteo, 
purchasing, on Bennett Creek, two miles south of the vil- 
lage, some one thousand and thirty-three acres of land, most 
of which still remains in the family. 

He followed lumbering for many years of his life prior 
to, and after coming to, Steuben County ; was an active, 
enterprising, and thrifty business man. He was a man 
characterized for his generosity, and did much in the early 
days of the settlement of Greenwood to assist those nidre 
in need of the comforts of life than his own family. He 
died Dee. 8, 1857. His wife died April 7, 18(13. 

Their children are Peter, Mrs. Uriah Douglass, Mrs. 
William Laiigley, Mrs. George Brown, Daniel John, Mrs. 



Alvali Davis, Anthony, Calvin, Mrs. Lewis Cornell, Mrs. 
James Fuller, George W., and Mrs. Hamilton Bartlett. 

John Carter remained at home until he was twenty-four 
years of age, and worked on the farm and in the saw-mill. 
His opportunities for book knowledge were very limited, 
but his subsequent life has fully demonstrated the fiict that 
education does not all come from books, necessary economy, 
privation, and self-reliance often laying the foundation for 
opulence and a wide field of intelligence, reading, and 
knowledge. 

In 1844, October 13, he married Catherine, daughter 
of Erastus and Mary Stephens, of Canisteo. Her father 
was grandson of Uriah Stephens, the first settler of the Can- 
i.steo Valley. She was born May 22, 1826. 

For twenty-five years after his marriage, Mr. Carter 
carried on farming and lumbering, on a part of the farm 
settled by his father in Canisteo, and in 1870 removed to 
the village, where he has been engaged in erecting dwelling- 
houses, some of which are among the most substantial and 
elegant residences in the village. His life has been one of 
constant activity, and to such enterprising and resolute mten 
as he Canisteo owes its business-like and thrifty appearance. 
His fine hotel block, the most elegant building in the vil- 
lage, is shown on another page of this work. 

Mr. Carter has given his life strictly to business, never 
accepting the honors of office or its emoluments. He is 
interested in the education of the rising generation, and a 
liberal supporter of that and kindred interests. He is a 
member of the Republican party, and encourages all enter- 
prises of rei'orm and local improvement in the village and 
town. Their children are William T., Erastus A., Addio 
A., Eva, and Mary L. 



—<r ~) '' g C S u I ( II 



C A T O ^. 



QENBRAL DESCRIPTION. 
Caton was formed from Painted Post, under the name 
of " Wormly," on the 28th of March, 1829. On the 3d 
of April, 1840, it was changed to its present name. It is 
the southeast corner town of the county. Its surface is 
elevated, quite level, and less broken by deep valleys than 
any other town of the county, there being but a few small 
streams, flowing northward. The extensive forests of this 
town have aflorded large quantities of lumber. Upon some 
of the highest hills is found a coarse, silicious conglomerate, 
which forms the bed of the coal measures. The soil is 
chiefly a clayey and shaly loam. 

SETTLEMENT. 

Joseph and Charles Wolcott made a temporary settlement 

in this town in 1814; but Isaac Rowley, from Bradford 

Co., I'a., who located here in 1819, seems to have been the 

first permanent settler. Stephen and Simeon llurd settled 



in the town in 1821, Solomon Tarboxin 1822, and E. P. 
Babcock, Edward Bobbins, and Henry Miner in 1823 ; Ab- 
ner Gilbert, E. Robbins, and Elias P. Babcock purchasing 
4000 acres in the southeast part of the town, and Mr. Gil- 
bert erecting a .saw-mill at the outlet of the marsh the same 
year. 

In 1824 a few men from the more eastern counties — 

among whom were P]phraim Hill, Levi and Willis Gridley 

came, with their families, into the heavy-timbered hills of Ca- 
ton, and located themselves among all the wild surroundings 
of a backwoods life, taking at random their future farms, 
where now their sons and grandsons are living the posses- 
sors of well-tilled acres and surrounded with the homes of 
industrious neighbors. The rough roads by which they 
came have been changed to good, broad highways, leadinsr 
past the modern farm-hou.ses which have replaced the log 
house of the pioneer. The descendants of Mr. Hill are 
now widely known as among the leading men of the town 



230 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



and are intimately connected witli its liistory. The arrival 
of Amos Hamlin on the south border, near Lindley, in 
182(5, and Culunel Isaac Thompson, in 1827, opened a set- 
tlement in the beautiful little valley of Cram's Creek. 
These (lid men have long since passed away, but their sons 
still inlua'it the lands as well as energy of their fathers, 
John Thompson having made of the old Thompson home- 
stead one of the best and most productive farms in the 
town His residence is surrounded by a beautiful grove of 
maples, and commodious farm-buildings please the eye. 
Ira C. Hamlin, son of Amos Hamlin, is one of the most 
energetic business men of Lawrenceville, Pa., though still 
living upon the old homestead. On the southeast hill, near 
the centre of the town, live Orlando Emerson and the sons 
of Stephen L. Gregory, in modern farmliou.ses overlooking 
the (juiet little village of Caton Centre, on the land tlieir 
father, Dr. Gregory, settled upon when in 1825 he came 
from Chenango County to the " West" of that day, looking 
for a new home in which to develop his restrained ambition. 
Elias P. Babcock, one of the purchasers of the 4000-aere 
tract in the southeast part of the town in 1822, has passed 
away. His son, Henry L., a man of wealth and enterprise, 
still owns the old farm into which Caton Centre has crowded 
half its houses, and his grandson, eTulien Babcoek, conducts 
the store in which, in 1819, W. D. Gilbert .sold the first 
goods in a village of two houses and a thinly-settled farm- 
ing community as a doubtful venture. Mr. Gilbert retired 
from business several years ago, but is still a moving spirit, 
though venerable with age. From the old families of Caton 
are descended many of the leading business men of Corn- 
ing and the surrounding villages, whose success speaks well 
for their early training. 

George Buuher and Benoni Johnson were here as early 
as 1823, and Rufus Howe. Ephraim Hill jilanted the fir.st 
fruit-trees, bringing with him some plum-trees in an old 
churn. 

In 1820, Eli Gridley, Amos Bimham, George Thurher, 
and Amos Lewis — who said he lived in "No. 1, in the 
brier-patch!" — came. Mr. Lewis was a great bee-hunter, 
and, as bee-trees were plenty in the woods, made himself 
known and welcomed. 

In 1827, Col. Isaac Thompson settled in the southeast, 
near the Lindley line. 

In 1835, Rev. Arthur VVcscott and his brother Horace 
came from Chenango County, and located for themselves 
and their brother George ; but when he came, two years 
after, with his fiimily, Jlr. Herrick had had the smallpox 
in his cabin, and he refused to occupy the place. 

In 1832, Frederick Barnard and Gershom Wilcox came, 
with their families, and erected a frame house, near the 
Corning line, in twenty days, and Mr. Barnard erected a 
saw-mill at onee. In a letter written back, Oct. 23, 1832, 
he says he has working for him Samuel Gorton, James Gor- 
ton, Dick Clark, two Dills, J. Wood, Rowe, Hurd, Gregory, 
and Gilbert, and speaks of them as " a noisy set of fellows." 

John Rowe opened the farm near the old Baptist church 
at a very early day. 

Shepard Hurd was the first child born in town. Oliver 
Woodworth and Elizabeth Hurd were the first couple mar- 
ried. Joseph Toby was an early settler. 



Samuel Wormlj- kept the first tavern and post-office, on 
the Neals [)lace, where were formerly the four corners. 

W. D. Gilbert opened the first store, in 1849, when there 
were but two hou.ses in the " Centre." He said, " They all 
weiit to bed as soon as it became dark, and he had no night 
trade." 

Several years after the mill was built ague became preva- 
lent, and the people, believing the cause to be damming the 
marsh, — which was a level bed of swamp a quarter of a 
mile in width and extending south some three miles, and 
covered with a forest of balsam and white ash, — ^complained 
until the dam was opened. As the clearings became older 
and more developed, the ague ceased to exist. 

Orchards were planted early, Mr. Hill putting out 100 
apple-trees the year after his arrival, 1825, and others 
following his example. 

In 1S24 there were but three spans of horses in the 
town. A trip to Corning — seven miles — had to be made 
over the hills, con.suming a full day to go and return. 

But few residents were scattered about the town, and 
farming was hard work. Game was a necessity rather than 
a luxury, and what was raised was well earned. The first 
corn raised was backed to the old ■' pound-mill" at Painted 
Post. Often children would sit up waiting for the return 
and a supper of new corn, or the eldest boys would sally 
forth with rifle to meet father and keep oif the wolves, which 
were numerous long after the settlement began, but were 
vigorously hunted for the $40 bounty. 

James Davison was an early settler. Charles, his son, a 
resolute farmer, is remembered by the old settlers as the 
champion wolf-slayer, he continuing to follow them, with 
unerring aim, until they disappeared, — he at one time kill- 
ing six, and at another following a single wolf until he 
had run it down. 

The early settleis came poor, working on the river for 
corn and provisions; then for themselves, clearing while 
their supplies lasted ; holding logging-bees, in which all 
joined, until a few acres were cleared for each. 

The vicinity of Caton Centre was originally covered 
with a variety of hard timber, the hill west being a dense 
growth of tall, straight beeches, covering the ground with 
nuts in autumn. Maple-sugar was, and still is, an impor- 
tant source of reveime to the farmers of Caton. Shingle- 
making was extensively carried on with profit, if the maker 
did not suffer loss in rafting to market. Then the travel- 
ing "shingle weaver," with his axe, froe, saw, and rifle, 
would steal his way into some secluded cluster of pines, erect 
a roof against some upturned tree, and with his solitary 
companion spend the season shaving shingles, living on the 
proceeds of his rifle. When done, he would knock the 
prop from his roof, and set the pile of shavings and the 
woods on fire to blacken the .stumps and destroy the proof 
of his clandestine labors. 

Flax was raised in those days, and every daughter taught 
to spin and weave. Cows and oxen ran at large in the woods, 
subsisting through the season on mosses and twigs. A few 
years before the settlement, say the " old men," worms in 
large numbers killed the hemlocks on tlie highlands, and 
the woods soon became filled with dead trees, which con- 
tinued falling as they rotted or were blown over. 




CKoro? gy LVAHS 




PHILIP flUBBAI^D 



JVIRS PHILIP fHUBBAI^D 




RESIDENCE or PHILIP flUBBARD, Caton, Steuben Co n y 



i 



TOWN OF CATON. 



231 



The first >;rist-mill was built by A. B. Breese, pievious 
to 1832. 

Christopher Deyo cauie from Greene County to Caton in 
1847. His only living son, Alonzo Deyo, a prominent 
citizen and wealthy farmer, who has done much to advance 
the interests of his town, occupies a fine residence overlook- 
ing Caton Centre and the valley below. 

Dr. Gregory came from Chenango County in 1S26, and 
settled on the Robbins tract, with his sons, conducting an 
ashery for several years, making pot and pearl ashes, and 
supplying the surrounding country with sateratus, or its 
equivalent. Stephen G. Gregory was one of the early post- 
masters. 

In 1842, Dexter Davis, from Orange, Mass., brought 
the first steam-engine into the town, building a saw-mill 
and pail-factory in the heavy pines just above the Barnard 
settlement, employing some thirty hands, and conducting 
for some years the heaviest manufacturing business in the 
vicinity of Corning. 

For years Caton was known only as " Number One," 
that being its designation in the old survey ; but after 
Samuel Wormley's tavern was opened, it became known as 
Wormley, that name being held after the first town election. 
The name of Caton was derived from that of Kichard 
Caton, who, with Edward Carroll, of Carrollton, Md., one 
of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, was one 
of its original land-owners. 

The only settlement of note in Caton is Caton Centre, 
near the centre of the town, and seven miles from Corning. 
It contains three stores, post-office, shoe- and wagon-shop, 
jewelry -store, Grange Hall, two churches, two blacksmith- 
shops, a saw-mill, and over fifty residences. Barnard's 
Mill settlement consists of the usual clu.ster of eight or ten 
residences, and necessary shops about the mill. 

ORGANIZATION. 
At the first annual town-meeting of the town of Worm- 
ley (now Caton), held at the house of Russell Stanton on 
the 11th day of February, 1840, the following persons 
were elected : Supervisor, Amos Lewis ; Town Clerk, Or- 
lando Gregory ; Assessors, John Gillett, Russell Stanton, 
Zimri B. Robbins ; Commissioners of Highways, Amos 
Bonham, Joseph P. Brooks, Horace Wescott ; Commis- 
sioners of Common Schools, Abram D. Kinney, Amzi 
English, Joshua Russell; Inspectors of Schools, Naboth C. 
Babcock, Henry L. Babcock, Henry Stanton; Poormasters, 
John Griswold, John Spencer; Collector, Thomas Brooks; 
Constables, Smith Spencer, Josiah B. Bailey, Harvey C. 
Howe ; Justices, Israel Woodworth, Jacob Robbins, George 
Wescott, Naboth C. Babcock. 



LIST OF TOWN OFFICERS. 



Supervisors. 

1840. Amos Lewis. 

1841. .John Gillett. 

1842. Naboth C. Babcock. 

1843. John Gillett. 

1844. Jauics L. Whitney. 
1845. 

184(1. Amzi English. 

1847. Orlanclo Gregory. 

1848. " " 



Town Clerks. 
Orlando Gregory. 



Abram Hawvcr. 



Collectors. 
Thomas Brooks. 
James L. Whitney. 
Henry L. Babcock. 
.Josiah B. Hiley. 



Harry C. Howe. 
VVilliaui Boyer. 
J. B. Rilev. 



1S49. 
1850. 
1851. 
1S52. 
185:i. 
1854. 
1855. 
1S56. 
1857. 
1858. 
lS5y. 
18(10. 
ISCil. 
18(12. 
I8(i:j. 
1804. 
1865. 
186(>. 
1867. 
1868. 
ISO!). 
1870. 
1871. 
1872. 
187.3. 
1874. 
1875. 
187U. 
1877. 
1878. 



Supervisors. 
Henry D. Smith. 
Christian Minier. 
James Lawrey. 

(t ii 

H. D. Smith. 

C. Minier. 

D. Clinton Weslcott. 

P. H. Brown. 
William D. Gilbert. 

C. JMinier. 



Town Clerks. 
Romeo Recfl. 
Orliinilo Gregory. 
Wm. D. (}ilhert. 



S. C. Skinner. 
Wm. D. Gilbert, 
(jeorge Sage. Jr. 
W. D. Gilbert. 
T. S. Wolcott. 
L. G. .Johnson. 
H. E. Gilbert. 



W. 1). Gilbert. 
P. II. Brown. 



Geo. W. Brown. 



C. Minier. Albert Gridley. 

William D. Gilbert. Osceola Gilbert. 



C. J. Minier. 
J. n. Rathbun. 



Levi Force. 
Edwin C. English. 

Alonzo Deyo. 



Abram J. Whilncy 



Dubois Schutt. 
G. W. Brown. 
Wm. D. Gilbert. 
Harrison Howe. 
Wm. D. Gilbert. 

S. G. "N'easie. 
George W. Brown. 
Julian Babcock. 
Wm. P. Howe (3d). 
W. 0. Matteson. 



(Atllectors. 
.lohn W. Sawyer. 
Jonas Johnson. 

John E. Wolcott. 
William H. Brace. 
John W. Sawyer. 
Harry N. Howe. 

.lohn E. Wolcott. 
Juliu.s M. Lewis. 
Hiram Sanday. 
Chas. N. Wolcott. 
E. Deyo Niver. 

G. W. Hill. 
Alonzo Deyo. 
George W. Brown. 
E. C. English. 
John B. Rathbun. 
Harrison Howe. 
Victor Kennan. 
Lewis Wolcott. 
William M. AVolcott. 
Farnsworth Gorton. 
Burtis B. Reed. 
Joseph N, Thurber. 
S. G. Vezie. 
E. G. Woodward. 

Eli L. Gridley. 



.JUSTICES OF THE PEACE. 



1840. 


Israel Woodworth. 


1859. 


William A. Brown 




Jacob Robbins. 


1860. 


Able Rose. 




George Wescott. 


1861. 


W. D. Gilbert. 




Naboth C. Babcock. 


1862. 


Pierce Ilerrick. 


1841. 


Jacob Robbins. 




Daniel Davis. 




Naboth C. Babcock. 


1863. 


Levi Force. 


1842. 


Naboth C. Babcock. 


1864. 


Daniel Davis. 


1843. 


Amos Bonham. 


1865. 


Wm. D. Gilbert. 


1844. 


George Wescott. 




C. Minier. 


1845. 


Benoni Johnson. 


1866. 


.Tesse Buchanan. 


1846. 


James L. Whitney. 


1867. 


Alonzo Deyo. 


1847. 


John Gillett. 


1868. 


Daniel Davis. 


1848. 


Christian Minier. 


1869. 


L. B. Smith. 


1849. 


Benoni Johnson. 


1870. 


Daniel Hitt. 


1850. 


James L. Whitney. 


1871. 


A. Deyo. 


1851. 


N. C. Babcock. 




Wm. D. Gilbert, 


1852. 


C. Minier. 


1872. 


Daniel Davis. 


1863. 


Benoni Johnson. 


1873. 


Wm. D. Gilbert. 


1854. 


John Gillett. 


1874. 


Daniel Hitt. 


1S55. 


James L. Whitney. 


1875. 


Alonzo Deyo. 


1856. 


S. H. Smith. 


1876. 


Alonzo Day. 


1857. 


E. W. Fuller. 


1877. 


W. 0. Matteson. 


1858 


R. B. Cole. 


1878. 


Osceola Gilbert. 


1859 


C. Minier. 







CHURCHES. 
The first church in this town was the Presbyterian, they 
holding service and organizing a Sunday-school in 1824. 
They continued to hold the meetings in Gilbert's mill and 
H. D. Smith's barn several seasons, until 1833, when their 
church was completed. Rufus Howe, his son William, and 
Stephen L. Gregory, built the church. Rev. Benjamin 
Harron was the first settled pastor. In the absence of a 
preacher Deacons Ephraim Hill or Edward Robbins would 
read a sermon. Rev. David Harrower, Rev. Mr. Higgins, 
Rev. Dr. Joshua B. Graves, and Rev. Mr. Jones were 
pa.stors. Levi Gridley was also one of the first deacons. 
Titus Smith and wife, jMis. Ephraim Hill, sou and daugli- 



232 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



ter, and Mrs. Benoni Johnson were among the first mem- 
bers. The organization ceased to exist about 1854. 

THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH. 

William and Martha Hubbard, who came to Caton in 
1831, were the first Methodists in the town. Thomas 
Wheat, a local preacher, formed the first class, in the year 
1833, in the old East school-house (now No. 4), where the 
first meetings were held. The first members were William 
and Martha Hubbard, Elizabeth Hubbard, Lewis Gridley, 
Julia Grifiin, Priscilla Darrow (colored). Afterwards, 
Amos Bonham, James Davison, Elias Babcock, Enos 
Smith and wife, Amzi Enjilish and wife, William and Jesse 
Harrison became members. In 1838 their meetings were 
held in the North school-house, on the corner of Salter 
Steele's (now Philip Hubbard's) farm. Rev. Chandler 
Wheeler preaching Wednesday evenings once in two weeks. 
Afterwards, meetings were held in Elias Babcock's wagon- 
house. In 1839 meetings were held in the Presbyterian 
church. 

After a powerful revival under Chandler Wheeler, in 
1838, the old Methodist Episcopal church was commenced. 
It was occupied as a place of worship in 1840, but was not 
dedicated until 1842, 0. Trowbridge, pastor. Enos Smith, 
Amzi English, and Lewis Gridley were the building com- 
mittee, who, with Amos Bonham, secured subscriptions. 
Levi Toby gave the church land. 

The new church was dedicated Jan. 16, 1868, Rev. 
Henry Harpst, pastor. It cost $6100. 

Since the first class was organized, in 1833, thirty-four 
preachers, with their assistants, have successively proclaimed 
the gospel here. Six years of pioneer work in school-houses, 
one year in the old Presbyterian church, twenty-eight in the 
old Methodist Episcopal church, and nine in the new, make 
up the forty-four years of our history. 

Pastors from 1832 to 1878.— Joseph Pearsall, 1832; 
Joseph Chatraan, 1833 ; Wm. Hosmer, 1835 ; Nathan 
Fellows, 1835 ; Marshall St. Johns, 1835 ; Ira Bronson, 
1836 ; Noble Palmeter, 1836 ; Ira Bronson, 1837 ; S. M. 
Gorton, 1837. Place of meeting, the old East school- 
house, now No. 4. 

Chandler Wheeler, 1838 ; Chas. Davis, 1838. North 
school-house. First church begun. 

Ambrose Abbott, 1839. In Presbyterian church. 

Chas. S. Davis, 1840 (old church occupied) ; A. Hard, 
1841 ; C. L. Brown, 1841 ; 0. Trowbridge, 1842 (old 
church dedicated) ; I. V. Mapes, 1843 ; E. B. Fuller, 
1'844 ; E. E. Chambers, 1846 ; Chas. Nash, 1846 ; T. B. 
Hudson, 1847 ; John Wiley, 1847 ; Alva Jones, 1848 
(Caton a station); Job Golden, 1849; A. H. ShurtlefF, 
1850; Curtis Graham, 1851 (first parsonage bought); 
Levi Wood, 1852; J. Jerolamon, 1854; Stephen Merritt, 
1856 ; J. Everett, 1857 ; Chas. Bush, 1859 ; H. AVisner, 
1861 ; J. Robinson, 1863; J. H. Austin, 1864; H. Row- 
land, 1866; H. Harpst, 1867 (present parsonage bought); 
S. H. Auldridge,"1869; J. Jerolamon, 1872; M. F. De 
Witt, 1873; Wm. W. Hunt, 1875; J. B. Bradbury, 
1876-78. 

The earliest preachers are spoken of as valiant, earnest 
men, and were warmly welcomed in their semi-monthly 



visits. They then had large circuits, much travel and 
labor, with little salary. The local interests were carried 
forward by the class-leader, who was then the real pastor, 
while the preacher hurried from place to place, scattering 
the gospel seed as he went. There are six classes formed 
in various parts of the town, under separate leaders. Pres- 
ent membership, about 200. 

Class- Leaders. — N. D. Davis, Henry Farran, E. Hill, 
Arad Hunt, L. R. Wheeler, R. Emory. 

Stewards. — Henry Russell, H. Davenport, Jas. Gilbert, 
B. L. Gregory, Earl Hill, Frank Howe, Jonas Johnson, 
Arad Hunt, Jas. Marcy. 

District Steward. — Bruce L. Gregory. 

Recording Steward. — Jonas Johnson. 

Tnistees.—N. D. Davis, Geo. Brown, T. Rhodes, E. Hill, 
H. Davenport. 

President of the Board. — N. D. Davis. 

Clerk. — Geo. Brown. 

Treasurer. — Thomas S. Rhodes. 

Rev. Arthur Wescott was a missionary worker ready to 
go anywhere, and in his earnest, vigorous way drawing large 
audiences, and leaving a name never to be forgotten. He 
preached in Caton from 1835 until his death in 1870. 

THE FREE METHODIST CHURCH 

has a class of some 15 members, at Barnard's Mill, which 
was organized in 1865, and is supplied from Lindley and 
Gibson. Class-Leader, Justus Reed ; Stewards, Mrs. John 
Havens, Lewis Wood. 

THE CATON BAPTIST CHURCH. 

This cliurch was organized at the house of Nelson Wol- 
cott, Aug. 23, 1832, as the First Baptist Church of Painted 
Post. Among the first members were Thomas, Ebenezer 
A., Betsey, and Betsey Ann Miller, Nelson, Charles, and 
Mrs. J^lizabeth Wolcott, Russell and Eunice Stanton, Syl- 
vester and Ada Martin, Philo Rowley, W. E. Brace, Anna 
Champlin, Catherine Butcher, Lois Babcock, Lucy Berry, 
Abigail J. Brown, and Sarah Babcock. First Trustees, 
Elias R. Babcock, Charles Wolcott, Ebenezer A. Miller. 
The pastors were supplied from other charges for a number 
of years. Among the regular pastors are for 1841, Rev. 
W. A. Brown ; 1843-47, 1. Woodworth ; 1849, N. Prince ; 
1853, W. Jones; 1854, D. T. Lock wood ; 1856, N. 
Prince; 1857-63, S. M. Brookman ; 1864, J. H. Miles; 
1867-70, S. D. Merrick; 1872-73, A. Dickinson. William 
Sharp, the present pastor, settled in 1874. Present Trus- 
tees, William B. Miller, James Davison, John Ford. 
Deacons, William B. Miller, Orrin Gridley, Dubois Schutt, 
Edmond Strouse. Pre.sent membership, 86. Mrs. Wolcott, 
aged eighty-seven, is the only one of the original members 
now living. In 1842 the church was made a separate 
charge. The first church was located on the brow of the 
hill west, overlooking the village, its location being still 
marked by the old cemetery where many of its earlier 
members have been gathered to rest. The present building 
was erected in 1852, and is valued at 14000. 




<2^(^^^nn, fJA/E:y- 



The paternal grandparent of John Gillett, tlie 
subject of tlii.s sketcli, was a native of C'onnecticut, 
and married, Nov. 14, 1754, Abigail Hough, and 
had a family of nine children, of whom Joseph, the 
father of Captain John Gillett, was born in Connecti- 
cut also, and in youth removed to near New Lebanon 
Springs; then settled in Steuben County, then Painted 
Post, now Corning, previous to his marriage. He 
was among the very early pioneers of this county. 
He married Miss Catherine, daughter of Aaron and 
Catherine Hunt, of Wyoming, N. Y., Sept. 6, 1795. 
Miss Hunt was born April 20, 1778, and Joseph 
Gillett was born Dec. 8, 1771. Of this union nine 
children were born, of whom Captain John was tlie 
second son and third child. Captain Joseph was a 
farmer by occupation. He was one of the promi- 
nent men of Painted Post ; was magistrate for some 
fourteen consecutive years, also supervisor of the 
town. He was a soldier in the war of 181 2, and acted 
in the capacity of captain. He was wounded in one 
of the engagements, and was brought home. He 
died Sept. 29, 1848, and his wife died Oct. 18, 1841. 
Captain John Gillett was born in the old town of 
Painted Post, four miles from Corning, toward 
Elmira, Nov. 15, 1801. He lived with his parents 
until he was about twenty, Avhen he married Miss 
Betsey Butcher, daughter of George Butcher, of 
Luzerne Co., Pa., Dec. 14, 1821. John learned the 



ii-unsmitli trade when a boy. Mrs. John Gillett was 
born Jan. 5, 1794. Of this union of Mr. and Mrs. 
Gillett eight children were born, viz. : George, Wil- 
liam, Sarah H., Mary E., Catherine E., George (1st), 
Joseph, and Rhoda M. Of these, George (1st), 
Sarah H., Catherine E., and Joseph are dead. Mrs. 
Gillett died July 18, 1869, and Mr. Gillett married 
his present wife Sept. 16, 1877. Captain John came 
into Caton in 1822, and settled May 9, 1823, and 
is one of the oldest settlers of the town, and is living 
on the same farm he settled on at that early day. 
He formerly was a Democrat, but of late years he 
has been identified with the Republican party. Ho 
has been justice of the peace for eight years, and 
supervisor for one term, and assessor for eight years ; 
in fact, he has held nearly all the important offices 
of his town. For more than fifty years he was pilot 
dowu tiie Ciiemung and Susquehanna, and was con- 
sidered one of the best on these rivers, but his prin- 
cipal business has been farming. He still resides 
on the " Old Home" where he settled in 1823. He 
has been one of the leading farmers of Caton, and a 
man highly respected by those who know him. His 
present wife is a native of New Jersey, and settled in 
Steuben County in 1851. 

Mr. Gillett's two wives iiave been members of tiie 
Baptist Church, and Mr. Gillett a regular attendant 
on the same. He was chorister for many years. 



TOWN OF CATON. 



233 



MILITARY RECORD OP CATON. 

Gilltert, Osceola, private, 50th Eng., Co. F ; enl. Jan. 4, 1864, three years ; discli. 

Jiinei:^, 18G5. 
Taggart, Nathaniel, private^ Hist Inf., Co. D; enl. Aug. 22, 1862, three years; 

disch. Nov. 24, 1863, for disability. 
Cleaver, William Henry, corporal, 107tli Inf., Co. I; enl. Aug. 7, 1862, three 

years ; disch. Jan. 14, 1865. 
Smith, Emory Osgood, private, 50th Eng., Co. H; enl. Aug. 22, 1862, three 

years; discli. Nov. 14. 1862. 
Smith, Thompson Lewis, private, 50th Eng., Co. H; enl. Aug. 22, 1864, three 

years ; discharged. 
Lomiller, Joseph, pnvate, I6th H. Art., Co. C; enl. Dec. 30, 1863, three years; 

wounded Oct. 7, 1864, at City Point, Va.; died Dec. 27, 18G4. 
Veazee, Arthur, private, 107th luf., Co. I; enl. Aug. 7, 1862, three years; 

wounded May 2.3, 1864, at Dallas, Ga., disch. June 16, 1865. 
Babcock, Wilson Humphrey, private, 107th Inf., Co. A ; enl. July 16, 1862, three 

years; disch. June 16, 1865. 
Smith, Hezekiah Samuel, private, 23d Inf., Co. D; enl. for two years. 
Smith, Henry Putnam, private, 107th Regt., Co. A ; enl. July 16, 1862, three 

years; died at Bolivar Heights, Oct. 13, 1862. 
Everetts, John Sitmnel, private, lo7th Inf., Co. I ; enl. June 16, 1862, three 

yeai-s ; disch. July 24, 1865. 
Gilbert, James Abner, private, 23d Inf., Co. D; eul. Oct. 16, 1861, two years; 

disch. May 23, 18(i3. 
Gilbert, Dennis Kingsley, private, 23d Inf., Co. D; enl. Oct. 16, 1861, two years; 

disch. May 23, 1863. 
Hubbard, Wilbur Fisk, private, 141st luf., Co. D; enl. Aug. 27, 18G2, three 

years ; died March 27, 1863. 
Gregory, Seelye Dwight, private, 50th Eng.. Co. H; enl. Aug. 2i, 1862, three 

years; died Oct. 11, 1864. 
Pew, Richard, private, 10" th Inf., Co. A; en). July 16, 1862, three years; taken 

prisoner; disch. June 16, 1865. 
Ham, Darin-i Daniel, private, 50th Eug., Co. H; enl. Sept. 2, 1861, three years; 

disch. Sept. 20, 1864. 
Gorton, Farnsworth, private, 1st Pa. Res., Co. A ; enl. May 25, 1861, three years ; 

wounded June 30, 1862 ; disch. Oct. 4, 1862. 
Russell, John Emory, private, 50th Eng., Co. A ; enl. Aug. 22,1862, three years; 

disch. June 29, 1865. 
Miller, Horace Winchester, private, 50th Eng., Co. H ; enl. Sept. 2, 1861, three 

years; pro. to corporal, Jan. 1, 1862; to sergt., 1863. 
Howe, Harrison, private, 141st Inf, Co. D; enl. Aug. 22, 1862, three years; 

disch. June 26, 1865. 
Guliver, Clark Davis, private, 50th Eng., Co. H ; enl. Sept. 2, 1861, three years; 

re-enl. Dec. 20, 1863, three years; pro. to corporal, Feb. 17, 1865; discli. 

June 13, 1SG5. 
Guliver, Geo. Washington, private, 50th Eng., Co. H; enl. Sept. 2, 1861, three 

years; re-enl. Dec. 20, 1863, three years; disdi. June 13, 1865. 
Jacobs, Edgar, private, 50th Eng.; en!. Jan. 4, 1864, three yeare. 
Wescott, Charles Byron, private, 50th Eng. ; enl. Jan. 4, 1864, three years. 
Cragle, William, private, 50th Eng. ; eul. Jan. 4, 1864, three years. 
Worden, Seth M., private, 14th H. Art.; enL Dec. 29, 1863, three years; killed 

at Cold Harbor. 
Hooker, Orin, private, 16th H. Art. ; enl. .Ian. 5, 1864, three years. 
Futy, Patrick John, private, lUth Cav. ; enl. Feb. 12, 1864, three years; taken 

prisoner at Grove Church and sent to Libby prison. May 11, 1864; pa- 
roled; died, place unknown. 
Reynolds, George, private, 10th Cav. ; enl. Feb. 12, 1864, three years; disch. in 

1865 for disability. 
Reynolds, Henry, private, 10th Cav.; enl. Feb. 12, 1S63, three years; taken 

prisoner at Grove Church and sent to Libby prison. May 11, 1864; paroled 

Jan., 1865. 
Tobes, Henry, private, 10th Cav.; enl. Mar. 31, 1863, three years. 
Brown, James H., private, 179th Inf; enl. Mar. 31, 1863, three years. 
Cam, James, private, 179th Inf.; enl. Mar. 31, 1863, three years. 
Moon, Marcus, private, 179th Inf ; enl. Mar. 30, 1863, three yeara. 
King, Heekman, private, 179th Itif ; enl. Mar. 30, 1863, three years. 
Macier, John, private, 179th Inf.; enl. April 11, 18G3, three years. 
Stevens, William, private, 179th Inf. ; eid. April 13, 1863, three years. 
Morse, Rubert, private, 179tli Inf; enl. April 13, 1863, three years. 
Cox, Frank D., private, 50th Eng., Co. H ; enl. Dec. 29, 1863, three years. 
Cox, Worden, private, 50th Eng., Co. H ; enl. Aug. 22, 1862, three years; died 

at Washington, Oct. 5, 1864. 
Force, Henry Dickerman, private, 50th Eng., Co. H; enl. Aug. 11, 1862, three 

years; disch. June 28, 1865, 
Fos, George, private, 16l8t Inf.; enl. Sept. 14, 1864, three years; sub. fur Ed- 
gar H . 

Brown, Levi Sarth, private, 16l8t Inf, Co. K ; enl. Sept. 6, 1864, one year. 
Burley, Reamer, private, 16l3t Inf, Co. K ; enl. Sept. 6, 1864, one year. 
Osborne, George B., 14th H. Art.; enl, Sept. 19, 1864, one year. 
Collins, John, private; enl. Sept. 20, 1864, three years; sub. for Henry M. 

Du ryea. 
McCarthy, Thomas, private ; enl. Sept. 19, 1864, three years ; sub. for Christopher 

E. L . 

Silvana, James H., private; enl. Sept. 22, 1864, three years; sub. for Abrani J. 

Whitney. 

30 



Wheeler, Minar, private, 16Ist Inf., Co. F; enl. Sept.l2, 1864, one year; disch. 

July 31,1865. 
Bnrrell, Francis, private, IGlst Regt.; enl. Sept. 22, 1864, one year. 
Short, Gideon, private, 161st Regt.; enl. Sept. 22, 1864, one year. 
Booth, Amasiah, private, 161st Regt.; enl. Sept. 22, 1864, one year. 
Bissell, William H., private, 4th Cav. ; enl. Sept. 23, 1864, one year. 
Williams, James, private ; enl. Sept. 23, one year; sub. for Levi Force. 
Ogle, John, private, 3d Cav. ; enl. Sept. 23, 1864, one year. 
Moon, John, 16lst Inf; enl. Sept. 12, one year. 
Orr, Oliver, 50th Eng.; enl, Sept. 12, one year. 
Degroat, Charles, 50tb Regt.; enl. Sept. 12. 
Orr, Ira, 50th Regt.; enl. Sept. 12. 

McCabe, William, private, 179lh Regt.; enl. Sept. 24, 1864, one year. 
Glace, John, private, 3d Cav.; eul. Sept. 24, 1864. 
Northnp. William H., 3d L. Art.; enl. Sept. 23. 
Burnhan, Charles H., 20th Regt.; enl. Sept. 27. 
Peterson, William, 3d L. Art. ; enl. Sept. 23. 
Twitmier, Henry W., 3d L. Art.; enl. Sept. 23. 
Harsbergen, Jacob, 3d L. Art.; enl. Sept. 23. 
McCirmic, William, l06th Inf.; enl. Sept. 29. 
Collins, James, 58th Inf. ; ehl. Sept. 30. 
Allen, Orin, 10th Cav.; enl. Sept. 30. 

Traverse, Zephaniali, private, ISSth Regt; enl. Sept. 24, 1864, one year. 
Shill, Adam, l8Sth Regt. ; enl. Sept. 24. 
Coon, Daniel B., 15th Cav.; enl. Sept. 24. 
Wilson, John, 15th Cav. ; enl. Oct. 3, 1864. 
Gridley, Albert Levert, private 50ih Eng., Co. H; enl. Aug. 26, 1861, three 

years; re-enl. Dec. 25, 1P63; disch. June 13, 1865, 
Gridley, Pliny Fisk, 50lh Eug., Co. F; enl. Aug. 15, 1864, one year; disch. June 

13, 1865. 
King, Jeremiah Bishop, private, 50th Eng., Co. H ; enl. Aug. 11, 1862, three 

years ; disch. June 13, 1865. 
Never, Etilebert, mnsi.ian, Hist Regt., Co. D; enl. Aug. 21, 1862, three years; 

disch. Mar. 12, 1863, for disability. 
Rothbone, John Boldin, 1st lieut,, 141st Inf, Co. I; enl. Aug. 19, 1862, three 

years; wounded Blay 25, 1864; disch. June 26, 1865. 
Herrick, Josepli, piivate, 107th Regt., Co, I ; enl. Aug. 7, 1SG2, three years. 
Ciani, Simon Bolivar, private, 50th Eng., Co. H; enl. Aug. 31, 1861, three years ; 

disch. Sept. 20, 1864. 
Grey, Juhn, private, 50th Eng., Co. H; enl. Aug. 25, 1861, three years; died 

June U, 1862. 
Mcintosh, Schuyler Henry, private, 23d Inf., Co. D; enl. Sept. 23, 1861, two 

years ; disch. June 13, 1862, fur disability. 
Wright, Peter, private, Ulst Inf., Co. D; enL Aug. 22, 1862, three years; discli. 

June 26, 1865. 
Eldnd, William Horace, private, 16th H. Art., Co. F; enl. Jan. 5, 1864, three 

years; died Mar. 29, 18G5. 
Gurusey, George Ransom, private, l(t7th Inf, Co. I ; enl. Aug. 8, 1862, three 

years; wounded five different times; disch. June 20, 1865. 
Gorton, William Harrison, private, 50th Eng., Co. H ; enl. Aug. 26, 1862, three 

years; disch. Dec. 26, 1862. 
Brace, William Henry, private, 141st Inf., Co. D; enl. Aug. 16,1862, three years; 

disch. Feb. 4, 1863. 
Bnice, Daniel, corporal, 107th Inf., Co. I ; enl. July 15, 1862, three years ; disch. 

March, 1864. 
Howe, Francis Sylvester, corporal, 14l8t Inf., Co. D; enL Aug. 22, 1862, three 

years; disch. June 28, 1865. 
Hill, Stitson Edward, sergt., 50th Eng.; enl. Sept. 2, 1861, three years; pro. to 

Corp., Jan. 8, 1862; to sergt, Dec. 24, 1862; must, out Sept, 24, 1864. 
Tliornton, Richard, corporal, lOtli Vet Res., Co. H; enl. Aug. 14, 1862, three 

years ; wounded July 14, 1864; disch. June 27, 1865. 
Wilkins, Henry Dart, corporal, 5Uth Eug., Co. H; enl. Aug. 22,1862, three years ; 

disch. June 13, 1865. 
Tobey, Charles Luther, private, 15th Eng., Co. C; enl. Sept. 22, 1S64, one year; 

disch. July 2, 1865. 
Tobey, John Edwin, private, 97th Inf, Co. II ; enl. July 15, 1863, throe years; 

taken prisoner, Dec, 1864 ; paroled ; disch, June 6, 1865. 
Cummins, Clarion Dwight, private, 50th Eng., Co. A; enl. Jan. 4, 1864, three 

years; died in Dec, 1864. 
Cummins, Albert Armintus, 50th Eng., Co. H; enl. Aug. 26, 1861, three years; 

re-enl. Dec. 25, 1863 ; disch. June 13, 1865. 
Allen, Trobridge, private, 5Uth Eng., Co. H ; eul. Dec. 14, 1861, three years ; disch. 

Dec. 16, 1864. 
Brooks, William James, pnvate, 1st L. Art, Co. F ; enl. Oct 1, 1862, three years ; 

re-enl. Jan. 23, 1865 ; disch. June 23, 1865. 
Henderson, Elias De Wilt, private, 1st Vet. Cav., Co. B; enl. July 6,1863, three 

years; disch. Aug. 1, 18G5. 
Riley, Erastus, private, 50th Eng., Co. L; enl. Jan. 4, 1864, three years. 
Rinnan, Isaac, private, 38th Inf, Co. I; enl. April, 1861, two years; missing at 

battle of Bull Run ; supposed to be dead. 
Kinnan, David, private, 24th Cav., Co. K; enl. Nov. 1, 1863, three years; died 

May 15, 1864, 
Kinnan, Victor, private, 147th Inf., Co. H ; enl. July 18, 1863, tljree years; was 

wounded June 18, 1S64. 
Brooks, John, private, 35th Inf., Co. F; enl. May 1, ISGJ, two yeara; disclf. 

June 5, '63; re-enl. Aug. 1, '63, 14th H. Art, Co. E ; disch, July 21, '65. 
Davis, George Henry, private, 141st Inf., Co. E; enl. Aug. 20, 1862, three years. 



234 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



rarraiii, Joseph Henr.v, artiflctir, 50th Eng., Co. II; eiil. Aug. 7, 1861, three 

years; ro-eriJ. Feb. 4, 1SG4. 
Bnrto, William Shear, private, loth Cav., Co. G ; enl. Feb. 12, 1864, three years ; 

woumled at While House Landing, May 22, 1864 ; disch. April 8, 18C5. 
Buchanan, Jesse S., private, 10:id Inf., Co. I ; enl. Jan. 22, 1862, three years ; 

di.seli. Nov., 18G2, for disability. 
Miller, Thomas, private, 86th Kegt., Co. E ; enl. Nov. 18, 1861, three years ; disch. 

May 31, 1802 ; re-enl. IClst Kegt., Co. C, Aug. l:i, 1864, one year ; disch. 

Aug. 14, 1865. 
Barber, John, private, 50th Eng., Co. H ; enl. Ang. 7, 1861 , three years ; killed 

at Fredericksburg, Dec. 11, 1862. 
Bnchanan, James H., private, 89th Inf., Co. G; enl. Nov. 26, 1861, three ycare; 

re-enl, Jan. 4, 1864 ; disch. Aug. 3, 1865. 
Rhodes, nalsey Amos, private, 50th Eng., Co. H ; enl. Aug. 15, 1862, three years ; 

disch. June 13, 1865. 
Davis, JoliTi William, private, 50th Eng., Co. H ; enl. Sept. 2, 1861, three years; 

re-enl. April 1, 1865, as sub, ; disch. July 25, 18&'», 
English, Edwin Clark, private, 2:id Inf., Co. D ; enl. Oct, 16, 1861, three yeare ; 

discli. Nov. 16, 1862. 
Kelley, Abraham GeorRe, priv.ate, UGth Inf., Co. C; enl. May 1, 18C1, three 

years ; woumled May 5, 1864 ; disch, Aug. 15, 1865. 
Gridley, Elanson, private, 57th Pa., Co. D ; enl. Oct. 3, 1861, three yeaTs ; killed 

at Fredericksburg, Dec. 4, 1862. 
Osborn, Theodore, private, lu7th Inf., Co. I ; enl. Ang. 7, 1862, three years ; 

wound.-d Miiy 25, 1804, at Dallas, Ga. ; disch. May 23, 1805. 
Davis, Carl Cris. John, private, 10th H. Art,, Co, C ; enl. Dec. 30, 1863, three 

years; died May 7, 1864. 
Strubeck, Edward, private, ]41st Inf., Co, D; enl. Aug. 14, 1862, three years; 

disch, June 26, 1865, 
Ellis, Elisha, private, 141st luf ,Co.D ; enl. Aug, 14,1862, three years; wounded 

and taken prisoner, 
Lindsley, Levy, private, 141st Regt.,Co. D; enl. Aug. 1,5, 1862, three years; hurt 

by the bursting of a shell ; disch. June 26, 1805. 
Wolcott, Jafijl, HofTiuan, private, 23d Inf., Co. D ; enl. April 20, 1861, twoyears ; 

disch. May 2 i, 1803. 
Boucher, Uudolpli, private, 23d Inf., Co. D ; enl. Oct. 16, 1861, twenty months ; 

died Jan. 12, 1802. 
Boucher, Kobert, private, IGth H. Art., Co. C; enl. Dec, 22, 1S63, three years; 

died Aug. 9, 1804, 
Boucher, Henry, private, ICth II, Art,, Co. C ; enl. Dec. 22, 1863, three years ; 

disch. May 17, 1S65, 
Herrick, Pierce, private, 1st Pa, lies,, Co. A ; enl. Apr.l 25, 1861, three yeare; 

diHcli. 
Gregory, Warren Seelye, sergt., lllllh Inf., Co. E ; enl. Aug, 7, 1862, three yeais ; 

di-ch. June 5, 1S65. 
Stook, Henry, private, 10th H. Alt.,Co, E; enl. Dec, 22, 1S63, three years ; disch, 

June 16, 186,5. 
Berry, Dexter, private, 107tli Inf., Co. I; enl. Aug, 11, 1862, throe years; hurt 

by the bursting ofa shell. May 3, 1863, and has been deaf aud dumb ever 

since. 
Day, Alonzo, private, 141st Inf, Co. D; enl. Aug. 18, 1862, three years; disch. 

June 29, 186.5. 
Thorji, Henry, private, 14l3t Inf., Co, D ; enl. Aug, 18, 1862, throe years; killed 

at Peiich-Tree Creek, Ga. 
Hunt, Thomas, private, G4ih Inf, Co. D; drafted July 17, 1863, three yeare; 

taken prisoner at Culpepper and sent to Belle Isle, and from there to An- 

dersonvillc, where he died. 
Hunt, William, 2d lioul., 14th H. Art., Co. H ; enl. Nov. 24, 1863, thiee years; 

disch. Sept. 6, 180,5. 
Bellew, John Barding ; drafted July 17, 1803 ; commuted A\lg. 27, 1863. 
Barnard, George A.: drafted July 17, 1863, three years ; commuted Ang. 26, '03. 
Wellman, John Ru-sell, private, 141st Inf., Co. D; eid. Aug. 14, 1862, three 

years; disch, June 20, 1865. 
Hardenbcrg, Lyman Moore, private, 107tb Kegt,, Co. I; enl. Aug. 2,1802, three 

years; disch. June 13, 1805. 
Hardeuberg, Moses Depew, corporal, 107th Inf, Co. I ; enl. Aug, 11, 1802, three 

years; disch. June, 1865. 
Baville, Nicliola.s, private, 141st Regt, Co. D; enl. Aug, 22, 1862, three years; 

died ^ov. 22, 1803. 
Rowley, Leonard Bradley, private, 50th En*g., Co. H ; enl. .\ug. 14, 1862, three 

years; disch. June 13, 1S65. 
Tbornton, Edward Delos, private, 50th Eng., Co. H; enl. Aug, 14, 1801, three 

years; died Oct, 20, 1861, 
Uitdicox, Enoch, private, 16Ist Inf, Co, F; enl. Sept, 7, 1SG4, one year; disih, 

Sept. 6, 1865. 
Ilitirhcox, Daniel, private, S6th Regt.; enl. fur three years. 
Ingle, Seymour, private, 57th Inf, Co. P ; enl. Oct. 3, 1861, three years ; disch. 

Feb. 10, 1863; re-enl. 12th Pa. Cav., Co. I, Sept. 16, 1864, one year; disch. 

June 23,1805. 
Brown, Edwin, private, 141st Inf,, Co, D; enl, Aug, 14, 1802, three years; 

wounded ; disch. June, 1865. 
Wescott, I'ulaski De Kalb, private, lll^t Inf, Co. D, enl. Aug, 13, 1S62, throe 

years; disrh, June 20, 1865. 
Cfon, Matthew M,, private, 107tli Inf, Co. I; enl. .\ug, 7, 1862, three years; 

disch. April 11. 1804; re-enl. April 11, 1865, one year. 
Rowley, Seelye Brown, private, 1st Pa. Res,, Co. A ; enl, June 12, 1861, three 

years; wounded second Bull Run, Aug. 23, 1862; disch. June, 1864. 



Rowley, Cicero, private, 107th Inf, Co, C ; enl, Aug. 7, 1862, three years. 
Rowley, Henry Clay, private, 50th Eng.; enl. Jan. 4, 1864, three year^; disch. 

June 27, 1865. 
Shephard, Itba, corporal, 50th Eng., Co. H ; enl. Sept. 4, 1?61, three yeare; re- 
enl. Feb, 7, 1804, three years; disch. June 13, 1865. 
Tobey, Gorttin, private, 50th Eng., Co. .\ ; enl. Aug. 21, 1862, three years ; disch, 

Nov, 7, 1862, on account of being lame. 
Bruse, Leeland Surck, private, 23d Regt., Co. D; enl. Sept. 23, 1861, three 

years ; disch. 
Marcey, Edwin, private, 141st Inf,, Co. F ; enl. .\ng, 18, 1862, three yeare ; died 

Mar, 3, 1863, at Minor Hill, Va. 
Elwell, William T., private, 5uth Eng., Co, H; enl, Sept. 18, 1861, three years; 

re-enl. May 2, 1864. 
Ham, Seneca T., private, 161st Inf, Co. F; enl. Aug. 30, 1864, one year; disch. 

Sept, 6, 1805, 
Honness, Solomon H,, 141st Inf, Co, D ; enl. Aug. 25, 1862, three yeare; disch. 

Feb. 25, 1803. 
Lindsle.v, Allen, Jr., private, 18»th Inf, Co. F; enl. Sept. 2, 1864, one year; 

disch. July 10, 1865. 
English, William, private, 97fh Inf., Co. A ; enl. Ang. 20, 186.3, three yeare; 

disch, Aug, 0, 1865. 
Hill, Sylvester, private, 141st Inf., Co, F; enl. Sept, 14, 1SG4, one yeir; disch. 

June 8, 1865. 
Miles, James Nelstm, private, 14tli H, .\rt,, Co, E ; enl. Sept. 13, 1864, one year ; 

disch. June 3, 1805. 
Littlefield, James Wallace, private, 12tli Cav , Co. K ; enl, Sept. 10, 1864, one 

year; disch. June 15, 1865. 
Rowley, Charles, private, 141st Inf, Co. E ; enl Sept. 14, 1864, one year ; disch. 

June 20, 1S65. 
Sawyer, Charles, musician, 141st Regt,, Co. H; enl. Sept. 14, 1864, one year; 

disch. Jnne 26, 1865. 
White, Leroy, private, r2th Cav., Co. H ; enl, Sept. 15, 1864, one year. 
McCartey, Edward, private, 56th Regt,, Co. I ; enl, Sept. 10, 1864, one year ; 

disch. Aug. 2, 1865. 
Bruwn, Lyman, private, 141st Regt,, Co. D; enl, Sept. 14,1864, one year; disch. 

June 26, 1805. 
Knox, Horace II,, private, 14th 11, .\rt,, Co, M ; enl. Sept. 9, 1864, one year; 

disch. June 10, 186.5. 
English, Bei.jamin Leroy, sergt., 179tli Inf , Co. D;enl. Sept. 5, 1864, one year ; 

pro, to sergt,, Jan. 1, 1865 ; disch. June 8, 1865. 
Spencer, Harlan Hendby, private, 141st Inf, Co. F : enl. Sept. 14, 1864, one year ; 

disch June 25,1865. 
White, Ezra Marwin, private, 188th Inf., Co. F; enl. Sept. 5, 1865, one year; 

disch. July 1, 1865. 
Gl idley, John Nelson, private, 141st Begt., Co. F ; enl. Sept. 14, 1864, one year ; 

disch. June 26, 1865. 
Osborn, Luther Washington, private, 142d Inf, Co. E; enl, Sept. 7, 1864, one 

year ; disch. 
Wolcott, Samuel Emmett. sergt.-major, 12th Cav., Co. E ; enl. Sept. 14, 1804, one 

year; disch, June 14, 1865, 
Piert, J(din, private, 188th Inf, Co, F ; enl. Sept. 27, 1804, one year; disch. July 

1, 180.5. 
Thompson, Lemuel, private, 188th Inf , Co, F; enl, Sept. 10, 1804, one year; 

disch, July 11, 1805, 
Tlionison, John, private, 188th Regt,Co.F; enl, Sept. 15, 1864; killed March 

29, 1865, at Lewis' Farm, Va. 
Wheeler, James Horton, private, lOlst Inf, Co, U ; enl. Sept.l6, 1864, one year; 

disch. June 15, 1865. 
Kelley, John Struck, private, 16l8t Regt,, Co. K ; enl. Sept. 17, 1864, one year. 
Brown, Israel Rogers, private, 161st Regt,, Co. K ; enl. Sept. 16, 1864, one year ; 

disch. May, 1865. 
Kelley, Charles Edsol, private, lOIst Regt., Co, K ; enl. Sept. 17, 1864, one year ; 

still in the service. 
Kelley, Th.addeus James, private, 161st Regt., Co, K; enl. Sept, 10, 1864, one 

year. 
Kelley, Uriah, 161st Regt., Co. K ; enl. Sept. 10, 1864, one year. 
Widgcr, A Ipbeus Cornell, private, 161st Regt., Co, K; enl. Sept. 17, 1804, one 

year. 
Frank, Charles William, private, 161st Inf, Co. F ; enl. Sept. 12, 1864, one year. 
Hagencamp, Daniel St. John, private; eid, Jan. 4, 1864, three years; disch. 

May, 1865, 
Youngs, Joseph Norman, private, 22d Cav,, Co, C; enl, Dec. 16, 1863, three 

yeare; disch. Aug, 1, 1865, 
Brace, Daniel, private, 12th Cav,, Co. L; enl. Sept. 14, 1864, one year; disch. 

June 19, 1805. 
Tobey, Joseph Willard, private, 161st Inf, Co. K ; enl. Sept, 12, 1804, one year. 
Marcey, Job, private, 20tb N. Y. Bat. ; enl. Sept. 3, 1864, one year ; disch. Aug. 

5,1805. 
Wilkins, John Hiram, private, 179lh Regt., Co. D; enl. March 19, 1864, three 

years; wounded June 17, 1864; disch. Jnne . 

Tobey, Ransford, private, 179th Inf, Co, A ; enl. March 7, 1864, three years. 
Tobey, James Darlin, private, 3d L. Art., Co. D; erd. Sept. 29, 1864, one year; 

disch. Sept. 7,1865. 
Riley, John Anderson, private, 1st L. Art., Co. F; enl. Sept. 17, 1864, one year; 

disch. June 20, 1865. 
Kinnan, Harvey, private, 1st L. Art., Co. F; eid. Sept, 17, 1864, one year; disch. 

June 20, 1865. 




^5??C^^ 



The subject of this sketch was born in Harring- 
ton, Litchfield Co., Conn., in the year 1805, Aug. 
10. His parents were natives of Connecticut also, 
and removed to this State (New York), and located 
at Laurens, Otsego Co., when he was a child. They 
remained in that county about twelve years, and 
then removed to Guilford, Chenango Co. 

William D. remained with his parents until his 
majority, assisting them in various kinds of business, 
such as farming, blacksmithing, and lumbering. He 
received a common school and academic education 
at Oxford Academy. Mr. Gilbert remained in Guil- 
ford until 1845, engaged in the mercantile trade and 
blacksmithing. 

In 1846 he located at Corning, Steuben Co., and 
engaged in tlie manufacture of car springs for one 
Judson Mallory, now deceased. In 1849 he settled 
in Caton, and opened the first store in said town ; 
continued in the mercantile trade until April 1, 
1875, when he retired from business. 

He has held many official positions, to the general 
satisfaction of his constituents. He has been post- 
master for twenty-five years, justice of the peace 



eighteen years, supervisor a number of years, and 
justice of sessions for three terms. 

His present family consists of a wife and two sons. 
The oldest son, Rufus H., was born in Guilford, 
Chenango Co., N. Y., Jan. 26, 1832. He was edu- 
cated a physician and surgeon, and graduated at the 
New York Medical College; entered his profession 
in said city, and continued to practice until the Re- 
bellion, when he entered the army as physician and 
surgeon of a regiment. He was for some time on 
General Dix's staff, and was appointed medical direc- 
tor at Fort Monroe. He remained in the service 
until the close of the war, when he became con- 
nected with the Central Railroad in New Jersey. 
He then became engaged in the elevated railroad 
of the city of New York. He obtained a charter 
from the Legislature of this State for the road; 
said road is known as "The Gilbert Elevated and 
Rapid Transit Road of the City of New York,' 
named in honor of its renowned projector. Mr. 
Gilbert is now engaged in that business. The second 
son, Wm. H. Gilbert, is now a medical student at 
Ann Arbor, Mich. 





LUCIUS J. JOHNSON. 



liENONI JOHNSON. 




^\ ~w 




r>E.\. TITUS S.MITII. 



MRS. LUCY P. SMITH. 





COL. FREDERICK BARNARD. 



MRS. LUCY BARNARD. 



TOWN OF CATON. 



235 



Biiclwniin, Morell, private, IGlst Inf., Co. K ; enl. Sept. 2, ISM, one year; disch. 

July 31, T.SG.5. 
Buchanan, William, private, 161st Inf., Co. K ; enl. Sept. 15, 1864, one year ; 

still in the service. 
Niver, Ettlelmrt Burgoides, private, lT9th Inf., Co. D; enl. Sept. 5, 1864, one 

year ; wounded April 2, 1865 ; disch. June 7, 1865. 
Ehodes, Silas Riley, private Ulst Ilagt., Co. F; enl. Sept. 14,1861. one year; 

disch. June 26, 1.S65. 
Rhodes, Thomas Henry, private, 141st Regt., Co. F; enl. Sept. 14, 1861, one 

year. 
Cram, Dutey Shipper, private, 12th Cav., Co. D; enl. Sept. 11, 1864, one year; 

disch. June 19, lS6.i. 
Starner, Daniel, private. Pith Cuv., Co. F; enl. Sept. 14, 1864, one year; died 

July 14, 1865. 
Mcintosh, Schuyler Henry, corporal, 170th Inf., Co. D ; enl. Sept. 12, 1864, one 

year; disch. June 16, 1865. 
Cook, Benjamin, private, lath H. Art., Co. D; enl. Sept. 19, 1864, one year; 

disch, June 23, 1865. 
Thurber, Joseph Nelson, private, ISth Eng., Co. 11 ; enl. Sept. 1, 1864, one ye.ir ; 

disch. June 15, 1865. 
Gillett, George, private, ISSth Inf, 0.1. F; enl. Sept. 20, 1861, one year; disch. 

July 1, 18G5. 
Wolcott, Lewis Alexander, corjioral, 179th Inf., Co A ; enl. Sept. 5, 1864, one 

year; discli. June 8, 1865. 
&ates, Amasiah Augustus, private, 14th H. Art., Co. E; enl. Sept. 13, 1864, one 

year. 
Niver, Kverett Deyo, private, 141st Regt., Co. F ; enl. Sept. 17, 1864, one year ; 

disch. Juno 26, 1865. 
Piney, Henry Augustus, private, 141st Regt., Co. F ; .enl. Sept. 16, 1864, one 

y6ar; disch. June 25, 1865. 
Wilkins, Robison, private, 17!ith Inf., Co. A ; enl. Mar. 21, 1803, three years; 
taken prisoner, July 30, 1864, at Petersburg; paroled Feb. 19, 1865 ; disch. 
June 2, 1865. 
Holmes, James Smith, private, 188th Regt., Co. F; enl. Sept. 20, 1864, one year; 

disch. July 12,1865. 
Niver, Weller, private, 12th N. Y. Cav., Co. H ; enl. Sept. 15, 1864, one year; 
taken prisoner Mar. 8, 1865, at Kingston, N. C. ; paroled Mar. 25 ; disch. 
June 2.5, 1865. 
Miller, William Brown, private, 14lst Inf, Co. F; enl. Sept. 14, 1864, one year ; 

disch. June 26, 1865. 
Gridley, Wesley Prince, musician, 12th Cav. ; enl. Sept. 14, 1864, one year. 
Hill, Joseph Gillett, private, 141st Inf., Co. F ; enl. Sept. 14, 1864, one year ; discli. 

June 26, 1865. 
Wolcott, William Maynerd, private, 141st Regt., Co. F; enl Sept. 14, 1864, one 

yeai-. 
Wescott, Bailey .Saveril, private, ISSth Inf., Co. F ; enl. Sept. 20, 1863, one year. 
West, Albert, private, 12th Cav., Co. L; enl. Sept. 14, 1864, one year. 
Hill, Joseph G., drafted July 17, 1865 ; commuted, 
Whitney, Oliver W , drafted July 17, 1863 ; commuted. 
Wolcott, Timothy S., drafted July 17, 1863 ; commuted. 
Shephard, A. Cleveland, drafted July 17, 1863 ; put in a substitute. 
Smith, Charles, private ; enl. Aug. 17, 1862, three years. 
Ferren, Romauzo, private, 50th Eng., Co. H ; enl. Aug., 1861, three years. 

NAVAL SERVICE RECORD. 
Wescott, Bailey Saveril, private; enl. Sept. 20, 1864, one year. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



PHILIP HUBBARD, 

son of Wm. and Martha Hubbard, was born in Norfolk, 
England, May 12, 1827. He is one of a family of twelve 
children, teu of whom lived to be men and women. Of 
this large family, the five eldest were natives of England, 
and came to America about 1828 or 1829, settled at Utica, 
Oneida Co., remained there some two years, and then came 
to Caton, Steuben Co., N. Y., in June, 1831, and settled on 
the farm now owned by their son Philip, and which con- 
tinues to be the home of Mrs. Hubbard. Mr. Wm. Hub- 
bard was a farmer by occupation. Mr. and Mrs. Hubbard 
were among the first Methodists in the town, and Mr. Hub- 
bard established the first Sunday-school in Caton, of which 
he was superintendent. He was instantly killed by the fall- 
ing of a tree, while in the woods, March 10, 1840, thus 
leaving a family of ten cliildreu to the care of Mrs. Hub- 



bard and the older members of the family. By careful 
management, and strict attention to business, this family 
was kept together, and received a good education, some of 
whom have been to tlic higher institutions of learning. 

It was among these early scenes that Philip grew to man- 
hood, and at the early age of sixteen he was called to take 
charge of the family, having spent one year previous at 
Utica, working on a farm. At the age of eighteen he com- 
menced to buy out the heirs of his father's estate. In 1851 
he purchased fifty acres on the north of the "Old Home," 
and .some twenty-five acres since, thus making a fine farm 
of one hundred and fifteen acres of good improved land, on 
which is one of the best farm-houses in the town, a view 
of which may be seen elsewhere in this work, with portraits 
of Mr. and Mrs. Hubbard above. 

He was married to Miss Susan M. Mulks, a native of 
Tompkins Co., N. Y., Feb. 22, 1854. Of this union, two 
sons, Wm. and John J. Saxe, were born. In politics, Mr. 
Hubbard affiliates with the Republican party. Mrs. Hub- 
bard is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and 
Mr. Hubbard is one of the liberal supporters of the same. 
Mr. Hubbard has greatly assisted his brothers and sisters in 
getting their education, besides making for himself his pres- 
ent comfortable home. 



BENONI AND LUCIUS JOHNSON. 

Benoni Johnson was born in Harwiuton, Litchfield Co., 
Conn., and married Miss Rlioda Gilbert, daughter of Jabez 
Gilbert, of the same place. They had the following-nutued 
children, viz. : Lucius, Lester L., and llhoda C. The two 
first were born in Connecticut, and Miss llhoda C. in 
Cayuga Co., N. Y. Benoni Johnson was a farmer by 
occupation. Lucius was born April 11, 1812, and re- 
moved to Cayuga County with his parents about 1815 and 
there remained some five years, then went to Chenango 
County, town of Guilford, and remained till August, 1823, 
when he settled in Caton with his parents. Benoni John- 
son, however, came the spring before and worked for Elias 
Babcock, of Caton, and made the purchase of his small 
farm. After residing some five years at Caton Centre he 
settled on his farm, and continued to reside there till a short 
time before his death, when he removed to the Centre and 
remained with his son the rest of his life. He died Nov. 
3, 1870, and his wife died March 29, 1850. Mr. Johnson 
was a magistrate for several years, and was assessor for one 
or two years. He and his wife were members of the Pres- 
byterian Church, but Mrs. Johnson united with the Metho- 
dist Episcopal Church a few years before her death. 

Lucius Johnson was reared among the hardships of a 
pioneer life, and early imbibed those principles of industry 
and economy which are the cardinal elements of every suc- 
cessful man's life. He worked on the farm in his younger 
days, but for more than thirty years he has worked at the 
wagon-making and carpenter's trades. He left his farm 
some twenty-five years ago and located in the village. He 
married Miss Margaret Butcher, of Pennsylvania, in De- 
cember, 1830. Of this union five children were born, two 
of whom are dead. 



236 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



In politics Mr. Johnson is identified with the Republicai> 
party. He has held the oflSce of town clerk one year, but 
never was an aspirant for oflBcial honors. Mr. and Mrs. 
Johnson are worthy members of the Baptist Church of 
Caton. As a citizen Mr. Johnson is highly respected by 
those who know him. He is one of the pioneers of Caton. 
The portraits of himself and father may be seen elsewhere 
in this work. 



DEACON TITUS SMITH, 

son of Simeon Smith, of Vermont, was born in Chenango 
Co., N. Y., Nov. 16, 1801. He was reared upon a farm 
and followed that occupation through life. Mr. Smith 
was one of the early settlers of Caton, having settled here 
about 1822 or 1823. He married Miss Lucy P., daughter 
of Elias Babcock, of Caton, Nov. 2, 1824. The fruit of 
this union has been seven children, viz., Emory O., Lewis 
B., Simeon S., Lucinda R., Jas. P., Enos S., and Thomp- 
son L. Emory O., Simeon S., and Thompson L. served 
in the late war, in the 50th Regiment New York Volun- 
teers, and were honorably discharged. 

When Mr. Smith settled in Caton he located on the 
farm now owned by his son, Enos S. Smith, and was one 
of the leading farmers of the town of Caton. He united 
with the Presbyterian Church when young, and was ever 
active in religious matters. He was deacon for a great 
many years, and often officiated in the minister's place. 
He was a great anti-slavery man, and three of his sons 
served in the war. He was one of the first in the county 
to sign the temperance pledge. He was peculiarly zealous 
in the Sunday-school work, and was at his post of duty 
when he was seized with a mortal disease which soon re- 
sulted in his death, Oct. 22, 1865. The general manifes- 
tation of sympathy exhibited by the neighbors on the day 
of the funeral was a striking illustration of the esteem and 
confidence held for him by the community, generally, as 
one of the noble pioneers of Caton. His memory is cher- 
ished by his many children and widow. He never was an 
aspirant for political honors. 

Mrs. Smith (formerly Lucy P. Babcock) was born in 
Stonington, Conn., July 20, 1804, and settled at Caton 
with her parents about 1823. Mrs. Smith is a member 
of the Presbyterian Church, and is now living with her 
daughter, Mrs. Lucinda S. Richards, in Caton. 



COL. FREDERICK BARNARD, 

son of William Barnard, was born in Milford, Otsego Co., 
N. Y., Aug. 10, 1802, his parents being among the pioneers 
of Otsego County. Col. ¥. Barnard was reared on the 
farm. He married Miss Lucy, daughter of Col. Gershom 
Wilcox, Jan. 1, 1824. Miss Lucy Wilcox was born in 
Canaan, Litchfield Co., Conn., April 12, 1803, and in 1806 
removed to Otsego County with her parents, who were also 
pioneers of New Lisbon, in that county. Of the union of 
Mr. and Mrs. Barnard, seven children have been born, viz., 
Mary, Edwin W., Charles D., Melissa A., Gershom W., 
George A., and E. P. All are now living and settled near 
their " old home" save Mary, who died April 28, 1844, at 
the age of nineteen. 

Mr. and Mrs. Barnard settled in Steuben County, on 
the farm now owned by their son, Gershom W., Oct. 22, 
1832. Col. Barnard was engaged in the mercantile busi- 
ness for some years while residing in Otsego County, but 
followed farming and lumbering after his settlement in 
Steuben County. While residing in Otsego County he was 
colonel in the State militia. He died Oct. 15, 1862, leaving 
his widow and six children. His widow is now in her 
seventy-sixth year, hale and hearty, and has the satisfaction 
of knowing that her children are all good, respectable citi- 
zens of the county, and are all living within two miles of 
the " old home." Mr. and Mrs. Barnard have been mem- 
bers of the Methodist Episcopal Church for many years. 
Col. Barnard was a man well thought of by his neighbors, 
and left a name of which his children need not be ashamed. 
In politics, first a Whig, then a Republican. He was school 
inspector for many years. Mrs. Barnard is now on the old 
home in Corning. Her parents, Col. Gershom and Betsey 
Wilcox, settled in Caton, then Painted Post, Oct. 22, 1832. 
Col. Wilcox was a wagon-maker by trade, and as soon as 
he came to Caton he erected a saw-mill, which was one of 
the first in the town. For many years he followed his trade 
and the lumber business. Col. and Mrs. Wilcox were 
members of the Baptist Church in Connecticut, but never 
united in Caton. In politics, first a Democrat, then a Re- 
publican. He was colonel of the State militia. He died 
Oct. 14, 1863, in his eighty-first year, and Mrs. Wilcox, 
May 7, 1875, in the ninety-third year of her age. Col. 
and Mrs. Wilcox had seven children, six of whom are now 
living, of whom Mrs. Barnard is the eldest child. 



COHOCTOlSr. 



GEOGRAPHICAL SITUATION. 
This town is situated in the northern border of the 
county west of the centre, and is bounded north by Ontario 
County, east by Prattsburf^li, south by Avoca and part of 
Howard, and west by Wayland and part of Fremont. 

PHYSICAL FEATURES. 

The surface of the town is mostly a hilly upland, sepa- 
rated into ridges by deep and narrow valleys. The princi- 
pal stream is the Conhocton River, which flows in a south- 
erly direction through the centre of the town, and is bordered 
by a rich valley varying from a quarter of a mile to a mile 
in width. The soil of the valley of the Conhocton is allu- 
vium mixed with clay and loam, and is very productive, 
while a .slaty and gravelly loam prevails chiefly on the up- 
lands. These uplands, however, or hills, as they are called, 
such as Lent Hill and Potter Hill, are among the best farm- 
ing lands in the town, the only waste lands being along the 
steep declivities of the hills and ravines. The town is 
watered with many clear brooks and springs, and is well 
adapted to grain, fruit, grazing, and dairy purposes. 

EARLY SETTLEMENT. 

Shortly aft«r the settlement of Bath, about 1794, Joseph 
Biven was sent by Col. Charles Williamson to erect a tavern, 
for the accommodation of settlers, on the Pulteney estate, 
in the north part of what is now the town of Cohocton. 
Little is known of Mr. Biven except that he located his 
tavern at a point then known as the " Twenty-two Mile 
Tree." After roads were laid out through that section, the 
place was known as '■ Biven's Corners." It is now North 
Cohocton, a name which it has borne since the post-ofifice 
was established here in 1828. The site of the original 
tavern was that on which William Van Riper now keeps a 
hotel. Frederick Blood, one of the early settlers of the 
town, kept a hotel on this corner for many years. He was 
the father of John, Asa, Avery, Ziba, and Frederick Blood, 
Jr. The latter resided till his death on the farm, since 
divided between Harvey John.son and Alonzo Parks; he 
was the father of the present Mrs. Oliver Rice, proprietor 
of the Mountain View Hotel, at Blood's Station. Asa, 
John, and Ziba removed to the West many years ago; 
Avery died in North Cohocton, at the house of his sister 
Harriet, widow of the late Isaac Leggett. 

Frederick Blood was a native of Germany, and came to 
this town from Ballston, Saratoga Co., N. Y. He had 
been enticed into the naval service in his native country 
when quite a small lad, and had come to America as a 
drummer-boy on board a man-of-war. 

In 1802, James Woodard, from Vermont, settled in the 
town, with a large family of sons, among whom were Aruna 



and Obadiah Woodard. James Woodard settled on the 
place where George Waldron now resides, and built a log 
cabin. His son, Aruna, settled on the place now occupied 
by David S. Wait. For several years their cabins were the 
only landmarks in that neighborhood, Naples, in Ontario 
County, being the nearest settlement where anything but 
the rude.st frontier comforts could be obtained. 

Jonas Cleland and his son, James Cleland, now the oldest 
settler in Cohocton, came into the town from Pompey, 
Onondaga Co., in 1805. At that time there was not a 
house from Naples to Avoca, except the cabins of the Wood- 
ards, above mentioned, and the house of Joseph Shattuck, 
uncle of Hon. Stephen D. Shattuck, at the corners where 
the village of Liberty now stands. This house was a prom- 
inent one in the town, was one of the earliest hotels, and, 
on account of its convenience and central location, was the 
place for holding the town-meetings for many years after 
the town was organized 

The first house between Liberty and Avoca was built by 
Jonas Cleland, in 1805, or early in 1806. It stood near 
the Davis Creek, not far from the barn afterwards built and 
owned by Albertus Larrowe, grandfather of the present 
owner. Mr. Cleland bought of the Pulteney estate a tract 
of land a mile square, .south of Liberty, for twelve shillings 
an acre. On a portion of it he built a house, which he sold, 
together with part of the land, to Albertus Larrowe, and 
then built another house, where he settled with his family, 
just south of the Davis Mill, now owned by Thomas War- 
ner. He also built the first saw- and grist-mill in the town 
of Cohocton. The saw-mill stood on the site of the present 
Warner Mill ; the grist-mill was built on the opposite side 
of the road from Mr. Cleland's house, the road then runninsr 
down on the flat instead of where it now does. The saw- 
mill was built about 1808 ; the irons used in it were manu- 
factured in Europe, and had been left on the spot by Col. 
Williamson, who had undertaken to build a mill here prior 
to his retirement from the agency of the Pulteney estate, 
and had proceeded so far as to get out the timber for the 
dam, and make other preparations for building. Being 
called from the agency unexpectedly, the work was left un- 
finished, and the materials and irons, a few years after, were 
used by Mr. Cleland in carrying out the original purpose 
for the benefit of the settlers. 

The grist-mill built by Mr. Cleland at a somewhat later 
date, was a great boon to the early settlers. Before its 
erection they had to go on horseback with their grists to 
Naples or to Dansville, the roads being such at that early 
day as not to admit of traveling with any wheeled vehicle. 

Alvin Talbot came into the town soon after, and settled 
on the Dusenberry farm. Ezra Parker settled on the old 
Dewey place, now owned by James Cleland. Job Briggs 

237 



238 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



settled on lands afterwards owned by Dennis Connor. He 
was a cooper by trade, and followed that occupation Ste- 
phen Burrows was the first settler on lands now owned by 
Henry Paul. Ebenezer Keeler was one of the early set- 
tlers on Twelve-Mile Creek, and was a prominent and in- 
fluential man in the affairs of the town. Joseph Jackson, 
Eleazer Tucker, John, George, and Paul Wilson, and Sal- 
mon Brownson and his sons were the first settlers on Loon 
Lake, then in the town of Cohocton. (See history of Way- 
land.) 

Early in the year 1805, Joseph Chamberlin, from Her- 
kimer County, settled on the Davis farm, near Liberty. His 
effects consisted of a cow and a dog, and a few articles tied 
up in a pack which he carried upon his back. His mode 
of living, in its primitive simplicity, is said to have rivaled 
that of even Diogenes himself, who lived in a tub, for he had 
not even a tub nor a milk-pail. As a substitute for the latter 
he chopped a notch in a log, and trained his cow to step 
astride of it ; then milking her into the notch, he crumbed 
in his bread and ate with a wooden spoon. 

The following year Levi Chamberlin, Joseph Shattuck, 
and Deacon Horace Fowler became settlers in the town. 
Among the early settlers were also Timothy Sherman, James 
Barnard, Samuel Rhodes, Jesse Atwood, Isaac Morehouse, 
Charles Burlinghara, and Richard Hooper. The latter died 
Feb. 10, 1801, and his death is believed to have been the 
first in town. 

The first marriage was that of Joseph Biven and Sarah 
Hooker, who were united in marriage in 1798, and their 
first child, Bethiah Hooker Biven, born in 1800, was the 
first white child born in town. 

The first school was taught by Sophia Trumbull, in the 
house originally built by Jonas Cleland on the Larrowe 
place. The first school-house was a log building, and 
was erected near the river, on the Dusenberry farm, about 
1810. 

The first tannery was built by William Walker, about 
1816. It was located a mile and a quarter below Liberty, 
on premises now owned by James Moulton. This tannery 
was operated about twenty-five years, and wjis an import- 
ant establishment in the early settlement of the country. 
Richard Treneman, of Rochester, established the present 
tannery on the site of the old woolen-mill, formerly owned 
by Fredmore & Dance. 

Soon after the Cleland grist-mill was got in operation, 
Rudolphus Howe, father of the editor of the Prattsburgh 
Neios, and Jonathan Danforth, of Saratoga, bought an acre 
of land of Jonas Cleland and erected the first distillery in 
town. It stood between the present road and the barn con- 
nected with the Davis mill-house, owned by Mr. Thomas 
Warner. Mr. Cleland owned an interest in this distillery 
during the later years of its existence, and it continued to 
be used as a distillery till about 1833. In a series of reminis- 
cences recently published we find the following allusion to 
the establishment : 

" At a time when the still was in operation, Abram Lent 
and his brother John were lumbering in the woods near the 
place where Hiram Dewey now lives. The weather being 
rather cold, it was proposed that one of them should take 
a jug and go down to the still and get it filled with Uncle 



Jonas' best whisky. This was done by Abram ; but on 
his return with the jug the whisky refused to come out, 
and on examination it was found to be frozen. John ac- 
cused Abram of playing a joke on him by filling the jug 
with water and pretending it to be whisky. Abram insisted 
that it was Cleland's best. He inserted a stick in the jug, 
and by stirring vigorously succeeded in getting a little out, 
which John admitted had a slight whisky flavor, yet he ex- 
pressed an opinion that it ought to be boiled down in order 
to make it what it should be. He accordingly proceeded 
to boil a quantity of it until it was about two-thirds boiled 
away ; when in tasting he declared it wns water, pure and 
simple, even the flavor of whisky having entirely disap- 
peared." 

Judging from the above the distillery was not a very 
slroiiff anti-temperance institution. 

In the reminiscences just quoted we find the following 
reference to the old settlers: "Lucius Shattuck in 1810 
built a log tavern on the site now occupied by the law- 
office of the late C. J. McDowell. . . . He was the father 
of Hon. Stephen D. Shattuck, who is now one of the 
leading merchants of Cohocton ; Jonas Cleland, who came 
here about the year 1805 ; Joseph Chamberlin, who kept 
the log hotel above referred to ; Joseph Shattuck, who was 
a Revolutionary soldier, and is buried in the cemetery at 
Liberty, he was the father of Lucius Shattuck ; David 
Parmenter, well known to most of the voters of Cohocton, 
who died but a few years ago at the age of eighty-seven 
years, he was the ancestor of the Parmenters of to-day ; 
Philip Cook (father of Constant Cook), who was a slave- 
holder and owned slaves iu Cohocton, it being lawful at 
that time to hold slaves in the Slate of New York ; David 
Loomis, Samuel Leggett, father of the late Allen Leggett ; 
Abram Lent, father-in-law of Hiram Rynders ; Isaac More- 
house ; Cornelius Crouch, ancestor of the present Crouches ; 
Liberty Chamberlin, Dan Davis, father of A. M. Davis, 
Esq., and Melvin H. Davis, Mrs. N. J. Wheeler and Mrs. 
S. S. Rosenkrans, who reside in the village of Liberty ; 
Paul and Constant Cook, sons of Philip Cook ; John Lar- 
rowe, who bought the flats below the village, which are 
now known as the Larrowe farm. He died about ten years 
ago,* leaving a large fortune to be divided between his sons 
Albertus and Franklin, or rather the heirs of Franklin, he 
having died just previous to the decease of his father ; Law- 
rence Van Wormer, father of Valentine, John, and Henry 
Van Wormer, who now reside in or near the village." 

The family of Horace Fowler, father of 0. S. and L. N. 
Fowler, the distinguished phrenologists, were among the 
early settlers of Cohocton. They resided in the village, iu a 
house which stood on the site of the present residence of 
Mr. A. Larrowe. 

Abram Lent was the first settler on Lent Hill, in 1810. 
He married Betsey, the oldest daughter of Samuel Hart- 
well, who was a nephew of Roger Sherman. Mr. Hart- 
well's wife was Elizabeth Wilkinson, a sister of the celebrated 
Jemima Wilkinson, the " prophetess." Samuel Hartwell 
passed through many adventures during the war of 1812. 
He was taken by the British and carried to Kingston, where 



» Written in 1S76. 



TOWN OF COHOCTON. 



2S!) 



he was confined in jail. He succeeded in breaking out, 
and made liis escape to the United States. He made his 
way to Jerusalem, in Yates County, the home of his sister- 
in-law, Jemima Wilkinson, and afterwards moved to North 
Cohocton. From 1815 to about 1830 he kept a hotel on 
tlie corner of Liberty and Naples Streets in North Cohoc- 
ton. This was the second hotel in the place, and was after- 
wards kept for many years by his son, Elijah Hartwell. 
Mr. Hartwell and his wife both died many years ago. 

Matthew Hatch, with his two sons, Philip and Sylvanus, 
settled at Lent Hill about the year 1812. They came 
from near Whitehall, Washington Co., N. Y. Matthew 
Hatch died at Lent Hill, and was the first person buried in 
the Hatch burying-ground. His .son, Barnabas C. Hatch, 
removed to Jackson Co., Mich., where he became a judge 
of the county court and a member of the State Legis- 
lature for that di.striet. He died in 1874. Nelson Hatch, 
another son, accidentally shot him.self when a young man. 
Philip Hatch lived at Lent Hill till 187G, and then re- 
moved lo Wayland, where he has since resided. Sylvanus 
died, at the house of his only son, Hiram W. Hatch, of 
Blood's Station, in 1874. 

John C. and Thomas Bowles were early settlers of Co- 
hocton. 

Trippknock, the four corners west of Liberty, was first 
settled by Jared Barr, about the year 1807. Afterwards 
the Tripps — Charles and family — settled there, and kept a 
hotel. They were noted wrestlers and boxers, and probably 
from this came the peculiar name of the place. It is said 
that the cognomen was first applied to it by Ben Haight, 
commonly known as " Crazy Ben," who, on one occasion, 
got rather roughly handled at Tripp's tavern. There was 
once a brewery at Trippknock on what is now the A. H. 
Weld lot. Paul C. Cook and Daniel H. Davis owned an 
interest in the concern. 

On Potter Hill, Gideon Potter, Sr., and Anthony Crosby 
were the first settlers. Job and Benjamin Briggs settled 
farther west. At Brown Hill, John Brown and his sons, 
William, Abram, Blanville, Sylvanus, and Richard, were 
the first settlers. 

James Armstrong settled on the place where he now 
resides, in the Arm.strong neighborhood, in 1815, where he 
has ever since resided. He came with his father, Martin 
Armstrong, and two brothers and two sisters ; they built a 
log house on the west part of the farm, and afterwards a 
double log house, hewed down and plastered, in the vicinity 
of the residence of his brother, Cook Armstrong, who 
occupies the western portion of the estate. The present 
residence of Mr. Armstrong was erected in 1833. 

About 1823 a .saw-mill was built on the site of the 
present Hoag Mill, by Gabriel Dusenberry and his sons, 
Seth and John. About 1842, Stoning and Brown con- 
verted it into a paper-mill, and continued to operate it 
very successfully for several years. Merritt H. Brown then 
retired, and his father, Merritt Brown, and his brother, 
Lucius, conducted the mill till it was destroyed by fire, 
together with a large dry-house which stood on the site of 
the present Hoag blacksmith shop, about 1852. It had 
been operated about ten years as a paper-mill, and several 
houses had been built near it. Benjamin S. Hoag then 



bought the property and built a saw-mill upon the site of 
the paper-mill ; this was burned, and he built another, 
which was also destroyed by fire in 1875 ; he then built 
the mill, which he now owns and operates, upon the site of 
the former mills. Mr. Hoag came here from Montgomery 
County in 1814. 

REMINISCENCES. 

Among the pioneers have often been found many quaint 
and original characters. Cohocton was not without its 
representatives in this regard, among whom may be men- 
tioned Isaac Morehouse, Philetus Finch, and Charles 
Burlingham, or " Charlie," as he was familiarly called. 
" Charlie never failed to be on hand on election and town- 
meeting days. Placing himself under the exhilarating 
effects of old Bourbon, he would make fun for the hun- 
dreds with his dance and song, ' Laugh when you win, 
laugh when you lose,' and ' Hay foot, straw foot,' etc., etc. 
Isaac Morehouse was emphatically the leader of the turf; 
he was equal to all emergencies in that line, and in ten 
minutes could ' drive dull care away' by getting every 
one in the community excited over a horse-race; even the 
snow-paths in midwinter were used for his race-courses. 
Philetus was always on hand to say and do just the right 
thing to give character, point, and pathos to the operations 
of Charlie and Isaac. Philetus played a very practical 
joke on Constant Cook ; it was about as follows: In those 
days the law for imprisonment for debt was in full force. 
Philetus was Mr. Cook's debtor, and failed to make pay- 
ment. Mr. Cook had him consigned to jail at Bath, where 
he remained for some time. When court sat, the judge 
directed that Mr. Cook be informed that if Mr. Finch was 
kept any longer in custody he, and not the county, would 
have to pay his board. There was suflBcient logic in that 
reasoning to induce Mr. Constant Cook to see that his 
imprisoned debtor was released, and accordingly he set out 
for Bath on horseback, the best means of conveyance then 
at hand. Arriving there, he immediately effected the re- 
lease of Finch, who pretended to be sick, and would not 
consent to be released unless Cook would take him back to 
Liberty ; this he agreed to do, provided they would " take 
turns" in riding the horse on the return journey. Cook 
took the saddle first, and Finch went limping and cringing 
after, playing sick to perfection ; they had not gone far 
when Cook stopped and waited for Finch to come up, when 
he told him to get on and ride and he would walk a little 
way. Finch took the saddle and made a forced march 
right through to Liberty, leaving Cook to foot it the whole 
distance, sixteen miles. Philetus on arriving home found 
him.self in perfect health." 

In the early days the administration of law was conducted 
upon principles peculiar and in keeping with the primitive 
condition of the times. Among the early justices of the 
peace were Constant Cook and E.squires Slack and Barnard. 
While Esquire Slack was justice there was a case before 
him in which Esquire Patchin was defendant. The case 
was set down for one o'clock, but defendant Patchin did 
not arrive till a little after two On his arrival he found 
the justice fast asleep in his chair and nobody present. He 
took the justice by the shoulder and shook him vigorously, 
inquiring what had been done with the suit. The justice 



240 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



roused up and yawningly replied, " Took judgment against 
you by default." The defendant replied that he thought 
the justice honest, but he was a very ignorant man. 

Another case was pending in a justice court, in which 
Dan. H. Davis was attorney. After working faithfully for 
his client, with very little hope of success, — the case grow- 
ing darker and darker as it proceeded, — he resolved not to 
incur the mortification of a defeat, and, rising from his seat, 
he seized the minutes of the court, deliberately rolled them 
up, thrust them into his pocket, and coolly walked out of 
the room, remarking, " I will take care of the merits of 
this case." 

In 1823, Joseph Wilkinson built a barn, which is now 
standing, on the farm of W. H. Smith. Like many of 
the early settlers, Mr. Wilkinson had his peculiarities. In 
employing workmen to build the above-mentioned barn, he 
agreed to pay them fifty cents a day if he did not provide 
them with whisky, or two and sixpence a day and furnish 
whisky. Thinking they could have free access to his jug, 
at any rate, they accepted the former offer, — the fifty cents a 
day without the whisky. 

The barn was framed, and at the raising, as was the cus- 
tom in those days, the new building had to be named. The 
person selected to perform this ceremony was Jonas Cleland, 
one of the most intelligent of the early settlers, and not 
without a certain quaint humor, which served him in good 
stead in such emergencies. Mr. Cleland took his place on 
the plate of the barn, and, after the usual drink and flour- 
ishing of the bottle, got off the following shrewd poetical 
version of the bargain made between Mr. Wilkinson and 
his builders : 

''This is a fine frame, and deserves a good name, 
And what shall we eall it? 

It stands upon a rise ; 
Two and sixpence was its price. 
Fifty cents lie had to p.ay, 
And then he hid the jug away." 

This was followed by the customary " three cheers," which 
ended the ceremony. 

When Mr. Cleland came here, in 1805, and for quite a 
number of years afterwards, the Indians used to come here 
to fish and hunt and trade their ai'ticles of native manufac- 
ture with the whites. They had a very neat lodge, covered 
with hemlock-bark, which stood about sixty rods below the 
Davis mill, on the bank of the river, and other lodges along 
the valley, one of which stood on the Larrowe farm, east of 
Liberty. Usually they would come and occupy the same 
lodge for several successive hunting seasons, but they came 
at last and would not enter the one on the bank of the river, 
on account of a superstitious belief that it was haunted by 
some evil spirit. 

At that period game was very plenty, and the streams 
and river abounded with fish ; speckled trout sported in the 
clear waters ; deer crossed the paths of the pioneers, and 
even entered their door-yards ; bears roamed through the 
forests of the surrounding hills, and the howling of wolves 
made unwelcome music during the night. The few early 
settlers who kept sheep were obliged to enfold them in 
walled inclosures, to protect them from the ravages of 
wolves during the night. 



On the road loading from Potter Hill to Jerome Flint's 
may be seen the ruins of an old log structure, built up in 
the form of a square pen. This was Jonas Cleland's " bear 
trap." Such structures were often built by the pioneers, 
and baited with mutton, or some other kind of meat, for 
the purpose of decoying bears to enter at a trap-door in the 
trap ; and such was the nature of the structure that, when 
once in, his bearship found himself a prisoner to the superior 
cunning of his captor and unable to escape. Mr. Cleland 
built the pen in 1815, but did not complete or use it, for at 
that time one Robbins, a hunter, brought from the East a 
large, five-spring iron trap, which was substituted for the 
more primitive method of catching bears. Mr. Valentine 
Van Wormer afterwards caught a deer in the same trap, 
and it is now an interesting souvenir of by-gone days in 
the possession of James Cleland. 

On the Dusenberry farm there was at an early time a 
famous bear-path along the side of the river. Jonas Cle- 
land once set a "dead-fiill" in this path, in which he 
caught some thirty or forty bears. 

ORGANIZATION. 

Cohocton was formed from Bath and Dansville, June IS, 
1812, and takes its name from the Conhocton River, which 
flows in a southeasterly direction through the central part 
of the town. A part of Avoca was taken off in 18-43, and 
the principal part of Wayland in 1848. In 1874, an 
addition was made to the eastern part of the town from the 
town of Prattsburgh by the adoption of the following reso- 
lution by the Board of Supervisors : 

" ReioUreil, That so much of the western part of Pr.attsburgh as is 
now described, viz.: All that tract or parcel of land situate in the 
town of Pratt.^^burgh and bounded as follows (iiccording to the com- 
promise line agreed upon bctweeen the parties residing on the adver- 
tised district) : commencing at the northwest corner of lots No. 96, 
on the township line ; thence east, along the north line of lots Nos. 96, 
97, and 98, to the northea.st corner of said lot 98 ; thence south, along 
the east line of lots Nos. 98, 85, and 76, to the southeast corner of said 
lot 76 ; thence east, along the north line of lot 62, to the northeast 
corner thereof; thence south, along the east line of lots Nos. 62 and 
55 to the cast bank of Twelve-Mile Creek ; thence along the east bank 
of said creek to the township line; containing 3853 acres of land, 
more or less, be set off from said town of Prattsburgh, and anne.\ed to 
s.aid town of Cohocton, as those petitioners have so earnestly prayed. 

" Charles K. Minor, 
"Ira. Carrington. 

" Commiltee." 

The act erecting the town of Cohocton, passed June 18, 
1812, provided that the first town-meeting should be held at 
the house of Joseph Shattuck, Jr. This meeting was held 
in April, 1813, and the following town oflScers were elected : 
Samuel Wells, Supervisor ; Charles Bennett, Town Clerk ; 
Stephen Crawford, John Slack, and William Bennett, As- 
sessors ; Jared Barr, John Woodard, and Isaac Hill, Com- 
missioners of Highways ; John Slack and Samuel D. Wills, 
Poormasters ; James Barnard, Constable and Collector; 
Isaac Parmenter, Constable; James Griffis and Thomas 
Rogers, Fence-Viewers. The following were chosen Path- 
masters of the ten districts then in the town, in the order 
named, beginning with District No. 1 : Samuel D. Wells, 
Seth Kellogg, David Reynolds, James Grifl&s, Jonas Cleland, 
Jonathan Danforth, Stephen Crawford, Drake, Elisha 




a-A^,^/f^■ 




-^-fH^gyr:^ 



j-t^-t-t-^uy h^u^L 



Qc 



/ A 



VALENTINE VAN WORMER. 



Valentine Van Wormer was born in Charleston, Schoharie Co., 
N. Y., Oct. 22, 1812. His paternal ancestors came from Hol- 
land. He is the eleventh child in a family of thirteen children of 
Lawrence and Anna (Staley) Van Wormer, both natives of New 
Jersey. His Grandfather Van Wormer migrated from New 
Jersey, first settled on the Hudson River during the Revolution- 
ary war, and subsequently settled in Montgomery Co., N. Y. 

His father was a farmer in Montgomery County for twenty 
years, and traded his farm there for some eighteen hundred 
acres of land in the Conhooton valley, near the village of Lib- 
erty, on the Robert L. Bound's tract, and in 1816 settled in the 
town of Cohocton, where he purchased two hundred and fifty 
acres more. Some six hundred acres of this land he is said to 
have cleared and made ready lor cultivation. 

He assisted in the erection of the first Methodist church 
here, and prior to that time the quarterly meetings of that de- 
nomination were often held in his barn for want of a more 
commodious building. He was one of the pioneers of the town 
and contributed largely to its early local enterprises. Although 
a man of very little book knowledge, he possessed much native 
talent and ability, was well informed, and had strong reasoning 
faculties. 

Prior to settling in this county he held various official posi- 
tions in Montgomery County, was a member of the Democratic 
party, and ranked as lieutenant in the old militia, with commis- 
sion signed by Governor Tompkins. He was a man of gi-eat 
perseverance, and known for his correct habits and strict integ- 
rity. For many years both he and his wife were consistent 
members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He died August, 
1852, aged eighty-four. His wife died January, 1853, aged 
seventy-nine. 

Of their six bods and eight daughters, thirteen reached man- 



hood and womanhood, and five sons and one daughter are now 
living. Mr. Valentine Van Wormer was only four years of 
age when the family settled in the town of Cohocton. He spent 
his minority at home, receiving a good education at the common 
school and at Lima Seminary. For five terms he was a teacher 
after reaching his majority, and Nov. 22, 1838, he married 
Anna, daughter of Judge E. W. Cleveland, of Naples, Ontario 
Co. Her father was prominently identified with the local in- 
terests of that county, and held the various offices of supervisor, 
justice of the peace, and associate judge for many years. He 
was a, volunteer in the war of 1812, lived to be sixty-seven- 
years of age, and died in 18G0. Mrs. Van Wormer was born 
Dec. 4, 1817. 

Their children are Mrs. Wm. Henry Mattison, of Ionia, 
Mich. ; Mrs. Dr. E. M. White, of Liberty ; Fayette M., soldier 
of the late Rebellion, died Feb. 7, 1865, aged twenty-one; 
Emory L., of Avoca ; Mrs. C. W. Stanton, of Liberty ; Eugene, 
a farmer, of Cohocton ; and Eugenia, a teacher. 

After his marriage Mr. Van Wormer carried on the farm 
for nine years settled by his father, and purchased a farm of 
Constant Cook, contiguous to the village, upon which he has re- 
sided since 1847. 

He was a Democrat until the formation of the Republican 
party, of which ho has since been a somewhat active member. 
He was school commissioner for two terms, and also school in- 
spector for two terms under the old law, and has been once the 
candidate of his party for the Assembly, but was unsuccessful, 
his party being in the minority. He has ever been interested 
in the temperance reform since its first organization, yet never 
a member of any secret societies, and from their youth both he 
and his wife have been members of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church. 



TOWN OF COHOCTON. 



241 



Brownson, and Levi Smith. Samuel D. Wells and Jonas 
Cleland were chosen Poundraasters. 

It was voted that a bounty of $5 bo given for each wolf's 
scalp, and $10 for that of a panther. The bounty for 
wolves' scalps was afterwards raised to $20. Twenty dol- 
lars per head made wolf-hunting in those daj's for a time 
profitable ; many scalps were taken and brought in, and the 
bounty paid. 

The records of the town from 1813 to 1839 appear to 
have been lost, — at least tbcy are not to be found in the 
town clerk's office. We have, however, by diligent search 
in the county clerk's office, and from other sources of in- 
formation, been able to supply in some measure the defi- 
ciency. 

From 1823 to 1826, inclusive, Paul C. Cook was super- 
visor, and was followed by David Weld in 1827 and 1828. 
Paul C. Cook was again supervisor in 1829 and 1830. 
Then followed David Weld for the year 1831, and then 
John Nichoson for 1832, when Paul C. Cook was again 
elected, and held the office for three consecutive years. In 
183ti, Elias Stephens was chosen supervisor; then Paul C. 
Cqok again for 1837 and 1838. The rest of the super- 
visors, together with other town officers, will be found in 
the tabulated statement below. 

Lucius Shattuck held the office of town clerk for twenty- 
three consecutive years, and was the incumbent of that 
office at the time of his death, in 1852. 

The first justices of the peace, hy appointment, in the 
town of Cohocton, were John Slack, James Barnard, Jonas 
Cleland, and Frederick Blood. Others who held the 
office at a later day were Constant Cook, John Nichoson, 
Paul C. Cook, Thomas A. Bowles, John Hess, J. P. Brace, 
Simeon Holmes, and Myron M. Patchin. Some of these 
were in what is now the town of Wayland, which was then 
included in Cohocton. Below will bo found a list of the 
justices of the peace from 1839 to the present time. 

At the election for senators and members of Assembly 
in 1814, the town of Cohocton gave four votes each for 
Joseph Kirkland, Joshua Forman, Valentine Brother, and 
Jared Sanford, for senator, and one vote each to Philetus 
Swift, Chauncey Loomis, Bennett Becknell, and John J. 
Pendergrast. For member of Assembly, Moses Van Cam- 
pen received 25 votes, and Daniel Cruger 39 votes. Samuel 
D. Wells, John Stark, Francis Blakely, and Samuel Rhodes, 
inspectors of election. 

In 1816, Daniel D. Tompkins received 15 votes for Gov- 
ernor, and Rufus King 14 votes. For Lieutenant-Governor, 
John Taylor received 14 votes, and George Tibbitts 15 
votes. Daniel Cruger had 71 votes for member of Con- 
gress, and Enos T. Throup 71 ; Elijah Miller 52, and Elea- 
zer Lindley 52. 

The political status of the town of Cohocton was gener- 
ally Democratic, up to the year 1856, yet, in 1840, it caught 
up the rallying cry of " Tippecanoe and Tyler too," and gave 
a decided majority for Gen. Harrison for President. But 
after the effect of the " Hard Cider" wore off, and it had 
emerged from the "log cabins," it went back to the Demo- 
cracy. In 1856 it gave over 200 majority for Fremont, 
and since that memorable campaign, till the annexation of 
a portion of Prattsburgh, in 1874, has been a decidedly 
31 



Republican town. The political parties since then have 
been more nearly equally divided. 

During the Fremont campaign, a terrible accident occurred 
in the village of Liberty, which cast a pall of gloom over 
the place for a long time. While the excitement of the 
canvass was running high, a cannon had been procured to 
give vent to Republican enthusiasm, and to invite, by the 
reverberations of its thundering voice, the inhabitants of 
the neighboring hills to a mass-meeting, then in progress at 
the village. The cannon was being discharged in the road 
(which was full of people), just above the residence of 
Amos Stone, when it exploded, throwing heavy pieces of 
iron in every direction, endangering the lives of many. 
One of the pieces struck and fatally wounded Wallace Hen- 
dryx, son of Thomas Hendryx, a merchant of the village; 
another piece struck and badly injured Albert H. Weld, 
but he afterwards fully recovered. Y^oung Hendryx died 
the next morning, and his sad and untimely death was 
mourned by all. He was a universal favorite among all 
with whom he was acquainted. 

It will be appropriate in this connection to speak of some 
of the citizens of this town, who have held important posi- 
tions of responsibility and tru.st by the suffrages of the 
people. Paul C. Cook, for many years a merchant at Lib- 
erty, and prominently identified with the political as well 
as business history of the town, was chosen by the Demo- 
crats of his Assembly district to represent them in the 
State Legislature, in 1827. Ho was re-elected to the As- 
sembly in 1830. In 1844 he was elected county clerk, 
and changed his residence from Liberty to Bath, where he 
continued to reside. He was re-elected county clerk in 
1847, and discharged the duties of this, as well as all the 
responsible offices which he filled, in a highly creditable and 
satisfactory manner. 

Richard Brower was formerly a merchant in the village 
of Liberty, and did business in the former store of Paul C. 
Cook, previous to its occupancy by Dan. H. Davis. He 
owned the farm now belonging to Amos Stone, which he 
sold to David Rumsey, of Bath, and the latter sold to Mr. 
Stone. In 1839, Mr. Brower was elected by the Demo- 
cratic party of this district to represent them in the State 
Legislature. 

At the election held in 1859, C. J. McDowell was chosen 
district attorney for Steuben Co., and held the office three 
years. He was especially adapted to discharge the respon- 
sible duties of that important office, and he administered it 
with zeal, efficiency, and honor. His term of office was 
distinguished by the unrelaxing vigor and persistency with 
which he prosecuted criminals, who were then banded to- 
gether in large numbers to resist or evade the law, and de- 
feat the ends of justice. The breaking up of these bands, 
sending some to the State-prison, and causing others to flee 
the country, were the acceptable fruits of his administration. 
Mr. McDowell has possessed in a large degree the confidence 
and esteem of his town's people, who have .several times 
elected him to the office of supervisor. 

At the fall election of 1873, Stephen Shattuck was elected 
to represent the district in the Assembly. He served ac- 
ceptably during the term, and was re-elected and returned 
the following year, and during the session distinguished 



242 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



himself for his earnest and persistent contest on the floor of 
the Assembly with the enemies of reform. Mr. Shattuck 
is a popular member of the Democratic party, and has held 
the office of supervisor of his town for six or seven terms. 



LIST OF TOWN OFFICERS. 





Supervisors. 


Town Clerks. 




Collectors. 


1S39 


Calvin Blood. 


Paul C. Cook 




Henry Noble. 


1840. 


John Hess. 


Thos. Hendry 


X. 


Almond Eggleston. 


1841. 


" " 


Jesse P. Brace. 


Lawrence S. Borden 


1842. 


Paul C. Cook. 


t( It 




It 11 


1843. 


John Hess. 


James Draper 




Silas Hulbert. 


1844. 


<( It 


« 


1845. 


Calvin Blood. 


" 




Hiram Dewey. 


1846. 


Zcphnian Flint. 


Henry 6. Blood. 


Joseph Crouch. 


1847. 


John Hess. 


<( (( 




Amos W. Chase. 


1848. 


Calvin Blood. 


JamesJDiaper, 


.( It 


1849. 


Zephman Flint. 


Walter M. Eldred. 


it 


1860. 


C. J. McDowell. 


Austin Hall. 




a 


1851. 


li u 


Step'n D. Shattuck 


Chas. J. Bosenkrans 


1852. 


" " 


L. Shattuck. 




a tt 


1853. 


David H. \Vilco.\. 


Step'n D. Sh.Tttuok. 


Wm. R. Hill. 


1854. 


C. J. McDowell. 


A. W. Chase. 




George W. Haight. 


1855. 


A. Larrowe. 


Andrew W. W 


oore. 


George T. Mead. 


1856. 


« ii 


" 


11 


a 


1857. 


tl n 


Austin Hall. 




it it 


1858. 


James Draper. 


Leonard D. C 


onnei 


it (( 


1859. 


Stepu D. .Shattuck. 


Austin Hall. 




George W. Haight. 


1S60. 


David H. Wilcox. 


John H. Stanley. 


1. ti 


1861. 


ti if 


Austin Hall. 




Cyrus H. Stone. 


1862. 


" " 


Ezra S. Carpenter. 


Wm. Washburn. 


1863. 


F. N. Drake. 


Walter M. Eldred. 


S. D. Shattuck. 


1864. 


" " 


Ezra S. Carpenter. 


a 


1865. 


David H. Wilcox. 


Austin Hall. 




A. Larrowe. 


1866. 


John H. Butler. 


Charles II. Beyer. 


John D. Hendryx, 


1867. 


U tl 


" 


' 


Charles Tripp, Jr. 


1868. 


C.E. Thorp. 


Marcus S. Harris. 


C. P. Bailey. 


1869. 


Step'n D. Shattuck. 


it t 




S. S. Rosenkrans. 


1870. 


" " 


Carlos H. Wilcox. 


T. J. Briggs. 


1871. 


J. M. Tripp. 


1. « 




Hiram W. Hatch. 


1872. 


Step'n D. Shattuck. 


Albert T. Parkhill. 


F. Granger Tripp. 


1873. 


Thos. Warner. 


Edwin A. Draper. 


James C. Green. 


1874. 


it i 




it a 


1875. 


James P. Clark. 


.< 




Jacob Wagner. 


1876. 


0. S. Searl. 


H. C. Liddiard. 


Charles E. Hall. 


1877. 


Myron W. Harris. 


Jas. M. Reynolds. 


James H. Moulton. 


1878. 


Byron A. Tyler. 


*t li 




John Robinson. 




JUSTICES OF THK PEACE. 




1839. 


Myron M. Patohin. 




1858. 


Jam 


es F. Wood. 


1840. 


Constant Cook. 






Asa 


Adams. 


1841. 


Frederick Blood, Sr 




1859. 


Edwin Finch. 


IS42. 


Dan. H. Davis. 




1860. 


Thof 


. S. Crosby. 


1843. 


Myron M. Patchin. 




1861. 


Asa 


Adams. 


1844. 


Jesse McQuigg. 




1862. 


James F. Wood. 


1845. 


Frederick Blood. 






Samuel G. Fowler. 


1846. 


C. J. McDowell. 




1863. 


Wm. 


W. Wait. 


1847. 


Myron M. Patchin. 




1864. 


Thos 


. S. Crosby. 


1848. 


Stephen C. Phillips. 




1865. 


Asa 


Adams. 




Nelson Thorp. 




1866. 


James F. Wood. 


1849. 


Wm. W. Wait. 




1867. 


Thos 


. S. Crosby. 




Levi C. Chase. 




1868. 


Ithiel H. Nichoson. 


1850. 


Walter M. Eldred. 




1869. 


Asa 


Adams. 


1851. 


Samuel G. Fowler. 




1870. 


Marcus S. Harris. 


1852. 


E. L. Bradley. 




1871. 


Geor 


ge M. Hewitt. 




Austin Hall. 




1872. 


Eetn 


a M. Davis. 


1853. 


Wm. W. Wait. 




1873. 


Asa 


Adams. 




Frederick Blood. 




1874. 


Hiram Wygant. 


1854. 


James F. Wood. 




1875. 


Jasper Partridge. 


1855. 


Edward Finch. 




1876. 


Clarence W. Stanton. 


1856. 


Thos. S. Crosby. 




1877. 


Charles Sheldon. 


1857. 


Wm. 0. Nichoson. 




1878. 


Thos 


S. Crosby. 



TAX-ROLL OF 1829. 
Prom an old tax-roll in the office of the town clerk we 
find that in 1829 there were in the town of Cohocton 
(then including Wajland) 381 land-owners, who resided in 
the town and paid taxes on from one-fourth of an acre to 
541 acres. This latter was the largest estate then owned 
by any resident of the town, and belonged to Philip Cook. 
It was valued at $11.42 per acre, and the tax assessed upon 
it was $11.69. Warren Patchin owned 409 acres in what 
is now Wayland, assessed at $12 an acre, and his tax 
amounted to $15.65. Silas Shattuck owned 288 acres, 
assessed at $2.24 an acre, tax $2.29. James Cleland had 
234 acres, assessed at $6 an acre, tax $6.14. Dan H. 
Davis, 330 acres, valued at $10 an acre, tax $10.33. The 
most valuable land in the town at that time seems to liave 
been a quarter of an acre owned by Ira Gilbert, which was 
assessed at a valuation of $50, and taxed 52 cents. From 
this roll we find that the lands belonging to residents of the 
town at that time amounted to 33,821 acres, while 21,706 
acres were owned by non-residents, and of this latter 
amount, 18,057 acres were owned by the Pulteney estate. 

CHURCHES. 
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OP COHOCTON. 
It appears from the oldest record in the posse.'^sion of this 
church, entitled " A History of the Settlement and Forma- 
tion of the Church of Christian Union," that a meeting was 
" convened by agreement, and opened by prayer by the 

Rev. ," the name of the minister not being given. The 

object of this meeting seems to have been to inquire into 
the history of the earliest religious society in the town. 
Hence the record proceeds: " Entered upon a full investi- 
gation, and found that in the year 1802 a few professors 
made some beginning and improvement, but the great dis- 
tance from other settlements, and other discouragements 
common to a new settlement, caused them to remain deso- 
late until 1802, when James Woodard, from Vermont, 
with a numerous family of sons, came and began to im- 
prove on some of the former beginnings, and bringing his 
wife, being a professed follower of Christ, and recommended 
by some former church and brethren to some one church of 
Christ wherever her lot might be cast, — whose oldest son, 
Arunet, and his wife, Hannah, united with a neighboring 
church,* about seven miles distant, but did not enjoy much 
advantage thereby, although that church had a stated pastor. 
Thus they remained neglected and forsaken for several 
years, and had but a single sermon preached until the year 
1807, when Elijah Parker and Stephen Crawford moved in 
among them. They, with their wives, being Christian pro- 
fessors, united together and set up public worship on the 
Sabbath. In 1808 the inhabitants met together and ap- 
pointed the two last named persons to lead in public meet- 
ings; and in 1809 the few Christians among them were 
visited by the Rev. Aaron C. Collins, when about ten per- 
sons proposed to join in church fellowship, and about the 
middle of June by the Rev. Abijah Warren, with whom 
they agreed to preach and labor among them for one year."f 

* At Naples, Ontario Co., N. Y. 

I Another record says "one-third of a year." 



TOWN OF COHOCTON. 



243 



On Sunday, Oct. 8, 1809, a regular church was formed 
of the Congregational order, consisting of nine members : 
" Thus the Lord planted a church in the wilderness, and 
did not leave Himself without witness in this moral desert." 
Of the original nine members, three had been admitted 
by letter before the formal organization, in June, 1809, 
viz., John Slack, Jerusha Slack, and Martha Fowler. The 
other six who united by letter, Oct. 8, 1809, were Elijah 
Parker, Mehitable Parker, Stephen Crawford, Ruth Craw- 
ford, Obadiah Woodard, and Sybil Woodard. In 1811, 
Levi and Anna Fowler and Jesse Atwell became members ; 
in 1816, Horace Fowler and Rebecca Talbot; in 1817, 
Susannah Rodney and Boice Shepard ; in 1818, Jothan 
Hoar, Chloe Shattuck, Lucy Woodruff, and Silena Bentley; 
in 1820, Nancy Weld, Polly Andrews, and Anna C. Clason ; 
in 1821, eight were received by letter and examination, viz., 
Ezra Sliepard, Sally Dubois, David Weld, Mary Fowler, 
Hannah Bennett, Sally Ketchum, James Conn, and Anna 
Conn. The following seven were received in 1822: Daniel 
Raymond, Clarissa Cook, Elizabeth Collyer, Sophia Shepard, 
Sally Watkins, Mary Hoar, and Julia Wells. There were 
eight additions, as follows, in 1823: Benjamin Haight, 
A.sa Phillips, Joel Collyer, Eliza Haight, Tama Phillips, 
Anna Bentley, Orlin Watkins, and Eletca Watkins. Eight 
more united in 1824, viz., Allen Haight, Sally Haight, 
Lucinda Bennett, Casey Crandall, Abigail Crandall, Lucy 
Ann Raymond, Abraham Waugh, and Phoebe Raymond. 
In 1825 there were eight more additions, as follows : John 
Davis, Clarissa How, Orson Fowler, William Bagnell, Sally 
Bagnell, Eunice Clary, Almira Lee, and Charity Smork. 
In 1826, Rhoda Standclift, Martha Waugh, and Molly 
Jones were received by letter. Eight more became mem- 
bers in 1827, viz., Peres Powers, Mary Clary, Caroline 
How, Abigail Henry, Harriet Cook, Laura StaudclifF, Na- 
thaniel Beetts and Mary Beetts. 

" Jan. 14, 1810. — This day the church met, according 
to agreement, when Rev. Abijah Warren was chosen mod- 
erator and Stephen Crawford scribe." 

" April 6, 1810. — The church met and made choice of 
Elijah Parker for deacon. 

"June 2, 1811. — Voted, that Elijah Parker and Stephen 
Crawford represent us in the Congregational Association at 
Bath, and endeavor to have this church united with them." 

In 1818, Rev. Robert Hubbard appears as pastor, though 
the date of his settlement is not given. In 1820, Rev. 
William Stone oflBciated, and, in 1821, Rev. Aaron C. Col- 
lins. In 1823, Rev. Statham Clary became pastor, and 
remained in charge till 1829 or 1830. Under his ministry 
the first church edifice was probably erected. We find no 
account of the building of it in the records, but the follow- 
ing shows when it was dedicated : 

" Feb. 3, 1830. — The first Congregational meeting-house 
dedicated to the service of Almighty God. Sermon by 
Rev. Robert Hubbard; text, Haggai, ii. 9." 

Rev. Lewis W. Billington officiated after the erection of 
the church till about 1832, when the name of Rev. Mr. 
De Forest appears as pastor. 

April 10, 1823, the church was represented in the Pres- 
bytery by its delegates, and thenceforward assumed the form 
and order of the Presbyterian Church. 



Jan. 31, 1834, this church took the following decisive 
action in favor of temperance : 

'■'Resolved, That this church admit none to its commu- 
nion hereafter, who are not or do not become members of 
the temperance cause at the time of their admission." 

Rev. I. Strough was pastor of this church from 1850 
until his death in June, 1854. The following notice of 
his death appears in the church record : 

"June 7, 1854. — Rev. I. Strough, pastor of the Pres- 
byterian Church of Cohocton, departed this life, and has 
gone to receive his great reward above." 

His successor was Rev. W. L. Andrews, who commenced 
his labors early in 1855. He was succeeded, in 1856, by 
Rev. A. T. Wood. Rev. J. Woodruff followed in Novem- 
ber, 1857. Rev. M. B. Gettson, of the Naples Presby- 
terian Church, officiated as pastor in 1861, and continued 
till the close of 1871. 

The present church edifice was erected in the summer 
and fall of 1872, and was dedicated at ten o'clock a.m. on 
the 14th day of December, the sermon being preached by 
Rev. Dr. William E. Knox, of Elmira. At two o'clock 
P.M. Rev. Charles B. Austin was installed pastor of the 
church. He remained with the church till Feb. 27, 1876. 
The church was then served by supplies and candidates for 
the pastorate till Sept. 1, 1878, at which date Rev. John 
Waugh, the present pastor, began his labors. 

The Ladies' Missionary Society was organized April 11, 
1878. Mrs. John Waugh, President; Mrs. Carrie Harris, 
Vice-President ; Mrs. Thomas Warner, Secretary ; Mrs. Dr. 
Saxton, treasurer. 

METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHDRCH OF COHOCTON. 
The records of this church begin with the following 
entry : 

"We, the suVjscribcrs, do certify, that at a meeting in the town of 
Cohocton, county of Steuben, on the 24th day of February, in the 
year of our Lord 1829, of the male persons of full age, being mem- 
bers and friends of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in pursuance of 
public notice given two successive Sabbaths or meetiug-days, and at 
least fifteen days before the time of meeting, for the purpose of in- 
corporating themselves, according to the act to provide fur the incor- 
poration of religious socielies. Cyrus Story and Sylvanus Calkins, 
two of the members of said society, were duly chosen to preside at 
the said meeting, and that David Lusk, Isaac S. Kidder, Ebenezer 
Connor, Paul C. Cook, and Cornelius Crouch, who were duly elected 
trustees of the said society to I>e incorporated, and it was resolved by 
the said meeting, that the society to be incorporated should be called 
and known by the name or title of the ' First Society of the Metho- 
dist Episcopal Church of the town of Cohocton.' And we do further 
certify, under our hands and seals, that the above-mentioned pro- 
ceedings were had in our presence. 

" Dated Cohocton, Feb. 24, 1829. , ,-— , , 

" Cyrus Story. j l. s. [ 



"Sylvands Calkixs 



..{u^} 



" Taken and acknowledged before me, this 24th day of February, 1829, 
"Paul C. Cook, A Judge of the County Courts." 

" Immediately after the election of the foregoing trusr 
tees, they were divided by lot into three classes, numbers 
one, two, and three; and the seats of Isaac S. Kidder and 
David Lusk, members of the first class, shall be vacated at 
the expiration of the first year ; Ebenezer Connor and Paul 
C. Cook, members of the second class, at the expiration of 



244 



HISTOllY OF STEUBP^N COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



the second year ; and Cornelius Crouch, of the third class, 
at the expiration of the third year. The followinij-named 
persons were present, and considered members of said so- 
ciety, viz. : 



Cyrus Story. 
Sylvanus Calkins. 
Isaac S. Kidder. 
Bavid Lnsk. 
Constant Cook. 
Samuel Chamberlain. 
Anson Delaniater. 
William Walker. 
Levi Smith. 
Zina Alford. 



Paul C. Cook. 
Cornelius Crouch. 
Ebenezer Connor. 
Caleb Crouch. 
Lucius Shattuck. 
David Parmcnter. 
Amos Cornell. 
Andrew Conn, 
Adin Parmenter. 



In 1830 a subscription was circulated for the purpose of 
erecting a chapel or church edifice. At the annual meeting 
of that year a resolution was passed to have the subscription 
" recorded in the book of the society for the purpose of ex- 
hibiting the manner and principle on which the proposed 
chapel is to be erected." The following is a copy, as we 
find it in the records : 

'* We whose names are hereunto subscribed do agree to pay to Eb- 
enezer Connor, Paul C. Cook, Cornelius Crouch, Isaac S. Kidder, and 
Constant Cook, trustees of the first Methodist Episcopal Church in 
the town of Cohocton, the several sums set opposite our respective 
names for the purpose of erecting a chapel at or near Liberty Corners 
in saiil town. vSaid house is calculated to cost about !?14U0. It is ex- 
pressly understood that said house, if built, is tu be free for all author- 
ized preachers of the gospel to preach in when not wanted to be 
occupied by said Methodist Society. It is also agreed that those who 
pay for materials for building shall pay the same at Liberty Corners 
by the 1st day of May next; those who p.iy in labor, on demand, and 
those who pay in cash or produce, in three semi-annual payments 
from the date hereof, provided the sum of $500 be subscribed, other- 
wise said subscription to be null and void. 

" Dated at Cohocton this lOlh day of February, 1830."' 

The meetings of the society and trustees were held chiefly 
at the house of Caleb Crouch till the completion of the 
chapel. We find a record of one of the meetings, held at 
the store of Orton & Cook, on the 31st of December, 1832, 
at which a committee, which we take to have been the build- 
ing committee, made their report. It appears from the fol- 
lowing that the chapel was at this time finished and ready 
for use : 

** WhcrcdH, The Chapel in this place was built by the subscriptions 
of individuals of different denominations, we the trustees of the Soci- 
ety do hereby ordain and declare that the Methodist Society shall 
have the privilege to occupy the chapel the forenoon of each Sabbath 
(and in case of a quarterly meeting or any extra meeting, they may 
occupy the house the whole day) and the remainder part of the day 
said Chapel shall be free for all authorized preachers to occupy. 

•■ Ji-.SSE P. Brace, Clerk." 

Rev. Samuel Bibbins presided at the annual meeting of 
March 10, 1832, and is the first minister mentioned in the 
record. In 1835 we find Rev. Joseph Pearsol "•presiding" 
at the annual meeting " held at the school-house in District 
No. 5, in the town of Cohocton." The first annual meet- 
ing recorded as " held at the meeting-house" was April 26, 
1836, " Paul C. Cook presiding." 

From 1839 to 1845 there are no meetings recorded, and 
it appears that at the latter date the society was reorgan- 
ized, and held its regular annual meetings thenceforward on 
the " last Monday in January of each year." 

The new organization, dated " Cohocton, 13th January, 



1845," and signed "Andrew W. Moore, clerk," was consti- 
tuted of " the following persons, who were present and con- 
sidered members of said society," viz. : 



Calvin Blood. 
David Parmenter. 
Fletcher C. Eateman. 
James Draper. 
Hiram Dewey. 
Orin Marshall. 
Harry Field. 
John Lake. 
Albert S. Henry. 
A. L. Shattuck. 



Thomas Hendryx. 

Valentine Van Wormer. 

Andrew W. Moore. 

Benjamin P. Arbour. 

S. Hagadorn. 

M. T. Coaley. 

John L. Van Wormer. 

Henry G. Blood. 

C. J. McDowell. 

J. H. Mills. 



Calvin Blood was president of the board of trustees till 
1854, when Amos W. Chase appears as president, and L. 
D. Conner as clerk. In 1857, Stephen Hagadorn was 
president, and in 1858, V. Van Wormer. Lewis Marsh in 
1859, and H. Rathbone in 1860. In 1861 we find the 
name of Rev. Mr. Mandeville presiding at the annual meet- 
ing ; in 1862, V. Van Wormer. No further record of an 
annual meeting occurs till Jan. 27, 1873, at which time 
"the meeting was called to order by Rev. Mr. Vosburgh, 
and G. E. Ackerman was elected secretary." This year a 
new board of trustees was elected, as follows: Valentine 
Van Wormer, for three years ; James Draper, for three 
years ; John Adair, for two years ; Isaac Palmateer, for 
two years ; Lewis Knapp, for one year ; E. A. Draper, 
clerk of the board of trustees. 

In 1875, James R. Wilson and Isaac Palmateer were 
elected trustees for three years, and M. E. Harris for two 
years. In 1876, Gr. W. Marsh and Valentine Van Wormer, 
for three years. 

In 1873 this church was set ofi" as a separate charge, 
called Liberty Charge, to which the society at Loon Lake 
was attached, and so remained till 1877, when it was dropped 
and Wallace attached. Wallace was dropped in 1878, and 
Lent Hill attached. Since the change in 1873, the follow- 
ing ministers have officiated : Rev. Mr. Vosburgh, two years'; 
Rev. William Wardell, one year ; Rev. D. W. Gates, three 
years ; Rev. Dr. A. Purdy, present pastor. 

The church edifice was remodeled and enlarged at a cost 
of about $2000, in 1872. Present membership, 69; Sun- 
day-school, 75. 

FIRST UNIVERS.\LIST CHURCH OP COHOCTON. 

Among the earliest settlers in Cohocton there were many 
of the more respectable and influential citizens who were 
believers in the doctrine of the final salvation of all men. 

Such men as Peter Haight, Levi Smith, Simeon Holmes, 
Elizar Tucker, Benjamin Warner, David Parmenter, Lucius 
Shattuck, Darius Crosby, John Larrowe, were men who 
styled themselves Universalists ; and although they did not 
organize as a society, they often held meetings at their own 
houses, or in some school-house in the town, where they 
listened to such ministers as the Revs. A. G. Clark, O. B. 
Clark, Mr. Payne, Cheny, Richardson, and others. After 
the Methodist Episcopal church was built in Liberty, they 
held meetings more frequently in th;.t church until about 
1858, when, one Sunday upon going to the church to hold 
services, they found themselves shut out, the door being 
locked, and no one knowing where the key could be found. 



^^^ii/u^^/-^c^^ 



Lewis Clayson was born in 
Westchester Co., N. T., March 
31, 1808. He is the youngest 
and only surviving child of 
Enoch and Mercy Clayson. The 
former, a native of Stanford, 
Conn., was a farmer by occupa- 
tion ; was a Minute Man in the 
war for independence, though 
never called out; lived to the 
age of eighty-nine, and died in 
Westchester County, 1857. The 
latter was a native of West- 
chester County, lived to be 
eighty years of age, and died 
about 1860. 

Mr. Clayson spent his minor- 
ity on the farm, and was with 
his father until he was thirty- 
three years of age, receiving 
the limited opportunities of the 
district schools of that day for 
his education from books. In 
March, 1841, he married Cor- 
delia, daughter of Robert and Susan Halstead, both natives of West- 
chester Co., N. Y. She was born April 8, 1816, is a lady of rare ex- 
cellence, and does her part well 
in all that pertains to the duties 
of a wife and mother. 

The same year of their mar- 
riage, Mr. and Mrs. Clayson re- 
moved to Steuben County, and 
settled on the farm where he 
now resides, in the town of 
Cohocton, which now comprises 
some seven hundred acres of 
land, in possession of himself 
and sons, and a large part of 
which he has cleared of its 
original forest. 

He is one of the enterprising, 
industrious, and thrifty farmers 
of the town, and a model agri- 
culturist, and for many years 
has given considerable atten- 
tion to buying and selling 
stock. 

Mr. Clayson has never given 
any particular attention to po- 
litical matters, but ever re- 
garded the right of suffrage. 





independentaction, and thought 
of great value. His life has 
been given almost wholly to 
agricultural pursuits, and he is 
a quiet, unassuming man, pos- 
sessed of strict honesty in all 
his business relations. Their 
children are Robert H. and 
Enoch A., — farmers near their 
father, — Mrs. Melvin Miller, of 
Wayland, and lone, at home. 



ci^-ciA 




<2^ix/^ ^5)^ 



Smith Clayson, an older 
brother, born 1796, in West- 
chester County, married Ann 
Gilbert, of South Salem, N. Y. 
She died in 1840, at the age of 
forty-two, leaving one daughter, 
— Harriet (Mrs. Melvin Davis), 
Cy\_y of Naples, Ontario Co., N. Y. 

In 1842 he married Letitia 
Derevere, of Mount Pleasant, 
Westchester Co. In 1852 he removed to Steuben County, and set- 
tled in the town of Cohocton on one hundred and sixty acres of 

land, now owned by his son, 
Henry S. Clayson, to which ad- 
ditions have been made, making 
the farm two hundred and ten 
acres. On this farm Mr. Clay- 
son spent the remainder of his 
life. He was a representative 
farmer ; gave some attention to 
buying and selling stock. He 
was a Democrat originally, and 
during the latter part of his life 
a Republican. He was known 
as a conscientious man ; was a 
member of the Methodist Epis- 
copal Church, and possessed of 
sterling integrity in all his bus- 
iness relations. He died in 
1860, leaving a widow, now 
Mrs. Isaac Magoon, of North 
Cohocton, and one son by his 
second marriage, Henry S., who 
married Julia A., daughter of 
Hobart Gregg, of Bath, March 
20, 1871. Their children are 
/^-yi, Mark, Hobart, Ernest, Lewis. 



TOWN OF COHOCTON. 



245 



they were obliged to adjourn the meeting for that time. 
This was the beginning of a feeling which finally resulted 
in the building of the iiret Universalist church in Cohocton. 

As will be seen by referring to the history of the first 
Methodist Episcopal Church in Cohocton, that church was 
built by the united means of all denominations, — with the 
express understanding and agreement that it was to be free 
to all denominations when not in use by the Methodist, and 
they were to use the house Sunday mornings only, except 
when they held their regular quarterly meetings ; at such 
times they had the use of the house the whole day. This 
agreement was faithfully lived up to till the time mentioned 
above. As might be expected, this action upon the part of 
the Methodist brethren aroused a spirit of opposition 
among those calling themselves Universalists, and they de- 
termined upon building a church of their own. A meeting 
was held Sept. 19, 1859, at which D. H. Wilcox was 
chosen chairman. At this meeting a regular church 
organization was formed, and Franklin Larrowe, Amos W. 
Chase, and D. H. Wilcox were elected trustees. A sub- 
scription was circulated and enough subscribed to warrant 
the commencement of erecting a church at once. Among 
the more liberal in giving for this purpose were such men as 
John Larrowe, Franklin Larrowe, Alburtas Larrowe, N. J. 
Wheeler, F. N. Drake, Amos W. Chase, E. A. Parmenter, 
David Parmenter, P. F. Horr, T. S. Crosby, Stephen 
Phillips, Benjamin Warner, John Kellogg, 0. C. Smith, 
G. E. W. Herbert, Austin Hall, S. D. Shattuck, and 
others. The church was commenced in the summer of 
1860, but not completed and dedicated until September, 
1863. Rev. J. M. Austin, of Auburn, N. Y., preached the 
dedication sermon. It is located on Maple Avenue, is a 
fine building, and cost about $3000. 

Soon after the dedication the society engaged the services 
of the Rev. M. Tuller, who remained with them about two 
years, since which time they have had no settled pastor and 
only occasional preaching. 

The doors of this church have always been opened 
cheerfully to their brethren in Christ, no matter by what 
name they may be called. During the years 1872 and 
1873 the Presbyterian society being without a house of 
worship, they were given the free use of this church, and 
are at present occupying it, their own church undergoing 
repairs. In talking with a prominent member of the Uni- 
versalist .society he said : " Our society have a fine church, 
well finished and furni.shed, free from debt, and we are 
happy to be able to furnish so respectable a place for wor- 
ship to those of any other denomination who believe in 
God as the Maker and Ruler of all things." 

ST. pkter's (catholic) church, cohocton 

This church is situated at the village of Liberty. Rev. 
Michael Steger was the first missionary priest who officiated 
here with a view of erecting a church edifice. He built the 
present St. Peter's church in 1861. The building is a 
frame structure, 34 by 48 feet, and cost about $1400. The 
first board of trustees consisted of Conrad Shults, John 
Gehrig, and Theodore Lichius. 

Since Father Steger, the following priests have oflieiated 
here as missionaries, holding services once a month : Rev. 



F. R. Mazuret, Rev. L. Vanderpoel, Rev. M. J. Darcy, 
Rev. S. B. Gruber, Rev. A. Bachmann, Rev. E. Niebling, 
and Rev. A. Geisenhoff. 

Rev. Joseph Feuger is the present resident pastor. The 
present trustees are Matthew Haag and Jacob Stein. 

ST. Paul's (Lutheran) church, cohocton. 

The original members of this church formerly belonged 
to the Lutheran Church at Perkinsville, in the town of 
Wayland. On account of the distance which they had to 
go to attend worship, it was decided to establish a church 
at Liberty, which was done in 1860, under the ministry of 
Rev. Mr. Strobel. The building, when erected, was 30 by 
40 feet, and since then an enlargement of 16 feet has been 
added to the rear end. 

The first trustees were Philip Zimmer, Henry Swingle, 
Henry Hengle, Philip Bortz. 

The following ministers have served this church in the 
order named : Rev. Mr. Hasscarl, Rev. Edward Werner, 
Rev. M. During, Rev. F. Spindlcr, Rev. Edward Barman, 
Rev. August Weisel, Rev. Mr. Himmbler, and the present 
pastor. Rev. Mr. Herr. 

EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN ZION CHURCH, COHOCTON. 

This church is situated southwest of the depot, at the 
village of Liberty. The building is a plain wooden struc- 
ture, 30 by 40 feet, and was erected as a house of worship 
by the society which separated from St. Paul's Lutheran 
Church, in 1869. Rev. Mr. Beauragard was the first pa.s- 
tor, under whose ministry the building was erected. Since 
him have been Rev. Mr. Tele, Rev. Jacob Smith, Rev. Mr. 
Hernlein, Rev. Jacob Bockthaler, Rev. Jacob Steinhenser, 
and the present pastor, Rev. Louis Zuber. The present board 
of trustees of the society consists of Philip Volts, Philip 
Dantz, and Godfrey Flashman. 

METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF NORTH COHOCTON. 

So far as can be ascertained, the first Methodist services 
were held in this part of the town in 1816, by Rev. Mr. 
Adgate and Rev. Micah Segar, an elder brother of Prof. 
Segar, formerly of Lima. These ministers formed a class, 
of which the following persons were members: Eloazer 
Dewey and wiic, James and Mary Moulton, Abigail Moul- 
ton, Timothy Dewey and wife, David Lusk, Caleb Boss and 
wife. Among the earliest ministers were Revs. Fowler, 
Arnold, and Cummins. It has been impossible, in the 
absence of records, to obtain the names in full and times 
of service of all the ministers, but the following, furnished 
by Mr. Rice Moulton and others, may be presumed to be a 
tolerably correct list : Revs. Zina J. Buck, Cyrus Story, 
Benager Williams, Stephen Trimbly, Henry Wisner, Wil- 
liam Jones, George Wilkinson, Theodore McElhenny, 
Robert Parker, Joseph Ashworth, Pingree, J. B. McKin- 
ney, Verannus Brownell, Samuel Parker, Atchison, Pinder, 
A. C. Hayward, Anderson, Spinks, Hall, and Sanford. 
Since 1850 the records show the following ministers: Rev. 
Henry Harps, 1851; Rev. John J. Brown, 1853; Rev. 
John Knapp, 1855; Rev. Mr. Dunnegan, 1856; Rev. A. 
D. Edgar, 1858; Rev. Stephen Brown, 1862; Rev. W. 
W. Mandeville, 1864; Rev. J. Dunnegan, 1865-66; Rev. 



246 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



N. N. Beers, 1867; Rev. S. M. Merritt, 1868; Rev. C. 
G. Curtis, 1869; Rev. J. B. Countryman, 1871-72; Rev. 
J. E. Tiffany, 1873-75; Rev. J. L. King, 1875-76; 
Rev. G. W. Terry, 1877, present pastor. 

In 1846 the church edifice was built, and was repaired 
and enlarged in 1868. The church has good, comfortable 
sheds and a parsonage. The present membership is 113, 
with an attendance at the Sunday-school of 157. R. P. 
Moulton, superintendent. The present trustees are E. S. 
Carpenter, S. G. Smith, H. S. Shattuck, W. Walden, T. J. 
Cornish. 

Mr. Rice Moulton has been a member of this church for 
fifty-eight years, and during a good portion of the time has 
been class-leader. He was born at Saratoga Springs in 
1805, and came to Cohocton in 1815. 

METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH, LENT HILL. 

About the year 1831 a class was formed on Lent Hill 
by Rev. Mr. Norris, and worshiped in a log school-house 
on the corner opposite the present church. In 1834 a 
church was erected and dedicated by Rev. Mr. Buck. The 
society was known as the First Union Society of Cohocton 
and Prattsburgh. The first trustees were P. Hatch, H. 
Ketch, D. Field, R. Stanton, E. Holcomb, and J. D. Smith. 
H. Ketch, class-leader. The society has about 40 members. 

TEMPERANCE. 

There has always been a strong temperance element in 
this town. The Sons of Temperance and several temper- 
ance societies have flourished in Cohocton, and their labors 
have been fruitful of a great deal of good. This town for 
the past five years have much to their credit voted no 
license. 

VILLAGE OF LIBERTY. 

The village of Liberty is situated on the Rochester and 
Corning branch of the New York and Erie Railroad, fifty- 
nine miles southeast of Rochester and thirty-five miles from 
Corning. It contains six churches, three hotels, five stores 
of general merchandise, two drug-stores, one hardware- 
store, one jewelry, two clothing-houses, three millinery- 
shops, two merchant tailoring establishments, two barber- 
shops, one flour- and feed-store, two boot- and shoe-shops, 
one photograph gallery, two harness-shops, two meat-mar- 
kets, one weekly newspaper and job-office, five blacksmith- 
shops, two restaurants, two carriage-shops, one cabinet and 
furniture establishment, one cigar manufactory, one shingle- 
mill, one saw- and planing-mill and lumber-yard, one agri- 
cultural warehouse, one large hay- and straw-press, two 
grain warehouses, one grist-mill, one public hall, post-oflBce, 
express and telegraph offices, a prosperous public school, 
and flourishing lodges of Ma.sons and Knights of Honor. 

The village was named Liberty from a liberty-pole hav- 
ing been raised here on the first Fourth of July after the 
organization of the town. 

FREEMASONS. 
Liberty Lodge, No. 510, F. and A. M. — This lodge was 
chartered Jan. 15, 1801, the charter being signed by Fin- 
lay M. King, Grand Master, and James M. Austin, Grand 
Secretary. The charter members were as follows : Albur- 



tus Larrowe, Stephen D. Shattuck, John Kellogg, James 
Draper, Benjamin Warner, A.sa Adams, and Hiram Dewey. 

First Officers. — Alburtus Larrowe, M. ; Stephen D. Shat- 
tuck, S. W. ; John Kellogg, J. W. ; James Draper, Sec. 

The lodge now contains about 60 members, and is in a 
flourishing condition. It has frequently distinguished 
itself by acts of charity, not known to the uninitiated. 

Fresent Officers. — Stephen D. Shattuck, M. ; J. M. 
Crouch, S. W. ; E. A. Draper , J. W. ; I. L. Goff, S. D. ; 
Henry Finch, J. D. ; Monroe Harris, Treas. ; Thomas 
Warner, Sec; Rev. S. T. Dean, Chap.; C. H. Beyer, 
Tyler. 

Masonic Hall is situated in the Warner Block, a fine 
large building, erected by Thomas Warner in 1871. 

ODD-FELLOWS. 

A lodge of Odd-Fellows was organized in the year 1848, 
but prospered only a short time, owing to conflicting ele- 
ments. Among the members are many prominent names: 
Frank Larrowe, C. J. McDowell, J. H. Mills, A. Larrowe, 
Morris Grey, James Draper, D. H. Wilcox, Peter Van 
Houghton, Austin Hall, John Kellogg, A. C. Marvin, 
Amos Chard, M. T. Conley, Andrew Moore, and others. 

KNIGHTS OF HONOR. 

Cohocton Lodge, No. 944, was organized March 9, 
1878, with 25 charter members. The officers were as 
follows: C. E. Thorp, D. ; M. W. Harris, V. D. ; M. A. 
Peck, A. D. ; I. L. Goff^, P. D. ; E. A. Draper, R. ; T. R. 
Harris, F. R. ; J. M. Reynolds, Treas.; Rev. D. W. 
Gates, Chap. ; C. H. Stone, G. ; J. M. Cavenaugh, G. ; 
J. C. Green, S. 

The lodge now numbers 44 members. 

At a regular meeting of the lodge held at their rooms 
on Monday evening, Dec. 23, 1878, the following officers 
were duly elected for the ensuing term, ending July 1, 
1879 : Dr. I. L. Goff, D. ; Thomas Warner, V. D. ; G. E. 
W. Herbert, A. D. ; E. A. Dra per. R. ; A. H. Weld, F. 
R.; A. J. Hyland, Treas.; C. E. Hall, Chap.; C. H. 
Stone, G.; J. C. Green, G.; C. H. Beyer, S. ; C. E. 
Thorp, P. D. ; M. W. Harris, S. H. Leavitt, P. F. Horr, 
Trustees. 

PHYSICIANS. 
Liberty has the following physicians : 
Allopathic— L. B. Healey, M.D., and I. L. Goff, M.D. 
Homoeopathic. — W. D. Saxton, M.D., and E. M. White, 
M.D. 

THE PRESS. 

The first newspaper established in Cohocton was in 
1859, by Wm. Wait Warner, and was called the Cohocton 
Journal; only issued about two years, when Mr. Warner 
moved West. 

The next paper was a weekly paper, published by H. B. 
Newell in 1872, called the Cohocton Herald, and shortly 
afterwards purchased by James C. Hewitt and changed to 
the Cohocton Tribune; and in 1875 wa.s bought by Wm. 
A. Carpenter and changed to the Cohocton Valley Times, 
which is still published by Mr. Carpenter. It is a well- 
conducted weekly, independent in politics. 



TOWN OF COHOCTON. 



247 



THE LUMBERING INTERESTS. 

The lumbering business has been one of the most im- 
portant, and we may say one of the most lucrative, indus- 
tries of the town of Cohocton. 

In the year 1854, H. D. Graves, F. N. Drake, and Har- 
rison Harvey, of Le Roy, came to Liberty and entered into 
copartnership for the manufacture and dealing in lumber, 
under the firm-name of H. D. Graves & Co. They built 
their first mill about three miles from Liberty, between that 
place and Loon Lake. Some time after this, Mr. Z. Wa- 
terman became a partner, and Messrs. Graves and Harvey 
retired from the firm. Mr. Waterman was by no means 
successful as a lumberman, and, consequently, very soon 
tired of the enterprise and withdrew, leaving Mr. Drake 
sole owner. In the spring of 18G1 he invited Geo. W. 
Drake and Thomas Warner to make him a visit and join 
him in his favorite sport of trout-fishing, these speckled 
beauties being then plenty in some of the streams. This 
invitation was accepted, and during this fishing-excursion 
they became satisfied that there was more money in the 
lumber business, if sulficiently enlarged and properly con- 
ducted, than in the hardware trade, in which they were 
then engaged at Le Roy. 

They accepted an offer from Mr. Drake to become mem- 
bers of a firm, with a firm-name of F. N. Drake & Co., and 
immediately extended the business by making large purchases 
of timber, and bought the Davis mill, in Cohocton, and the 
Waterbury mill, at Wallace. This firm manufactured at 
least 8,000,000 feet of pine and hemlock lumber each year, 
and having bought their stock low, the rapid advance of 
prices caused by the war soon made the members of the 
firm wealthy. 

In August, 1867, F. N. and G. W. Drake sold their 
interest to Mr. Thomas Warner, who has continued the 
business to the present time. During this time he moved 
what was called the big mill to the village, and located it 
just above the depot, near the railroad-track ; both arc now 
in operation. During the eleven years in which he has 
been engaged in this business he has given employment to 
a large number of men, and, consequently, disbursed large 
sums of money, that have told favorably on the business 
interests of the village. He has built two elegant dry-goods 
stores and owns several others, and has also erected at least 
a dozen dwelling-houses. 

NORTH COHOCTON. 

This village, situated in the northern part of the town, 
contains a Methodist Episcopal church, two dry-goods and 
general stores, one grocery, one hardware-store, one hotel, 
three milliner-shops, one jeweler's-shop, two blacksmith- 
shops, and one wagon-shop. There are here two large 
cooper-shops, one of which is run by steam, and manufac- 
tures 100,000 barrels per year. D. D. Clark and H. S. 
Shattuck own planing-mills. D. D. Clark manufactures 
largely heading and staves for cooperage. S. R. Abrams 
is a manufacturer of patent medicines ; J. Tonsett, harness- 
maker. C. H. Griesa carries on furniture and undertaking 
business. Theodore Griesa is a practical taxidermist, and 
has a fine collection of stuffed birds. 

There are three physicians practicing here, viz., Dr. A. 



L. Gilbert, Dr. E. S. Carpenter, and Dr. N. F. Wetmore. 
Jasper Partridge, Esq., is justice of the peace. 

A We.sleyan Methodist Church organization exists in this 
part of the town. Their meeting-house is a mile north, 
at the county line. The Free Methodists also have an 
organization, but no house of worship. 

The North Cohocton post-ofiice was established by Eleazer 
Hall in 1853, under President Pierce. He was superseded 
by Asa Adams, who continued to hold the office till April 
21, 1871. A. G. Jockman was his successor, and was 
superseded in 1876 by Ezra S. Carpenter. 

A flourishing union school is situated between this and 
Blood's Station, — H. W. English, Principal ; Miss Sarah 
Sutton, Teacher in the Intermediate Department; Mrs. 
Mary Arnold, Teacher of the Primary Department. Trus- 
tees : Milan J. Tyler, President; Horace Stodard, Wm. 
Sherman, Charles Tiffany ; H. W. Hatch, Secretary. The 
union school was established in 1872, and the house built 
in 1874. It is a three-story frame building, and cost $4000. 
The total expenditure for school purposes the past year was 
$1500. The assessed value of taxable property in the 
district is about $200,000. 

Solomon Hubbard was the first merchant in North 
Cohocton. After his death William A. Gilbert purchased 
the building and carried on mercantile business for over 
thirty years. Dr. Blakslee, of Patcliin's Mills, first prac- 
ticed medicine here. He died within a few years in Wis- 
consin, about one hundred and five years of age. 

blood's STATION. 

This is a thriving little hamlet on the railway, and the 
point of departure for the stage-route to Naples and Can- 
andaigua. A post-ofiice was established at Blood's, April 
21, 1871, through the instrumentality of Mr. Asa Adams, 
who was the first postmaster. Mr. John D. Hendryx 
succeeded him in 1877. 

Blood's Station is fifty-five miles from Rochester, by the 
Rochester branch of the Erie Railway. It has one drug- 
and grocery-store, and one general and dry-goods-store, 
L. D. Hodgman ; one hardware-store, Hiram D. Hatch ; 
one clothing-store, Peter Roeker ; general merchandise, 
Thos. J. Cornish ; flouring- and grist-mills, David S. Wait; 
steam saw-mill, A. Van Wie ; planing, moulding, and feed 
steam-mill, John W. Mattice ; steam saw- and shingle-mill, 
Hiram G. Clark. There is one hotel, the Mountain View 
House, kept by Oliver Rico. 

The Baptist Church at this place was organized in 1875, 
and has a neat fiamed church edifice and a Sunday-school 
numbering 75 scholars and teachers. The trustees are 
Monroe Harris, J. J. Crouch, J. A. Shultz, J. D. Hendryx, 
and Wheeler Ciason. The pastor. Rev. S. T. Dean, settled 
over the society June 19, 1875. 

Besides the business above mentioned at the station, 
there are three grain warehouses, owned respectively by 
Caprin & Fowler, Mjller & Co., and H. W. Hatch, doing a 
large business. 

MILITARY RECORD OF COHOCTON. 
Shaltiick, L. Brace, capt., 3otli Inf., Co. F ; enl. June 11, 1861, two years ; pro.capt. 
Hewitt, Janic9 C, 1st sergt., 351h Inf., Co. F; enl. June 11, ISGl.two years; pro. 

l8t sergt, Oct. 21, ISlil. * 
Wilcox, Carlos II., 5tli sergt., 35th Eegt., Co. F ; enl. June 11, lS61,two years; 

pro. to 5th sergt., Oct. 21, 1861. 



248 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Cunningham, Geoi-ge, private, S.'ith Inf., Co. F; enl. June 11, 1861, two years; 

re-enl. Hth H. Art., Co. D, July 11, 180:i, three yeara. 
Dunn, Daniel B., private, 35rli Inf., Co. F ; enl. June 15, 1861, two years ; disch. 

Feb. 11, 1803, for disability. 
McDowell, Wra. H., Sd Bergt , 35th Inf., Co. F; enl. June 11, 1861, two years; 

pro. to .3d sergt., Oct. 21, I8GI. 
St. John, William H., 2d sergt., 35th Inf., Co. F ; enl. June 11, 1861, two years ; 

pro. to 2d sergt., Oct. 21, 1861. 
Chapman, William H., private, 36th Inf., Co. F ; enl. June 11, 1861, two years. 
Spike, Oliver P., private, 35tli Inf, Co. F; enl. June 11, 1861, two years. 
Draper, Frank M., Ist Corp., 35th Inf., Co. F ; enl. June 11, 1861, three years. 
Grieves, JohnTvth corp., 35th Inf, Co. F ; enl. June 11, 1861, two years ; pro. to 

7lh Corp., Feb. 20, 1863. 
Carmen, Wm., private, 35th Inf., Co. F ; enl. June 11, 1861, two years. 
Koapp, Myron, private, 35th Inf., Co. F; enl. June 11, 1861, two years; died 

in h"sp. at Falls Church, Va., July 25, 1862, of t.vphoid fever. 
Rain, John, private, 35th Inf., Co. F ; enl. Juno 11, 1861, two years. 
Horr, Benjamin, private, .35th Inf, Co. F; enl. June 11, 1861, two years. 
Gill, John, private, 36th Inf, Co. F; enl. June 11, 1861, two years; re-enl. 

March 28, 1804, three yeara. 
Bandolpli, George, private, 35th Inf, Co. F; enl. June 11, 1861, two years; died 

at W.oshington, D. C. 
Wood, Reuben W., private, 35th Inf., Co. F; enl. June 11, 1861, two years. 
Brown, Coello Fernando, private, 101st Inf, Co. I; enl. Aug. 21, 1862, three 

years; disch. Sept. 20, 1865. 
Mattice, Theodore, private, 161st Inf., Co. F ; enl. Aug. 21, 1802, three years. 
Haynar, David James, private, 14th Art.; enl. Jan. 5, 1804, three years; wounded; 

died at McDougal Hospital, N. Y., Oct. 4 or 5, 18C4. 
Rowe, Lemuel, private, 161st Inf, Co. F ; enl. Aug. 21, 1862, three years; disch. 

Sept. 20, 1865. 
Hoaglin, William Wallace, 2d sergt., I61st Inf, Co. F ; enl. Aug. 27, 1862, three 

years; disch. Sept. 20, 1865. 
Nostrand, Samuel, private, IGlst Inf., Co. F; enl. Aug. 21, 1862, three years; 

disch. Sept. 20, 1865. 
Wise, Eodolphus, private, 161st Inf., Co. F; enl. \vg. 21, 1802, three years. 
Wise, Benjamin, private, lOlst Inf, Co. F; enl. Aug 21, 1862, three years. 
Tan Atteii, John, Corp., 161st Inf, Co. F; enl. Aug. 21, 1862, three yeai'S. 
Eex, William, private, IGlst Inf, Co. F; enl. Aug. 21, 1862, three years. 
Ehruharth, Albright, private, 30lli Inf, Co. F ; enl. May 25, 1864, thiee years; 

disch. July 17, 1805, at Washington, D. C. 
Eldred, Luther Bailey, private, 161st Inf, Co. F; enl Aug. 21,1802, three years; 

disch. Sept. 20, 1865. 
Byer, Charles, 1st sergt., IGlst Inf, Co. F; enl. Aug. 21, 1862, tliree years; pro. 

to 1st sergt., April 9, 1863; wounded at Sabine Pass. 
Dunn, Daniel B, private, Hth II. Art., Co. B; enl. Jan. 5. 1864, three years; 

re-enl.; wounded in Ihe foot, March 25, 1805; wounded in the abdomen 

in front of Petersburg and taken prisoner; paroled March 30, 1865 ; disch. 

July 1, 1866. 
Totten, James II., 161st Inf., Co. F; enl. Aug. 21, 1802, three years. 
Blackrich, Gregory, private, IGlst Inf., Co. F; enl. Aug. 21, 1862, three years. 
Tyler, Milon F., private, IGlst Inf, Co. F; enl. Aug. 21, 1862, three years. 
Monlton, James H., private, 175th inf., Co. A; enl. March, 1804, three years. 
Tagua, Samuel, private, IGlst Inf., Co. F; enl. Aug. 21, 1862, three years; disch. 

for disab., Aug. 10, ISG'I. 
Ressicker, Nicholas Van, private, IbL-it Inf, Co. F; enl. Aug. 21, 1803, three 

years; died at New Iberia, La., Nov 19, 1863. 
Wemple, Ephras V., 2d Corp., 107th Inf., Co. G ; enl. July 17, 1862, three years ; 

disch. for disability, Feb. 3, 1803. 
Fisher, Stilman S., 1st sergt., 161st Inf, Co. F; enl. Aug. 27, 1862, three years; 

died of disease at Baton Rouge, April 9, 1803. 
Kessicker, Jacob, private, 14th Art. ; enl. March, 1864, three years ; died at EI- 

mira, not long after he enlisted. 
Bocker, George, private, 164th Inf, Co. H; enl. March 31, 1864, three years; 

committed suicide, Feb. 1864, in the service. 
Bacon, Austin H., Jr., private, 189tll Inf, Co. G ; enl. Aug. 20, 1864, one year ; 

died of typhoid fever on a transport from City Point to Baltimore, about 

Feb. 3, 1806. 
Sbults, Andrew, private, lG4th Inf; enl. March 31, 1864, three years; disch. 

July 15, 1865. 
Tamling, Benjamin W., private, 164th Regt., Co. A; eol. March 31, 1864, three 

years ; disch. July 15, 1865. 
Stetson, Reuben E., private, 164th Inf., Co. B; enl. March 31. 1864, three years; 

discharged. 
Knoodle, John, Jr., private, IGlst Inf., Co. F; enl. Aug. 21, 1862, three years; 

died at Elmira, Dec. 2, 1862. 
Campbell, John, private, IGlst Inf, Co. F; enl. .\ug. 21,1802, three years; disch. 

Sept. 20, 1805. 
Wait, Benjamin, 1st Corp., 161st Inf. Co. F; enl. .\ug. 21, 1862, three years. 
Bush, William Wesley, private, IGlst Inf, Co. F ; enl. Aug. 21, 1862, three yeat«. 
Watkins, Edwin F., lOlst Inf, Co. F; enl. Aug. 21, 1862, three years. 
Raymond, A. C, private, 161st Inf, Co. F; enl. Aug. 21, 1862, three years. 
Alleu, Robert, IGlst Inf, Co. F; enl. Aug. 21, 1802, three years; disch. at New 

York, Aug. 24, 1863. 
Clayton, Henry, private, 161st Inf., Co. F; enl. Aug. 21, 18G2, three years; died 

at Elmira, N. Y., Nov. 20, 1802. • 

Hewitt, Charles M., private, 101st Inf., Co. F; enl. .\ug. 21, 1862, three years; 

died at Elmira, N. Y., Nov. 20, 1802. 



Townsend, Chester, private, 101st Inf, Co. F; enl. Aug. 21. 1862. tliree years; 

disch. for disability, March 18, 1863. 
Foster, Hollister, private, lOlst Inf., Co. F ; enl. Aug. 21, 1862, three years. 
Avery, Gilbert F., corp., 161st Inf., Co. F ; enl. Aug. 21, 1862, three years. 
Walling, Samuel S., capt., IGIst Inf, Co. F; enl. Aug. 21,1862, three years; 

wounded near the eye and month. 
Praper, Edwin A. , 2il lieut. 161st Regt., Co. F ; enl. Aug. 21, 1862, two years; 

res. June 1, 1864; re-enl. 189th Regt., N. Y. Vols., Co. G, Sept. 28, 1864, 

one year; pro. to 1st lieut. 
Jencks, James D., private, IGlst Inf, Co. F ; enl. Aug. 21,1862, three years; 

must, out Aug. 30, 1865. 
Craig, William, private, 161st Inf, Co. F; enl. Aug. 21, 1862, three years; pro. 

to Corp., Feb. 9, 1804. 
Young, Joseph, private, IGlst Inf, Co. F ; enl. Aug. 21, 1862, three years. 
Avery, John A., private, IGlst Inf, Co. F; enl. Aug. 21, 1862, three years; died 

at New York, Jan. 1, 1863. 
Waggoner, Nicholas, private, 161st Inf., Co. F; enl. Aug. 21, 1802, three years. 
Moore, Robert!., private, 161st Inf, Co. F; enl. Aug. 21, 1862, three years; 

disch. March 4, 1805. 
Falts, Nicholas, private, 161st Inf, Co. F ; enl. Aug. 21, 1802, three years ; died 

at Simsport, La., May 17, 1864. 
Greives, Charles, private, IGlst Inf., Co. F; enl. Aug. 21, 1862, three years; 

disch. Aug. 24, 1803, at Baton Rouge, La. 
Edmonds, John F., Corp., 161st Inf., Co.F; enl. Aug. 21, 1802, three years. 
Morrison, George, private, 161st Inf., Co. F; enl. Aug. 21, 1862, three years; 

disch. for disability, Feb. 23, 1863, at Alexandria, Va. 
Wellington, Trimball, private, IClst Inf, Co. F; inl. Aug. 21,1802, three years; 

committed suicide, June 25, 1863, at Baton Rouge. 
Filder, Henry, private, 161st Inf., Co. F ; enl. Aug. 21, 1862, three years ; died 

at Sinisport, La., May 17, 1864. 
Knoodle, John, Sr.. 4th sergt., 161st Inf., Co. F; enl. Aug. 21,1862, three years; 

wounded in hip; taken prisoner, April 8, 1864; disch. March 4, 1865, ut 

Baton Rouge. 
Lyon, Josiah B., private, 161st Inf, Co. F; enl. Aug. 21, 1862, three years; 

disch. at Baton Rouge, Aug. 24, 1863. 
Barber, Orlando, private, 161st Inf, Co. F; enl. Aug. 21, 18G2, three years; died 

of wounds received at Sabine Cross Roads, April 8, 1864. 
Stanton, Elij.ah, private, lOlst Inf., Co. F; enl. Aug. 21, 1S62, three years; died 

at Elmira, N. Y., Nov. 20, 1862. 
Geer, William H., private, IGlst Inf, Co.F; enl. Aug. 21, 1862, three years; died 

at New York, Nov. 28, 1862. 
Tripp, Sidney R., private, 161st Inf, Co.F; enl. Aug. 21, 1 802, three years; disch. 

at Elmira, Dec. 10, 1863, for disability. 
Webster, Willi.Tm B., private, IGlst Inf, Co. F; enl. Aug. 21, 1802, three years ; 

disch. March 4, 1802, for disability. 
Catner, Daniel S., private, 101st Inf. Ch). F; enl. Aug. 21, 1862, three years ; 

disch. Sept. 23, 1805, for disability. 
Cranmer, Harvey B., 101st Inf, Co. F ; enl. Aug. 21. 1802, three years. 
Adair, John, IGI.-t Regt., Co. F ; enl. Aug. 21, 1802, three years ; disch. Aug. 29, '64. 
Mattice, David II., 3d sergt., 161st Inf, Co. F ; enl. ,4ug. 21, 1802, three years; 

disch. by general Older 122. 
Hulbert, Isaac, private, 101st Inf, Co. F; enl. Aug. 21, 1862, three years; disch. 

at Elmira, N. Y., 1SC2. 
Wager, John, private, IGIst Inf, Co. F; enl. Aug. 21, 1862, three years ; died at 

Vicksburg, Miss., Nov. 14, 1864. 
Stowe, Lysis, private, 161st Inf, Co. F; enl. Aug. 21, 1862, three years; died at 

Perry, N. Y., Nov. 23, 1862 
Glover, Rodolph R , private, 161st Inf, Co. F; enl. Aug. 21, 1862, three years ; 

disch. July 25, 1805, for disability. 
Miles, William, private, 4th Regt.; enl. Jan. 4, 1804, three years. 
Blackcreek, (ieorge, private, 4th H. Art., Co. G ; eul. Jan. 5, 1804, three yeais; 

disch. Sept. 26, 1865. 
Blood, James H., private; enl. Feb. 13, 1864, three years; found dead at Elmira, 

N. Y., not long after he enlisted. 
Pierce, Silas N., capt., Gth Cav., Co. G ; enl. Sept. 27, 1861, three years ; pro. to 

corp , Sept. 27, 1801 ; to Gth sergt., Jan. 27, 1802 ; to 1st sergt., Dec. 1, 1802 ; 

re-enl., same regt. and Co., Dec. 15, 1863; pro. to capt.. May 4, 1866; 

wounded in left side at Winchester, Va., Sept. 19, 1804. 
Day, John, private; enl. Jan. 4, 1SG4, three years. 
Ressiiikei, Jacob, private; enl. Jan. 4, 1864, three years; died at Elmira, not 

lung after enlistment, of fever. 
Jones, Franklin, private ; enl. Jan. 13, 186-1, three years. 
Clason, Mon roe, private, 4th H. Art , Co. L ; enl. Jan. 4, 1864, three years ; disch . 

Oct. 2, 1865. 
Maclany, .lames, private; enl. Jan. 3, 1864, three years. 
Snyder, John, private, 35th Regt., Co. F; enl. June 11, 1861, two years; disch. 

June II, 1863; re-enl. 6th Cav., Co. C, Jan. 16, 1804, three ye.irs ; tiiken 

prisoner; disch. June 5, 1865. 
Morehouse, Ira H., private, 35th Regt., Co. F; enl. June 11, 1801, two years; 

disch. Juno 11, 1863 ; re-enl. Olh Cav., Co. C, Jan. 20, 18G4, three years. 
Leggett, Charles M., private, 4th II. .\rt., Co. L; enl. Jan. 3, 1804, three years ; 

must, out Oct. 2, 1805. 
Rowe, Christian, private, 14th H. Art.; enl. Jan. 4, 1804, three years. 
Stine, Jacob, private, 14lh H. .\rt. ; enl. Jan. 4, 1864, three years. 
Reeves, George II., private, 4th .Yrt., Co. L; enl. Jan. 3, 1864, three years, 
narrim, Harvey E., private, Hth II. Art.; eul. Jan. 4, 1804, three years. 
Epley, Franklin, private, I4th H. .\rt., Co. B ; enl. Jan. 4, 1864, three years. 



TOWN OF COHOCTON. 



249 



Flynn, Angwine, private ; enl. Jan. 3, 18G4, tliree years. 

Roberts, Ilinim, private, 22<1 Cav., Co. G; enl. Jan. 4, 1804, three years. 

Spike, Oliver P., Ut sergt.Gth Cav., Co. F; enl. Jan. 3, 18G4, three years; pro. to 

Corp., Dec. U, 186;J; to 4th sergt., Jan. 1, 1805; to lat sergt., May 1, 1865. 
Narraccny, Samuel, privatp ; enl. Jan. 3, 1804, three years. 
Grives, William, private, 4th H. Art., Co. L ; enl. Jan. 4, 1864, three years; must. 

out, Oct. 2, 1865. 
Brown, Ezekiel, 1st corp., 14l8t Inf., Co. E; enl. Ang. 20, 18G2, three yeare ; 

disch. June 8, ISGo. 
Finch, Edmond Jacob, private, Gth Cav., Co. C; enl. Jnly 28, 1862, three years; 

wonnded in the arm ; disch. on account of wound, Jan. 18, I860. 
Fincks, Charles Edwin, private, 7Sth Inf., Co. F; enl. March lu, 1862, three 

years; re-enl. 78th Uegt., Ci>. F, three years; disch. Jnly 15, 1865. 
Waahbiirn, William, capt., lH9th Inf., Co. G'; enl. Aug. 19, 18C4, one year. 
Kimball, Elbert E., Ist sergt., 189th Uegt., Co. G; enl. Ang. 20, 1864, one year. 
Wetniore, Edwin H., Gth Corp., ISOth Inf.. Co. G; enl. Aug. 29, 1SG4, one year. 
Carpenter, Fnmk, private, 189th Inf, Co, G; enl. Aug. 29, lSG4,one year ; disch. 

May 30, I860. 
Carpenter, Simeon D., private, lS9th Inf., Co. G ; enl. Aug. 29, 1864, one year ; 

di.«rh. May 30, 18G5. 
Covell, John H., private, 189th Inf, Co. G; enl. Aug. 25, 1SC4, one year. 
Cleland, Luther, private, 189tb Inf, Co. G; enl. Aug. 23, 1864, one year. 
Dean, Honce, private, 189th Inf, Co. G ; enl. Aug. 16, 1864, one year. 
Pemerest, Nelson H., private, 189th Inf., Co. G; enl. Ang. 30, 1864, one year. 
Eckerman, Jacob, private. IS'Jth Inf., Co. G; enl. Ang. IS, 1864, one year. 
French, Willard L., private, 189ili Inf.,Co.G; enl. Aug. 30, 1864, one year. 
Ferris, Luther L., private, 189tli Inf., Co. G; eul. Aug. 23, 1864, one year. 
Gurnsey, Roberta, private, lS9th Inf., Co. G; enl. Aug. 29, 1864, one year. 
Hewitt, George M., Jr., private, 189ih Regt., Co. G ; enl. Aug. 30, 1864, one year. 
Ilartcr, Leonard, private, lS9th Inf., Co. G; enl. Aug. 31, 1864, one year. 
HufTman, Peter, private, 189lh Regt., Co. G ; enl. Aug. 19, 1864, one year. 
Harris, James, piivate, 189th Regt., Co. G; enl. Aug. 30, 1864, one year. 
Ha.ssell, Chas. F., private, lS9tb Regt., Co G; enl. Sept. 12, 1864. one year. 
Hunt, Philip, private, 189th Regt., Co. G ; enl. Sept. 1, 1S64, one year. 
Johnson, Oscar, i)rivate, 189th Regt., Co. G; enl. Aug. 30, 1864, one year. 
I'eck, Silsbe, private, 188th Regt, Co. G; enl. St*pt. 1, 1864, one year. 
Prete, Tbaddeus W., private, lS9th Regt., Co. G ; enl. Aug. 12, 18G4, one year. 
Palmeiiter, Jary A., private, 189th Regt., Co. G; enl. Aug. 19, 1864, one year. 
Peterson, Elmer, pi ivale, 189th Kegt-, Co. G ; enl. Aug. 17, 1S64, one year. 
Roberts, Lorenzo, private, lH9th Regt., Co. G ; enl. Aug. 23, 1864, one year. 
Reyncdds, Vincent L., private, 189th Regt., Co. G ; enl. Aug. 19, 1864, one year. 
Randolph, John S., private, 189th Regt., Ck G; enl. Aug. 27, 1864, one year. 
Sonri.ier, Bolster, privstte, 189th Regt., Co. G; enl. Aug. 29, 1864, one year. 
Clayton, Walter C, private, 189th Regt., Co. G; enl. Aug. 30, 1864, one year. 
Smith, Hugh, private, 189th R-^gt., Co. G ; enl. Aug. 29, 18G4, one year. 
Wilkinson. Haskell, private, 189ih Regt., Co. G; enl. Aug. 19, ISGi, one year. 
Williamson, George W., private, 189th Regt., Co. G; enl. Aug. 17, 1864, one year. 
Wagoner, Jacob, private, 189t]i Regt., Co, G; eid. Aug, 20, 1864, one year. 
Wood, Andrew Jackson, private, 189th Regt., Co. G ; enl. Aug. 22, 1864, one year. 
Zuzenfuse, William, private, lS9th Regt., Co. G ; enl. Aug. 18, 1864. 
Conrad, Chris., private, 189th Regt., Co. G; enl. Aug. 26, 1864, one year; died 

of disease at City Point Hospital, Va., March 20, 1865. 
Van Wormer, Fayette M., private, 189th Inf., Co. G; enL Ang. 26, 1864, one year; 

died of typhoid fever at Cohocton, Feb. 7, 1865. 
Brown, Gaylord, private, 35th Inf., Co. F ; enl. June 11, 1861, two years; disch. 

Ang. 1801. for disability. 
Hatta«, Chester H., private, l07th Inf., Co. F; enL July 28, 1862, three years; 

disch. June 5, 1865. 
■\Varing, John, private, 189th Inf., Co. G ; enl. Aug. 29, 18G4, one year; disch. 
Wheaton, Henry M., private, 189th Regt., Co. G ; enl. Aug. 29, 1864, one year ; 

died at City Point, Dec. 1864. 
Haight, Edgar S., private, 189th Inf., Co. G; enl. Aug. 29, 1864, one year; died 

at City Point of typhoid fever. 
Parley, Abbot, private, Gth Cav., Co. C; enl. Sept. 17, 1861, three years; disch. 

Dec. 16, 1863 ; re-enl. 6th Cav., Co. C, Dtc. 16, 186;i, three years ; disch. 

Aug. 186.5. 
Wemple, Ephraim V., private; 28th Bat. ; eul. Sept. 1, 1864, one year; trans, to 

112th Inf, Oct. 5, 1864; disch. June 31, 1865 ; re-enlisted. 
Woodwurtb, Henry P., sergt., 104th Inf., Co. E; eul. Oct. 23,1861, three years; 

re-enl. 104th Inf, Co. E, Feb. 28, 1864, three years ; taken pris. Aug. 21, 

1864 ; released March, I860 ; died at Cohocton, March, 1865. 
Clason, Monroe, private, 6th Cav., Co. C; three years; disch. Sept. 12, 1863, at 

Harper's Ferry, Va ; re-enl. 4tli H. Art., Co. L, Jan, 4, 1864, three years ; 

di.sch. Oct, 2, 1865. 
Vankleech, George, private, 104th Regt., Co. E; enl. Oct. 1861, three years; 

killed at 2d Bull Run. 
Hall, Charics E., sergt., 189th Inf, Co. G ; enl. Aug. 29, 1864, one year. 
Stone, Cyrus HoIIiday, sergt., 189th Inf, Co. G; enl. Ang. 29, 1864, one year. 
Patterson, Orin James, private, IGlst Inf, Co. K ; enl. Sept. 20, 1864, one year; 

disch. July 13, 1865. 
Farley, J<din Harvey, private, l04th Inf., Co. F. 
Ressiker, Nicholas, Jr., private, 4th H. Art., Co. L; enl. Jan. 1, 1863, three years ; 

disch. Aug. 28, 1865. 
Burlingham, Calvin, private, lo7th Regt., Co. I ; enl. July 31, 186:J, three years ; 

died of disease, Feb. 3, 1863, at hospitil of Hi7th Regt. N. Y. Vols. 
Bariy, William, private, 104th Inf., Co. E; enl. Oct. 1, 1861, three years; disch. 

for disability, Dec. 1, 1862. 

32 



Avery, Edward C, 2d sergt., 161st Regt., Co. F; eul. Aug. 21, 1862, three years ; 

died at New York City, Nov. 30, 1862. 
Conrad, Chris., private, 189tli Regt., Co. G ; eul. Aug. 26, 1864, one year. 
Geer, James, private, 3.'>th Inf, Co. F; enl. June 11, 1862, two years ; disch. for 

disability, Nov. 22,1861. 
Hewett, Julius A., private, 6th Cav., Co. F; enl. Sept. 24, ISGl, three years. 
Cole, Samuel L., private, 4th H. Art., Co. K ; enl. Dec. 7,1863, three years. 
Wheeler, Wesley, private; enl, March 29, 1864, three years. 
Day, Leehman 11., capt,, l04th Inf., Co. B; enl, Oct. 7, 1861, three years; reg. 

April 8, 1862. 
Smith, Daniel, private, 104th Inf., Co. B; enl. Oct. 7, 1861, three years. 
Ressicker, Andrew, private, lS8th Inf., Co. D ; onl. Sept. 5, 1864, one year. 
Davis, Aetna, 2d lieut., 13th Inf., Co. K ; enl. Aug. 1, 1862, two years; pro. to 

2d lient., Oct.9, 1862; trans, to 140th Regt., June 20, 1863; must, out by 

general order 147, July 1, 1863. 
Randolph, William, private, 189th Inf., Co. G; enl. Aug. 29, 1864, one year. 
Kimball, Luther M., private, lS9tli Inf., Co. G ; enl. Aug. 29, 1864, one year; 

died at Eluiira, N. Y., Oct. 1864. 
Walder, John, p; ivate, 3.'jth Regt., Co, F; enl, June 11, 18C2, two years, 
Bennett, George H., private, 189th Inf., Co. G; enl. Aug. 29, 1864, one year. 
Carey, Albert L., private, 189th Kegt., Co. G ; enl. Aug. 29, 18G4, one year. 
Roberts, Lorenzo, private, 189th Inf., Co. G ; enl. Aug. 29, 1864, one year. 
Drake, Aaron P., private; enl. Sept. 9, 1804, one year. 
Clayton, Roswell, private; enl. Sept. 1864, one year. 
HuUz, Jacob, private; enl. Sept. 1864, one year. 
Walling, Clinton, private ; enl. Sept. 1864, one year. 

Weaver, Caleb W., private, 22d Cav., Co. G; enl. Feb. 12, 1864. one year. 
\Vilaon, Jerry, i)rivale, 3il Cav., Co. A ; enl. June 13, 1801, three years. 
Webster, Lynnvn, private, IGlet Inf., Co. I'*; eul. Aug. 21, 18G2, three years. 
Tompkins, George H., priva'e, Gth Cav., Co. C ; enl. Sept. 30, 18G1, three yeaiB; 

wounded in the shoulder; taken piis. and sent to Ricbniund ; rc-enl. 

April 22, 1864, three years. 
Kellogg, Murray, private, 78th Inf., Co. F; enl. March 5, 1862, three years; 

disch. Feb. 4, 1863, for disab.; re-enl. 14th H. Art., Co. D, Jan. 3. 186», 

three years; wounded in front of Petersburg; disch. at Rochester, July 

13, 1865, on account of wound. 
Pierce, John, capt., Gth Cav., Co. F; enl. Sept. 27, 1861, three yeara; pro. to capt. 

Sept. 6, 1862; wounded arid taken pris. at Morton's Ford, on the Rapidan 

River, Dec. II, 1863; not been heard from since. 
Crawford, James N.. sergt., Gth Cav., Co. C; enl. Sept. 27,1861, three years; pro. 

to Corp., Dec. 14. 1863 ; to sergt. ; re-enl. Dec. 15, 1863. 
Spike, James H., 3d vorgt. ,0th Cav., Co. F; eul. Sept. 27, 1861, three years ; taken 

pris. June 11, 18G4 ; not been heard from since at Florence. 
Beckwitb, Morton, private, Gth Cav., Co. C; three years. 
Nichoson, Clark, private, 6th Cav., Co. C; three ycai-s; trans, to Inv. Corps. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



GEORGE W. DRAKE 

was born in Milton, Chittenden Co., Vt., Jan. 26, 1820. 
He was next to the youngest in a family of ten children of 
Elijah and Polly (Tumbling) Drake, — the former a native 
of New Windsor, Conn., born in 1773 ; the latter a native 
of Lee, Mass., born in 1780. His father was one of the vol- 
unteer in the war of 1812, and was at the battle of Platts- 
burgh. He lived at New Haven, Conn., for many years, 
and carried on the tanning and currying business. During 
the latter part of his life he lived in Milton, Vt., and wa.s a 
farmer by occupation. The majority of the children were 
born while the family resided in New Haven. He died at 
the age of fifty-six. His wife survived him many years, 
and died at about the age of eighty-four, in Columbus, 
Wis., where she was residing with her youngest sou, San- 
ford C. Drake. 

George W. was only nine years old when his father died. 
His mother having married again, he came with tlie family 
to Le Roy, Genesee Co., in 1830, where he remained on a 
farm until 1839, when he with his older brother, Franklin 
N. Drake, formed a copartnership in the grocery and pro- 
vision business. This business was carried on successfully 
until 1842, when he disposed of liis interest in the business 
to his brother, and went to Battle Creek, Mich., and opened 



250 



HISTORY OP STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



a general mcrcliandisc store, whicli he continued, however, 
only some three years, and returned to New York. AVhile 
a resident of Michigan, in 1842, he married Sarah, daugh- 
ter of Adam Willis, of Bethany, Genesee Co., N. Y., and 
after his return settled in Lo Roy, and engaged with his 
brother in the grocery business. He was successful in 
Le Roy in this business, in the hardware trade, and as 
a farmer, until 1861, when he removed to the town of Co- 
hocton, and in company with Thomas Warner, now a lead- 
ing and enterprising business man of that place, entered 
into a partnership with his brother, Franklin N. Drake, in 
the lumber business and general merchandise. This busi- 
ness had been established in Cohocton by his brother in 1 854. 
Prior to settling in Cohocton, in 1847, his wife died, 
leaving him one son. Davi 1 S. Drake, who is now associated 
with his uncle, Franklin N. Drake, of Corning, in business, 
and is superintendent of the Blossburg Coal Company ; and 
one daughter, Mrs. John White, of A^'olga City, Iowa. For 
his second wife he married, in 1849, Harriet, daughter of 
Abial Lewis and Nancy P. Roberts, of Le Roy, Genesee Co. 
Of this union were born Mrs. Myron W. Harris, Louis F., 
Herbert W., and Charles P., of Cohocton. Mr. Drake re- 
mained in business in the town of Cohocton, attending to 
the mercantile part, until 1866, when he assumed the entire 
mercantile interest of the firm, and in 1867 he disposed of 
this to his son-in-law, Mr. Myron W. Harris, who is now a 
prominent and successful merchant at Liberty, and the same 
year disposed of his lumber interest to Thomas Warner. As 
early as 1865 he had taken an interest in the Bless Coal- 
Mining and Railroad Company, with his brother, which 
interest was retained until 1871, one year after his death, 
which occurred April 27, 1870. His wife died in the fall 
of 1868. He never took an active interest in political 
matters, but gave his whole attention to a bu-siness life. 
Mr. Drake was a man of remarkable bu.-5iness capacity, pos- 
sessed of social and marked characteristics that made him 
esteemed by all with whom he came in contact. He was 
known as a man of strict business integrity, and interested 
in all matters of local improvement, good society, and the 
education of the young. 



TIIOxMAS C. ARMSTRONG 
was born in Charleston, Montgomery Co., N. Y., March 
22, 180!). His grandfather, Nathan Armstrong, was a 
soldier of the Ri.volutionary war, was a resident of Mont- 
gomery County for a few years, removed to Otsego County, 
town of Eutternuts, where the family lived until the year 
1815, and came to Steuben County, town of Cohocton, ac- 
companied by his sons, Martin and James. The previous 
year (1814) one son, Jonathan, and two sons-in-law, Flint 
and Elliott, came here ; the former died the same year, the 
latter resided in the town until their death. 

The grandfather and two sons settled on one hundred 
acres of land on the Robert L. Bound's tract. The whole 
township at that time was almost an unbroken wilderness. 
The next year (1816) the families of Nathan Armstrong 
and his son Martin removed to their new home in this 
county. The grandfather died in 1841, caused by a fracture 
of his hip, his wife having died several years before. 



Martin Armstrong, father of Thomas C., purchased the 
same year he came here eighty acres of timbered land, 
where his son and daughter now reside, the land having 
been the homestead of the family for some sixty-four years. 

Most of this land was cleared by Mr. Armstrong, Sr. 
He took a deep interest in all local improvements in the 
pioneer days of the town, built the first school-house in his 



i^ ;^^^ V 




own district, and also the one in the district north of him. 
He was a Democrat, but took no active part in politics. His 
wife was Margaretta Onderkirk, to whom he was married 
Jan. 28, 1798. She died April 17, 1799, leaving one son, 
Nathan. His second wife was Ruth Sawdy, born Feb. 8, 
1783; married March 5, 1805. Their children, born in 
Montgomery County, are Hiram, Margaretta, Thomas C., 
James, Lucia ; and in this county, one daughter, Rhoda. 
Only four are living, and of this family of children, only 
one son, James, ever married. 

The father was an active, thorough-going man, a repre- 
sentative farmer, a man of sterling integrity and large 
benevolence. He was one of the pioneers of the town, and 
met the obstacles to settlement, law, and order with manly 
courage. He used to market his wheat by taking it in 
wagons to Albany, and bringing loads back for some mer- 
chants of Bath, — in striking contrast with the means of 
conveyance for marketing produce in 1878. He died Sept. 
30, 1824 ; and it is a singular coincidence that two other 
brothers died on the same day of the month, in different 
years, and all of typhus fever. His wife died June 15, 1846. 

Mr. Thomas C. Armstrong, with his sisters Lucia and 
Rhoda, still occupy the homestead settled by their father. 
Mr. Armstrong was one of the first advocates of the free- 
school system in his town, was a Democrat prior to the 
formation of the Republican party, and is now an unswerv- 
ing supporter of Republican principles. He took strong 
ground against human bondage, and was a supporter of the 
Union cause during the late Rebellion. 



TOWN OF COHOCTON. 



251 





MRS. DAVID S. WAIT. 



DAVID S. WAIT 
was born in the town of Cohocton, on the farm where he 
now resides, Sept. 15, 1825. His father, Duty Wait, a 
native of West Greenwich, Kent Co., R. I., was born 
March 21, 1785, and married Hannah Wells, of Peters- 
burgh, Rensselaer Co., N. Y., Jan. 29, 1807. She was 
born June 12, 1790. They resided in the town of Peters- 
burgh for seven years, and removed to this county, settling 
in the town of Cohocton, July 4, 1814, on one hundred 
and four acres of land, to which Mi-. David S. Wait has 
made additions, and now owns some six hundred acres. 

Mr. Wait, Sr., was one of the pioneers of the Conhocton 
Valley, was a farmer during the remainder of his life, and 
cleared off the greater part of his land. He was a man of 
strict integrity of character, upright in all his business re- 
lations, quite active as a member of the Democratic party, 
for several years was assessor of the town, and was respected 
by all who knew him. He died Feb. 25, 1855. His wife 
died April 10, 1858. 

Their children were five sons and seven daughters, of 
whom the subject of this narrative was the third son. He 
received a good education in the common school and Frank- 
lin Academy, and assisted his father on the farm during his 
minority. At the age of twenty he became a teacher, and 
for five terms was a successful instructor. 



He learned surveying in a mathematical school at Bath, 
taught by a cadet of West Point, and from the age of 
twenty-three to thirty-three was on the farm with his father, 
and did considerable surveying, which he continues until 
the present time. In 1859 he married Mary, daughter of 
Adin and Nancy (Kenyon) Parmenter, of Wayland. She 
was born Feb. 17, 1831 ; is a lady of rare intelligence, and 
was a successful teacher of common and select schools for 
sixteen terms. 

Mr. Wait is known as a thrifty, enterprising agriculturist 
of the town, and to his farming interest be has added, 
within the last two years, milling, which he carries on at 
Blood's Station. He has ever been an unswerving member 
of the Democratic party, and, although not solicitous of 
political preferment, has held some positions of trust in the 
town, preferring the quiet and independence of a business 
life. He is interested in local matters of improvement, and 
gives his support for every object tending to educate the 
rising generation, and for two years officiated as superintend- 
ent of common schools. His correct habits, integrity in 
business, conscientious regard for the right, and open, free 
representation of any matter with which he is connected, 
are patent to all who know him. Their children are Eva, 
Guy, Letta, Grant, Seraph, David S., Ammorilla, and 
Ernest Duty. 



CORNING. 



GEOGRAPHICAL SITUATIOtf 
The town of Corning, originally township No. 2 in the 
first range, is situated on the eastern border of Steuben 
County, and is the second town north from the Pennsyl- 
vania line. It is bounded north by Hornby, east by Che- 
mung County, south by Caton, and west by Erwin. 

PHYSICAL FEATURES. 

The surface of the town is divided into two nearly equal 
upland portions by the valley of the Chemung River, 
which extends northwest and southeast through nearly the 
centre. This valley and the valleys of the lateral stream 
divide the uplands into rounded hills and narrow ridges. 
The principal tributaries entering the Chemung River on the 
north are Borden, Post, Narrows, Clump Foot, and Win- 
field Creeks ; and on the south. Monkey Run and Steele's 
Creek. The soil upon the hills is a heavy slaty loam, and 
in the valleys a fine quality of sandy and gravelly loam, 
occasionally intermixed with clay. As an agricultural sec- 
tion the town will compare favorably with any other portion 
of the county. 

EARLY SETTLEMENT. 

The first settlements in this town were made by Fred- 
erick Calkins, Ephraim Patterson, and his son Ichabod, in 
the autumn of 1789. Mr. Calkins was a native of Ver- 
mont. In the summer of 1789 he had located on laud in 
what is now the town of Erwin, near the present Erie Rail- 
road bridge, across the Conhocton River, and commenced 
clearing a farm; but finding he was on lands which had 
then been recently purchased by Col. Arthur Erwin, he 
withdrew, and in the autumn of that year erected his cabin 
on the south side of the Chemung River, opposite the 
Chimney Narrows. The following spring he became one of 
the original purchasers of the town of Corning. The deed 
to Mr. Calkins and his associates, Caleb Gardner, Ephraim 
Patterson, Justus Wolcott, Peleg Gorton, and Silas Wood, 
from Nathaniel Gorham and Oliver Phelps, for township 
No. 2 in the first range, or what is now Corning, was exe- 
cuted May 10, 1790, and recorded in Book 2 of Deeds, 
page 151, etc., in 1801. All the proprietors, except Silas 
Wood, took possession of their lands as early as 1792. 
Ephraim Patterson, in 1789, settled on the west bank of 
Post Creek, just above the Chimney Narrows, and his son, 
Ichabod, upon the old Neheniiah Hubbell farm. 

Frederick Calkins" farm of 140 acres, upon a portion of 
which he erected his cabin in 1789, was situated on lot 14, 
on which a part of the village of Corning now stands. The 
village was not then thought of, and for more than forty 
years after its site remained an unbroken wilderness, with 
the exception of a portion of the farm cleared by Mr. 
^52 



Calkins and the Bradley farm, which were afterwards in- 
cluded within its corporate limits. 

On the 15th of March, 1792, Caleb Gardner, Ephraim 
Patterson, Frederick Calkins, George Goodhue, Hezekiah 
Thurbor, and Justus Wolcott reconveyed to Oliver Phelps 
10,040 acres of the lands of the town originally purchased 
of Phelps and Gorham. And April 4, 1792, Pelcg Gorton 
reconveyed 2000 acres to Oliver Phelps, which were not to 
include any intervale or flat lands. 

PARTITION OF THE LANDS. 

After the purchase of the tract now forming the town of 
Corning, the proprietors had it surveyed by John Konkle, 
and apportioned among them by Brenton Paine and Elijah 
Buck. The apportionment was made in 1792. In 1801, 
it not appearing that all parties were satisfied with the 
division, the questions in dispute were submitted to Wil- 
liam Jenkins, Eleazer Lindley, and John Hendy, to arbi- 
trate. Their report or award was soon after submitted. It 
left the original division undisturbed, but awarded certain 
sums to be paid some of the proprietors as compensation for 
difference in the value of the lands. This settled forever 
the questions of titles as among the first purchasers. 

In 1793, a log grist-mill was built on Post Creek, near 
the house of Ephraim Patterson, by a Mr. Payne and Col. 
Henderson. The first store was opened by Benjamin Eaton, 
in 1795. It was situated in what is now the highway at 
the head of the street leading from Knoxville to the Corning 
bridge. His first stock of goods was brought from Wattle's 
Ferry, now Unadilla, by a man named Comstock and Samuel 
Cook, a lad then of sixteen, whose father settled at Painted 
Post in 1792. They drifted down the Chemung in a canoe 
to Tioga Point, then poled their boat up the Susquehanna, 
drawing it upon the shore at night and sleeping under the 
trees. In five days they accomplished their journey, and 
set out upon their laborious return home. 

Col. Williamson, in 1796, purchased a tract of land on 
the north side of the Chemung River, since known as the 
Jennings farm, and commenced the erection of a large two- 
story frame building on the high-road for a first-class hotel. 
It was commodious and well furnished for those times, and 
was the first two-story frame house built in the town that 
was clapboarded, and completed in the best style the means 
at hand would permit. That it was well built, is evident 
from the fact that for eighty-two years it has withstood the 
elements. It is true, some years ago Mr. Sly repaired and 
painted the old building, so that it gives promise of lasting 
another eighty years. It was long known as the Jennings 
Tavern, on account of John Jennings having purchased the 
property in 1813 from the Pulteney estate, and kept a 
tavern there until his death in 1834. Col. Williamson, 





MR. B. F. BALCOM. 



vxjss^-^' 



MRS. B. P. balcoj:. 



REV. BENJAMIN F. BALCOM 



was born in Oxford, Chenango Co., N. T., January 11, 1810. 
His grandfather, Henry Balcom, was born in Worcester Co., 
Mass., and married Keziah Stowe. In 1790 they migrated 
from the State of Vermont to Chenango Co., N. Y. Of this 
union there were seven children, — Khoda, Fanny, Francis, 
Lefa, Samuel, Olive, and Sally. 

Mrs. Balcom was an exemplary Christian, and was one of 
the founders of the Presbyterian Church in Oxford in 1799. 

Of these children, Samuel was father of the subject of this 
narrative, and married Polly Knapp, in the year 1800, in 
Oxford ; was a farmer and lumberman by occupation, and 
worked some as a millwright, and at one time purchased some 
five thousand acres of land in Steuben Co., N. Y. 

Their children were Judge Lyman Balcom, of Painted 
Post; Eliza (Widow Pearsall), of Owego, N. Y. ; Luke (de- 
ceased) ; Fayette, of Oxford; Benjamin F. ; Harriet (Mrs. 
William Rhoads), of Wisconsin ; Uri, of Chicago; Judge 
Eansom Balcom, of Binghamton ; and George, of Kansas. 
The father died at the age of seventy-five, in Oxford, in the 
year 1847. The mother died at the age of seventy-five, in the 
year 1852. 

Benjamin P. Balcom remained at home until he was eighteen, 
during which time he received onh' a limited education. In 
the year 1828 he came to this county, returned in the fall of 
the same year, and Jan. 8, 1829, married Eliza A., daughter 
of Russell and Charlotte Root, of Oxford, N. Y. ; she was born 
Sept. 13, 1810. In July of the same year he moved his goods 
with an ox-team through the country from Oxford, and settled 
at Cam]ibell, on the farm now owned by Daniel Curtis. 

With his father's assistance be built two saw-mills, house, 
and barn, and began clearing oft' the original forest. To give 
a narrative of facts connected with his history there would 
be to give a sketch of the early history of the settlement of 
that part of the county. Ho remained there some six years, 
and purchased some twenty-four hundred acres of land in the 



town of Addison, retaining the same only about one year, 
when he sold it, realizing some fifteen thousand dollars. This 
was a remarkable success, considering that he had only his 
willing hands as capital when the purchase was made. He 
then removed to Campbell, and remained there as a farmer 
until 1857, and was known as one of the best agriculturists in 
Steuben County. 

At the age of twenty-five Mr. Balcom united with the Bap- 
tist Church. He became a close student of the Bible, and for 
years made it his study. In the year 1842 he was licensed to 
preach by the Baptist Church of Campbell and Erwin, and was 
ordained aminister of the Baptist denomination in March, 184.3. 

Since that time he has been pastor of the church at Corning 
for four years ; at Bath for one year ; organized a church at 
Painted Post and remained for four years ; at Hornby for one 
year ; at Campbell and Erwin for one year ; and as an Evan- 
gelist in this and surrounding counties for some twenty-five 
years. He is widely known as a zealous worker in protracted 
effort in the Baptist denomination, and his work and influence 
will remain as a monument of one of the pioneer Christian 
men of Steuben County. In the year 1857 he removed to the 
place where he now resides in the town of Corning, and pur- 
chased a farm which he still carries on. During his ministry 
of thirty -six years Mr. Balcom has never left an appointment 
unfilled, and he has every year for that period been engaged 
in a revival of religion. 

Their children are Benjamin, Eliza (deceased), John, Caro- 
line (deceased), James, drowned at Painted Post at the age of 
twenty-eight; William (deceased), Luke, and Mark. 

Elder Balcom and his wife are now in their sixty-eighth 
year of age, having lived happily together nearly half a century, 
and at the time of writing this sketch their cards are welcome 
to friends and relations, children and grandchildren, to cele- 
brate their fiftieth anniversary by a golden wedding on the 
8th of January, 1879. 







XC^^> 



la^s/v^.-^/ 



Hon. John McBurney, the subject of this sketch, was born 
in Northampton County, in the State of Pennsylvania, on the 
29th day of August, 1796. He was the son of Thoiiias McBurney, 
who witli his motlier and her family emigrated from County 
Antrim, in the north of Ireland, at the close of the llevolu- 
tionary war, to Northampton County, and was of the famous 
Scotch-Irish stock that have wcm such a reputation for their 
stalwart, firm, and genuine fighting qualities. Their influence 
in this country has ever been marked. Thomas McBurney 
married the daughter of the late Judge Mulholland, then one 
of the leading citizens of Northampton County. Thomas 
McBurney with his family emigrated to Steuben County about 
1800, and purchased a farm in Uie then town of Painted Post, 
which is now occupied by 1), W. Fuller. He at once became 
a prominent man of the county ; was appointed sheriff in 1812, 
and after the e.\]iiration of his term was appointed first judge 
of the old Court of Common Pleas in 181fj. He became wealthy, 
and wielded great political influence in the county. He died 
in 1828 on his homestead at Painted Post. 

With the exception of a term or two at an Eastern school, 
he had no other education than what could be obtained in the 
common schools of the town. His tastes and habits inclined 
him to become a farmer, and as soon as he attained his majority 
he married Jemima Patterson, a daughter of the late Ichabod 
Patterson, one of the six proprietors'of township two, in the 
first range, included in the old town of Painted Post. 

Mr. McBurney immediately moved upon the farm across the 
river from Corning, a part of the purchase of Patterson, upon 
which he spent the remainder of his life. Bv his industry 
and thrift upon this farm he laid the foundation of the hand- 
some fortune he left his family. 

In 1831 his wife Jemima died, leaving him three children : 
Mary, wife of C. K. Miller; James McBurnev, and Jemima, 
wife of John Dodge. In 1832 he married Almariah Knox, 
daughter of the late Judge Knox, of Painted Post. She lived 
but a few years and left one son, John Knox. 

He married for the fourth time Mrs. Edwards, daughter 
of the late Cornelius Younglove, of Hammondsport, who still 
lives. Mr. McBurney held various town offices. In 1832 he 



was elected a member of Assembly from this county and served 
well his constituency. In 1853 he was again elected to the As- 
sembh- from the Third Assembly district. It was during this 
session that active ettbrts were made to divide the county of Steu- 
ben. Mr. McBurney, who was an able advi>cate, was strongly 
opposed to the measure, and sought to secure the aid of as many 
as possible of his fellow members to defeat it. He was ever out- 
spoken and frank, neverconcealinghis opinionsand sentiments. 

It was a common saying you could always tell where to find Mr. 
McBurney, and know how he stood politically or socially. He 
continued to reside upon and .work his farm till his death, wliich 
occurred on the 7th day of August, 1867. He was truly and 
practically a farmer, for he not only worked with his hands, 
never engaging in speculations or venture of any kind, but 
steadily followed the plow,; nd by slow and sure accumulation 
acquired a fortune. 

He illustrated the fact that any farmer, however humble, if 
he will unchangeably and persistently pursue his calling and 
live within his income, cannot fail in process of time to lay 
by a handsome competence. 

Politically, Mr. McBurney from his youth up was an earnest 
and active Democrat. Notwithstanding, he was elected and 
re-elected time and again supervisor, justice of the peace, and 
assessor of the old town of Painted Post with a strong majority 
against his party. "When he administered justice, friend and 
foe stood equal before him. His best friend had nothing to 
hope and his bitterest foe nothing to fear, for he, like the 
goddess of justice, could see neither. 

It was remarked bj' the late Judge Burns, whose political 
and family relations placed him ever in position of hostility 
to Mr. McBurney, that in all his practice before justices of the 
peace, and it was an extensive one, Mr. McBurney was the only 
one who in making his decisions could rise above prejudice and 
dispense justice manfully and impartially. As a supervisor and 
assessor the public found in him a faithful and competent public 
officer. He was a man of good sound sense and rare integrity ; 
with him the oath of office was no lip service. No public 
plunderer dare approach him with a bribe As a friend he 
was true and earnest ; as a foe, stern and uncompromibing. 



II 



TOWN OF CORNING. 



253 



while a resident of Northumberland, Pa., in 1792, formed 
the acquaintance of Benjamin Patterson, the famous hunter 
and guide, who was also a resident of that town. 

The colonel saw he was the very man to run his new 
hotel, and at once induced him to remove to the new coun- 
try and open the house. In the fall of 179G, Patterson, 
while here, killed a large amount of game, and had sahed 
down a large quantity of bear meat and dried deer hams, 
to supply his hotel the coming season. In May, 1797, 
Patterson and his brother Robert, with their families and 
efiFects, embarked in boats and commenced the slow and 
toilsome voyage up the Susquehanna, from Northumber- 
land to Painted Post. The boats (sometimes called Dur- 
ham boats) were long and narrow, and propelled against 
the current by setting-poles, after the manner of the early 
voyagers on our Western rivers. A stout man on each side 
of the cabin, which rose slightly above the broad gunwale, 
with a long pole braced against his shoulder, walked steadily 
from stem to stern, while the steersman with his rudder 
kept the craft in the right direction. When the current 
was very rapid, the living freight went on shore, and with 
a long rope attached to the bow, the boat was drawn up 
the rapids by the crew. It has been told that the young- 
sters of the family enjoyed tlie voyage hugely. 

Early in the beautiful month of June, Patterson tied his 
tiny fleet to the bank just above the old Corning bridge and 
quite convenient to his new home. He brought with him 
his furniture and groceries, and was prepared at once to 
open his house. 

On his arrival he found a number of fiimilics in the 
valley, located as follows : David Fuller at the Conhocton 
ford ; Stephen Ross on the farm in Centreville, known as 
the old Philo Hubbell place; Eli Mead and his son Eldad 
on the old Judge McBurney place, now owned by Fuller ; 
George McCuUough, on the next farm east. His house 
was nearer the bank of the river, at the termination of the 
McCuUough lane ; Howell Bull lived near the site of the 
Bonham House, and Fitch Wattles just across the road ; 
Judfe Knox came next. Across the road was Ben Eaton's 
store. Mrs. Nehemiah Hubbell, then the widow of Ichabod 
Patterson, occupied the next farm ; Senator Bradley's farm 
was occupied by Jared Irwin, who planted the row of 
buttonwoods which skirt the highway. The old Mallory 
and McCuUough's lands, now the village of Corning, were 
then owned and occupied by Jonathan and Jeduthan Row- 
ley. Next below them resided Abraham and Dr. Phineas 
Bradley and their brother-in-law, Eliakim Jones. Enos 
Calkins lived just below them in a log house on the bank 
of the river at the turn in the road. Frederick Calkins 
lived near the site of the old red house, lately burned. 
The Grotons, Wolcotts, and Rowleys lived still farther 
east. Besides those named there were living in the vicinity 
James Turner, William Kuox, Hezekiah Thurber, Samuel 
Shannon, David Ilayden, Joseph Grant, Jonathan Cook, 
and David Trowbridge. 

In 1804, Patterson left the tavern and removed upon 
his farm two miles up the Tioga. Capt. Howell Bull was 
his successor, and ran the house for a year or so. Col. 
William H. Bull, of Bath, relates this incident as occurring 
while his father occupied the place. One day. Gen. Ker- 



nan, of Tyrone, rode into the shed in the rear of the 
house to hitch his horse, and discovered, not the Saviour, 
but the enemy of mankind, a huge rattlesnake, coiled up 
in the manger, taking his siesta. The general hurried into 
the bar-room, and with affected anger saluted the captain 
thus: "By St. Patrick, captain! if you entertain such 
customers as I find in your shed, I .shall seek other quar- 
ters." His snakesbip was soon disposed of, and the general 
appeased with a bumper of his favorite beverage. The 
next landlord was Jonathan Rowley, who for long years 
afterwards kept a hotel in Dansville. In 1813 the agent 
of the Pulteney estate, finding it no longer necessary or 
profitable to run a hotel, sold the property to John Jen- 
nings, then of Newtown, who, a short time previous, had 
emigrated from the famous Shenandoah Valley in Virginia. 
He occupied and kept that old tavern until his death, a 
period of over twenty years. 

John Jennings was a great wag and rare character. So 
much esteemed was he that men and boys from far and 
near called him " Uncle John " or " Uncle Johnny." He 
was a stout, dumpy man of about five feet eight, with a 
ro.sy, happy face — wrinkled like an old pippin — and double 
chin, bright hazel eyes, flecked throughout with brown 
specks, that twinkled with fun and beamed with good- 
humor, aided much by the many crows'-feet about them. 
He was portly withal and quite corpulent, making him no 
mean type of the dispenser of mirth and good cheer for 
others. In dress he was somewhat careless.* 

Knoxville was founded by and named after the Hon. 
John Knox, who came to the place about 1795, from his 
native State of Massachusetts. He led a distinguished and 
active life, reflecting the highest honor upon the commu- 
nity he established. His residence — in which he kept a 
public-house — was located upon the second lot below the 
Methodist church in Knoxville. It was in this house that 
the original Painted Post Lodge of Free and Accepted 
Ma.sons occupied rooms, and where it flourished till 1827. 

Among the old landmarks of the town were the grist- 
and saw-mill erected by Ansel McCall, in 1805, upon the 
site lately occupied by the Hammond & Johnson mills, on 
the south side of the river, below the canal-dam. Mr. 
McCall moved into the town in 1804, and occupied a log 
house near his mills. He was the father of Ansel J. 
McCall, Esq., one of the old lawyers of Bath, the late 
Mrs. Betsey Calkins, the late Mrs. William S. Hubbell, 
of Bath, the late Mrs. F. E. Erwin, and Mrs. T. Whiting, 
of lowa.f 

CENTREVILLE. 
Centreville formed part of the large farm of Judge 
Thomas McBurney. In 1824 or '25 he laid out that por- 
tion where Centreville is now situated into village lots, and 
having set up a high post, and placing upon it the likeness 
of an Indian and squaw painted on canvas, claimed it as 
the site of the original Painted Post, and named the incip- 

*" Article by A. J. McCall, Esq., in the Corning Journal. 

f On tbo Parks farm, now owned by Nelson Cowan, is still stand- 
ing a barn built by Justus Wolcott, in 1736. Tbe nails in it were 
made at Bartle's Hollow, now Bradford, and brougbt on horseback, 
in a pair of old-fashioned saddle-bags, by John Wolcott, a son of 
Justus Woleott. 



254 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



ient village accordingly. It became a place of much activ- 
ity and attracted many enterprising men. Philo P. Hubbell 
kept hero a large hotel ; Fidelis Fermbaugh had a large 
saddle- and havness-.shop ; Z. F. Wilder carried on an ex- 
tensive blacksmith-shop; John Arnot and II. H. Mathews 
built a store; Mr. Charles L. Mills and Charles E. Osborne 
carried on mercantile business. It was at Centreville that 
the late Judge Thomas A. Johnson began his legal career, 
which brought him afleiTvards such high honors and dis- 
tinction. 

The first school here was taught by Ansel J. JlcCall, 
Esq., now of Bath. 

About the year 1824 the " old Mallory house" was built. 
For the time and general condition of tlie country it was 
something palatial. The spectacle it now presents of dilapi- 
dation and age is an eloquent reminder of those simple days 
when luxury was the exception and masculine severity in 
habits and morals the rule of life. In a wing of this house 
the " Bank of Corning" was first located after its establish- 
ment in 1839. 

CHEMUNG CANAL. 
This region had now become extensively known as a lum- 
ber district, the quantity and quality of which made it 
famous. By means of rafts and arks the lumber had been 
floated down the Chemung and Susquehanna Rivers to the 
Chesapeake Bay, where a market was found for it in Balti- 
more, Philadelphia, and Wilmington, as well as at the larger 
towns accessible along the shores of the Susquehanna. The 
only outlet to the Eastern seaboard being through these 
rivers, the markets to which they led were consequently 
arbitrary and unreliable. Albany and New York needed 
the surplus products of this region, but these cities were 
inaccessible. The Erie Canal was completed in 1825, and 
although this great avenue of commerce was opened, its 
distance of seventy-five miles north made transportation over 
the hills to reach it exceed all prospective profits. This dis- 
advantage-was removed by the construction of the Chemung 
Canal, which placed Corning at the head of inland naviga- 
tion, communicating with the Hudson and the Atlantic 
Ocean. It necessarily became the shipping-point for all the 
products of this fertile country ; and it is to this fact that 
Corning owes its growth and prosperity. The bill for the 
construction of the canal passed April 15, 1829 ; the work 
was completed in 1833. A State dam was thrown across 
the Chemung River at the lower end of the corporation of 
Corning, and a canal feeder constructed a distance of fifteen 
miles to Horseheads in Chemung County. 

ORGANIZATION. 

Corning was originally part of the old town of Painted 
Post, which was organized as a town of Ontario County in 
1793, and embraced all the territory from the eastern boun- 
dary of what is now Steuben County to the west line of 
Addison. When Steuben County was erected, in 1796, 
Painted Post was narrowed in its dimensions, and made 
one of the original towns of the county, comprising the 
territory now embraced in the six towns of Hornby, Camp- 
bell, Erwin, Lindley, Canton, and Corning. The first di- 
vision of the town occurred in 1820, when Erwin and 
Hornby (embracing Campbell and Lindley) were set off, 



leaving Painted Post reduced to two townships, number one 
and two in the first range, or Canton and Corning. Canton 
was taken off in 1839, leaving the town of Painted Post 
reduced to one township, viz.. Corning, which it remained 
till March 31, 1852, when its name was changed to Corn- 
ing. We give below the civil list of Corning only from 
this date, as the history of the old town of Painted Post — 
including its ofiicers — is given in connection with that of 
the town of Erwin, in which the village of Painted Post 
is now situated. 

LIST OF TOWN OFFICERS. 





Supervisors. 


Town Clerks 


Collectors. 


1S52. 


Wm. Irvine. 


Chas. C. B. Wiilker. Theodore J. Steele. 


1853 


Simeon HainmonJ. 


George Thorn 


)Son. Simeon Van Etlen. 


1854. 


John Maynard. 


" " 


Jonathan .S. Belknap 


1855. 


Charles Packer. 


Wm. W. Robinson. Wm. A. Spencer. 


1866. 


B. P. Bailey. 


" 


.. 


1857. 


Stephen F. Hayt. 


Henry T. Mclntire. Benj. C. Wilson. 


1858. 


Chas. C. B. Walker. 


James K. Newell. David S. Powers. 


1859. 


Stephen T. Hayt. 


Edwd. T. Rob 


inson. " " 


1860. 


It li 


It tt 


it tt 


1861. 


n tt 


It tt 


E. J. Mallory. 


1S62. 


H It 


George W. Fuller. David S. Powers. 


1863. 


it It 


it t 


it tt 


1864. 


Nelson Cowan. 


Edwd. E. Rob 


mson. Edward R. Hatch. 


1865. 


ti tt 


it 


t tt it 


1866.- 


tt tt 


" 


Edward Clisdcll. 


1867. 


Henry GoflT. 


Jacob H. Wolcott. George Hitchcock. 


1868. 


" '• 


" ' 


Benj. C. Wilson. 


1869. 


John Vischer. 


G. 6. Hallenbeck. Louis D. Stone. 


1870. 


Austin Lathrop, Jr. 


it a 


Benj. F. Edgar. 


1871. 


tt tt 


tt ii 


John Cowley. 


1872. 


tt tt 


it tt 


G. P. Miller. 


1873. 


it tt 


0. J. Robinson. G. W. llallenbeck. 


1874. 


tt 


Jas. C. Mcintosh. David S. Powers. 


1875. 


i( tt 


0. J. Robinson. Levi Cowley. 


1876. 


" 


Calvin W. Sm 


ith. R. A. Benham. 


1877. 


tt it 


Wm. E. Vand 


erhoff. M. T. Inscho. 


1878. 


Nelson Cowan. 


J. M. Johnson 


Fr.ank P. Rease. 




JUSTICES OF THE PE.ICE. 


1850. 


Josiah Weeks. 
Daniel F. Brown. 




18B3. 


Emerson G. Edgar. 
Jeremiah D. Quackenbush. 


1851. 


George N. Jlitldlebrook. 




David Lane. 


1852. 


Butler S. Wolcott. 




1864. 


AV. A. Spencer. 


1853. 


Charles H. Thomson 






A. T. Payne. 


1854. 


Daniel F. Brown. 




1865. 


F. A. Williams. 




Isaac Gray. 




1866. 


John James. 


1855. 


Dexter Davis. 




1867. 


James S. Robinson, 


1856. 


David L. Johns. 




1868. 


William A. Spencer. 




Oliver Peak. 




1870. 


Henry Goff. 


1857. 


Z. Lewis Webb. 




1871. 


James S. Robinson. 


1858. 


Rufus Arnold. 




1872. 


William A. Spencer. 




James S. Robinson. 




1873. 


George Hitchcock. 


1859. 


Rufus Arnold. 




1874. 


Henry Goff. 


1860. 


Plina A. Rouse. 




1875. 


James S. Robinson. 


1861. 


Orrin Dodge. 




1876. 


Grove P. Miller. 




M. F. Cooper. 




1877. 


George Hitchcock. 




J. M. vSmith. 




1878. 


Peter W. Calkins. 


1862. 


James S. Robinson. 









VILLAGE OF COKNING. 

Just fifty years ago, when the bill for the construction of 
the Chemung Canal was being discussed in the Legislature 
at Albany, and soon after Col. Samuel Young, of Saratoga, 
had made his adverse report in relation to it, Capt. Vincent 
Conklin, of Horseheads, took his team, and with great 
difficulty reached Blossburg, and procured a load of the 
Blossburg coal, and had it conveyed to Albany, to satisfy 






HIRAM raiTCHAlU). 



Photo, by Juyaes, Corning, N. Y. 



I.UCINDA PRITCHARD. 



HIRAM PRITCHARD. 



Hiram Pritehard was born at Lawranceville, Tioga Co., 
Pa., Feb. 7, 1818. 

His father, Calvin Pritehard, was a native of Wyoming, 
Pa., and at the age of five years remembers the Indians taking 
his father prisoner at tlie time of the ever-memorable massacre 
there ; since which time he has never been heard of, and is 
supposed to have been killed. The mother and children es- 
caped, coming to Tioga Point, and subsequently settled at 
Lawrenceville, where they became the pioneer settlers. 

His father was a farmer, and lived and died on the farm 
where they first settled after reaching Lawrenceville. His 
father died at the age of seventy, about the year 1847. His 
mother, wliose maiden name was Anna Kennedy, died in 1840, 
aged fifty-seven. 

Their children were eight sons and two daughters, of whom 
the subject of this sketch was third son, and since the age of 
nine years has cared for himself, receiving no education from 
books except as he has gathered it himself as opportunity 
occurred. 

At the age of eighteen he married Lucinda, daughter of 
Lot and Hannali Searles, of Flemingville, Tioga Co., N. Y. 
Fur eiglit years after his marriage he followed milling, six 
years of which time being after he settled in Corning, which 
was in November, 1838. 

When Mr. Pritehard became a resident of the place there 
was no village, and only a few houses, one of which was 
framed ; hence, he has seen the entire growth of the now 
thriving village of Corning, and has been identified with its 
various interests, and is now one of the oldest residents, having 
lived here the longest, with a few exceptions, of any now living 
in the vicinity. 

In 1843 he opened a general merchandise store which he 
continued for three years, followed by four years as a clerk 
for Payne & Olcott. 

In 18-50 he took charge of an extensive lumber business in 
Clinton Co., Pa., for Phelps, Dodge & Co., of New York City, 



where he erected mills and manufactured lumber, shipping 
the lumber and timber to Wrightsville, Pa., headquarters of 
the firm for the lumber interest. He remained in this business 
for three years, and soon after bought three thousand acres of 
timber land in Tioga Co., Pa., in partnership with James A. 
Hayt and Aaron H. Foster. Here the firm built an extensive 
mill and began the manufacture of lumber. Mr. Pritehard 
disposed of his interest in this property after about fifteen 
months, and removed to Corning, and from 1856 to 1863 was 
a dealer in lumber, handling as high some years as ten million 
feet. He then purchased a one-half interest in the foundry and 
machine-shops at Corning, owned by Payne & Olcotts, and 
in 1868 disposed of this interest, which concluded his active 
business life. Mr. Pritcbard's is only another example of a 
self-made man, and of privation and necessity of economy in 
early life, with a will to do, resulting in a successful business 
career. 

He was a Whig until that party was merged into other 
parties, and has since been a Kejiublican. 

He has been officially connected with the interests of the 
village in many places of trust and responsibility ; was presi- 
dent of the village in 1861-62, during which time he caused 
permanent improvements to be made in the village, although 
opposed strongly by some of the citizens, which now merit the 
approval of all, and fully demonstrate his far seeing and sa- 
gacity. In the year 1873, May 28th, he was appointed by Gov. 
John A. Dix, with Gen. Alexander S. Diven, Lansing D. 
Hodgman, Casper S. Decker, and Eaton N. Frisbie as asso- 
ciates, a commissioner for the erection of the State Reforma- 
tory at Elmira, N. Y. Was trustee and president of the 
Board of Education for fifteen years beginning with 1861, 
and has liberally contributed to church and kindred interests 
since his residence liere. Ho was one of the organizers of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church of the place, and has been a 
member of the same since. 

His children are Truman S., Mrs. M. V. Sales, and Albert. 




Hiram W. Bostwick was boi-n at New IMilford, 
Conn., Aug. 28, 1802. At the age of sixteen he 
went to Albany, N. Y., as a clerk in a whip manu- 
facturing establishment. 

In 1820 he married Mary Rowley. In 1824 he 
removed to Laurens, Otsego Co., N. Y., and formed 
a co-partuership with his brotlicr in a general mer- 
chandise store, where he remained until about 1836, 
when he removed to Painted Post, tliis county, and 
engaged in lumbering at the mills now known as 
the " Gang Mills." Soon afterwards, as one of the 
Corning Company, he removed to the present site of 
the village of Corning, and became the general 
manager of that company, and so continued until 
its dissolution in 1855; aiid to him more tlian to 
any other one person was the prosperity of the 
village due. He was president of the Bank of 
Corning, of the Tioga Iron, Mining, and Manufac- 
turing Company, which built the railroad from Corn- 



ing to Lawrenceville, Pa., connecting there with the 
Tioga Navigation Company, owning the railroad 
from Liiwrenceville to Blossburg, constituting the 
first outlet for bituminous coal from the Pennsyl- 
vania mines. 

He was one of the chief promoters, and for a time 
president of the Buffalo and Conhocton Valley Rail- 
road. 

After the great fire at Corning in 1850, he, with 
Major Andrew B. Dickinson, built tlie " Dickinson 
House" and " Concert Hall," thereby stimulating 
others to erect many of the finest buildings now in 
Corning. 

In 18G3 he went to Nicaragua as an assistant of 
Major Andrew B. Dickinson, who was United States 
Minister to the government of that country. He 
returned to the United States in 1866, and established 
his residence at Vineland, N. J., where he died 
April 8, 1868. 



TOWN OF CORNING. 



255 



the incredulous that there were rich deposits of that mineral 
in the mountains of Northern Pennsylvania, that would 
come into use and set aside the charcoal so extensively used 
by blacksmiths and machinists ; that if they would construct 
the Chemung Canal, having its western terminus at Painted 
Post, all the vast timber and coal interest would be developed, 
and a country hitherto shut off from commercial centres, 
save by the unreliable navigation of the Chemung River, 
would pour its rich treasures into Albany, on the Hudson. 
While Mr. Conklin was thus demonstrating to the Legisla- 
ture the feasibility of the Chemung Canal, he had an atten- 
tive listener in the person of P]dwin Crosswell, Esq , senior 
editor of the Albany Argus. In a strong editorial Mr. 
Crosswell took up the line of argument as presented by Mr. 
Conklin and others from the Southern Tier, and advocated 
the passage of the bill. The bill passed April 15, 1829. 
Great were the rejoicings of the people in Chemung and 
Steuben Counties, in New York, and in Bradford and Tioga, 
Pennsylvania. The work was completed in 183.3. 

The late Erastus Corning, with his keen business fore- 
sight, foresaw that he who would be first to develop those 
rich mineral deposits at Blossburg would' reap lasting bene- 
fits. In consultation with Mr. Thomas W. Olcott, the great 
financier, it was determined to organize what was afterwards 
known as the Corning Company. This was in 1835. They 
and their associates, Joseph Fellows, Watts Sherman, Hiram 
Bostwick, Ansel Bascom, Bowen Whiting, Wm. A. Bradley, 
and Levin I. Gilliss, made a purchase of the lands of the 
Erwins, at Painted Post, but through some misunderstand- 
ing, the purchase never became valid.* Where the pros- 
perous village of Corning now stands was then, with the 
exception of some cleared farm land in the valley, in its 
primeval state. The company, not being able to purchase 
lands on the east side of the Chemung, made a bona-fide 
purchase of about 340 acres, embraced within the present 
corporate limits of Corning. Railroads were then being first 
constructed in America. By a careful survey the company 
ascertiiincd that a railroad could be constructed from their 
town site, at the head of canal navigation, to the coal-fields 
at Blossburg, cheaper than a canal, or cheaper than it could 
be floated down the Tioga on arks or rafts. A charter 
was obtained for a railroad to the State line at Lawrence- 
ville, where they were met by enterprising men from Phila- 
delphia, Messrs. James K. Wilson, Cofiin Colket, J. W. 
Ryerss, and others, with a charter from the State of Penn- 
sylvania, connecting them with the Blossburg coal region. 

In the year 1839 the locomotive first traversed the Tioga 
Valley. Then it was that Corning sprang into being. Al- 
though Mr. Parcell and a few families had located at Corn- 
ing in 1838, yet it was not until the years 1839, 184:0, 
1841, and 1842 that Corning received its impetus. It was 
christened in 183G, but it was not until the time above 
referred to that signs of future life and prosperity dawned 
upon it. Then came the men that were to lay the founda- 
tion — or rather the superstructure, for the foundation was 
surely laid by Erastus Corning, Thomas W. Olcott, and 
their associates — of Coming's future greatness. The good 
people of Corning were apparently on the wrong side of 

* See Chas. H. Erwin's history of Painted Post. 



the river. The main stage-route from Big Flats to Bath, 
vin Painted Post, ran on the east side, passing the Chimney 
Narrows, and crossing the mouth of Post Creek. But 
Corning was equal to the emergency. Bridges were thrown 
across the Chemung two and three-fourth miles below ; 
roads were opened connecting them with Big Flats on the 
east, and Knoxville and Painted Post on the north. It 
might be well to here mention some of the enterprising 
citizens of Corning in 1839, 1840, 1841, 1842, and later. 
Among them were Col. H. W. Bostwick, manager of the 
Corning Company ; Dr. W^m. Turbell, Thomas A. Johnson, 
Esq , Laurin Mallory, P. J. Mallory, Wm. M. Mallory, 
Maj. S. B. Denton, Nelson L. Somers, H. G. Phelps, B. 
P. Bailey, John A. Parcell, B. W. Payne, Daniel D. Com- 
stock, Geo. T. Spencer, E. P. Rogers, S. T. Hayt, Hiram 
Pritchard, William J. Arnold, and Charles Clark, besides 
many others, distinguished for their public spirit and enter- 
prise. Hotels, banks, stores, shopSj and various oflBces, 
after the completion of the Blo.ssburg Railroad, were im- 
mediately erected. A printing-ofiice was opened in 1840, 
and a newspaper established by Charles Adams called the 
Corning and Blossburg Advocate. The people of Corning 
had scarcely realized the completion of the Blossburg Rail- 
road, when, in 1840, the advance-guard of the New York 
and Erie Railroad made their appearance in Corning. The 
State of New York had loaned its credit to a.ssist the com- 
pany in the sum of $3,000,000, and from Piermont, in 
Rockland Co., N. Y., to Dunkirk, on Lake Erie, gangs of 
workmen were engaged in driving piles for the road-bed, 
and spanning rivers and streams with bridges. 

Corning received a considerable share of the money ex- 
pended by the Erie Company in driving piles, building 
bridges, etc. Then, to add to the general enthusiasm, the 
political campaign of 1840, with all its concomitant ma- 
chinery, made Corning, with its stirring and active popula- 
tion, an overflowing town, brimful of business. Specula- 
tion was rife. Corner lots were above par. From Chemung, 
Tioga, Broome, and Otsego Counties capitalists were locating 
at Corning, the El Dorado of the Southern Tier. Mechan- 
ics of all kinds were in great demand. Lumber was a cash 
commodity, and bill-timber of every kind brought a high 
price. Yet *there were thousands of feet of lumber in the 
log burned up by the settler who wished to clear a spot for 
a shop or dwelling, and could not wait to have his lumber 
drawn to the mills at the head of the feeder, to be manu- 
factured. From the incipient step, in 1835, to the first era 
of their progress, in 1840, all had been prosperous. From 
this latter year through 1841 and 1842 there followed a 
financial depression. Yet comparatively few of the busi- 
ness men of Corning were seriously or permanently crippled 
by the general bankruptcy which pervaded the country. 
5Iany, however, suffered by the failure of the New York 
and Erie Railroad Company. Many of the business men 
and lumbermen had taken stock in part payment for timber 
and materials furnished, and had suffered thereby. But the 
recuperative qualities of Americans are proverbial ; and the 
citizens of Corning were not an exception. The ranks of 
the business men were strengthened in the intervening years, 
from 1842 to 1854, by a strong and active class, who look 
hold and gave a new impulse to business. 



256 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



The Erie Railroad Company had compromised their 
claims, and a new set of men were at the helm, who 
pushed the road to completion in 1S51. At the close of 
1849, it was finished to Corning. Large appropriations 
from the State had enabled the Corning people to improve 
the highway through the Narrows, and to afford better 
facilities for canal navigation. The Blossburg Coal Com- 
pany were shipping a large amount of coal from their 
wharves, and the lumber dealers were flooding the Eastern 
markets with the choicest Chemung flooring, etc. ; so that 
by reference to the canal reports we discover that, in 1849, 
Corning stood third on the list of inland shipping-ports in 
the State of New York. The Erie Company had located 
their depots and yards at the upper or west end of Corn- 
ing. This for a time seemed to draw business in that 
direction. 

D. A. Fuller, father of George W. and Dwight L. Fuller, 
of the Dickinson House, erected a hotel called the Waverly, 
near the present stock depot of the Erie Railway. The 
demand of the traveling public compelled him to enlarge 
his accommodations. In 1850-51 the Waverly spread into 
the Terrett House, Mr. Fuller continuing the lessee or 
owner. About this time the Dickinson House was com- 
pleted by the late Hon. A. B. Dickinson, of Hornby, and 
Col. H. W. Bostwick, of Corning. There were now four 
well-conducted hotels in Corning, viz., the Dickinson 
House, by S. B. Dennis, succeeded by Mayor Field, and 
lastly by the Fuller Brothers ; the Corning House, by Capt. 
E. Pier, and others ; the Terrett House, D. A. Fuller, pro- 
prietor ; and the Railroad House, by Maj. P. P. Cleaver. 

Foundries were established, churches were erected ; Dyer 
and Concert Blocks were completed ; the village through its 
corporate officers was making many necessary and desirable 
improvements. 

The village then contained about 3000 inhabitants, — 
with the town, 4372. The Corning Jovrnal had been 
established in 1846, by Thomas Messenger, and in the year 
1851 had passed into the hands of A. W. McDowell and 
Dr. G. W. Pratt. Good schools were in session ; the pul- 
pits were filled by able ministers ; and a full corps of com- 
petent physicians and lawyers were located at Corning ; in 
fact everything that was desirable in an enterprising, first- 
class business town. 

We now approach the second era in the history of Corn- 
ing, — the era of tire. She had previously been visited with 
the element. The terrible conflagrations which occurred in 
the next six years are familiar to every inhabitant of the 
Chemung Valley. It will be recollected that the year 1852 
was a comparatively mild epoch in political affairs. Few 
mass-meetings were held in comparison to former presiden- 
tial campaigns. Yet the citizens of Corning had not for- 
gotten the exciting times of 1840, 1844, and 1848, and 
were determined to keep alive the political spirit which had 
animated them in the early stages of their history. 

In the year 1850 a railroad was projected, called the 
Buffalo and Conhocton Valley Railroad, with such men as 
Hon. John Magee, of Bath, enlisted in the enterprise. By 
the terms of the charter, which was obtained in 1850, the 
southern terminus was at Painted Post. But this would 
benefit Corning, as it connected with the Erie. Corning 



was most fortunate in this new project. It would give her 
a thoroughfare through to Rochester and Buffalo by the Con- 
hocton Valley. This project was only fairly inaugurated 
when another, and, as it has proved, a more lasting and sub- 
stantial work, was to seek an outlet by the way of Corning. 
We allude to the purchase, by Hon. John Magee, of the 
interest of certain members of the Corning Company in the 
old Blossburg Railroad, who had became the debtors of Sir. 
Magee. He took possession of the road in 1851, and im- 
mediately made arrangements for widening the gauge, and 
relaying the tracks with desirable T-iron. The Pennsyl- 
vania stockholders consented, and during the year a sub- 
stantial railway, with all the modern improvements, was 
opened to the public. Mr. Magee had also purchased the 
lease of the coal-mines at Blossburg. This was tke initial 
step in developing the vast coal region now operated by the 
Fall Brook Coal Company, the Arnot or Blossburg Coal 
Company, and the Morris Run Coal Company. Thus it 
seems that every adversity on the part of Corning had been 
overcome through some new avenue of prosperity. 

About this time Corning was strengthened by the advent 
of two bankers, George W. Patterson, Jr., and John N. 
Hungerford, who came to identify them.selves with the busi- 
ness interests of the place. Mr. Patterson remained con- 
nected with the George Washington Bank, as president, till 
within a quite recent date. I^Ir. Hungerford is still bearing 
an important part in the financial transactions of the village. 

The Corning iSVn, a weekly newspaper, was published in 
1853 by Mark M. Pomeroy and P. C. Van Gelder, and 
continued about a year, when it was purchased by Rev. Ira 
Brown, who published a paper in the interests of the 
farmers and horticulturists. In the mean time a lodge of 
Freemasons and Odd-Fellows had been established, the 
new lodge of Masonry taking the name of Painted Post 
Lodge, No. 117, and counting among its members some of 
the most intelligent and reliable of the citizens. Corning 
is now the centre of Masonic attraction, the whole upper 
story of Concert Block being used as lodge-rooms for the 
Blue Lodge, No. 117; Chapter, No. 190; Council of R. 
and S. M., No. 53 ; A.-, and A.-. S.-. Rite ; Lodge of Per- 
fection ; Council Princes of Jerusalem ; Corning Chapter 
Rose Croix, and Corning Consistory. Corning has many 
able representative men in various vocations, in whom she 
may feel an honorable pride : such men as George B. 
Bradley, S. T. Hayt, John N. Hungerford, C. C. B. 
Walker, Austin Lathrop, Jr., D. F. Brown, Chester S. 
Cole, B. Graves, William D. Turbell, C. H. Thomson, 
Hiram Pritchard, B. W. Payne, A. H. Gorton, Q. W. 
Willington, C. F. Houghton, Henry Goff, G. W. Pratt, 
F. B. Brown, Charles G. Denison, E. Clisdell, William 
Walker, C. E. Corbin, C. D. Sill, Dr. A. D. Bobbins, and 
numerous others deserving of mention. 

Corning is distant from New York 291 miles, from Buf- 
falo 142, from Rochester 94, from Hornellsville 42, from 
Bath 20, from Dunkirk 168, from Blossburg coal regions 
40.48, and from Elmira 18 miles. It is a picturesque and 
healthy region, and surrounded by a rich agricultural and 
fruit country. It is the half-shire of Steuben County, the 
courts being held alternately here and at Bath. The 
present population of the village is about 7000. Her rail- 





X ^n 





TOWN OF CORNING. 



257 



road facilities are ample,— one branch of the Erie winding 
up through the rich valley of the Conhoeton to Rochester, 
another traversing and bringing into close communication 
the inhabitants and towns of the Canisteo; thence westerly 
to Dunkirk and Buffalo. The connections made by the 
Corning, Cowanesque and Antrim, Tioga and Blossburg, 
stretch out to the coal regions, and penetrate the agri- 
cultural and lumbering interest of Northern Pennsyl- 
vania, thus insuring connections of high importance to its 
permanent growth. Nearly a million tons of bituminous 
coal find an outlet within her limits, many thousand tons 
of which are rcshipped to various towns and cities East and 
West. 

INCORPORATION AND OFFICERS. 

The petition for the incorporation of Corning was made 
in behalf of the people by Horace G. Phelps, James C. 
Davis, and Joseph Herron on the 31st of August, 1848. 
The petition was granted by Hon. David McMaster, county 
judge, Sept. 6, 1848, he appointing S. T. Hayt, William 
Hood, and John P. Shapley, inspectors of election, to take 
assent of the electors for incorporation. The vote taken 
Oct. 25, 1848, showed 118 in favor of incorporation and 5 
against it. The first charter election occurred Jan. 12, 
1849, and resulted in the choice of the following Board of 
Trustees : Horace G. Phelps, Laurin Mallory, George T. 
Spencer, Aaron H. Foster, and James S. Robinson. At 
the first meeting of the board, Laurin Mallory was elected 
President, and Thomas Messenger Clerk. At the regular 
election in March following the same trustees were elected, 
and Mr. Mallory was re-elected President. 

The Board of Trustees selected their presiding officer 
until the charter was amended, in 1858, when the president 
of the village became elective by the people. The following 
are the names of the presidents of the village from its 
incorporation, and the years they served: 



1849. Laurin Mallory. 
iSSO. G. T. Spencer. 

1851. J. B. Graves, M.D. 

1852. A. H. Foster. 

1853. A. H. Foster. 
1851. Merrill Colby. 

1855. Merrill Colby. 

1856. Alexander Olcott. 

1857. Robert Olcott. 

1858. G. D. Williams. 

1859. Jacob H. Lansing. 

1860. Jacob H. Lansing. 

1861. Hiram Pritchard. 

1862. Hiram Pritchard. 

1863. Chas. G. Denison. 



1861. Cyrus D. Sill. 

1865. Chester S. Cole. . 

1866. Auslin Latbrop, Jr. 

1867. Austin Latbrop, Jr. 
186S. Henry Goff. 

1869. Alonzo H. Gorton. 
ISro. George Hitchcock. 
1871. Chas. 6. Denison. 
18(2. Chas. G. Denison. 
187.3. Lewis C. Kingsbury, 

1874. Chester S. Cole. 

1875. John Hoare. 

1876. Joshua B. Graves. 

1877. Chas. G. Denison. 

1878. Gdvrin Bannister. 



CORNING POST-OFFICE. 

About the year 1840, Mr. Philo P. Hubbell, afterwards 
clerk of the county, removed the " Painted Post" post-office 
from Centreville to Corning. Soon after the inauguration 
of President Harrison, in 1841, the name was changed to 
Corning Post-office, and Maj. S. B. Denton was appointed 
postmaster. Under the administration of President Polk, 
in 1845, Maj. Denton was superseded by the appointment 
of John McBurney. The successors of John McBurney 
were George P. Loveland, Philo P. Hubbell, W. B. Whi- 
ting, Thomas Messenger, and D. B. Cumpston, until the 
33 



spring of 1853, when George W. Dyer was appointed post- 
master. Mr. Dyer commenced a thorough and complete 
renovation of the office and its appurtenances, making it in 
appearance and convenience more commensurate with the 
progressive spirit of the village and the growing wants of 
the citizens. He erected the commodious building in which 
the office remained till 185G, putting therein 50tl boxes and 
drawers in place of the 190 boxes of the old office. After 
several other changes of location, the office was removed to 
its present convenient quarters in Brown Block, in 1873. 
The postmasters since George W. Dyer have been C. C. B. 
Walker, D. A. Fuller, C. H. Tomson (twelve years), 
George W. Pratt, and E. Ciisdell, the present incumbent. 

FIRE DEPARTMENT. 

On the 4th of January, 1851, the Board of Trustees 
adopted a resolution that two fire companies be formed. 
Jan. 10, 1S51, Rescue Fire Company No. 1, Rescue Hose 
Company No. 1, and Rough and Ready Fire Company No. 
2, and Rough and Ready Hose Compauy No. 2, were or- 
ganized ; D. B. Cumpston and Thos. W. Adams, foremen 
of the first two, and Alexander Olcott, of the latter respect- 
ively. Tiie name of Rough and Ready was afterwards 
changed to Neptune. In 1857, Alliance Hook-and-Ladder 
Company No. 1 was organized, with John Bulmer, fore- 
man. 

In 1862 the fire department was incorporated with Al- 
fred Jones as President, and George W. Pratt, Secretary. 
C. H. Thomson succeeded Mr. Jones, and William Walker, 
Mr. Pratt. 

The department is now organized as Alliance Hook-and- 
Ladder Company No. 1, Pritchard Hose Company No. 1, 
Olcott Hose Company No. 2, and Sherwood Hose Company 
No. 3 ; A. H. Gorton, President ; C. G. Denison, Vice- 
President; Thomas H. Thomson, Secretary; Frank 
Kingsbury, Treasurer; F. W. Jeuners, Chief Engineer; 
H. S. Edson, First Assistant Engineer ; and R. E. Cole, 
Second Assistant Engineer. 

CANAL COLLECTORS AT CORNING. 

1845-47, Thomas McBurney: 1848, A. M. Fridley ; 
1849, D. D. Com.stock; 1850-51, H. Thurbur; 1852-53, 
Thomas McBurney ; 1854-55, E. Dodge ; 1856-57, J. S. 
Robinson ; 1858-59, J. H. Lansing ; 1860-61, George W. 
Pratt; 1862, E. P. Rogers;* 1862, Thomas McBurney; 
1863-66, George W. Pratt; 1867, Luzerne Todd; 1868- 
69, Frank B.Brown; 1870-71, Peter Rease; 1872-73, 
Truman S. Pritchard; 1874-75, Charles G. Denison; 
1876-78, Nelson L. Somers. 

RAILROADS AND BUSINESS. 

The railroad and shipping enterprise of Corning is a large 
item in its business. The main line of the Erie Railway 
was completed to Corning in December, 1849, and was 
opened for business in January, 1850. Mr. J. A. Red- 
field, of this village, afterwards superintendent of the 
Northern Central Railroad, was the first agent. Mr. A. T. 

■* Rogers was removed and McBurney appointed in his place the 
25th June, 1862. 



258 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Cochrane was his clerk, and in April of the same j'ear was 
appointed by Benj. Loder agent, and has continued to act 
in that c-apacity through all administrations up to the pres- 
ent time, — about twenty-nine years. This is the very best 
evidence that he has been a faithful and competent officer. 
In 1852 the Buffalo, Corning and New York Railroad, 
now the Rochester branch of the Erie, was completed to 
Corning, giving an outlet to a vast agricultural and lumber 
district. The statistics for 1873 show that Corning, ex- 
ceeded in tonnage any other station on the road except 
Jersey City and Buffalo. The tons of freight forwarded 
were 830,891, amounting to $503,170.20. Tons of freight 
received, 31,221, amounting to $122,768.96. Total freight 
business of the station, §625,939. 16. Passenger tickets 
sold, 74,506; receipts for the saiue, §72,098.46. Total 
business of the station, $698,037.62. Since the opening 
of the Syracuse, Geneva and Corning Railroad, which is 
now the great avenue for the transportation of coal to the 
New York Central and the Erie Canal, the freight of this 
station has materially diminished, but it is still, with its 
natural increase during the past four years, retained in 
Corning and only transferred to another oflSce. 

SYRACUSE, GENEVA AND CORNING RAILROAD. 

This road, connecting at Corning with the old " Corning 
and Blossburg," now the Corning, Cowanesque and An- 
trim Railroad, forms a continuous line from Antrim, in the 
coal regions of Penn.sylvania, to its connection with the 
four-track New York Central at Lyons, N. Y., and with 
the Erie Canal. The several divisions of this line are the 
Corning, Cowanesfjue and Antrim, from Antrim to Cor- 
ning ; the Syracuse, Geneva and Corning, from Corning to 
Geneva ; and the Geneva and Lyons road, from Geneva to 
Lyons, the northern terminus. This route, including 
branches from Lawrenceville to Elkland, Pa., and from 
Blossburg to Fall Brook, is owned and controlled by the 
Fall Brook Coal Company, which has one of its principal 
offices at Corning, and is operated jointly by the Syracuse, 
Geneva and Corning, and Lehigh Valley Railroad Com- 
panies, carrying the celebrated Mclntyre coal from the 
mines to the Central Railroad, at Lyons. The Fall Brook 
Coal Company deliver 400 tons per day of their own coal, 
and run a freight train each way daily, for general mer- 
chandise. The whole number of miles from Antrim to 
Lyons is one hundred and twenty-five ; distance from Cor- 
ning to Lyons, seventy-two miles. 

The Syracuse, Geneva and Corning Railway Company 
filed their articles of association Aug. 27, 1875. The first 
board of directors consisted of the following gentlemen : 
Patrick Lynch, Wm. T. Hamilton, Frank H. Hiscock, Syra- 
cuse, N. Y. ; Darius A. Ogden, Penn Y'an, N. Y. ; George 
J. Magee, Daniel Beach, John Lang, Watkins, N. Y. ; 
Alonzo H. Gorton, Alexander Olcott, Chas. C. B. 
Walker, Stephen T. Hayt, Corning, N. Y. ; Edgar Mun- 
son, Williamsport, Pa. ; Alexander G. Cattell, Morchants- 
ville, N. J. 

Careful surveys, and a thorough examination of eight 
different routes between Corning and Geneva, during the 
months of September, October, and November, 1875, re- 
sulted in the selection of the present route, which was de- 



cided on by an overwhelming vote of the board of directors 
during their meeting at Watkins, Dec. 30, 1875. It was 
principally due to the unanimous vote of the Corning di- 
rectors that this one route was selected out of the eight ; 
and experience has shown already that their course of ac- 
tion was a wise one in every respect. 

The work of building the road was let Jan. 14, 1876, 
to Vibbard, Ball & Stuart, of New York, who sublet it to 
different parties. Work on the whole line was commenced 
early in March, 1876, and continued until May 1 of the 
same year. Then it became evident that Vibbard, Ball & 
Stuart were not able to fulfill their obligations to the sub- 
contractors, and work was stopped on the entire line, all the 
foremen, laborers, teamsters, etc., were paid off by the 
company from funds advanced by the Fall Brook Coal Com- 
pany, and the whole work suspended until October, 1876. 
Gen. Geo. J. Magee had then decided to take himself the 
contract to build the road. He consequently resigned his 
position as director and member of the executive committee, 
and relet the work, mostly to the same parties who had held 
contracts under Vibbard, Ball & Stuart. Col. Austin La- 
throp, Jr., of Corning, received the contract for building 
the timber foundation and masonry for the Corning bridge, 
also for the construction of all bridges, trestles, etc., on 
sections 1 to 0, both inclusive. Wm. C. Gibbons, of Corning, 
had the contract for the earthwork of sections 1 to 6, both 
inclusive. During the winter of 1876-77 the work was pros- 
ecuted with all possible speed. Track-laying was commenced 
at Corning early in April, 1877. On July 4, 1877, a grand 
excursion from Watkins Glen to Corning had been ar- 
ranged, and about 500 persons enjoyed the ride over the 
new road and celebrated the day in Corning. July 5, the 
work of track-laying and ballasting was commenced at 
Geneva. The last rail was laid Oct. 11, 1877, and the 
work of ballasting progressed repidly, so that on section 3 
the road could be opened for freight and coal trafiic and for 
passenger transportation Dec. 10, 1877. It has been in suc- 
cessful operation ever since, and is a grand monument to the 
enterprise and sagacity of the Fall Brook Coal Company.* 

The engineer corps consisted of the following persons : 
A. Hardt, Chief Engineer; R. H. Canfield, Division En- 
gineer, South Division ; J. G. Baker, Division Engineer, 
North Division, succeeded by Edward Canfield, Nov. 20, 
1876. John Lang, of Watkins, N. Y., is now the Presi- 
dent and Treasurer of the Syracuse, Geneva and Corning 
Railroad ; Alexander Olcott, of Corning, its Secretary ; and 
J. H. Lang, of Watkins, its General Auditor. The present 
Superintendent is A. H. Gorton ; H. A. Horning, General 
Passenger and Freight Agent; G. R. Brown, Superintend- 
ent of Telegraph ; Michael Clancy, Track Master ; all resi- 
dents of Corning. The Syracuse, Geneva and Corning 
Railroad connects at Himrod's with the Northern Central 
Railroad ; at Geneva, with the Auburn branch of the New 
York Central and Hudson River Railroad, at the same 
point, with the Lehigh Valley Railroad, and with the 
Geneva and Lyons Railroad ; affording a direct route to 



« The tot.al cost of the road and equipments was $2,430,988.78. The 
capital stock of the company is $1,200,000. .'.mount of stock sub- 
scribed $1,193,700. 



dl 




HON. STEPHEN T. HAYT. 



Simeon Haite (as the name was originally spelled) emigrated 
from England in 1629, and Settled at Charlestown, Mass., and 
finally settled at Stamford, Conn. He died in 1657, leaving 
three sons, — Nicholas, Walter, and Benjamin. Walter removed 
from Stamford, Conn., to Norwalk, Conn., in 1650, and died in 
1699, leaving two sons, — John and Zerubbabel, who died in 
1738, leaving three sons, — Daniel, Caleb, and Joseph, the last 
of whom died in 1730, leaving four sons, — Zerubbabel, James, 
Moses, and Joseph. 

Zerubbabel, eldest son of Joseph, left Norwalk about 1749, 
and settled in Bedford, Westchester Co., N. Y., where he died 
in 1794, leaving four sons, — Stephen, Moses, Justus, and Zeph- 
aniah. Stephen served in behalf of England, in the French 
war, and was bom in 1730 ; married Miss Martha Els, of New 
Canaan, Conn., and died in 1770, leaving four sons, — Stephen, 
John, Samuel, and Zephaniah. Stephen, the eldest son, was 
bom in 1760 ; served in the Revolutionary war as private in 
the 2d Connecticut Regiment from 1777 to 1783, when he was 
discharged by order of General Washington, and was honored 
with a badge of merit for his six years of faithful service. He 
was married to Miss Hannah Delavan, of North Salem, N. Y., 
and died in 1834, leaving five sons, — John C, Charles, Harry, 
David, and William. John C. removed from Patterson to 
Ithaca, Tompkins Co., N. Y., in 1826, removed to Corning, 
Steuben Co., N. Y., in 1833, and died in 1854, having had five 
sons, — Samuel T., James A., Stephen T., William W., and 
Daniel M. 

Hon. Stephen T. Hayt, third son and fifth child of Dr. John 



C. and Martha Hayt, was born in Patterson, Putnam Co., N. Y., 
June 5, 1822. His father was a physician by profession, but 
was principally engaged in the lumber and milling business. On 
the 1st of May, 1833, his parents and family settled in Corning. 
Stephen attended the common school when young, and after- 
wards received an academic education. From 1840 to 1843 
he was clerk in a store at Elmira, since which time he has re- 
sided in Corning. From 1843 to 1850 he was engaged in the 
mercantile business ; from 1851 to 1869, in the lumber trade, 
with a yard in Albany. Since 1869 he has been engaged in the 
manufacture of flour and feed, and has one of the most 
substantial mills in the county, and does an extensive 
business. 

He married Miss Margaret C, daughter of Edwin Townsend, 
of Palmyra, N. Y., Nov. 19, 1856. Of this union nine 
children have been born, namely: Stephen T, Martha T., 
Daniel H. C, Margaret C, Charles W., James T., Isabel W., 
Jessie K., and Robert 0., all of whom are now living. 

In politics, Mr. Hayt is a firm supporter of the principle.? of 
the Republican party. He has held nearly all the important 
offices in his town, besides county or State positions. He was 
elected supervisor in 1856, and re-elected several times, having 
served twice as chairman of the Board of Supervisors. He was 
elected to the State Senate in 1863 and re-elected in 1865. In 
1866 he was elected canal commissioner, and served three years. 
At present he is a member of the Board of Education, and takes 
a deep interest in all that pertains to the intellectual and moral 
welfare of the young of Corning. 



TOWN OF CORNING. 



259 



the four tracks of the New York Central and Hudson 
River Railroad. 

The Syracuse, Geneva and Corninp; Raihoad has proved 
already a great benefit to Corning. Freights to and from 
New York have been reduced nearly one-half, reducing the 
price of a great many articles correspondingly. The Fall 
Brook Coal Company, who are operating the road, had to 
increase their motive-power and rolling-stock, and also the 
number of clerks, conductors, engineers, shop-hands, etc., 
mostly residents of Corning, adding considerable to the re- 
sources and wealth of this village. 

We may be allowed to predict here, with a fair prospect 
for the fulfillment of our prediction, that ten years hence 
the population of Corning will be at least doubled ; that 
under the stimulus of the newly-formed railway connection, 
supported by home capital and enterprise, and assisted by 
cheap coal of excellent C(uality, manuHictories of ail kind 
will spring up in and around Corning, and will make it 
commercially one of the most important points of Southern 
New York. 

FALL BROOK COAL CO.MPANY. 

The Fall Brook Coal Company was organized in 1859. 
Its present officers are Geo. J. Magee, President ; Daniel 
Beach, Secretary ; John Lang, Treasurer. 

The machine- and car-shops of the Fall Brook Coal 
Company are located at Corning. These shops were in 
part built by the Buffalo, Corning and New York Railroad 
Company in 1853. Gen. Magee afterwards added to them, 
making them the shops of the Corning and Bio.ssburg Rail- 
road while that road was under his management, and sub- 
sequently leased them to the Tioga Railroad Company, 
which occupied them ten years. The Fall Brook Coal 
Company took possession of them in October, 18G2. The 
shops occupy a lot of eight acres owned by the company at 
the lower end of the village, including also sixteen dwelling- 
houses occupied by the workmen and their families. The 
company has made extensive improvements and additions, 
among other things the erection of a new carpenter- 
shop, a wooden truss building, 75 by 175 feet, heated 
throughout by steam, a paint-shop, and a store-house for 
passenger cars. These shops employ 100 hands, and all 
the cars, rolling-stock, and equipments for the entire line 
of roads owned by the company are here manufactured and 
kept in repairs. They constitute one of the most impor- 
tant business interests of Corning. Mr. 0. C. Patchell is 
superintendent of the shops, and J. C. Dow foreman of the 
wood department. 

BLOSSBURG COAL COMPANY. 

The Blossburg Coal Company, having its headquarters 
and officers at Corning, is the successor of the " Bloss Coal- 
Mining and Railroad Company," whose interest it pur- 
chased in 1871. The company owns and controls the 
Tioga and the Elmira State Line Railroads, making con- 
nections with the Erie, Lehigh Valley, and Northern Cen- 
tral, and Utica, Ithaca and Elmira Railroads at Elmira. 
The coal is mostly transported to Elmira by the Tioga Rail- 
road Company, whence it is shipped by the different routes 
East and West. They also bring considerable coal to Corn- 
ing for smithing, gla.ss-works, and other purposes. 



The officers of the company are : President, F. N. Drake, 
Corning; Secretary and Treasurer, H. H. Cook, Bath; 
General Superintendent, D. S. Drake, Corning. 

The Morris Run Coal-Mining Company, of Syracuse, 
has a branch office in Corning, — A. Beers, agent. This 
company transports a large amount of coal over the Syra- 
cuse, Geneva and Corning Railroad. 

CORNING MANCFACTURES. 

B. W. Payne & Sons. — This firm conducts the largest 
foundry and machine-shop in this section of the country. 
The business was established in 1840 by Mills & Osborn. 
In 1845, Mr. B. W. Payne, of Corning, P. Judson Mal- 
lory, and John M. French, now of Rochester, purchased 
the works. In 1847, Mr. Mallory died, and Mr. French 
retired from the firm. Laurin Mallory and Alex. Olcott 
then became a.s.soeiated with Mr. Payne under the firm- 
name of B. W. Payne & Co. Robert and Theodore Olcott 
subsequently became partners, and the firm was known as 
Payne & Olcott till 1862, when Mr. Payne purchased the 
interest of the Oicotts, and took in as a partner Mr. Hiram 
Pritchard. They continued together till 1868, when Mr. 
Payne purchased Mr. Pritchard's interest and took in his 
two sons, Benjamin N. and David W. Payne. Benjamin 
N. had served his time at the trade, and David been in 
the United States Engineer Corps and is now superin- 
tendent of the works. Since the time above mentioned 
the firm has been known as B. W. Payne & Sons. The 
works occupy about an acre and a half of land near the 
Erie Railway tract, and employ a force of from sixty to 
ninety men. About 1000 tons of iron are melted up an- 
nually. In 1873 eighty-five portable and stationary engines 
were built, many of them for the Southern States, and 
some going as far as Texas and Colorado. The business 
of the establishment amounts to about $200,000 a year. 

Preston & Heermans. — This is another large foundry 
and machine-shop, younger in years than the one previously 
mentioned, yet it has grown into popular favor, and its 
business is extending far out into the surrounding counties. 
These shops were established in 1867 by George W. Pres- 
ton, a practical machinist, and George Heermans, a business 
man of marked ability. Their works are located on a plat 
of land containing thirteen village lots, bounded on three 
sides, by Erie Avenue on the south. Market Street on the 
north, and Cedar on the west. The shops are capacious 
and substantial. They manufacture engines, mill ma- 
chinery, and do all kinds of repairing, taking special 
pains that everything shall be done in a workmanlike 
manner. These shops employ about thirty men, and do 
a business of §60,000 per annum. 

Hayt's Flouring-Mill. — The proprietor of this mill, 
Mr. Stephen T. Hayt, has lived in Corning forty-five years 
— in fact, has grown up with it, and been identified with 
every enterprise looking to its prosperity and advancement. 
He built this flouring-mill in 1868. It is Co by 55 feet 
in dimensions, four stories high, has four run of stones, 
and is propelled by two fifty horse-power engines, which 
are not permitted to lie idle much of the time. This mill 
has an average capacity, or is capable of grinding per 
annum, pearly 200,000 bushels of grain. In 1873, 80,000 



260 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



bushels of wlieat were ground, 16,500 barrels of flour 
packed, from 80,000 to 90,000 bushels of coarser grains 
ground, besides 2500 tons of plaster at the plaster-mill 
adjoining the flouring mill. The business of this year 
amounted, in gross, to $250,000. This is one of the finest 
mills in this portion of the State. 

Plasing-Mill and Sash-Factort. — This establish- 
ment is owned and managed by Messrs. Walker & Lathrop, 
in connection with their large lumber trade. Here large 
amounts of lumber are dressed, and large quantities of sash 
manufactured, giving employment to about thirty men. 
Tills is but one department of the business of this enter- 
prising firm. The amount of busine.ss done in this depart- 
ment reaches the sum of $75,000 annually. 

CoKNiNG Stone Company. — The quarries of this com- 
pany are located about half a mile from the railroad south- 
west of the village, and include about 100 acres. Many 
of the public and private buildings of Corning are built of 
the stone from these quarries, and also some of the stone 
for the Elniira Reformatory. 

Glass- Works. — -The Glass- Works of Corning are widely 
known. They were established in 186S by Amory Hough- 
ton, formerly proprietor of the Brooklyn Flint-Glass Works, 
Brooklyn, L. I. The works stand on a lot of six acres, 
north of the railroad, where their buildings are adequate to 
the extensive business carried on, giving employment to 
120 men, and manufacturing annually $180,000 worth of 
goods. We have not space to describe in detail the process 
of manufacture, nor is it necessary in a work of this kind. 
We will only say that all kinds of flint and colored glass- 
ware are manufactured at the works, including goblets, 
champagne and wine glasses, decanters, dishes of all kinds, 
lantern-globes, caster-bottles, ink-stands, lamp-chimneys, etc. 

Glass Cutting and Engraving. — This branch, which 
is separate and distinct from the glass manufacturing de- 
partment, and is in itself a wonderful art, is carried on in 
Corning by Mr. John Hoare, who leases two floors of the 
main building of the Corning Glass- Works. Mr. Hoare 
formerly conducted the same business at the Brooklyn Flint- 
Glass Works, and is a workman whose twenty-five years' 
experience has given him great skill and knowledge in the 
art. In this establishment from SO to 100 skilled hands 
are employed, and all the finer work is done for the britannia, 
silver, and silver-plated ware manufacturers. Also the fine 
cut glass for' the Executive Mansion, at Washington. The 
manufactured glass for cutting and engraving is purchased 
of the Corning Glass- Woiks. The cutting and engraving 
done here amounts to $100,000 annually. 

business houses. 

Among the leading business houses of Corning may be 
mentioned the following : 

Walker & Lathrop, Hardware, Lumber, Planing-Mill, 
Sash- and Blind-Factory. — This firm does a business of 
$400,000 per annum, and carry a stock of $60,000. The 
business was established by Pjrastus Corning and James 
Horner, in 1840. David B. Campston and C. C. B. Walker 
bought them out, in 1848. Prom 1850 to 1857 Mr. Hor- 
ace Turner was a member, the firm being Walker & Turner. 



Mr. Austin Lathrop, Jr., became a member of the firm 
in 1862. 

Sjiith & Waite, Dry-Goods, Carpets, Oil-Cloths, Mer- 
chant Tailoring, etc. — This house was established in 1864. 
They have two fine stores on Market Street, and their busi- 
ness amounts in the aggregate to $60,000 per annum. 

GoFF & Robinson represent a large dry-goods and 
notion house, organized in October, 1870. Their business 
amounts to $150,000 annually 

C. R. Maltby & Bro. — This firm is carrying on a 
very extensive wholesale grocery trade. The house was 
established in 1867. It is doing an annual business of 

$:-}oo,0()o. 

E. L. Dickinson & Co. are proprietors of a large 
bakery and confectionery establishment, successors of Mr. 
E. B. Smith, who established the business, in 1865. The 
sales amount to $50,000 a year. 

F. W. Parsons, Successor of J. A. Parsons & Co. — Dry- 
goods, shawls, boots, and slioes constitute their principal 
staples. The house was established by J. A. Pansons, in 
1856, and is doing a business ranging from $70,000 to 
$100,000 a year. 

0. A. Cary, succe.s.sor to J. K. Newell, represents a 
large interest in dry-goods, carpets, etc. The business was 
established by Newell & Owen, in 1868. The annual sales 
of this house amount to about $75,000, and it carries 
$30,000 worth of stock. 

Turbell & Co., wholesale and retail druggists, have a 
large and prosperous business. Their house was the first 
established in Corning, by Dr. Wm. Turbell, in 1840, on a 
small scale, and has grown to its present importance. The 
sales of this house annually amount to $75,000. 

Pritchard, Sayles & Co., Dealers in Hardware, Stoves, 
and Tinware. — This firm represent a business aggregating 
annually about $50,000. The house was established in 
1867. The present firm have been proprietors since 1868. 

Mr. Ciias. G. Denison is engaged in an extensive 
business, embracing coal, cement, salt, and pork-packing. 
A large amount of coal is delivered in the village for 
family use. The business of this house amounts to not 
less than $50,000 a year. 

S. C. Campbell, Dry Goods. — This house carries also 
a large stock of boots and shoes. Mr. Campbell's store is 
one of the finest in the village, and his annual business 
amounts to about $60,000. 

Cole & Thomson are among the leading general in- 
surance agents, and are doing an extensive business. This 
interest was established by Mr. George Thomson, in 1848. 
The present proprietors are Chester S. Cole and Col. C. H. 
Thomson. 

William Walker, also one of the leading business 
men of the place, is engaged in an extensive insurance 
business, in addition to the hat, cap, fur, ,ind glove trade, 
for which he is so extensively and favorably known. 

Baxter & McIntosh, Retail Druggists. — Established in 
1871, formerly Baxter Brothers. The members of the 
present firm are D. H. Baxter and James C. Mcintosh. 

W. D. Todd, Hats, Caps, and Gentlemen's Furnishing 
Goods. ^ — Mr. Todd also owns a half-interest in the mer- 
chant-tailoring establishment of M. Sehenek & Co., located 




A. HOVGHTUN, Jr., VVfS. 
H, P. SiN'.i.AiRE, Sec'y. 



CORNING GLASS WORKS, CORNING, N. Y. 



John Hoare, 
Prop, of Cutting and Engraving Dept. 




STEAM GRANITE AND.MARBLE WORKS, CORNING, N. Y. 

LoVASso Field, Proprietor. 




^CM-e/2&^ 



7 



C7-i^*<^ 



TOWN OF CORNING. 



2G1 



in tlie adjoining store on Pine Street, and a cigar-store at- 
taclied. His sales amount to $35,000 or $40,000 per 
annum. Commenced business in 1875. 

Douglas & Brown, Wholesale and Retail Druggists. — 
Tliis firm was established in April, 1878. Mr. Douglas had 
been previously for sixteen years connected with the drug 
house of W. B. Turbell & Co. A. K. Brown is the other 
member of the firm. 

There are two ready-made clothing-stores in the village, 
Messrs. M. P. Ansorge, doing a very large business, and 
J. W. Werner. 

C. E. CoRBiN and E. S. Barnes have each well-supplied 
book-stores and news-rooms on Market Street. 

LovAsso Field's Steam Granite and Marble- 
Works is a leading interest in the manufacture of all 
kinds of monumental and cemetery work from foreign and 
American granites and marbles. He runs a steam stone 
sawing-mill and steam-poiishing machinery, and does a large 
amount of business. Established in 1875. 

Another enterprise in the same line is the Haischer 
Brothers' Marble-Works. In August, 1875, Messrs. 
Victor and Anthony Haischer purchased the works of Mr. 
John Mcintosh, and 1878 erected their present new and 
commodious shops. They do a business amounting to from 
$16,000 to $20,000 a year. 

There are two large furniture and undertakers' establish- 
ments, as follows : Thomas Taylerson, established in 1858, 
and J. W. Darrin, established April 12, 1871. Mr. Tay- 
lerson came from England to Corning in 1843. In 1858 
he started a furniture manufactory. In 18G2 he erected 
his present building, and in the same year added the under- 
taking department. The business was conducted by Tay- 
lerson & Sharpsteen, 18G9 to 1871 ; then Taylerson & 
Lathrop, and Taylerson & Sill, till 1877, since which Mr. 
Taylerson has carried on the bu.sine.ss alone. 

J. W. Darrin, established April 12, 1871. Mr. Dar- 
rin purchased the interest of John Mallory, and, in 1875, 
built his new and commodious store, where he now carries 
on a prosperous business. 

DICKINSON HOUSE. 

Among the many well-known and popular first-class 
hotels, the Dickinson House enjoys a reputation second to 
none. This is owing to the superior manner in which it ia 
kept by the Fuller Brothers. The house is capacious, and 
elegantly furnished and equipped throughout with all that 
can conduce to the comfort and satisfaction of guests and 
the traveling public. This hotel was built in 1850. In 
1865, Mr. George W. Fuller, and in 1871, his brother, D. 
L. Fuller, became proprietors. They are the sons of an 
old and popular landlord, and have inherited a predilection 
for correct and successful hotel-keeping. Mr. John Veezie 
has for many years occupied the position of clerk, and Mr. 
Thomas Argue has been head porter ever since the house 
was opened. 

globe hotel. 

The Globe Hotel, a new brick building near the Erie 
depot, was opened in November, 1877. Charles Barry, 
proprietor. 



BANKS. 

Corning has two banks, which are among the sound and 
prosperous monetary institutions of the State. They are 
as follows : 

J. N. Hungerford's Bank, organized 1860. J. N. Hun- 
gerford. President ; E. C. Pond, Cashier. 

Q. W. Wellington & Co.'s Bank, organized 1862. Q. 
W. Wellington, President ; Theodore Olcott, Cashier. 

BUSINESS SUMMARY. 

The business of Corning may be briefly summed up as 
follows: dry goods, $445,000; groceries, $610,000; 
liquors, $95,000 ; hardware, $146,000 ; foundry and 
machine-shops, $260,000 ; planing-mill and .sash-factory, 
$75,000; furniture, $25,000; drugs, $100,000; confec- 
tionery, $60,000 ; hats and caps, $15,000 ; oil, $35,000 ; 
hotels, $65,000; flouring-mill, $250,000; glass-works, 
$180,000; glass cutting and engraving, $100,000; mis- 
cellaneous, $100,000 ; railway and express business, 
$1,000,000, making a total of $3,975,000. 

lawyers.* 

The following are the lawyers at pre.sent practicing in 
Corning :. Geo. T. Spencer, Geo. B. Bradley, A. S. Ken- 
dall, D. F. Brown, F. A. Williams, A. Hadden, E. B. 
Ro.ss, E. D. Mills, C. H. Thomson, John W. Brown, C. 
D. Baker, F. C. English, Egbert Shoemaker. 

SCHOOLS. 

Corning is celebrated for the excellency of her .schools 
and school buildings. From her earliest history there has 
been a public sentiment strongly progressive, and the 
unanimity with which the school officials have been sup- 
ported in their efforts is worthy of emulation. Education 
forms so important a part in the growth and progress of 
this enterprising village, that a brief history of the schools 
cannot fail to be of general interest. 

The first movement towards organizing a school in the 
then District No. 14, town of Painted Post, village of 
Corning, was made Sept. 2, 1839, at the house of S. B. 
Denton, where a meeting was held for that purpose. At 
this meeting H. W. Bostwick was chosen chairman. The 
result of the meeting was the appointment of Thos. A. 
Johnson (late Judge Johnson), Wm. L. Waller, and 
Charles Clark, trustees, and William J. Arnold, clerk. 
Judge Johnson was made chairman of the board, and was, 
therefore, the first president of* the board of school trustees 
in the village of Corning. A room was secured over a 
store, and the sum of tweuty-eiglit dollars voted for books, 
book-case and fuel. Comparisons are sometimes odious, 
and the reader will appreciate the force of the expression 
when it is stated that in 1840 the clerk was directed by 
tlie board to call a meeting of the tax-payers, to determine 
how the public money should be dispo.sed of, — an idea new 
to the present age. 

At this time there were two schools : ten dollars were 
applied to one taught by Miss Mary Bonham, and the 
balance, a small amount, to the one taught by Col. Jona- 

* See Bench anJ B:ir of the Cuiintv. 



262 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



(ban Fellows. This was in 1840. Cu.stoms change. In 
June of the same year a proposition to build a school- 
house was made and favorably entertained, and ^300 
voted for the purpose. At a succeeding meeting a motion 
to reconsider failed. Charles Clark was the architect of 
the now building, the plan calling for a steeple ; but thi.s 
latter was rejected, and two additional windows put in the 
building instead. The structure was 24 by 30 feet; 16 
feet from bottom sill to top plate ; contained six windows, 
each having 24 lights, of 7 by 9 glass, and seats and desks 
for 40 persons. The seats were designed by Col. Fellows. 
The building was painted with two coats of white paint, 
and all finished in a workmanlike manner. The contract 
was let to the lowest bidder, Mr. Charles Clark obtaining 
it at $270. On the 1st of September, 1840, the first 



The building was erected on the public square. The work, 
however, was seriously retarded by the refusal of some to 
pay their tax. The trustees resigned ; new ones were ap- 
pointed, and finally the work was complete. In 1847, the 
expenses had increased to $280.20 ; P. Morse, Misses 
Jeruslia Cooper, Stacy, and Bliven being the teachers. In 
1848, the expense had increased to $675.26, a much larger 
corps of teachers being necessary. The schools continued 
in a prosperous condition till 1850, when the free school 
law was enacted by the Legislature. To supply any de- 
ficiency a tax of $1200 was at once voted, and free-schools 
inaugurated. There was considerable opposition to this 
appropriation, and a decided effort made to reduce it ; but 
on motion of S. T. Hayt, Esq., it was increased to $2355, 
and in 1852 $800 was voted to build a wing on the cast 




'"'■^^>.-... 



CORNING FREE 



school-house in the village of Corning was ready for occu- 
pation. 

The first financial report was made on the 4th of Sep- 
tember, 1843, and showed an expenditure for the year of 
$73, and a balance in the treasury of 86 cents, and a float- 
ing debt of $30.70, all of which was provided for by tax. 
In 1844, the public money amounted to $89. In 1845, a 
proposition to build a new school-house was introduced, the 
trustees being at the time S. B. Denton, Bertine Pew, N. 
L. Somers, and E. P. Rogers, clerk. Thomas A. John- 
son, J. B. Graves, and P. J. Mallory were appointed a com- 
mittee to co-operate with the trustees. The report showed 
that there were about 260 children requiring education, and 
accommodations for only about 60. It was not until June, 
1846, however, that definite action was taken, and then, by 
a vote of 20 to 4, $1200 were appropriated for the purpose. 



ACADEMY. 

side of the school building. The expenses this year were 
$1940. 

On the 13th of April, 1859, a special act was passed by 
the Legislature, " to encourage and promote education in 
the town of Corning," the trustees of district No. 9 being 
constituted a board of education. In 1862, the old Meth- 
odist church was purchased at a cost of $300, and became 
the left wing of the school building. The corps of teachers 
this year was enlarged to IS, under the charge of Z. L. 
Parker, as principal. He was succeeded in 1864 by Prof 
Slie, who continued till 18G6, when Prof Wildman as- 
sumed charge. During each year the attendance and in- 
terest increased, and the schools of Corning were the subject 
of much flattering comment, as indeed they deserved. In 
1868, H. A. Balcam, M.A., a graduate of Columbia College 
and a leacher of large experience, was called to take charge 



TOWN OF CORNING. 



263 



of the schools. He entered upon his duties on the Slst 
of Aurrust, 1868, and at once inaugurated a graded school 
with a full academic course. The first annual commence- 
ment was held June SO, 1869, at which time four students 
were graduated and received diplomas. A cla.ss of eleven 
graduated in 1870. It was during this year that Prof. 
Balcam urged the necessity of providing better facilities 
forthe accommodation of pupils, and advocated the erec- 
tion of an academy that should be worthy of the growing 
and enterprising village. At his urgent solicitation a meet- 
ing was called and held on the 26th of August, 1870, which 
was attended by the tax-payers of the village. The board 
of education were authorized to raise by tax $25,000, with 
which to commence the building, — only nine di.ssenting 
votes being cast. The board at this time consisted of the 
following-named gentlemen : Hiram Pritchard, Samuel C. 
Robertson, George W. Patterson, Jr., Lewis C. Kingsbury, 
George Hitchcock, and Charles G. Denison. Such a lib- 
eral public spirit as was manifested at the meeting greatly 
encouraged the board of education, and they proceeded at 
once to carry into efl'ect the wishes of the people. Nine 
large village lots were purchased on Third Street, Walnut 
Street dividing them, locating four lots upon one side where 
the building stands, and five upon the other to be devoted 
to a park and play-ground. A general plan was drawn up 
by Prof. Balcam and Mr. Patterson, which was given to 
Mr. S. F. Eveleth, architect, of New York, who prepared 
the construction plans. The building was .so far completed 
as to be occupied on the 1st of September, 1873. The 
cost of its erection was about $70,000. 

We herewith append a brief description of this noble 
building, of which the citizens of Corning justly feel 
proud. It is of red brick ornamented with stone, having 
a very fine outside architectural appearance. The founda- 
tion is 70 by 100 feet, exclusive of a small wing in which 
are located the boiler for steam-lieating apparatus and closets. 
The building being located on the side-hill there is a sub- 
cellar basement in which is the coal-room and the furnace. 
Above is the basement proper, and is entered from the rear 
of the building, opening into a reception-room elegantly 
carpeted and furnished. In the rear are six rooms occu- 
pied by the janitor and his family. To the right of the.se 
is a large corridor, through the centre of the basement, 
106 by 16 feet, connecting by an arch-way with two other 
large basement rooms, each 45 by 35, which, being heated 
by steam, are used for play-rooms during unpleasant weather. 
From the corridor are halls leading to the closets and into 
the wing in which is located the chemical laboratory, a 
room 35 by 30. Ascending one flight of stairs the visitor 
is ushered into, first, a hall in the tower in which the stair- 
ways are located, both in front and rear, except that the 
rear tower only rises to the second story while that in front 
is 102 feet from the ground to the summit. The outer 
doors, each having storm-doors, open into the tower halls 
or vestibules, and these communicate with ante-rooms, 16 
by 21. From these ante-rooms the school-rooms, contain- 
ing 60 seats each, are entered. The first and second floors 
being divided precisely the same, it is only necessary to de- 
scribe one of them, except the seats are larger as we go 
from the primary through to the academical rooms. The 



first floor is devoted to the primary and secondary depart- 
ments. There are four rooms on each floor, 26 by 40 feet. 
Each room has two wardrobe-rooms, 8 by 8 feet. The two 
rooms on the ea.'it and the two on the west side of the 
building communicate with each other by large folding- 
doors. Passing to the third floor we enter the academical 
room, 39 by 08 feet, and containing 150 seats. From this 
room the principal is in direct communication with every 
department both by speaking-tubes and signal-bells. The 
school-rooms are all furnished with Chase's single desks, 
iron frames with folding seats, the woodwork all being of 
fine cherry. The flooring throughout the building is of oak, 
and all deadened so that the noise of one department does 
not disturb the exercises of another. Every room in the 
building contains gas-burners, 100 in all, and the school- 
rooms, while abundantly supplied with windows, can be 
darkened by the inside blinds attached to each. The vesti- 
bules contain seats and are warmed, so that pupils arriving 
early may be comfortable in the coldest of weather. All 
the departments are most elegantly finished and furnished, 
and it is altogether one of the most complete school-build- 
ings in the State. A large number of volumes and geolog- 
ical specimens have already been placed in the library and 
cabinet-rooms which occupy the upper floor of the building, 
and ascending another flight of stairs we enter the clock- 
room, where a tine, large clock, with four dials, occupies 
this story in the tower. Still another flight, and we stand 
by the deep-toned bell which calls the youth of Corning 
to these halls, and hourly, day and night, rings out the 
hours. This bell weighs 2500 pounds, and bears the fol- 
lowing in.scription, cast in the bell : 

"MENEELY BELL FOUNDRY, WEST TROY. 

CORNING FREE ACADEMY. 

A.D. 1873. 

HinASr PRITCHARD, 

SAMDEL C. ROBERTSON, 

GEO. W. PATTERSON, JR., 

LEWIS C. KINGSBURY, 

GEORGE HITCHCOCK, 

CHAS. G. DENISON. 

BOARD OF EDUCATION. 

JOHN N. HUNGERFORD, Treasurer ; 

GEO. E. EATON, Secretary ; 

H. A. BALCAM, M.A., Principal," 

It would be an act of injustice not to mention in this 
connection the valuable services of Mr. Geo. W. Patterson, 
Jr., one of the Board of Education. From the first incep- 
tion of the work to its completion and occupancy he gave 
up all other business, and devoted his whole time and atten- 
tion to the enterprise. Every piece of timber and every 
portion of the work was personally inspected by him. Hia 
valuable counsel and individual efibrt cannot be estimated 
pecuniarily. And all this without any other fee or reward 
than the consciousness of rendering a valuable public service. 

Prof Balcam remained in charge of the schools till June 
29, 1876. On the 4th of September, 1876, Prof A. Gay- 
lord Slocum, A.B., a graduate of Rochester University, 
assumed charge, and is the present superintendent and 
principal of the academy. 



2C4 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Sfafislics. — Since the establisliuiont of "llie academic de- 
paitment 120 have graduated, as follows: 4 in 1869 ; 11 
in 1870; 17 in 1872; 22 in 1873; 12 in 1874; 18 in 
1875; 27 in 1876; and 9 in 1878. Tiie assessed valua- 
tion of property in the district is $1,473,049. Total amount 
expended for school purposes for the year ending Sept. 30, 
1878, ^15,599.56. Number of school age in the district, 
1386. Attendants, 1076. Whole number of days taught, 
115,328. 

The First Street School employs 5 teachers and has 387 
pupils. 

Board of Jiistructioii, 18l8-7d. — A. Gaylord Slocum, ' 
A.M., Principal and Superintendent; Sanford F. Huntley, 
B.S., First Assistant; Miss Maggie C. Milne, Second As- 
sistant ; Miss Carrie W. Coates, First Grammar Department ; 
Miss Ella L. Mallory, Second Grammar Department ; Miss 
Sarah A. Ferenbaugh,* First Intermediate Department ; 
Miss Bessie Spencer,* Second Intermediate Department ; 
Miss Lucy M. Berry,* First Secondary Department; Miss 
Sarah A. Saunders,* Second Secondary Department; Miss 
L. A. Robertson, First Primary Department ; Miss Sarah 
S. Eaton,* Second Primary Department. 

First Street School. — Miss M. D. McCaffrey, Grammar 
Department ; Miss M. D. Clancey, Intermediate Depart- 
ment ; Miss M. I. Regan, Secondary Department; Miss M. 
C. Bergen, Primary Department ; Miss M. J. Stafford, 
Second Primary Department. 

Board of Education, 1878-79. — A. S. Kendall, Presi- 
dent; Geo. Hitchcock, Secretary; Q. W. Willington, Treas- 
urer; Chas. G. Denison, A. H. Gorton, E. D. Mills, S. T. 
Hayt, E. Clisdell. 

CORNING LIBRARY. 

At a meeting held on the 25th of February, 1873, the 
Corning Library was organized under the general law, with 
the following officers : C. H. Thomson, President ; George 
W. Pratt, Vice-President; H. A. Balcam, Secretary; J. N. 
Hungerford, Treasurer ; Mrs. A. B. Maynard, Librarian. 
A handsome one-story building, suited for the library, was 
erected on Erie Avenue, and the library was opened to the 
public on the 4th of February, 1874. Its growth has been 
rapid, and it is undoubtedly one of the most prosperous and 
beneficial institutions of the village. By the payment of 
two dollars per year any person can become a subscriber, 
which entitles him to draw from the library such books as 
he may desire to read, subject, of course, to the rules of the 
association, which are very liberal, and intended to promote 
reading and selfculturc among the masses of tlie people. 
The library now contains 6500 volumes, carefully selected 
for general reading, and embracing many rare and valuable 
books of reference. The following-named persons constitute 
the present board of trustees : C. H. Thomson, Wm. Walker, 
Geo. T. Spencer, Q. W. Willington, S. T. .Hayt, Geo. W. 
Pratt, Jno. N. Hungerford, C. C. B. Walker, J. B. Graves, 
H. Pritchard, Ales. Olcott, Geo. B. Bradley, Henry B. 
Noyes. The two last named having succeeded Wm. D. 
Turbell and H. A. Balcam, of the first board. C. H. Thom- 
son, President; G. W. Pratt, Vice-President; William 

"^ Graduates of the Corning Free Academy. 



Walker, Secretary; J. N. Hungerford, Treasurer; Hon. 
George T. Spencer, Historian ; Miss F. Maynard, Librarian. 

CORNING WATER-WORKS. 

In pursuance of a special act of the Legislature, the 
board of the village of Corning, in 1870, inaugurated a 
movement for the .supply of the village with water. At 
the annual election in 1871, the people authorized "the 
newly-elected board to issue the bonds of the village for the 
construction of water-works. Charles G. Denison, presi- 
dent of the village, and A. H. Gorton were appointed the 
supervising committee, who purchased a piece of land for a 
re.servoir, at the head of Pine Street, 210 feet above the 
village, and entered into a contract with the Gloucester 
Iron-Works, of Philadelphia, to construct the reservoir and 
lay the necessary pipes. The work was completed at the 
contract price, $20,000, in September, 1872, including the 
reservoir, 2126 feet of 8-inch pipe, 3225 feet of 6-inch 
pipe, 3434 feet of 4-inch pipe, 268 feet of 3-inch pipe, 20 
branches, 22 hydrants, 12 stop-valves, plugs, caps, etc. 
This arrangement has been found very effective for fire 
purposes, the natural force of the water through an inch 
and a quarter nozzle throwing a stream 120 feet perpen- 
dicular, or five streams far above the highest building in 
the village. In case of a deficiency of water in extreme 
dry weather, a pumping apparatus has been established at 
a never-failing pond of beautiful clear spring water, in the 
lower part of the village. The reservoir on the hill is .sup- 
plied with water from the creek, known as Monkey Run, 
and is sufficient for all purposes except in very dry weather. 
Since the original construction of the works, about $15,000 
have been expended upon them in the form of repairs and 
improvements, making the total cost as they now stand 
about $35,000. It is safe to say that Corning is favored 
with a system of water-works seldom enjoyed even by large 
cities. 

On the 1st of January, 1877, the village corporation 
transferred the Corning water-works to Messrs. H. C. Heer- 
mans and T. L. Lawrence, lessees, for thirty years. H. C. 
Heermans, Superintendent ; T. L. Lawrence, Engineer. 

CORNING GAS COMPANY. 
The Corning Gas Company was incorporated Aug. 1, 
1862. The officers are L. C. Kingsbury, President; C. S. 
Cole, Secretary; F. D. Kingsbury, Treasurer; and R. E. 
Cole, Superintendent. 

CHURCHES. 

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OP CORNING. 

This church was organized at Knoxville, about 1810, 
and was originally known as the " Presbyterian Church of 
Painted Post." Its first house of worship was built at 
Knoxville in 1832, the church having up to that time held 
services in the school-house. The second edifice was erected 
in the village of Corning, and was dedicated April 28, 1842. 
The year following, by action of the Presbytery, the name 
was changed to the First Presbyterian Church of Corning, 
and the organization was soon after incorporated, with the 
following-named persons as trustees : Bradford A. Potter, 
James A. Hayt, and Charles R. Tisdale. 




W.W. WORMLEY 



WILLIAM W. WORMLEY. 



Samuel Wormley, son of John Wormley, was born in Cumber- 
land Co., Pa., Aug. 14, 1796, and settled in the town of Corning, 
formerly Painted Post, Steuben Co., N. Y., about 1815 or 1816, 
within two miles of the place now owned by his son, William W. 
He was a farmer and lumberman by occupation, and endured all 
the privations incident to a pioneer life. He was one of the rep- 
resentative farmers of his time, and owned some three hundred and 
fifty acres of the best land in the town. In politics he was a Jack- 
son Democrat. He became a member of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church a short time before his death. 

He married Sally, daughter of Joseph Gillctt, In 1818. She was 
born Dec. 2, 1797. Of this union six children — live sons and one 
daughter — were horn, viz. : Henry, now in Illinois ; Joseph G., a 
resident of Steuben County ; Minerva, now a resident of Geneva, 
N. Y. J William W., the subject of this sketch ; George (deceased) ; 
and John G., who is living in Michigan. Mrs. Samuel Wormley 
died Aug. 10, 1852, and was buried in the cemetery near Corning. 

Mr. Wormley married a Mrs. Hannah Wolf, a resident of 
Seneca Co., N. Y., for his second wife. At the time of his death, 
and for many years previous, he was a citizen of Seneca County, 
within five miles of Seneca Falls. He died Feb. 14, 1868, and was 
buried by the side of his first wife. 

William W. Wormley, son of Samuel and Sally Wormley, was 
born in the town of Corning, Steuben Co., N. Y., July 19, 1824. 
He was reared on the farm, which honorable business he has suc- 
cessfully followed to the present time. He commenced life poor, 
receiving but a small sum from his father, but by untiring energy 
and frugality he has become one of the large and substantial 
farmers of his town and county. The winters have been spent 
lumbering ; thus his life, like many others in the county, has been 
farming aiid lumbering. He owns more than four hundred acres 
of land, the greater part of which lies along the river, in the 



beautiful valley below the village of Corning. His improvements 
are good. A view of his buildings can be seen opposite. Ho has 
always been a firm Democrat in politics, but of late so far favors 
the movements of the Greenback party as to believe it would be 
for the best interest of the country if the national banks were 
done away with, and their issue of $324,000,000 replaced by as 
many greenbacks as it takes bonds placed with the controller of 
the currency to secure the issue of said national bank notes. We 
would then have $360,000,000 instead of $324,000,000, thus add- 
ing $36,000,000 to the circulation, and saving to the country the 
interest on f 360,000, (X)0 of bonds. 

He married Mary D., daughter of Horace and Malinda Westcott, 
July 25, 1849. She was born in Chenango Co., N. Y., June 8, 
1826, and settled in Steuben County with her parents in 1839. 

As the result of the above alliance three children have been 
born, namely, — Mandame M., who married Le Roy Miller, and 
now resides on a farm in the town of Corning; Prank P., who 
married Emma Van Kurin, and now resides on the farm with his 
parents ; and Miss Carrie, at home with her parents. 

We append the following in reference to Horace Westcott : He 
was a native of Connecticut, and settled when a boy in Norwich, 
Chenango Co., N. Y., in company with his parents, and continued 
to reside there till 1839, when he settled in Caton, Steuben Co., 
with his family. He was a farmer by occupation, and by perse- 
verance and frugality gained a competency. His golden wedding 
was celebrated several years ago by his children, grandchildren, 
and friends. He has three children, viz. : Mrs. Wm. W. Worm- 
ley, and Mrs. H. D. Smith, both of Corning; and Dr. N. S. West- 
cott, 360 Bleeckor Street, New York City. His widow still lives- 
He died Dec. 31, 1878, aged seventy-seven years. He was a tender 
and aftectionate husband and father, a kind and obliging neighbor, 
a true and warm-hearted friend, and an honest man. 



TOWN OF CORNING. 



2(55 



In 1SG7 the present beautiful church edifice was built, 
at a cost of $:56,000. 

This church, when first organized, was under the juris- 
diction of the Presbytery of Geneva, afterwards of Bath, 
then it was transferred to the Presbytery of Chemung, and 
is now within the bounds of the Presbytery of Steuben. It 
was organized by Rev. John Niies, of Bath. The first 
settled pastor was Rev. Clement Hickman, who was installed 
Aug. 25, 1812, and resigned in 1816. From that time till 
1821 the church was without a pastor, but was kept alive 
by a few devoted and faithful Christian women, who main- 
tained the prayer-meeting and the Sunday-school. Among 
these were the late Mrs. Wm. Bonham, of Painted Post, 
and the late Mrs. Ann McCali, of Bath. The superintend- 
ents of the Sabbath-school were Mrs. Ann McCall and Miss 
Maria Knox, afterwards the wife of Mr. John McBurney. 
The successor of Rev. Clement Hickman was Rev. Thomas 
Lounsbury, whose field of labor embraced several settle- 
ments, extending from Big Flats to Campbell, and who 
numbered among his hearers the settlers on JMud Creek. 

The pastors who have served this church from the first 
are the following; Rev. Clement Hickman, 1812-16 ; Rev. 
Thomas Lounsbury, 1821-23 ; Rev. Mr. Gilbert, 1823-25; 
Rev. Reuben Sanborn, 1826-27; Rev. David Harrower, 
1827-29 ; Rev. David Higgins, D.D., 1829-31 ; Rev. John 
Barton, 1832-35; Rev. John Smith, 1835-38; Rev. F. 
W. Graves, 1838; Rev. Samuel M. Hopkins, D.D., 1840- 
42 ; Rev. Joshua B. Graves, 1842-47 ; Rev. Job Pierson, 
1847-49; Rev. A. L. Brooks, 1849-51 ; Rev. Robert E. 
Wilson, 1851-55; Rev. Darwin Chichester, 1856-59; 
Rev. William A. Niles, D.D., 1859-72 ; Rev. Anson G. 
Chester, 1872-75; Rev. M. L. P. Hill, 1875-79. 

SECOND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 

In the spring of 1845 a second Presbyterian Church was 
established in Corning. The original members, numbering 
46, were regularly dismissed from the old church to form 
the new organization, which was formed by the Presbytery 
of Chemung, Nov. 20, 1845. Their house of worship was 
built on the north side of Erie Avenue, corner of Wall 
Street, and was familiarly known as the Old Tabernacle. 
Rev. Horatio Pattengill, D.D., was the only pastor. The 
two churches were united on the 2d of April, 1849. 

CHRIST CHURCH, EPISCOPAL. 

The parish of Christ Church. Corning, was organized on 
the 2d of April, 1841, by Rev. Richard Smith. Jonathan 
Fellows was chosen senior warden, and John Miller junior 
warden, with the following vestrymen : Hiram W. Bostwick, 
Laurin Mallory, Thomas A. Johnson, Philander J. Mallory, 
Nelson L. Somers, Jonah Davis, Wm. J. Arnold, and Seely 
Brownell. 

The Corning Company donated a lot on West Market 
Street, on which a chapel was built and occupied for wor- 
ship till the present church was erected in 1854. The 
edifice occupies a pleasant and desirable site on the corner 
of Walnut Street and Erie Avenue. It is built of stone 
in the Norman-Gothic style of architecture, and cost, as at 
present completed, about $25,000. 

Several influential families outside of Corning are con- 
34 



nected with the parish. The rectors who have officiated 
are the following, in the order named : Revs. Richard 
Smith, M. A. Nickerson, Justice Field, James Eaton, G. 
M. Skinner, F. J. R. Lightbourn, N. Barrows, E. Z. Lewis, 
L. D. Ferguson, Lucius Sweetland, Wm. Montgomery, 
Joseph Hunter, E. S. Wilson, S. R. Fuller. 

Present Wardens. — Nelson L. Somers, Corning ; David 
Curtis, Painted Post. 

Vestrymen. — A. Houghton, Jr., A. Lathrop, Jr., John 
Hoare, William Walker, E. C. Maltby, S. B. Wellington, 
J. B. Maltby, Zerah Todd. 

METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH OP CORNING. 

The first circuit preacher. Rev. Joseph Pearsall, received 
his appointment to Painted Post Circuit from the Genesee 
Conference in 1832. The Corning Circuit, including 
Caton, was organized in 1839, and Corning became a station 
in 1847. The Corning class in 1833, and for several years 
following, held its meetings in the school-house at Little 
Flats. The first church edifice was erected in 1839. It 
was located on the south side of First Street, a little east 
of where the court-house now stands, and was supplied with 
a bell presented by Mrs. Erastus Corning. Chandler 
Wheeler and Thomas S. Davis were the preachers at that 
time. The trustees were Jo.seph Gillett, Sr. , H. G. Phelps, 
B. P. Bailey, Jesse Clark, and H. W. Bostwick. Among 
the members were Jesse Clark, Class-Leader; Eliza Clark, 
H. G. Phelps, Hannah Phelps, James Lawry, Ann Lawry, 
Mrs. C. Wheeler, John A. Parcell, Caroline Parcell, R. W. 
Gladwin, Elizabeth Gladwin, Warren Starkey, Sophia 
Starkey, David Spencer, Grace Rhodes, B. P. Bailey, 
Martha Bailey, Rebecca Simpson, and later, Hiram Pritch- 
ard, Lucinda Pritchard, Mary Lee, Mary Phelps, Adelia 
Tifiany, Maria Van Deusen, Hannah Rhodes, Charles S. 
Bailey, Eliza Rich, and Harriet Land. 

The presiding elders were appointed as follows : Manly 
Tooker, 1832; Benjamin Shepman, 1836; Jonas Dodge, 
1837 ; J. H. Wallace, 1838 ; Jonas Dodge, 1841 ; Thomas 
Carlton, 1844 ; William Hosraer, 1846; Nathan Fellows, 
1848 ; H. N. Seaver, 1852 ; Porter McKinstry, 1855 ; S. 
L. Congdon, 1859 ; J. G. Gulick, 1867 ; Thomas Tousey, 
1874; Luke C. Queal, 1875; E. T.Green, 1877. 

Ministers. — Joseph Pearsall, 1832 ; Joseph Chapman, 
1833; William Hosmer and Daniel Fellows, 1835 ; Mar- 
shall St. John, 1835-36 ; Noble Palmeter and Ira Brown- 
son, 1837 ; Chandler Wheeler and Charles S. Davis, 1838 ; 
Ambrose Abbott, 1839 ; Charles S. Davis, 1840 ; Amos 
Hard and Charles L. Bowne, 1841 ; Hanford Colborn and 

Trowbridge, 1843 ; J. V. Mapes, 1843; E. B. Fuller, 

1844 ; E. E. Chambers, 1846 ; T. B. Hudson, 1847 ; John 
Wiley, 1848; H. N. Seaver, 1849; Jonathan Watts, 
1850 ; Theodore McElheney, 1852 ; David Nutten, 1853 ; 
Alpha Wright, 1855; A. S. Baker, 1856; J. Raines, 
1858; J. T. Arnold, 1860; Thomas Tousey, 1862; R. 
Hogeboom, 1863; J. K. Tuttle, 1865; S. L. Congdon, 
1866-68; C. P. Hard, 1868; Thomas Stacy, 1871 ; J. P. 
Farmer, 1873; A. S Durston (local supply), 1873; A. 
N. Damon, 1874; G. W. Chandler, 1877; J. V. Benham, 
1878. 

In the fall of 1860 the subscription for the new church 



266 



HISTOEY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



was circulated by the pastor, llev. J. T. x\rnold. He was 
not only pastor, but the successful financier of the enter- 
prise. The church is a commodious briclc structure, with 
a capacity for seating about 700, and has recently been re- 
modeled and refitted at a cost of about §1200. 

Rev. Dr. William Hosmer, pastor of this church in 1835, 
has since been for many years editor and manager of the 
Northern Christian Advocate aud Northern Independent, 
at Auburn, N. Y. 

ST. Mary's (catholic) church. 

The first services of the Catholic Church were held in 
Corning in 1812, by Rev. Patrick Bradley, then residing at 
Geneva, N. Y. At that time there were not more than 
three or four Catholic families residing in the place. Rev. 
Mr. Bradley vi.sited Corning about three or four times a 
year, till 1S45 or 1840, when he was succeeded by Rev. 
John Sheridan, from Owogo, who visited the place five or 
six times a year, till the year 1847. From this time till 
1849 services were held about once a month. The com- 
mencement of the Eric Railway at this time began to in- 
crea.se the Catholic population of Corning, but they were 
chiefly poor laboring men. 

In 1849, Rev. Mr. Sheridan commenced the erection of 
a small frame church, and when it was finished. Corning 
was visited monthly from Elmira till the year 1850, in 
which year Rev. John Boyle and Rev. Mr. Cunningham, 
of Elmira, paid visits to the parish monthly, and sometimes 
twice a month, till 1852. Rev. Mr. Cunningham was then 
appointed the first resident clergyman of Corning, and 
remained till December, 1860, visiting the missions at Ad- 
dison and Bath. During his time the little church at, 
Corning was considerably enlarged, and a church built at 
Addison. The Catholics of Corning also built a school- 
house during this year. 

In December, 1860, Rev. Peter Colgan was appointed 
pastor of the Corning mission, including the villages of 
Corning and Addison, and vicinity. He immediately took 
measures for the permanent establishment and effective sup- 
port of the Catholic school, calling a meeting Dec. 16, 18G0, 
at which a committee was appointed, the village divided 
into several small districts, and the heads of Catholic fam- 
ilies taxed according to their means to support the school, 
to which proposition the entire congregation agreed. In- 
temperance was also declared to be an evil which was de- 
stroying the peace and happiness of many families, and a 
temperance society was organized, Jan. lo, 1861. Also, 
at the same time, a benevolent society was formed. 

The first confirmation was held by the Rt.-Rev. Bishop, 
October 5, 1862, twelve adult persons being confirmed. 
St. Mary's Cemetery was at the same time consecrated by 
the bishop. 

Nov. 22, 1863, Rt.-Rev. Bishop Timon visited the 
church and confirmed 112 persons. 

On the 10th of June, 1866, the corner-stone of the new 
St. Mary's church was laid, and during the same day Rt.- 
Rev. Bishop Timon confirmed 203 persons. 

The cost of the new St. Mary's church was about 
$65,000, including the parochial residence. It is not yet 
finished in accordance with the original plan, the spire not 



being built at this writing (Feb., 1879). The Catholic 
population of Corning is about 2000 ; about 500 more are 
included in the country part of the parish, which embraces 
Big Flats, Caton, Hornby, Lindley, and part of Erwin. A 
large frame building has been erected for the school, which, 
in October, 1862, Rev. Mr. Colgan succeeded in placing 
under the State law, so as to entitle to a share of the State 
and district money.- The attendance at the school is 380 
pupils, and it employs 5 teachers. In 1868, St. Joseph's 
Orphan Asylum was opened in a small frame building, pur- 
chased by Rev. Mr. Colgan, in September, 1864. The Sis- 
ters of Mercy, who have charge of the orphanage, are also 
teachers of the female department of the school. 

In 1873 the State Arsenal building was sold by the Slate, 
and was purchased by Rev. Mr. Colgan, with the site, in- 
cluding four acres of land, at a cost of §12,000, and con- 
verted into an asylum and convent, where the Sisters reside. 
An additional sum of $3000 was expended in fitting up 
the place. Ten orphans arc now in the asylum, where they 
are cared for till places can be had for them in good families, 
when they are sent out and others taken in their stead. 

BAPTIST CHURCH. 

The Baptist Church of Corning was organized Aug. 24, 
1842, with 24 original members. E. D. Fish and D. Baker 
were chosen deacons, and J. Clark clerk. 

The church edifice was erected, and dedicated May 8, 
1850. 

Since the organization of the church the following pas- 
tors have officiated : Rev. B. R. Swich, Rev. Luke Davis, 
llev. A. H. Starkweather, Rev. Charles Morton, Rev. H. F. 
Hill, Rev. George Starkweather, Rev. Mr. Barnes, Rev. 
D. Van Alstine, Rev. F. R. Fowler, and Rev. James P. 
Thorns, the present pastor. 

The present membership of the church is 137 ; Sunday- 
school, 139. 

There is also a Free-Will Baptist Church in Corning, 
which was organized in 1865. 

PHYSICIANS. 

The first physician who settled at Corning was Dr. Wil- 
liam Turbell, who is still a resident of the village. Dr. 
Turbell was born at Southampton, Long Island, in the 
year 1798, and is a graduate of the College of Physicians 
and Surgeons of New York, in the class of 1826. 

Dr. Seely Brownell was the next physician, who prac- 
ticed a few years, and was succeeded by Dr. N. M. Her- 
rington in September, 1844. 

Dr. Corbett Peebles, who had formerly practiced in 
Knuxvillo, came to Corning about 1842. He practiced 
till about April 1, 1844, when he removed to Big Flats, 
where he has since resided. 

Dr. Hoffman was also an early practitioner in Corning. 
He practiced here a short time in 1844. 

Dr. N. M. Herrington, who is still in active practice in 
the village, came here as a physician in September, 1844. 
He was born in Burlington, Otsego Co., N. Y , in 1812, 
and graduated at Castleton, Vt., in 1837. He has been 
a constant practitioner in this village for more than thirty- 
four years. 




Dr. Joshua B. Graves was born in Bridport, Addison Co., Vt., 
Dec. 14, 1806. 

His father, Increase Graves, was clergyman of the Congregational 
Church, and for forty years was pastor of one church at Bridport, Vt., 
remaining there until his death, which occurred at the age of eighty 
years. 

His mother, whose maiden name was Stetson, sister of the first of 
the name who kept the Astor House of New York City, died at the 
age of upwards of eighty years at Bridport, Vt. 

Dr. Graves spent his minority until he was eighteen on the farm 
and attending common school. He received an academical education 
at Castleton, Vt., remaining there one and a half years. 

About the time of reaching his majority he entered the Vermont 
Academy of Medicine, under Prof. Woodward, from which he was 
graduated M.D. in the year 1828, having been for two years previous 
to his graduation assistant surgeon in the surgical and anatomical 
departments of that institution. 

Dr. Graves commenced the practice of medicine in the city of Troy, 
N. Y., where he remaine<l for five years For the fallowing two years 
he was a student of theology with N. S. S. Beaman, D.D., and at the 
end of that time was ordained in his father's pulpit in Vermont, and 
was successively a pastor of a church at Stockbridge, Mass., for one 
year; for one year at Otego, N. Y. ; for two years at Deposit, N, Y, ; 
and five years at Honesdale, Pa.; and in the year 1S42 settled in 
Corning, N. Y., and was pastor of the Presbyterian Church of this 
place for three years. 

During the first year after coming to Corning he resumed the 
practice of medicine and surgery, and has remained in the practice 
of his chosen profession until the present time. His ride extends 
through nut only Steuben County, but in adjacent counties, and espe- 
cially in surgery he is called to distant localities. In this particular 
branch Dr. Graves has excelled for many years, and is known for 
his skill in successful operations in all the various departments of 
surgery, and very especially in Ovariotomy, having saved five cases 
out of seven. Dr. Graves is said to have performed the only opera- 
tion of Caaarean Section in Steuben County, which occurred in 1855, 
a record of which may be found in the American Journal of Obstet- 



rics, vol. iv., published in 1872. He is a member of the Steuben 
County Medical Society, a permanent member of the State Medical 
Society, and honorary member of the Meigs and Mason Medical 
Society, of Ohio. 

For his first wife he married Armitta L, Davis, of Troy, N. Y. Of 
this union he has one surviving daughter, Mrs. John Myers. 

His wife died in 1845, and the same year he married Mrs. Maria 
A. Mills, of Corning. Of this marriage one daughter survives, Mrs. 
William S. Green. Mrs. Graves died in June, 1872, and in the year 
187;^, Aug. 28, he married Alice E. Lyman, of Iowa. They have an 
adopted son, Charles Richard Graves. 

Dr. Graves has always ranked at the head of the medical profession 
in the vicinity where he resides, and his thorough knowledge and 
skill in medicine and surgery has led others to seek his counsel in 
diftieult cases, and particularly is he called upon in a legal way to 
give testimony as an expert in cases requiring actual knowledge and 
experience in difficult cases. 

Dr. Graves has gained much notoriety, and his jiublications have 
received favorable notice from critics, as they have appeared from 
time to time in the various journals of the State and United States; 
and his counsels in many cases have added much to standard works 
on medical science, and will be highly valued by the younger mem- 
bers of the fraternity. 

He has been for several terms a trustee and president of the village 
of Corning, and also trustee and president of the Board of Education, 
and originated and wrote the first charter of the village. 

Generally, Dr. Graves has been connected with the Democratic 
party, and was the unsuccessful candidate for the State Legislature 
about the close of the war, and also for the State Senate in 1869, his 
party being in the minority some three thousand. 

He was appointed the first surgeon in the Twenty-ninth Congres- 
sional District for the examination of recruits at Elmira, at the 
beginning of the war of the Rebellion, and formed the first 
Board of Examiners in the State; and, through the recommendation 
of Gen. A. S. Diven, Dr. Graves' plan for the examination 
was adopted through the western and central portions of the 
State. 



TOWN OF CORNING. 



267 



Dr. George W. Pratt, best known as the veteran editor 
of the Corning Journal, was among the early practicing 
physicians of this vilhige. Dr. Pratt was born in Milo 
Yates Co., N. Y., in 1821. His father, Joel B. Pratt, 
came to Painted Post, and settled at the mills, a mile below 
Corning, in 1834. Dr. Pratt began his medical studies with 
Dr. William Turbell, of Corning ; he then studied about 
two years with Dr. Boynton, at Elmira, and graduated at 
the Medical College at Geneva, N. Y., in January, 1845. 
In March of that year he commenced practice in Corning, 
and practiced till September, 1849, when he removed to 
Mar-shall, Mich., where be practiced and edited a paper till 
April, 1851, and then returned to Corning and practiced 
medicine here till 1853, when he bought out Mr. McDow- 
ell, and became fully engrossed in the Corning Journal, of 
which he had become editor and one-third proprietor, in 
July, 1851. 

Dr. J. B. Graves is one of the oldest practitioners in the 
village. He was born in Bridport, Vt., in 1806, graduated 
at Castleton, in that State, in 1828, and practiced medicine 
in the city of Troy. In 1842 he came to Corning, and in 
1843 began a successful medical practice, which he still 
continues. (See biography of Dr. Graves.) 

Dr. Charles M. Graves, son of Dr. J. B. Graves, a grad- 
ate of the University of Kentucky, practiced in Corning 
about five years prior to his death. 

Dr. A. T. Mills is a native of Corning, and graduate of 
the Medical University of New York. In 1863 he com- 
menced practice with Dr. Graves, and has continued ever 
since. 

Dr. W. S. Purdy was a former resident and practitioner 
at Bradford and Addison, and settled in Corning in 1869. 
He was born in Newburgh, N. Y., and graduated at Geneva 
in 1S33. 

Dr. A. M. Gamman graduated at the New York Medical 
College in 1876, and settled as a physician in Corning the 
same year. 

Dr. William J. Bryan settled in Corning in 1869, and 
practiced here till his death, in July, 1877. He was a 
graduate of the Homoeopathic Medical College at Cleveland. 

Dr. E. W. Bryan, brother of the above, and gi-aduate of 
the same college, began practice here in October, 1877, and 
until November, 1878, was in partnership with Dr. Gamman. 

Dr. Eber Van Keuren, formerly practicing at Bath and 
Hammondsport, settled in Corning in February, 1877. He 
graduated at the Berkshire Medical College, Pittsfield, Mass., 
in 1845. 

Dr. George Hallenbeck commenced practice as a phy- 
sician in Corning, in 1876. He is a graduate of the Med- 
ical Department of the University of New York, in cla.ss of 
1875-76. 

Dr. J. D. Gilbert is in practice at Knoxville. 

Dr. Benedict, deceased ; Dr. N. R. Seeley, now in El- 
mira; Dr. R. H. Gilbert, of New York City, the original 
projector of the Metropolitan Elevated Railway of New 
York ; and Dr. J. N. Skelton, formerly practiced in Corn- 
ing. 

FIRES IN CORNING. 

On the 18th of May, 1850, the noon strokes of the 
tower-clock in the old Presbyterian church steeple were 



continued by a din of alarm-bells, and a dense volume of 
black smoke rose above the roof of the Corning House, 
from the shops of the Corning and Blossburg Railroad. 
The flames immediately communicated with the Corning 
House, which in an incredibly short time was wrapped in 
fire. There was no effective fire-apparatus in the village. 
The wind, strong when the fii-e broke out, soon increased 
to a gale. The flames from the Corning House leaped the 
streets in every direction, and sealed the doom of the busi- 
ness portion of the place. Building after building went 
under till not a store nor a shop nor a public-house, we 
believe, remained standing when the disastrous day closed. 
This catastrophe is known in local history as the " great 
fire." To this day trees may be seen on the south side of 
Erie Avenue with their front sides scarred with the ex- 
treme heat. 

In the spring of 1851 a .second large fire occurred, start- 
ing in the barns of the old Clinton House, and destroying 
nearly all property on the north side of the street to the 
Dickinson House. 

On the 30th of June, 1856, a most disastrous conflagra- 
tion again swept the western portion of the business street. 
The fire broke out in the old foundry of Payne & Olcott, 
about half-past four o'clock in the afternoon, and burned 
till near midnight, sweeping both sides of iMarkct Street 
for nearly a whole block each way. It passed over to Erie 
Avenue, and destroyed several dwellings, stopping only after 
the most laborious exertions to stay its progress in the rear 
of the present Erie Station and Arcade Block. The loss 
in this fire was set down at $150,000. The two fire- 
engines did good service, but assistance from Bath was 
called in. 

Again, on the 16th of July following, the eastern por- 
tion of Market Street was laid in ashes. The fire started 
in the large wood-built Dyer Block, at three o'clock in the 
morning, and was not got under control till some time after 
daylight. Property to the amount of $125,000 was de- 
stroyed. Many of the fine brick stores which had risen 
on the ashes of the great fire of 1 850 were among the first 
to succumb. 

Subsequently fire swept through where now is the 
Arcade Block, destroying a fine stone flouring-mill on the 
site of the present Erie Passenger Depot, which was re- 
moved from the extreme west end of town. 

Other minor fires have visited the devoted town, till it 
has seemed almost a hopeless task for the people to rebuild. 
Yet, in the face of discouragements and disasters seldom 
equaled in a place no larger and within so short a number 
of years, the good village has reached, if not yet the fur- 
thermost expectation of its founders, yet a place of enduring 
and growing importance among the towns of the Southern 
Tier. The trials of its people have not been endured with- 
out triumphs, and there has been an active, determined 
spirit on the part of its citizens to build up its institutions 
on a firm and prosperous foundation. 

MASONIC RECORD. 

We find in the lodge at Corning the following memo- 
randum, furnished by the late Philo P. Hubbell, of the 
oldest Masonic organization in Steuben County : 



208 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY. NEW YORK. 



"Ezra Ames, Grand High Priest of Grand Royal Arch Chapter 
of the State of New York, issued a Dispensation for a Lodge of * Mark 
Masters' (Royal Arch Chapter first degree) to Frederick Stewart, 
Robert Campbell, John Knox, Ansel McCall, Archa Campbell, Solo- 
mon Campbell, Sr., and Nehemiah Hubbell, to open a lodge in 
Painted Post, under the name of ' Steuben Mark Master Lodge, No. 
— .' Frederick Stewart, First blaster ; Solomon Campbell, Sr., Senior 
Warden; John Knox. Junior Warden. 

"Dated City of Albany, Sept. 23, a.l. 5806, a.d. 1806." 

SYMBOLIC MASONRY. 

Painted Post Lodge, No. 117.- — From records in the 
possession of this lodge at Corning, it appears that the 
lodge was instituted in June, 1808, under the name of 
Painted Post Lodge, No. 203. Application for a Dispen- 
sation was made Dec. 28, 1807. It was read in Grand 
Lodge and referred March 7, 1810. Its first officers were 
installed (working U. D.) July 14, 1808: John Knox, 
W. M. ; Benjamin Patterson, S. W. ; Solomon Campbell, 
J. W. ; Tho§. McBurney, Treas. ; Samuel Colgrove, Sec. 
The warrant was issued March 14, 1812. 

John Kdox continued to be W. M. from 1808 to 1814, 
inclusive, and was succeeded by Joseph Gillett, who held 
the office till 1818. John Knox was again Master from 
1818 to 1822, and wa.s followed by Henry Stevens during 
1822, and Laurin Mallory, 1823 to 1826. Daniel E. 
Brown was then made Master of the lodge, and so re- 
mained throughout the Morgan excitement till 1831. 

The lodge was afterwards reorganized as Pdinted Post 
Lodge, No. 117, which is its present designation. 

Officers for 1878.— Joseph J. Tuily, W. M. ; John S. 
Earl, S. W. ; A. D. Bobbins, J. W. ; Charles M. Gamman, 
Treas.; George Hitchcock, Sec; Daniel Campbell, S. D. ; 
Edward Byrne, J. D. ; A. Butterworth, S. M. C. ; Thos. 
Chittick, J. M. C. ; C. H. Voorhees, Chap. ; T. S. Pritch- 
ard. Marshal ; Geo. B. Hill, Tyler ; L. C. Kingsbury, H. 
Pritchard, Q. W. Wellington, Trustees. 

Regular communications, first and third Tuesday even- 
ings, except during June, July, and August, one meeting 
only, on the first Tuesday. Election, Dec. 17, 1878. 

Past Masters. — Wm. A. Spencer, C. M. Gamman, J. H. 
Lansing, C. H. Thomson, R. L. Hill, T. S. Pritchard. 

CAPITULAR MASONRY. 

Corning Royal Arch Chapter, No. 190, chartered Feb. 
7, 1866. — The following were the first oflBcers : C. H. Er- 
win, H. P. ; Simon Van Etten, E. K. ; H. D. Edwards, E. 
S. ; William Ketchum, C. of H. ; Chas. M. Gamman, P. 
S. ; Edward Clisdell, R. A. C. ; George M. Smith, M. 3d 
V. ; T. S. Pritchard, M. 2d V. ; F. A. Brown, M. 1st V. ; 
C. H. Thomson, Treas. ; W. S. Hodgman, Sec. ; Jacob 
Martin, Tyler. 

Officers for 1878.— T. S. Pritchard, M. E. H. P ; C. E. 
Greenfield, E. K. ; R. L. Hill, E. S. ; L. C. Kingsbury, 
Treas. ; Geo. Hitchcock, Sec. ; Victor Haischer, C. of H. ; 
A. D. Robbins, P. S. ; John S. Earl, R. A. C. ; Joseph J. 
Tully, M. 3d V. ; E. C. Maltby, M. 2d V. ; A Haischer, 
M. 1st V. ; Rev. Fred. K. Fowler, Chaplain ; Geo. B. Hill, 
Tyler. 

Regular convocations, second and fourth Wednesday 
evenings; election, Dec. 25, 1878. Past High Priests: C. 
S. Cole, Ed. Clisdell, G. W. Fuller, J. H. Hitchcos. 



CRYPTIC MASONRY. 

Corning Conned, R. and S. M., instituted June, 1876. 
—First officers : Henry A. Balcam, T. I. M. ; R. L. Hill, 
R. L Dep. M. ; T. S. De Wolf, III. Pr. C. of W. ; C. H. 
Thomson, Treas. ; O. W. Burre-ss, Recorder; F. D. Kings- 
bury, C. of G. ; G. W Fuller, C. of C. ; M. Rosenbaum, 
Steward ; A. D. Robbins, Sentinel. 

Officers for 1878.— C. H. Thomson, T. I. M. ; T. S. 
De Wolfe, R. I. Dep. M. ; T. S. Pritchard, 111. Pr. C. of W. ; 
C. S. Cole, Treas. ; E. Clisdell, Recorder; F. D. Kingsbury, 
C. of G. ; G. W. Fuller, C. of C. ; D. F. Brown, Steward; 

A. D. Robbins, Sentinel ; H. A. Balcam, Past T. I. M. 
Regular assemblies, second Friday evenings of each 

month; election, Dec. 13, 1878. 

A.-. AND A.-. S .-. RITE. 

Corning Lodge of Perfection. Ineffable. Instituted Sept. 
14, 1866.— First officers : George M. Smith, T. P. G. M.; 
Chas. H. Thomson, M.of T. Dep. G. M.; R. J. Burnham, 
V. S G. W.; Austin Lathrop, Jr., V. J. G. W. ; Henry 
Sherwood, G. 0. ; Chester S. Cole, G. T. ; 0. W. Bump, 
G. St. K. of St. S. and A. ; John H. Way, G. M. of C. ; 
John Toles, G. C. of G. ; Hiram Pritchard, G. H. B. ; 
Jacob Martin, G. Tyler. 

Officers for 1878.— J. H. Hitchcox, T. P. G. M. ; D. F. 
Brown, H. of T. Dep. G. M. ; G. W. Fuller, V. S. G. W. ; 
H. T. Curtis, V. J. G. W. ; C. F. Houghton, G. O. ; C. S. 
Cole, G. T. ; A. Lathrop, Jr., G S. K. of S. and A. ; F. D. 
Kingsbury, G. M. of C. ; C. E. Greenfield, G. C. of G. ; 
H. Pritchard, G. H. B. ; J. L. Scott, G. Tyler. 

Regular meetings, second and fourth Monday evenings. 
Election, Adar 3d. 

Corning Council, Princes of Jerusalem. Historical. In- 
stituted Sept. 14, 1866. — First officers: R. J. Burnham, 
M. E S. P. E. G. M. ; George M. Smith, G. H. P. G. D. 
M. ; Austin Lathrop, Jr., M. E. S. G. W. ; Chas. H. Thom- 
son, M. F. J. G. W. ; 0. W. Bump, V. G. S. K. of S. and 
A. ; Chester S. Cole, V. G. T. ; John H. Way, V. G. T. of 
C. ; John Toles, V. G. M of E. ; Jacob Martin, G. T. 

Officers for 1878.— D. F. Brown, M. E. S. P. G. M. ; 
H. B. Berry, G. H. P. D. G. M. ; Geo. Whitmore, M. E. 
S. G. W. ; L. A. Hazard, M. E. J. G. W. ; M. L. Wood, 
V. G. S. K. of S. and A. ; C. S. Cole, V. G. T. ; E. T. 
Walker, V. G. M. of C. ; P. L. Hinman, V. G. M. of E. ; 

B. L. Davies, G. T. 

Regular meetings, second and fourth Monday evenings. 
Election, Tebeth 20th. 

Corning Chapter Rose Croix. Philosophical. Insti- 
tuted Sept. 14, 1866. — First officers: Austin Lathrop, Jr., 
M. W. and P. M. ; R. J. Burnham, M. E. and P. K. S. 
W. ; Chas. H. Thomson, M. E. and P. K. J. W. ; Geo. 
M. Smith, M. E. P. K. G. 0. ; C. S. Cole, R. and P. K. 
T. ; 0. W. Bump, R. and P. K. S. ; H. Pritchard, R. and 
P. K. H. ; J. H. Way, R. and P. K. M. of C. ; John 
Poles, R. and P. K. C. of G. 

Officers for 1878.— F. D. Kingsbury, M. W. and P. 
M. ; A. D. Robbins, M. E. and P. K. S. W. ; T. S. Prit- 
chard, M. E. and P. K. J. W. ; G. W. Fuller, M. E. P. 
K. G. 0. ; C. S. Cole, R. and P. K. T. ; G. Hitchcock, R. 
and P. K. S. ; H. Pritchard, R. and P. K. H. ; E. A. 




x^ < /<nfc (yXLeji^^iA.A^j-^(9-^^ 



Col. Charles H. Thomson was born in Belchertown, Hampshire 
Co., Moss., Aug. 21, 1880. 

His paternal ancestors came from London, England, and settled in 
the eastern part of Long Island, and soon afterwards removed and 
settled in Connecticut. 

His maternal ancestors emigrated from Wales, near Chester, Eng- 
land, and settled in Hartford Co., Conn., in 1660. 

His grandfathers both were residents of Tolland, Conn. His mater- 
nal grandfather was an officer in the war of 1S12, whose father was a 
soldier in the Revolutionary war. 

His father, Dr. Horatio Thomson, was a native of Tolland ; married 
Cordelia Chapman, of the same place. He was a practicing physician 
for some thirty-four years ; first for some two years in Tolland, and 
the remainder of the time in Belchertown, to which place he moved 
soon after his marriage. His wife died about the year 1S34, and Dr. 
Thomson subsequently married Lucy M., daughter of Hon. Mark 
Doolittle, of Belchertown, Mass., a lady of rare excellence, and who 
trained her stepsons, Charles and George F., M.D., in all that makes 
true manhood. 

Dr. Thomson died in the fall of 1S60, at the age of fifty-seven, 
and was succeeded in pra-ctice by his youngest son, George F. Thom- 
son, M.D., who holds a representative place in the medical fraternity 
of that county. 

Charles H. was eldest son, and spent his minority at school. Ho 
received his preliminary education at the Belchertown Classical School 
and New Salem Academy, and at the age of sixteen entered Hamilton 
College, N. Y. At the expiration of his freshman year he went to 
Williams College, from which institution he was graduated Aug. 21, 
18.^0. 

In September, 1850, he came to Corning, and became a law student 
with Hon. George T. Spencer, and was admitted to the bar in March, 
1853, and at once entered upon a partnership with Judge Spencer, 
and has continued in Corning in the practice of his ])rufession until 
the present time, being a member of the law-firms of Spencer it Tliom- 
son, Thomson *fe Mills, Spencer, Thomson k Mills. During the past 
five years he has occupied an office alone. 

In the year 1850 he also opened an insurance and real-estate office, 
which he has continued until the writing of this sketch, and is, with 
one exception, the oldest insurance agent in Western New York. The 
firm-names in the insurance business have been Thomson & 
Dyer, Thomson & Farrington, Bigelow k Thomson, and Cole k 
Thomson. 

Mr. Thomson has been prominently identified with politics, and 
has been interested in important national questions. He was formerly 
a member of the Whig party, and is now a Republican. While a 
member of the Whig party he held the office of justice of the peace 



for one term, and was for one year one of the trustees of the village 
of Corning. 

In April, 1861, he was appointed postmaster at Corning by Presi- 
ident Lincoln, which office he held until Aug. 22, 1S72. For many 
years he was chairman of the Republican Count)' Committee, and as 
a member of the Republican State Committee had the entire super- 
intendence of the soldiers' vote in 1864. He hns been a member of 
the State and National Committees of the Union League of America 
since its organization, in ISOu, until the present time, and was an al- 
ternate delegate to the Cincinnati Republican Convention of 1876, 

For about twenty years he has been connected with the New York 
State Militia and National Guard of New York, and has held every 
grade of office from lieutenant to and including colonel, by which 
latter title he is familiarly known. Ho was for several years vice- 
president of the New York State Military Association. 

Since the organization of the fire department in 1851, Col. Thomson 
has been a member, and since the same was chartered has been a 
trustee and president thereof. In connection with Robert Olcott (now 
deceased), in May, 1857. he organized the Alliance Hook-and-Ladder 
Company, of which he has been foreman and is now president. 

Interested in the literature to be read by the young people of Corn- 
ing, which performs a great part in fixing their tastes for reading and 
usefulness as members of society in after-years, Col. Thomson soon 
after his settlement had begun the collection of books for a library, 
and in the year 1873 may be said to have founded the present library 
of Corning, which will remain a monument of merit to his memory. 

Col. Thomson is a member of all the Masonic bodies recognized in 
the county. He is a P. M. and life-member of Painted Post Lo<lge, 
No. 117, F. and A. M., and is a P. D. D. G. M. of the Grand Lodge 
of the State of New York; was one of the original members, and 
has been treasurer, and is a life-member of Corning Chapter, No. 190, 
R. A.M. He was one of the original members, and is a life-member, has 
been treasurer, and is now T. I. M. of Corning Council, No. 53, R, and 
S. M. In 1871 he was one of an official deputation to England from 
the Grand Council of R. and S. M., of the State of New York, to estab- 
lish councils in that country. He is a Sir Knight of St. Omer's Com- 
mandery. No. 19, K. T., of Elmira; a Past Sovereign of Kadosh 
Conclave, at Hornellsville; and a permanent member of the Grand 
Council of the State of New York of Knights of R. and C. He was 
the founder and is a life-member of all the bodies of the A. and A. S, 
Rito in Corning; has been Commander-in-Chief of the Corning Con- 
sistory since the time of its organization, and received the thirty- 
third degree, June 19, 1869. 

In the year 1855, Sept. 26, he married Adelaide, daughter of Hon. 
Thomas A. Johnson, of Corning, Their children are Thomas H., 
Adelaide L., and Cordelia C. 




^y^/!^^w. 



't^-^u-t 



Alonzo H. Gorton was born in the town of Corning, tliis 
county, May 18, 1828. 

His grandfather, Riifiis Gorton, was ono of the pioneer set- 
tlors of Corning, was engaged in tlie himber liusiness, and 
carried on a grist-mill, and was among the early thrifty and 
enterprising business men. At about the age of fifty he went 
to Michigan, and engaged in farming, and died in that State 
about the year 1863. 

Of his I'hildrcn, seven sons and two daugliters, Sanuid Gor- 
ton, father of the subject of this narrative, was fourth child, 
born A|iril, 1802, in the town of Corning; was a millwright 
by trade, and spent some eighteen years in the Stat(^ of Michi- 
gan, working at his trade and farming. JIarried Sarah Ann 
Daley, of Milford, Chenuing Co., N. Y. Of this ujiion were 
born two sons, of whom only Mr. Alonzo H. Gorton sur- 
vives. His mother died at Corning, in 18G4, aged about fifty- 
two. His father, still hale and hearty, resides with his sister 
at Athens, Pa. 

Mr. Gorton's minority was mostly spent on the farm, having 
very little opportunity for any education from books. Very 
soon after reaching his majority he came back to his native 
town from the State of Michigan, where the family had re- 
sided for some years, and began work at his trade as a car- 
penter, and also engaged in car building. This he followed 
until the year 18.')7, when he engaged with the State in th(^ 
reconstruction of the dam on the Chemung River, at Corning. 
From 1858 to 18G0 he spent in pattern-making for a foundry 
hero. l?y this time Mr. Gorton had acquired much e.\perience 
in general business, and his integrity with all with whom 
he had been connected had won for him thcii' full cod- 
fldence. 



In I8B0 he began at the bottom of business for the Kali 
i5rook Coal Company, occupying almost every position, until, 
in 1804, he was given the superintendency of the "Corning, Co- 
wanesque and Antrim Railway," formerly called the " Bloss- 
burg and Corning Railway." 

When Mr. Gorton first became connected with this road as 
sui)erintendcnt it extended only from Corning to Lawrcnce- 
ville, to which additions have since been made to Antrim, 
and another branch to Elkland, Pa., and in the year 1877 
another road was completed from Corning to Geneva, called 
the "Syracuse, Geneva and Corning Railway," of which he is 
superintendent. 

He has been connected with the Diimocratic party since his 
first vote, and identified with the local interests of the village 
of Corning during his residence hero. For many years he 
has otliciated as one of the trustees of the village, and for two 
terms was president, and is said to have been one of the origin- 
ators of the water- works of the place. 

In the Are department of the village he has been an active 
member since the new organization, for several years foreman, 
and for the last four years president. Mr. Gorton's has been 
a life of activity, and for the last few years one of much care 
and responsibility. 

In the year 18.50 ho married Maria Louise, daughter of 
Thomas Alexander, of Ann Arbor, Mich. 

Their surviving son, William Gorton, received his pre- 
liminary education at Corning Academy and Poughkeepsie, 
studied medicine with Dr. Updcgraft", of Klmira, and after 
three courses of lectures at the New York Homcpopathic 
Medical College, was graduated M.D. from that institution, 
April, 1878. 



TOWN OP CORNING. 



269 



Krfii;,'er, R. and P. K. M. of C. ; A. Van Order. R. and 
1'. K. C. of G. 

Regular meetings, second and fourth Monday evening.s. 
Election, Asceii.'sion Day. 

Corning Cmmalory. Philosophical and Chivalric. In- 
stituted Sept. 14, 1866.— Finst officers: C. II. Thom.son, 
C. in C. ; George M. Smith, 1st Lt. Com.; R. J. Burn- 
liani, 2d Lt. Com. ; Austin Lathrop, Jr., M. of S. and G. 
O. ; O. W. Hump, G. S. and K. of S. and A. ; C. S. Cole, 
G. T.; Henry Goff, G. C. ; L. D. Stone, G. E. and A.; 
Hiram Pritchard, G. H. ; John H. Way, G. M. of C. ; 
Jiilin Foles, G. C. of G.; F. E. Spaulding, G. S. B. ; 
Jacob Martin, G. S. 

Officers for 1878.— C. II. Thomson, :;:!'^ 111. C. in C. ; 
F. I). King.'ihury. H-J°, 111. l>t I.t. Cm. ; G. W. Fuller, 
82°, 111. 2d Lt.Com. ; C. C. B. Walker, 82°, 111. M. of 
S. and G. O.; Q. W. Wellington, :'.2°, 111. G. C. ; J. H. 
Hitchcox, 32°, 111. G. S. and G. K. of the S. and A. ; C. 
S. Cole, 32°, 111. G. T. ; 1). F. 15rown, 32°, III. G E. and 
A.; II. T. Curtis, 32°, 111. G. M. of C. ; H. Goff, 32°, 
HI. G. S. L ; H. Pritchanl, 32°, 111. G. H. ; C. E. Green- 
field, 32°, III. G. C. of G. ; John Hoare, 32°, III. G. S. ; 
.]. 11. Hitchcox, 32°, Sec. of the Rite. 

licgular rendezvous, second and fourth ^Monday even- 
ings. Triennial election, Dec. 27, 1870. 

MILITARY RECORD OP CORNING. 

IVtci II. Fnro, Co. U, fitli Tav. ; cnl. July :i], 1802 ; wiuriilod ; iliscli. .lunp 27, 1864. 
J..lin ». Faro, Cii. I); .'illtli Kng. : cnl. An;;. 22, 1804; disch. June 14, ISC'). 
Isaar K. Rose, Oi>. I), 141»t Inf.; cnl, Aug. 19, 1802; wounilH iit l!l■^•acll, Ga.; 

disch. June Tl, ISC'). 
Walter A. Lnce, Co. I), Hint Inf.; enl. Aug. 31, 1801 ; dinch. Aug. 31, 1804. 
William Tdtti'n, C). f, 80th Inf ; enl. Aug. 20, ISOI ; re-enl. ii« vet., Dec. :)0, 

180:l; died March 17,1804. 
Frederick Darrin, C.i. F, ;)7lh Inf. ; enl. July, 180:l ; discli. July 18, 180.'). 
Samuel liiirt, Co. C, I4I»1 Inf.; enl, Aug. 21, 1802; discli.Oct. !>, 1803, 
Alheit Trnax, C«, O, 141st Inf. ; enl. June 25, 1803; dinch. July 20, 180.5. 
John II. Sherwood, Co. 1, Hint Inf.; enl. Aug. 22, 1802; died at Waihington, 

I). C, Sept, 30, 18M. 
McLeod W. Cunningham, Co. I, Mist Inf. ; enl. Aug. 22, 1862 ; pro. to «orgt,, 

Nov. 1804; disch, July, ISCi. 
Duel Taylor, Co. C, 30th Inf.; enl. Aug. 20, 1801; re-enl. Dec. .31, 1803; dincll. 

June 27, ISO.'). 
Thomas K. Pilloll, Co. C, 80th Inf ; cnl. Oct. 19, 1801 ; pro, to corp,, March, 1802 ; 

to com, Bcrgl., Oct. 0, 1804 ; di»cli. June 27, 180.1. 
Jan.in Stevens, Co. li, IH.'.th Inf.; enl. Sept. 3, ISO); discli. Juno in, ISC'). 
John I!rigg», Co. C, 80th Inf ; enl. Ang. 1801 ; di»ch. June 10, 18C.5. 
Leander Stevenson, Ci.. I, 80(h Ueyt.; enl. Pec. 4, 1801 ; wounded at Bull Rnn, 

Aug. 2, 1802; dlsch. JaTi. 11, 1805. 
Eliaa W. Palmer, Co. D, 23d Inf.; cnl. April 2n, 1801 ; di«ch. May 22, 1803. 
Henry Travor, Co. B, Ist Vet. Cav. ; cnl. June 10, 1803 ; ivouniled at New JlHrltel, 

May 1.5, 1804. 
Clarltson Heath, Co. II, lOCllh Inf.: enl. Ang. 22, 18G2; died In Louisiana, Feb. 

1, 1803. 
Jacoh Chafer, Co. I, lOlsl Inf. ; enl. Dec. 31, 1803; dlsch. at Tallaliassee, Fla. 
Charles K. Crahani, f'o. C, 141«t Inf.; enl. Ang. 2, 1802; wounded at Peach-Tree 

Creek, Ga., July 20, 1804; disch. July, 1805. 
Orville I'erkins, Co, E, 14lBt Inf. ; enl. Aug. 20, 1802; pro. to Corp., Feb. 1805 ; 

rlisch. June 8, 1805. 
Benjamin Smitli, Co. K, 141st Inf.; enl. Ang. 21, 1802; pro. to Corp., Nov. 1, 

1802 ; to Bcrgt,, Fclr. 22, 1805 ; diech. June 20, 1805. 
Alien S. Tillingliasl, Co. K, 141st Inf. ; enl. Aug. 18, 1802 ; dlsch. Juno 21, 1805. 
Williiiin K. Chiltcriing, Co. 1). 23d Inf.; enl. July 1, 1801 ; disch. May 22, 180:!. 
Nflsipli Luce, Co. D, 2,ld Inf, ; enl, April 24, 1801 ; discli. May 22, 1803. 
Wiiiiani Ili-niy Jones, sergl,, Co. I), 23d Inf ; enl. May i, 1801 ; wounded at An- 

lietani, Sept. 17, 1802 ; pro. to 2d lient.. Vet. Kcs. Corps, July 10, 180.3. 
Nelson Jones, Co. D, 23d Inf; enl. May 1, 1»01 ; re-eul. I4th II. Art., Jan. 14, 

1804 ; disch. Aug. 20, 1805. 
Ztilmon R. Lovelevs, sergt., Co. D, 141»t Inf.; enl. Aug. 22, 1802; wounded at 

Dallas, Ga., May 25, 1804 ; dlsch. Juno 25, 1805. 
Iloyt C. Bisiiop, Co. F, 97lh Inf; enl. July IS, 1803. 

Sumner «. Sturtovaut, Co. F, 03d Inf; enl July 18, 1803; discli. June 20, 1805. 
Daniel Ileitis, Co. D. 80th Inf.; cnl. Jan. 4, 1802; uoniidrd at Chaiicellorsvillc, 

May 3, 1863. 



Hiram Francisco, Co. C, IClsl Inf.; enl. Aug. 21, 1802; trans, to navy, Sept. 14, 

1804; discii. t;, S. .Ship I'orliwnilh, Sept. 9, 1805. 
George II, Davis, Co, K, 141»l Inf ; enl, Ang, IS, 1802 ; disch. Juno 18, 1866. 
nenjamin C, Wilson, 2d iieut,, Co, K, lU7lh Inf, ; enl, Aug, 9, 1862; res. Dec. 9, 

1 802. 
Kdward Wlieeler, Co. K, ll)7th Inf. ; cnl. Aug. 4, 1802 ; discli. April 3(1, 1805. 
Daniel L. Inhoe, qm, sergt,. Hat. E; enl. Aug. 20, 1802; disch. at Richmond, 

Va., June 23,1806, 
Luzerne Todd, cap!., Co. D, 23d Inf.; onl. April 18, 1801; disch May 22, 1863 ; 

re-enl. In soili Inf,; must, Feh, IS04; pro. to muj., Jan.20, 1805; dlsch. 

at Kiniira, N. Y., July 4, 1806. 
George Leacii, Co. B. i07lli Inf.; cnl. July 10, 1802; wounded at Dalla.s, Ga.; 

disch. May 2:t, 1805. 
Wasliingtoii Van Dermark, wagoner, Co. B, 80th Inf.; enl, Aug. 14, 1801 ; ro- 

cnl. as vet., Dec. 1863; wounded June .30, 1804. 
Albert R. Davenport, Co. I>, 2.)d Inf.; enl. April 25, 1801 ; jiro. to corp , Aug. 

1861 ; disch. May 22, 1803. 
William Payne, Co. O, 101st Inf; enl. Sept, 6, 1802; died at New Orleans, 

Nov. 2, 1803. 
William Nicliols, Co. G, 17th Inf; i-nl. Oct. 17, 1801 ; wounded at Alianta, Ga.; 

di'Cii. Oct. 1804. 
David Morrison, Co. B, 0th N. Y. II. Art.; enl. Jan. 4, 1804 ; disch. Ang. 1805. 
Frederick Auck, Co. A, 23d Inf. ; enl, Aug. 17, 1801 ; re-enl. in Co. C, 80tli Inf., 

Dec. .30, 1803 ; wounded at Sls)tlBylvaT,ia, May 12,1804; dlsch. June 27, 

1805. 
Ludwig Auck, Corp., Co. C, 8OII1 Iiil. ; enl. Oct. 2, 1801 ; re-enl. Dec. 3D, 1863 ; 

wounded at North Anna River; di-ch. June 27, 1805. 
.lonathnn Riggs, O'.C. 107th Inf; cnl July 28, 1802 ; discli. nt Lincoln hospital, 

Wa.sliington, D. C. 
Adolpli Goodell, Co. C, 37th Inf. ; onl. Sept. 1, 1804; disch. July, 1R0.5. 
James H. Cochran, 201h Ind. Art.; enl. Sept. 5, 1S04 ; discli. June 20, 1865. 
Orazcne May, Co. 1>, 23d Inf.; cnl. April, 1801 ; won ruled at Bull Run ; discli. at 

Upton's Hill, Va. 
.loseph Barbour, Cu, 11,70th Inf.; enl. .Sept. 1803; trans, to 147th Inf.; wounded 

March 30, 1804; disch. July 14, 1805. 
Archie E.Baxter,(!o.E,141stInf.; cnl. Aug. 18, 1802; made 1st sergt. ; wounded 

at Resaca, Ga. ; pro. to 1st Iieut., Jan. 22, 1801 ; to capt.. Jan. 1, 1805 ; disch. 

June 9, 1S0.5. 
Jereniiali Ro;;au, Co, I), 1st Pa. Cav. ; enl. July 2, 1801 ; disabled on raid; disch. 

in hospital at Pliiiadeipliia, Pa,, June 1, 1804. 
Frank Veitli, Co. K, 2d Cav.; drafted July 10, 1803; disch. Oct. 7, 1805. 
William Fanclier, Co. A, 107tli Inf ; enl. .Ian. 1, 1804 ; trans, to OdCli Inf, May, 

1805; disch. July 17, 180.5. 
Amasa L. Gorton, Co. F, 8OII1 Iiif. ; enl. Oct. 12. 1801 ; discli. April 10, 1862. 
Lewis Rascli, Co. K, 87th Pa. Inf. ; enl. Ang. 24, 1861 ; re-cul. Feb. 22, 1804 ; pro. 

to 1st sergt., Sept. 1664 ; to 1st iieut.. May '28, 1805 ; discli. July 5, 1805. 
Patrick Corcoran, Co. B, 14th U. 8. Inf. ; enl. April, 1802; killed at Bull Run, 

Aug. 29, 1802. 
James Murphy, Co. F, 9701 Inf ; drafled July 10, 1803; disch. July 18, 1S06. 
Lorin D. Voak, Co. E, 142d Inf.; cnl. Sept, .5, 1804; wounded at Chapin's Farm, 

Va., Oct, 27, 1S04; dlsch, June 28, 180.5. 
William Ileimili, Co. C, 85th Inf; cnl. Sept. 17, 1801 ; disch. Ajirii 20, 180i; le- 

enl.in (;<). I, lll'lh Inf, July '23, 1802; disch in Virginia, Oct. 12,1803; re. 

cnl. at Bullalo, N. Y., in Co. II, 49tii Inf., July 11,1801; discli. July 9, 1805. 
Milo A. Hastings, Co. II, lOIst Inf; enl. Aug. '22, 1802; discli. Oct. 16, 1805. 
Andrew Sullivan, Co. G, 101st Inf.; enl. Oct. 20, 1802; lost an arm in battle; 

disch. at Baton Rouge, La., April 18, 1804. 
AlbertC. Hudson, Corp., Co. B. .33d Inf.; enl. March 9,1801; ro-onl.a« coiT.,Co. 

I, 1st Cav., Sept. 18. 1803; wouniied at Cliarleslon, S. C, Aug. 2'2, 18M. 
Giilrert Noiris, Co. F, 188lh Inf.; onl. Sept. 16, 1S04 ; disch. July 9, 1606. 
Daniel Denning, Co 11, 20th V. S. Col. Inf. ; enl. Feb. 1, 1863 ; wounded at John's 

Island, July 7, 1804 ; disch. Sept. 18, 1865. 
Kdward McNally, Co. B, 6lh Cav.; enl. Aug. 7, 1802; dlsch. June 13, 1865. 
Thomas J. Decker, Co. D, '2.3d Inf.; enl. May 18, 1861; wounded at Antiotam, 

Sept. 17, 1802; disch. May 10, 180.'!. 
Warren L. Ilines, sergt,, Co, I), 141st Inf.; disch, June 2.3, 1805. 
Rockwell G. Johnson, Co. E, .52d 111. Inf; enl. December, 1801; dlsch. at Cor- 
inth, Miss,, January, 1803, 
Itenjamin Guildersleive, Co. E, Ulst Inf; enl. Ang. 10, If 02; disch. June 8, 

1S05. 
Nelson Wheeler, Co. D, 107th Inf.; enl. Aug. 4, 1802; dlsch. at Elmira, N. V,, 

June 17, 1805, 
James Fairer, Co, G, lUth Inf ; enl, Ang, 8, 1862 ; disch. June 8, 180.5. 
George II. Smith, Corp., Co. K, 90th Inf; enl. Dec. 20. 1803; dlsch. Fob, 4, 1868. 
Lewis Weaver, Co. D, Mist Inf; cnl. Ang. 10, 1802; wounded at Peach-Tree 

Creek; discli, Jan, 27, 1805. 
Wiiiiani H. Clark, Co, F, lOlii Cav.; cnl. Dec. 13, 1801 ; must, as muslciau 1st 

llrig., '2d Cav. Div., Jan. 1, 1803; pro. to leader, April 13, 1863; dlsch. 

Dec. 12, 1804. 
John E. Hubliell, Co. E, 153d Inf. ; enl. Aug. 30, I8')2 ; wounded at (,'edar Creek, 

Va.; disih. at Savannah, Ga., Oct. 2, 1866. 
James A. Stall, Co. D, 12Ctli Inf. ; enl. Ang. 7, 1802; dlsch. for disability, Oct. 

3, 1863. 
Casper Creamer, Co. G, lOlst Inf ; enl. Aug. 22, 1862 ; pro. to coip. and to sergt. ; 

diseh. Oct. 28, 180.5. 
Wiili.im Morgan, Co. B, .5i'th Eng.; enl. June 13, 1804 ; disch. June 28, 186.5. 
John M. Heath, Co. D, 23d Inf ; enl. May 0, 1861 ; disch. June 22, 18«S. 



270 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Garret Miihar, Co. F, SCIli Inf. ; enl. Oct. 15, 1861 ; wounded at second Bull Bun ; 

re-enl. Sepl. .1, 18G4, in Co. G, IGlsl luf. ; disi h. Nov. 20, ISCo. 
Edward L. liarnes, Co. D, 21st Inf.; enl. Slay 21, 1801 ; pro. tosergt. ; dLsch. Nov. 

28, 18C1. 
Eli Perry, Co. B, 97tli Inf.; enl. .Tnly 10, 1803; disch. Aug. lo, 1865. 
Ebenezcr Martin, Cn. I), 23d Ihf ; cnl. May 16, 1801 ; di.-icli. May 20, 1803. 
Kobort Burton, Co. C, 80rli Inf. ; enl. Aug. 20, 1801 ; pro. to 2d lieut., June 20, 
1862 ; wounded at second Bull Bun, Aug. 30, 1802; pro. to capt., July 3, 
I8G3; wounded at Wilderness, May 6, 1864; discb. for wounds, Sept. 27, 
1864. 
Patrick Conley, Co. G, IClst Inf; enl. Aug. 22, 1862; disch. Nov. 20, 1805. 
(3haiies H. Freeman, Co. D, 141st Inf. ; enl. Aug. 14, 1862; pro. to com. sergt., 
Sept. 17, 1802; to 2d lieut., July 29, 1803; to 1st lieut., April 1,1805; 
disch. June 25, 1806. 
Patrick Edward Fittz, Co. I, 141st Inf.; enl. Sept. 10, 1804; disch. June 22, 

1866. 
Carlton II. Lovell, Co. F, 36th Inf ; enl. May 1, 1801; pro. to Corp., Nov. 1801 ; 
disch. June .6, 1863; re-enl. as 1st sergt., Co. 1), 14th Art, July 9, 1803; 
disch. Sept. 0, 1864. 
Oscar F. Junes, Co. C, 86th Inf ; enl. .\ug. 20, 1801 ; pro. to sergt.; disch. at An- 

napulis, Md., Dec. 13, 1802. 
Delos C. Steward, Co. G, 101st Inf ; cnl. Dec. 26, 1803 ; disch. Nov. 1866. 
Henry Reese, Co. G. 101st Inf ; enl. Jan. 6, 1804 ; died in hosp. at New Orleans, 

La., Sept. 1804. 
■William v. Morrison, Co. G, 16Ist Inf; enl. Dec. 30, 1863; died .at Dry Tortugas, 

Fla., Nov. 1805. 
Silas B. Beelie, Co. F, 351h Inf.; enl. May 17, 1661 ; wounded at Antietani, Sept. 
17, lS(i2; disch. June 6,1803; re-enl. Aug. 11, 1804, in Co. C, lOtb Vet. 
Res. Corps. 
Myron RoLbins, Co. G, 150th Inf; enl. May 17, 1862; disch. June 8, 1865. 
Le Grand G. Brandt, Co. G, 16Ist lur. ; enl. June 4, 1801 ; disch. Oct. 18, 1805. 
Eli Ames, Co. G, 101st Inf; enl. Dec. 22, ISOi; disch. Oct. 18, 1805. 
Fayette Thrall, Co. I, 107th Inf ; enl. Aug. 11, 1862; d;sch. Juno 5, 1805. 
James McGloin, Co. C, 14th U. S. Inf; enl. March 3, 1802; wounded at battle 

of WiMerness, May 5, 1864; disch. March 3, 1805. 
William Willinnis, Co. D, 141st Inf; enl. Aug, 17, 1S62; disch. Feb. 17, 1864. 
John De Groat, musician, Co. 1, 107th Inf.; enl. Aug. 7, 1802; disch. July, 1803. 
William Kemp, sergt , Co. C, Otb Cav. ; enl, Aug. 14, 1861 ; pro. to Ist sergt. and 

to 2d lieut.; disch. Aug. 12, 180.5. 
Richard Connor, Co. D, 14th H. Ait. ; enl. July 24, 1803 : taken prisoner before 

Petersburg, Va. ; disch. as permanently disalded. 
Thomas Tuppcr, sergt., Co. F, ISSIb Inf; enl. Sept. 16, 1804; disch. July 11, 

1S65. 
John T. Brown, Co. E, "8tb Iiif ; enl. Nov. 4, 1861 ; disch. July, 1866. 
Robert Cliristian, Co. B, 5tb Cav,; enl. Sept, 5, 1802 ; sixteen months in prison 

at Castle Thunder, Va,, where be died, July 28, 1804, 
John Tanner, Co, D, 141st Inf; enl, Aug, 14, 1802; trans, to Vet. Res. Corps, 

Dec. 14, 1803; pro, to sergt,, Sept. 1864; disch. June 28, 1805. 
Cornelius Gorton, Co, B, 6lUCav,; enl. Sept, 5, 1802; died at Richmond, Va., 

Nov. 30, 1804, 
Peter Caulkins, Co. D, 23d Inf.; enl. May 16, 1861 ; disch. May 22, 1863. 
George S. Spencer, Co, B, 10th Cav, ; enl, Feb. 15, 1804; disch, July 19, ]805. 
Samuel Cleaiy. Co, E, 1.6th Eng.; cnl. Sept. 27, 1804; discb. June 15,1805. 
Alexander H. While, Co, D, Ulst Inf; enl, Aug. 20, 1802; disch, June 24, 1865. 
George P, Baker, com, -sergt. 801h Inf; died at Washington, D, C, Aug, 14 

1802, 
Samuel II, Blackman, Co. F., 35th Inf; enl. May 7, 1861; wounded at second 
battle of Bull Run; discb. June 17, 1803; re-enl, in Co, F, 891h Inf,, Dec, 
4, 1863; discb, Aug, 3, 1865, 
George Gorton, Co, IT, 14th Art,; enl, July, 1863. 

Henry Day May, A. A, surg , 5th U. S. Inf ; must. Feb. 19, 1862 ; disch. from 
regt. Aug, 8, IS02; must, in 145th Inf, Sept. 18, 1862; disch. Jan, 4, 1804; 
brevet Ciipt,, May 25, 1805, 
George Weekes, Co, I, lollh Inf ; enl. Aug. 13, 1862; discb. June 17, 1805. 
Delos Parkbill, Co. E, 141st Inf.; enl. Aug. 22, 1862; wounded at Resaca, Ga.; 

disch. May 30, 1805, 
Bernard Cowley, artificer, Co. F, 50th Eng,; enl, Aug, 30, 1862; disch, June 15, 

1805, 
Charles Lorin Weldon, Co, F, 35th Inf; enl. May 24, 1861; killed in battle at 

Sharpsburg, Md,, Sept, 17, 1862, 
Albert F, Beebe, Co, C, 10th Vet, Res, Coi-ps; enl. May 24, 1801 ; wounded at 
South Mountain; disch, March 2,1863; re-enl. in Co. C, lOlh Vet, Res. 
Corps, Aug. 30, 180-1 ; disch, Nov, 24, 1805, 
Frederick Stenbeck, corp., Co C, 107th Inf; enl. July 10,1862; wounded at 

Dallas, Ga,, May 2,5, 1804; disch. Aug. 12, 1S06. 
Francis Theodore Stenbeck, Co. C, 107th Inf ; enl. July 20, 1802; killed at Dal- 
las, Ga., May 25, 1804. 
David Quackenbush, Co,—, 10th H, Art,; enl, Jan, 4, 1802; trans, to Co. K, 

1st Mounted Rifles; discb. Nov. 8, 1805, 
John Weekes, Co. D, Ulst Inf ; enl, Aug. 21, 1602 ; taken prisoner at Lookout 
Mountain; in prison ten months; disch. at Washington, D. C, Junes, "05. 
Henry Van Campen, Co, D, 23d Inf; enl. April 20, 1803 ; taken prisoner at Sul- 
phur Springs, Va, ; trans, to Co, B, 14th U, S, Inf, Dec, 15, 1802 ; disch. 
Oct. 22, 1864 ; re-enl. JIarcli 28, 1805, 
Dennis Cady, Co, F, 14th Inf: enl, Feb, 20, 1802; died at New York Sept 15 
1804. ' ■ ' 

Nathaniel Wood, Co. D, Ulst Inf; enl. Aug. 16, 18C2; disch. March 13, 1864, 



James M, Morse, Co, D, 107th Inf,; enl, July 24, 1862; disch, June 5, 1804. 
Amos Miller, Co. B, .''■otb Cav ; enl. Aug. 9, 1862 ; disch. June 1.5, 1S6.S. 
Dennis Nash, Co. A, 188th Pcnnsjivania Inf; enl. Feb, 2.3, 1804; disch. July 

22, 1865, 
Hiram Francisco, Co, C, 161st Inf; enl, Aug, 21,1802; trans, to U. S, Navy, 

Sept, 1. 1804. 
Byron W. Thrall, Corp., Co. C, Uth H. Art.; enl. July 20, 1803; disch. June 

24, 1865. 
Simeon D. Thrall, sergt, Co. D, 107th Inf ; enl, July 29, 1802; disch. June S, '65. 
David T. Darrin, mu'^ician,Co, G, 86th Inf; enl, Jan. 12,1862; wounded at Bull 

Run, Aug, 30, 1802 ; disch. Feb, 4, 1803, 
Henry M, Breese, Co, G, 101st Inf ; enl, Jan, 12, 1804 ; died A:ig, 29, 1864, 
Win, Ellison, Co, G, 161st Inf ; enl. Sept 1, 1804 ; disch, Oct, 15, 1865. 
Andrew Thompson, Co, D, Ulst Inf; enl, .\ug, 22, 1802; wounded on picket, 

Dec, 1802; disch, March 8, 1863. 
George Crittenden, corp,, Co, C, 86th Inf; enl, Aug, 28,1801; re-enl. as vet; 

disch. July 4, 1805, 
Sheldon Odell, Co G, 5Uth Eng.; enl, Dec. 29, 1803; disch. June 13, 1865. 
William Henry Smith, Co, C, 161st luf ; enl, Jan, 4. 1804 ; wounded at Sabine 

Cioss-Roads, April 18, 1864; disch, Dec, 11, 1805, 
William V, Morrison, Corp., Co, G, 161st Inf; enl, Dec, 27, 1803; died at Dry 

Tortugas, Fla,, Oct, 18, 1805, 
John Lewis, Co, I, 16Ist Inf; enl, Dec, 25, 1863 ; died at Fitzpatrick hospital, 

June 18, 1804, 
Lioni 1 T. De Carr, Co. D, 141st Inf ; enl, Aug. 21, 1802; killed in battle at Ma- 
rietta, Ga., June 22, 1864. 
Charles W, Edger, 13th H, Art ; enl. June, 1864 ; died in hospital, Sept. 10, '64. 
Reuben G. Stevens, Co. B, Uth U. S. Inf ; enl. March 5, 1802; wounded at Bull 
Run, Aug. 30, 1862; wounded at Laurel Hill, Va., May 12, 1864; disch. 
April 5, 1805. 
Milo Gorton, Co, E, 141st Inf. ; enl. Aug. 21,1802; killed at Resaca, Ga., May 

15, 1804, 
Peter B, Plienas, Co. F, 14th U, S, Inf ; enl, April 15, 1862 ; wounded at Bull 

Run. .\ug. 30, 1.'62 ; disch. April 25, 1805, 
Michael Harris, sergt,, Co, C, 161st Inf ; enl, Aug, 22, 1862 ; disch, Oct. 25, '65. 
Richard Jacobs, Co. I, 107th Inf; enl. Aug, 8, 1862; disch, June 9, 1806, 
Adam Tomer, Corp., Co. G, 107tb luf ; enl. Aug, 5, 1802; killed at the battle of 

Dallas, Ga, 
George Wescott, Co. I, 107th Int; enl, Aug. 12, 1862 ; disch. June 9, 1865. 
Oi ley R, Gorton, Co, F, 60tb Eng, ; enl, Aug, 30, 1862 ; disch, June 17, 1S05, 
Dewitt Gorton, Co, I, 161st Inf. ; enl. Sept. 15, 1804 ; wounded at Hatcher's 

Run ; discb, Feb, 0, 1865, 
Daniel Lindsay, Co, I, 101st Inf; enl, Jan. 4, 1804; injured at White Plains 

Landing, and died at home. 
William Lindsay, Co. I, 161st Inf; enl, Jan. 4, 1804; killed at Sabine Crosa- 

Roads, April 8, 1864, 
James Lindsay, Co, I, 188tb Inf; enl. Sept 19, 1804; discli, June 28, 1805, 
Jerome Gorton, Co, D, 23d Inf; enl. Oct. 14, 1801 ; missing, supposed killed at 

Antiotam, and buried on the tield. 
John Baxter, sergt, Co, C',86th Inf; enl. Aug, 26, 1801 ; killed at Mine Run, Va. 
Edward S, Borst, corp,, Co. B, 5th Cav.; enl. Aug. 12, 1802; taken pris. Oct 17, 

1803; died in Andersonville prison, Aug, 17, 1804. 
Wni. I, Wilson, Co, D, Ulst Inf; enl, Aug. 19, 1802; died at Corning, N. Y. 
.\lfred Allen, Co, D, Ulst Inf,; enl, Jan, 5. 1804; discb, June 27, 1805. 
Giles B. Beebe, Co, F, 35tli Inf; enl, Juno 11, 1861 ; discb, June 6, 1803; re-enl. 

in Co, C, loth Vet, Res, Corps, Aug, 11, 1804; discb, Nov. 2, 1805, 
Arthur L, Eaton, Co, I, lOlst Inf ; enl, Dec. 1883; trans, to Co, B, 111th luf, 

Oct. 1805; disch. Nov. 19, 186.5, at Tallalia.ssee, Fla. 
Frederick R. Burlising,Co. D, 23d Inf ; eul. April 20, 1861 ; disch. Feb. 28, 1802; 

re-enl. in Co. D, 5tb Art., Dec. 4, 1803 ; disch. July 19, 1805. 
Arthur A. Brown, Co. D, 23d Inf ; enl. Sept, 27, 1801 ; wounded at South Moun- 
tain, Sept 14, 1802; disch, Dec, 0, 1802. 
Jacob H. Brown, Co. D, 23d Inf ; enl. April 20, 1861 ; disch. May 22, 1863. 
Samuel Jacobs, corp,, Co, G, 1st Lincoln Cav. ; enl. Feb. 2, 1864 ; disch. June 27, 

1805, 
John C, Gorton, corp,, Co, D, 23d Inf ; enl. Oct 14, 1861 ; disch. May 22, 1803. 
Augustus Dotboff, Co, E, Uth H. Art, ; enl, Jan. 5, 1864; taken pris. at Fort 
Steadinan ; p.iroled from Libby prison, March 25,1805; disch. June 28, 
1865, at Elmira, N, Y. 
Augustus W. CauBeld, Co. D, 80th Inf; enl. Aug. 14, 1802; died in Libby 

prison, at Richmond, Va, 
Abraham W, McCord, Co, G. 161st Inf ; enl. Sept, 1, 1864; disch, Oct. 16, 1865, 
Charles W, Denning, Co, K, 25th U, S, Inf; enl. March 22, 1865; disch, at 

Mulligan's IJend, S, C. 
Daniel Denning, Co, B, 26th U. S. Inf; enl. Feb, 1, 1864; wounded at John's 

Island, S, C; discb, Aug, 28, 1805. 
John R, Updike, Co, B, 5th Cav, ; enl, Aug, 11, 1862; wounded at Hanover C. 

II,, Va,, June 30, 1803 ; disch, June, 1805, 
Charles C, Morris, Co. B, 1st Mounted Rifles; enl, Jan, 19, 1804; disch, at City 

Point, Va,, Nov, 29, 1865, 
William I, Daily, Co, — , Ulh H. Art,; enl. Jan, 5, 1804; trans, to U, S, Navy 

and lost at Fort Fisher, 
Henry Clark, Co, D, Ulst Inf ; enl, Jan. 2, 1804 ; wounded at PeacbTree Creek ; 

trans, to Co. A, 6th Invalid Corps; disch. July, 1865. 
Charles Davenport, Co. D, 6th Cav. ; enl, Aug 13, 1802 ; killed on Wilson's raid, 

June, 1863, 
Myron Davenport, Co. B, 60th Eng. ; enl. March 22, 1806 ; disch. July 10, 1866. 



TOWN OF CORNING. 



271 



Reuben H. Grant, Co. D, IGIst Inf.; enl. Jan. i, 1864; killed at Pleasant Hill, 

La., April 8,1864. 
Tiniolliy Hunt, Corp.; Co. D, 14Ist Inf.; enl. Aug. 23, 1862; promoted April 1, 

1804: ilisch. June 20, 1SC5. 
Andrew Lewis, Corp., Co. D, 14Ist Inf.; enl. Aug. 18, 18G2; disch. at Elniira, 

N, y. 

David Van Elter, Co. D, 23d Inf.; enl. May, 18G1 ; re-enl. in Co. K, 2l8t Cat., 

Sept. 1803 ; died near Utica, N. Y., on the return home. 
Andrew Kerr, Co. K, 21st Cav. ; enl. July 28, 1802. 
Chester E. Kenyon, Co. K, lUStli Inf.; enl. Aug. 14, 1862; wounded at Chancel- 

lorsville. May 2, 1803. 
John Shaw, Co. F, lS8th Inf ; enl. Sept. 26, 1864. 
William Doolittle, Co. D, 141st Inf ; enl. Aug. 8, 1862. 
Joseph E. Barber, 188th Inf; enl. S.-pt. 20, 1804; disch. June, 1865. 
John Rire, Co. D, 23d lof ; enl. M.iy 22, 1801 ; disch. May 22, 1803 ; re-eul., Co. 

I, 107th Inf. Feb. 5, 1S04; diseh. Aug. 12, 1865. 
Thomas Dillon, Corp., Co. G, 101st Inf. ; enl. Sept. .1, 1862 ; disch. Oct. 25, 1805. 
John Murray, Co. G, 9th U. Art. ; enl. Dec. 28, 1803 ; disch. Oct. 10, 1865. 
Michael Acbison, Co. — , 14th H. Art.; enl. Jan. 5, 1804; wounded at Old 

Church, May 30, 1864. 
William McMahan, Co. C, 80th Inf. ; enl. Sept. 8, 1861 ; killed at battle of Wil- 
derness, May 12, 1861. 
Wm. Briggs, 8Gth Inf; enl. Sept. 8, 1801 ; died at Corning, N.Y., March, 1804. 
Daniel F. Brown, 1st licut. and qr..nir., 86tb Inf; enl. Aug. 10, 1862; disch. 

May 20, 1805. 
Jacob H. Landing, capt., Co. C, SOth Inf ; must. Aug. 26, 1801 ; pro. to major 

May 3, 1803 ; lo lietit.-col., June 12, 1863 ; wounded May 24, 1864, in en- 

gagenient on North Anna Uiver; to col., June 25, 1864 ; discli. Nov. 13, 

18ii4, at expiration of term of service. 
Henry C. Oliver, Co. C, 8Gth Inf ; enl. Sept. 24, 1861 ; disch. Oct. 22, 1864. 
Allen N. Sill, capt., Co. K, lOTtli Inf ; enl. Aug. 13, 1862 ; wounded at Chancel- 

lorsville, May 3,1803; pro. to major, July 8, 1864; to lieut.-col., Sept. 27, 

18G4 ; must, out with his regiment, June 19, 1805, at Elmira, N. Y. 
Charles E. Clnte, Co. D, 23d Inf; enl. May 16, 1801 ; disch. May, 1863; re-enl. 

In Co F, 194th Inf, July 2, 1804 ; disch. Sept. 1804; re-enl. in Co. D, 7th 

Pa. Cav., Sept. 9, 1864 ; disdi. June, 1805. 
Frederick Damn, Co. F,97tli Inf ; enl. July 6,1863; wounded at Hatcher's Run, 

Feb. 0, 1804; disch. Aug. 0, 180.5. 
George N. Cluto, Co. K, 2)d Inf ; enl. May 15, 1861 ; disch. May 22, 1863. 
Alfred Brown, 451h V. S. Inf : enl. July 29, 1SG4 ; disch. Nov. 4, 1865. 
Thomas 0. Allen, Co. D, 8GIh Inf ; enl. Aug. 14, 1862 ; trans, to Vet. Res. Corjis, 

June 1,1863; disch. Oct. 8, 1804. 
Samuel I. Moore, Co. C, 14Ist Inf; enl. Aug. 18, 1862; disch. June ID, 1S05. 
Darius M. Davis, Co. D, 141st Inf.; enl. Jan. 5, 1861; disch. June 11, 1805. 
James Clark, Co. D, 141st Inf ; enl. .iug. 27, 180i ; disch. July, 1865. 
Elijah C. Row ley, Co. D, 107lh Inf. ; enl. Aug. 4, 1802 ; pro. to Corp., Dec. 1802 ; 

wounded at Cliancellorsville. 
George Seymour, Co. B, 207th Pa. Inf ; enl. Jan. 8, 1865 ; wounded at Fort Has- 
kell ; disch. March 23, 1865. 
Albert Coe, Co. D, 141st Inf ; enl. Dec. 3(J, 1863 ; wounded at Resaca, Ga. ; disch. 

Juno 22, 1805. 
Elijah Crowfoot, Co. 1, 33d Inf ; enl. July 10, 1801 ; died in hospital at New Yolk 

City, Aug. 15, 1862. 
John Thompson, Co A, 10th Cav. ; enl. Feb. 0, 1804; injured before Petersburg; 

discli. JuTie 2, 1805. 
William Tolteii, Co. C, 8Glh Inf ; enl. Aug. 26, 1861 ; disch. Dec. 30, 1863. 
Buell Taylor, Co. C, SOth Inf; enl. Dec. 31, 1863; disch. June 27, 1865. 
John Wallace, Co. G, 101st Inf; enl. Aug. 25,1862; discli. at Panoncas, Fla., 

Jan. 14, 1805. 
Thomas R. Tillott, Corp., Co. C, 80th Inf ; enl. Oct. 29, 1861 ; re-enl. as vet., Dec. 

31, 1803 ; pro. to com.-sergt., Oct. 0. 1801; disch. Juno 27, 1865. 
John Briggs, Co. C, 86th Inf; enl. Aug. 1861 ; re-enl. as vet., Dec. 31,1863; died 

at Corning, Feb. 28, 1865. 
William Henry Jones, Co. D, 23d Inf ; enl. May 1, 1861 ; wounded at battle of 

Antietam ; disch. May 22, 1803 ; re-enl. as 2d liint., vet., July 10, 1808. 
Nelson Jones, Co. D, 23d Inf.; enl. May 1, ISOl ; disch. May 22, 1863; re-enl. 

Co. — , 14th H. Art., Jan. 4, 1804 ; disch. Aug. 20, 1806. 
George Leach, Co. B, 107th Inf; enl. July 10, 1802; wounded twice in battle 

of Dallas, Ga. ; disch. May 23, 1805. 
Washington Van Dermark, wagoner, Co. B, 80th Inf ; enl. Aug. 14, ISOl ; re-enl. 

Dec. 31,1863; wounded Jan. 30, 1804 ; disch. in hospital, June 4, 1805. 
William Slagel, Co. G, 161st Inf; enl. Aug. 27, 1862 ; taken pris. at Donaldson- 

ville. La., Sept. 1803 ; disch. at Elmira, N. Y. 
Joseph Barbour, Co. B, 70th Inf ; enl. Sept. 1863 ; trans, to 147th Inf ; wounded 

at Hatcher's Run, March 30, 1804 ; disch. July 14, 1805. 
Albert H. Henderson, Co. B, 23d Inf ; enl. May 9, 1861 ; disch. May, 1863 ; re- 
enl. Corp., Co. I, Ist Cav., Sept. 8, 1863 ; wounded at Charleston, S. C, 

Aug. 22, 1804. 
Charles F. Davis, leader of band, 8Gth Inf ; enl. Oct. 1, 1801 ; disch. Feb. 9, 1863. 
Garrett Mahar, Co. F, 8Gth Inf; enl. Oct. 15,1861; wounded at second Bull 

Run; discharged; re-enl. in Co. C, 16l6t Inf , Sept. 5, 1804; pro. to corp. 

Nov. 1801 ; disch. June 5, 1863. 
Carlton H. Lovcll, Co. F, 35tli Inf; enl. May 1,1861; pro. to Corp., Nov. 1861 ;. 

disch. June 6, 1803; rc-enl. as Ist sergt., Co. D, 14th U. Art.; disch. Sept. 

6, 1864. 
John Tanner, Corp., Co. D, 141st Inf; enl. Aug. 14, 18G2 ; trans, to Co. G, Vet. 

Res. Corps, Dec. 14, 1803; pro. to sergt., Sept. 1804; disch. June 28, 1865. 



George Erway, Co. H, G4lh Inf; enl. Aug. 10, 1864; disch. May 30, 1865. 
Walter C. Noble, Co. H, 3d Ohio Inf; enl. April 15, 1861 ; re-enl. Co. ll,:!d Ohio 

Inf. June 13, 1861 ; pro. to Corp., Oct. 1, 1802 ; re-enl. Co. G,52d N. Y. ; pro. 

to corp , Nov. 1864 ; pro. to color-sergt., 5Iarch,18C5: disch. June 20, 1865. 
John Reagan, Co. G, 101st Inf; enl. Aug. 27, 1802; died at Baton Rouge, La., 

July 17, 1801. 
Villours D. Star, Co. G, IClst Inf ; enl. Aug. 25, 1SG2; wounded and disch. at 

Baton Rouge, La. 
George W, McKinney, Co. G, 161st Inf: enl. Sept. :), 1862; disch. June, 1865. 
Austin Omiia, Co. G, 161st Inf; enl. Sept. 1, 1862; wounded at Donaldsonville, 

La., July 13, 1863 ; disch. June, 1805. 
Thomas Riley, Co. G, 101st Inf; enl. Sept. 29,1802; taken pris. at Sabine Cross- 

Road.s, La., April 8, 1864; exch. Oct. 1804; disch. at Elmira, N. Y., Nov. 

1865. 
Michael Harrington, Co. G, 161st Inf ; enl. Aug. 23, 1862; pro. to Corp. ; disch. 

Nov. 1805. 
Thomas Muipliy, Co. G, 101st Inf; enl. Aug. 21, 1862; lost by collision of 

stealiilio.at on Mississippi River, Jan. 9, 1805. 
Henry Marshall, Co. G, 161st Inf; enl. Sept. 26, 1862; disch. Nov. 1865. 
Michael McGiven, Co. G, 161st Inf ; enl. Aug. 2'2, 1862 ; disch. Nov. 1805. 
Albert M. Harris, Co. G, 161st Inf; enl. Sept. 4, 1802; disch. with the regiment. 
Lewis H. Goodsell, Co. G, lOIst Inf ; enl. Sept. 2, 1802 ; disch. at Elmira, N. Y., 

1865. 
John Hill, Co. G, lOlst Inf ; enl. Sept. 5, 1862 ; disch. at Dry Tortugas, Fla. 
Jtidson C. Beeman, Co. G, 16lst Inf. ; enl. Sept. 5, 1802 ; disch. at Baton Rouge, 

La. 
Terrence Collaghan, Co. G, 101st Inf.; enl. Aug. 25, 1802; disch. at Elmira, N. Y., 

1805. 
Stephen Gill, Co. G, 101st Inf: enl. Sept. 13, 1803; died at Baton Bongo, La., 

July 24, 1803. 
Patrick Donovan, Co. G, 101st Inf; enl. Sept. 3, 1802; disch. at Elmira, N. Y., 

1805. 
Edwin Harrison, 'iOth In J. Bat.; enl. June 0, 1803; disch. Aug. 4, 1805, at N.Y. 

City Bat. Barracks. 
George L. Barker, Co. G, lOlst Inf; enl. Aug. 22, 1862; taken pris. at Sabine 

Ci OSS-Roads, April 8, 1864; exch. Sept. 1864; disch. at Elmira, N. Y., 

1865. 
Christopher Burns, Co. G, 101st Inf ; enl. Aug. '22, 1802; disch. at Fort Jefferson, 

Fla. 
Jacob Betzel, Co. G, 161st Inf ; enl. Aug. 27, 1802 ; disch. at Elmira, N. Y. 
William Henry Snyder, Co. C, SOth Inf 
JohnGilbeitGillan,Bal. B, 1st L. Art.; enl. Dec. 18, 1863; disch. at Elmira, June 

21, 1865. 
Timothy M. Gillan, Co. F, 23d Inf ; enl. April, 1801 ; pro. to Corp., Aug. 1861 ; 

wounded at battle of Antietam ; died at home. May 24, 18G3. 
William F. Gillan, corp , Bat. B, 1st L. Art. ; enl. Nov. 1861 ; re-enl. as vet., Dec. 

28, 1803, at Brandy Station, Va. ; disch. June 18, 1806. 
Henry Morse, Co. C, 194tli Inf ; enl. March 28, 1865 ; disch. May 3, 1805. 
John J. Fowler, Co. D, 144th Inf; enl. Aug. 21, 1802; taken pris. at Goose 

Creek, Va., Aug. 21, 1803; disch. at Washington, D. C, June 8, 18C5. 
Abram L. Fowler, Co. D, 141st Inf; enl. Ang. 16, 1802 ; disch. June 8, 1865. 
William W. Hayt, adjt., *23d Inf; enl. Apr. 18G1 ; oisch. with regt. at exp. of 

term of service ; re-enl. as col. of 189th Inf. ; died at City Point, Va., 

Nov. 3, 1864. 
Charles P. Snick, Co. D, 2;id Inf ; enl. at Upton Hill, Va., Feb. 13, 1802 ; disch. 

May 21, 1863; re-ont. Co. H, 188th Inf, Sept. 23, 1S64; disch. July 8, 

1805. 
John Henry Moloney, Co. F, 189tb Inf; enl. Sept. 23,1864; disch. May 30, 

1865. 
George E. Denning, Co. G, 161st Inf; enl. Jan. 2, 18G4. ■ 
Frederick K. Lewis, Co. G, IClst Inf; enl. Sept. 5, 1862. 

John M. Brown, sergt., Co. I, 107tli Inf ; enl. July 24, 1862; wounded at An- 
tietam, Sept. 17, 1802; disch. at Calvert Hospital, Va., April 4, 1863. 
John T. Bates, Co. V, 101st Inf ; enl. Sept. 4, 1862 ; disch. at Baton Kouge, La., 

March '27, 1803. 
Edward P. Graves, 1st lient.and a. q.-mast., 107th N. Y.lnf ; enl. July 18, 1802; 

pro. to capt, and a. q.-mast. of 1st Div. 20tli Army Corps, Apr. 7, 1804; 

bievetted major after the close of the war; chief quartermaster of the 

district of Montgomery, Ala. 
Israel Van Campen, sergt.. Co. B, 14th U. S. Inf; enl. Mar. G, 1802; disch. at 

Fort Trumbull, Conn., Mar. 4, 1805. 
Geui ge R. Mott, Corp., Co. F, 14th U. S. Inf ; date of enl. unknown ; killed at 

battle of Gettysburg, Pa., July 2, 1803. 
Harlan Van Etten, Co. D, 107th Inf; enl. Aug. 11,1862; disch. July, 18G5. 
Peter McNeil, Co. D, 23d Inf; enl. April, 1801; disch. May, 1803. 
William Mott, Co. D, 23d Inf ; enl. May 6, 1801 ; disch. June 21, 1803 ; re-enl. 

as sergt., Co. F, 188tli Inf; pro. to 1st sergt. Oct. 10, 1864; disch. July 10, 

1805. 
Elijah F. Mott, sergt., Co. F, 188th Inf; enl. Sept. 14, 1864; pro, to 2d lieut. 

Oct. 10, 1864; disch. Jan. 27, 1865. 
Albert Nixon, Co. D, 14th U. Art. ; enl. June l.'i, 1863 ; disch. April 30, 1865. 
George Johnson, Co. D, 23d Inf; enl. April 23, 1861 ; disch. May 22, 180:!. 
Alexander I. Jones, Co. D, 'iSd Inf; enl. April 24,1801; died at Fall Church, 

Va., Dec. 15, 1861. 
Ilarlow Ames, Co. D, iM Inf ; enl. April 20, 1801 ; died at Belle Plain, Va., 

March '24, 1803. 
David B. Salmon, Co. D, 23d Inf ; enl. April '20, 1801 ; disch. May 22, 1803. 



272 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



William I. Palmer, Co. D, 23d Inf.; enl. Oct. 28, 1861; dIsnWeil l.y accident, 
Oct. 29, 1801 ; disch. April, 1S02. 

Dewitt C. Juhn.TOn, Cu. D, 2!d Inf.; enl. Oct. IS, 1801 ; discb. May 22, 1863. 

Lewis A. Dnnind, Cu. D, 23d Inf.; enl. Oct. 18, 1801 ; disch. May 22, 18G3. 

Charles S. Van Hon.scn, Co. E, 142d Inf.; enl. Sept. 7, 1864; wounded at Fort 
Fisher, Jan. 15. 1863; diach. Sept. 4, 186.5. 

Silas B. Decker, Co. G, 13lli 11. Art. ; enl. Feb. 6, 1803 ; trans, to Bat. M, Cth H. 
Art., Jan. 20, 1804; disch. Aug. 24, 1865. 

Frederick Oriisper, Co. P, 14th U. S. Inf.; enl. March 15, 1802; wounded at 
Snicker's Gap, V«., Nov. 3, 1802. 

Stephen D. Gorton, Co. E, Hl-st Inf.; enl. Aug. 15, 1802; killed at Resaca, Ga. 

Charles H. C.nnfoit, Co. C, 86th Inf.; enl. Feb. 18, 1804 ; killed at battle of Wil- 
derness. 

Daniel Oliphant (sub.), Co. I, 97th Inf. ; must. Aug. 3(1, 1803 ; died at Washing- 
ton, D. C, April, 1864. 

Isaac H. Palmer, Co. E, 141st Inf.; enl. Aug. 22, 1802; disch. Aug. 16, 1866. 

William 11. Huyck, Co. D, 141st Inf. ; enl. Aug. 22, 1802 ; disch. June 26, 1805. 

Pulaski DeKalb Westcolt, musician, Co. D, 141st lof. ; enl. Aug. 19, 1862; disch. 
June 24, 1865. 

Lewis A. Durand, Co. D, 23d Inf.; enl. Oct. 18, 1861 ; disch. May 22, 1863. 

Hiram C. Tnrrell, Co. D, 141st Inf.; enl. Aug. 21, 1862; pro. to sergt,, Sept. 10, 
1802; di»ch. June 13, 1805. 

Cassius M. Tnrrell, Co. D, 141st Inf.; enl. Aug. 14, 1862; trans, to Vet. Res. 
Corps, July, 1864; ilisch. July 3, 1865. 

Henry C. Bonhani, Co. E, Ulst Inf.; enl. Sept. 16, 1864; disch. June 24, 1865. 

Thomas Brown, Co. A, Hth H. Art.; enl. July 30, 1863; disch. July 10, 1865. 

Byron A. Barton, Co. K, 2d U.S. Cav. ; twice wounded at Flint Hill, Va., on 
reconnaissance; honorably mentioned by Gen. McClellan ; disch. July 14, 
1804; re-enl. Co. K, 2d U.S. Cav., July 1.5, 1804; taken prisoner on Stone- 
man's raid to Richmond, Va. ; detailed at headquarters of Gen. U. S. 
Graut, at Washington, D. C. ; disch. at end of war. 

Jacob Hollenbecli, Co. F, 80th Inf. ; enl. Oct. 28, 1801 ; disch. Oct. 29, 1804. 

Salem Loucks, Corp, Co. L, 2d U. S. Cav.; disch. at Savaye Station, Texas, Feb. 
12, 18li6. 

John H. Collier, Co. D, 23d Inf.; enl. Sept. 23, 1801. 

Henry F. I'eet, Co. — , 6th Pa. Inf.; enl. May 10, 1861; disch. May 11, 1802. 

Asa A. earner, Co. D, 23d Inf. ; enl. Jlay 10, 1861 ; disch. May 22, 1863 ; re-enl. 
Co. — , 86tb Inf., Feb. 10, 1804 ; disch. July 4, 1865. 

Charles E. McCarty, drummer, Co. F, IStli Inf.; enl. May 14, 18G1 ; disch. May 
14, 1803. 

George M. Clark, Co. 1, 20th Conn. Inf. ; enl. Aug. 12,1862 ; disch. June 26, '05. 

John Taylor, Co. M, 13th II. Art.; e?il. Sept. 1803 ; disch. July 11, 1805. 

John Emperor, Co. G, 161st Inf.; enl. Aug. 28, 1802; disch. Sept. 20, 1805. 

Reuben F. llann, Co. B, Sth U. S. Inf. ; enl. July 17, 1863 ; pro. to sergt., Oct. 
1863 ; to 1st sergt., July, 1805 ; disch. Nov. 10, 1865. 

Samuel Starks, Co. G, 161st Inf.; enl. Sept. 3,1862; disch. June 14, 1805. 

Charles A. Palmer, Co. K, 132d Pa. Inf.; enl. July 26, 1802 ; wounded at Autie- 
taui, Sept. 17, 1802 ; disch. from wounds, Nov. 14, 1802. 

James .Miller, drum-major, 85th Inf. ; enl. Aug. 6, 1861 ; discli. at Washington, 
1). C , April, 1802. 

Horace K. Runisey, capt., Co. B, 130th Pa. Inf.; oul. Aug. 0, 1802; disch. for 
disability, Feb. 28, 1803. 

Benjamin A. Cooper, Co. F, 50th Eng. ; enl. Aug. 28, 1804 ; disch. June 28, 1805. 

Edward Smith, Co. M, Begt. ; enl. July 17, 1863 ; disch. at Elmira, N. V., 

at ciuse of war. 

Richard Houks, Co. G, 161st Inf.; enl. Aug. 22, 1862; disch. Oct. 28, 1865. 

Samuel II. Mott, Co. I, 107th Inf. ; enl. July 24, 1802; disch. July 17, 1805. 

Ale.vander Mutt, sergt., Co. C, 171st Inf.; enl. Oct. 25, 1862 ; di-sch. at Harris- 
burg, Pa. 

Michael O'Neil, Co. D, 07th Ohio Inf. ; enl. Oct. 10, 1861 ; disch. Jan. 31, 1864; 
re-enl. Co. D, 67tli Ohio Inf.. Feb. I, 1864 ; disch. June 18, 1805. 

John Gibbons, Co. D, 14l5t Inf; enl. Sept. 19, 1804; disch. June 18, 1863. 

Jefferson Burris, Co. F, 188th Inf.; enl. Sept. 1804; disch. July 1-2, 1805. 

Robert J. Buriiliam, Co. B, 71st Inf. (militia) ; enl. April 20, 1801; must, out at 
New York Cily, July 3i), 1801 ; re-enl. Ist liout. Co. E, 161st Inf.; disch. 
at Baton Kouge, La., Aug. 29, 1803. 

Hiram Fiancisco, seaman; trans, front IClst Inf., Sept. 14, 1864; disch. at 
Brooklyn, N. Y., Sept. 9, 1865. 

Lemuel Jacobs, sailor, enl. Feb. 2, 1864. 

William I. Daily, marine; trans, from 14th H. Art. ; lostat the storming of Fort 
Fisher. 

Delos C. Sherwood, Ist sergt., Co. D, 23d Inf.; enl. Jlay, 1801 ; discli. May 22, 
1863; re-enl. private Co. G, 101st Inf., Dec. 25, 1803; pro. to 1st sergt. ; 
disch. Nov. 1865. 

William U. Lucas, Bat. L, 14th R. I. Art., and Bat. L, 11th U. S. Col. H. Art. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



HON. JOHN N. IIUNGERFORD. 
The subject of this sketch is of English origin, of the 
seventh genenttion. His greut-grandfather, on his father's 
side, was Benjamin Hungerford, son of Thomas Hunger- 



ford, of Haddam, Conn., who was born in the year 1703 
and died in 1792. His grandfather on the same side was 
Capt. Jacob Hungerford, of Bristol, Conn., who was born 
July 16, 1748, and died June 23, 1S12. The wife of 
Capt. Hungerford was Mary Newell, who was born- Nov. 
HO, 1749, and died Jan. 30, 180G. She was a daughter of 
Rev. Samuel Newell, who was a native of Southington, and 
was graduated at Yale College in the year 1739. He mar- 
ried Mary, widow of Timothy Root, of Farmington, whose 
maiden name was Mary Hart. Rev. Samuel Newell was 
for forty-two years pastor of the Congregational Church at 
Bristol, Conn. 

The father of the subject of this sketch was Lot Hun- 
gerford, who was born Dec. 8, 1777, and died Jan. 9, 1827. 
His great-grandfather on his mother's side was Stephen 
Smith, of Goshen, Litchfield Co., Conn., who was born in 
the year 1710, and died in 1793. His grandfather was 
Henian Smith, who was born in 1753, and died in Vernon, 
N. Y., in September, 1837. Between the years 1795 and 
1800 he was three times a representative in the General 
Assembly of the State of Connecticut. His wife, Hannah 
Benhani, was born June 15, 1754, and died in 1802. The 
mother of the subject of this sketch was Celinda Smith, 
who was born in 1783 and died in the year 1868. 

John N. Hungerford was born in the town of Vernon, 
Oneida Co., N. Y., on the 31st of December, 1825. His 
parents removed from Connecticut to Vernon in the year 
1801, performing the journey to Albany on horseback, and 
from Albany to Vernon with ox-team. John N. was the 
youngest of nine children. His father. Lot Hungerford, a 
farmer by occupation, reared his family to habits of industry 
and frugality, and died, as above stated, in the year 1827, 
leaving a good and honored name. John N. was reared on 
the farm, and attended the common schools of his district 
until he was twelve years of age, when he removed to 
Westfleld, Chautauqua Co., N. Y., to reside with his eldest 
brother, Hon. S. H. Hungerford, who was engaged in the 
mercantile business at that time. In 1838 he entered 
Westfield Academy, where he prepared himself for college. 
In the fall of 1843 he entered the sophomore class in Ham- 
ilton College, where he was graduated in the summer of 
1846. During his residence at Westfield he was clerk for 
his brother, and there learned the mercantile business. 
From the year 1846 to 1848 he was engaged in the mer- 
cantile business at Oriskany Falls, N. Y., with his brother- 
in-law, Geo. W. Couch. For a short time following he 
was in the Bank of Whitestown, at Whitestown, N. Y. 
In May, 1848, he became cashier of the Bank of Westfield, 
which was established by his brother, Hon. S. H. Hunger- 
ford, who was president of the same. In July, 1854, he 
settled in Corning, Steuben Co., N. Y., and in August fol- 
lowing established the George Washington Bank, in com- 
pany with Geo. W. Patterson, Jr., son of Hon. Geo. W. 
Patterson, of Westfield, N. Y. Mr. Hungerford was pres- 
ident and Mr. Patterson cashier. In December, 1858, Mr. 
Hungerford sold his entire interest to his partner, George 
W. Patterson, Jr., and subsequently had no further connec- 
tion with that bank. In the spring of 1859 he established 
his present bank, known as J. N. Hungerford's Bauk. 

In his political convictions lie was a Whig, until the or- 




'^''""4 Sy Sam^l St"!^ 




TOWN OF CORNING. 



273 



ganizatioQ of the Republican party, since which time he 
has been a pronounced Republican. He has been prom- 
inently identified with the best interests of his town and 
county, and often has been chosen as a delegate to represent 
his constituents in district, county, and State conventions. 
He has held various official positions in Corning, and for 
four years was chairman of the Republican committee of 
Steuben County. He was a delegate to the National Re- 
publican convention at Philadelphia, in 1872, which nom- 
inated General Grant for President, and Hon. Henry Wilson, 
of Massachusetts, for Vice-President. He took a very ac- 
tive part in that campaign. 

In 1876 he was elected to the Forty-fifth Congress, to 
represent the Twenty-ninth District of New York, com- 
prising the counties of Allegany, Chemung, and Steuben, 
receiving 21,087 votes, against 17,973 votes for E. D. 
Loveridge, Democrat. In Congress he served on the Com- 
mittee on Education and Labor. 

In June, 1859, he was married, at the residence of the late 
Duncan S. Magee, in Corning, to Miss Mary W., daughter 
of the late Dr. Ten Eyck Gansevoort, of Bath, Steuben 
Co., N. Y., and formerly of Albany, N. Y. His wife died 
in the month of October, 1871. 

Mr. Hungerford is an active member of the Presbyterian 
Church at Corning, and has been a tiustee of the same for 
more than twenty years. He has also been for several 
years a trustee of Hamilton College, and of Elmira Female 
College. 

Mr. Hungerford is a man of deep and earnest convic- 
tions, which lead him to be firm in upholding what he be- 
lieves to be right, — a man of integrity and uprightness in 
all his relations and dealings in life, charitable in his 
opinions of others, as well as in his deeds, and of a social 
nature that attaches to him many warm friends. 



HON. CHARLES C. B. WALKER 

was born at Drewsville, a small village in Cheshire Co., 
N. H., in 1824. The battle of life commenced early, and 
he had but limited opportunities for acquiring an education. 
When barely six years of age, his father, through business 
embarrassments, was placed within jail limits, under the old 
law of imprisonment for debt, at Keene, N. H. He was a 
soldier of the war of 1812, and died at the age of forty- 
seven, in 1842. His mother, whose maiden name was 
Harriet Blake, resides with her son iu Corning, and now 
in her eighty-third year, is just beginning to receive the 
widow's pension. 

Thus early in life the future merchant commenced a 
career remarkable for its industry, perseverance, and suc- 
cess. His opportunities were few, his means meagre, but 
nothing that helped him to turn an honest penny was de- 
spised. Before he reached the age of seventeen he accu- 
mulated the snug sum of $800, which he loaned to his 
father. This little capital was not only the foundation of 
his future prosperity, but enabled his parent to lease the 
Eagle Hotel at Charleston, and afterward the Cheshire 
House, at Keene, N. H. The elder Walker was famous 
as a landlord throughout New England in hjs day, and was 
35 



the original recipient of the now common title " The Prince 
of Landlords." In his .seventeenth year, young Walker 
entered the hardware-store of W. H. Bowman, at Palmyra, 
N. Y., with a frugal salary ; but mindful of the early les- 
sons, and in deference to the wishes of his mother, who was 
afraid of the hotel influence, he remained seven years with 
Mr. Bowman, rapidly acquiring a thorough knowledge of 
the business, but his aspirations craving a wider field, he 
set out for Albany in 1848 with undefined plans, yet strong 
in determination to engage in the trade for himself. 

He boldly presented himself to the late Hon. Erastus 
Corning, and asked for credit, stating his desire to engage 
in business for himself, adding that he had saved $1500 
(part of which he had earned while a lad and loaned to his 
father). Mr. Corning suggested that $1500 was a small 
sum to commence hardware business on. Walker replied 
if Mr. Corning did not give him credit, somebody must. 
This spirited answer of the young man favorably impressed 
the mind of that able and successful financier, and he im- 
mediately gave orders to his confidential clerk to give Mr. 
Walker all the credit he wanted. Thenceforth the most 
cordial relations subsisted between him and Mr. Corning, 
and young Walker was treated more like a son than other- 
wise, retaining the confidence of that gentleman ever after- 
wards. 

Soon after the above incidents, Mr. Walker, in 1848, 
commenced business in the village of Corning, with the 
firm-name of Cumpston & Walker, establishing the largest 
hardware business in the Chemung Valley, and placed it 
upon an enduring basis. In addition to this he engaged 
extensively in the lumber trade, which he carried on with 
characteristic industry. 

His business enterprises have been among the most intri- 
cate, as well as of the most varied character. Canals, rail- 
roads, and public buildings also engaged his attention, and 
the many contracts he has taken have always been per- 
formed to the fullest satisfaction of the authorities ; nor has 
he in a single instance ever failed to complete his work, — a 
distinction enjoyed by but few public contractors. His 
business operations have given employment to a large num- 
ber of men. In the fire of 1850, with nearly all of the 
business buildings of Corning, his was destroyed, and 
during the same year he built the store that he occupies at 
the present time. In 1851 he took in a partner, Horace 
Turner, who purchased Mr. Cumpston's interest. The new 
firm continued until 1857, when Mr. Walker became the 
sole owner of the business, which he carried on until 18G2, 
and associated with him in business Austin Lathrop, Jr., 
who is now a member of the firm. 

In the spring of 1856 he was appointed by President 
Pierce postmaster of Corning — he was entirely ignorant of 
the fact that a change was meditated until he received the 
appointment — and re-appointed by President Buchanan, in 
May, 1860. He was a delegate to the National Democratic 
Convention of the latter year, and warmly supported Ste- 
phen A. Douglas for the Presidency. During the interim 
betweeu the adjournment at Charleston ^nd the reassem- 
bling at Baltimore, an agent of the administration told Mr. 
Walker " he saw the President yesterday ; that the Presi- 
dent was not at all satisfied with his course at Charleston ; 



274 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



that unless lie acted differently at Baltimore, he knew the 
consequences.' 

Mr. Walker responded that he " satisfied his constitu- 
ents, if not the President, and to them alone held himself 
responsible." 

He went to Baltimore and stood by his friends and by the 
Democratic organization. He was almost immediately re- 
moved. 

The Democratic party of the then Twenty-seventh Con- 
gressional District (Steuben and Livingston Counties) nomi- 
nated him their candidate for Congress in that campaign. 
The district being overwhelmingly Republican, there was 
no chance for his election ; yet he ran far ahead of his ticket, 
notwithstanding the opposition of the administration, who 
sought to punish him for his course at Charleston and 
Baltimore. 

It is a significant fact that, although a postmaster, he was 
then arrayed against the Federal oiBce-holders. He stood 
boldly for the rights of the people, and denounced the arro- 
gance of the administration which sought to enforce ob- 
noxious measures and defeat the will of the people through 
corrupt means. The following extract from an address to 
his constituents, shortly after the nomination of Stephen 
A. Douglas, will better explain the principles he advocated : 

" There is a principle pervading the entire Union that 
the people ought to be and are the depository of power, and 
that they are vested with the right, subject only to the 
Constitution, to determine for themselves and to provide by 
legislation, without foreign interference, what they may need 
or want." 

He was also a delegate to the National Democratic Con- 
vention of 1872, and was active in support of the principles 
of the Cincinnati platform, and the nomination of Horace 
Greeley, of whose talents and integrity he was an ardent 
admirer. 

In April, 1861, at the breaking out of the Rebellion, 
Gov. Morgan appointed him assistant quartermaster-gen- 
eral, with rank as colonel, and he was detailed to the ren- 
dezvous at Elmira. In two weeks he provided quarters for 
fifteen thousand soldiers. His energy and efiiciency in this 
work called forth special commendation from the Governor 
and high praise from the United States oiScers. His stay 
at Charleston during the convention of the previous year 
had given him an opportunity of judging of the people who 
had appealed to the " arbitrament of the sword," and he 
constantly urged the most vigorous prosecution of the war. 
In 1861, at the meeting of the Democratic State Committee, 
he was the only one who urged the policy of a Union ticket, 
for he realized what the war was, and was anxious to show 
the South an undivided North. 

When, in 1862, the President issued his call for three 
hundred thousand more. Col. Walker was appointed a mem- 
ber of the War Committee by Gov Morgan, giving his time, 
money, and best energies to fill the call, and it was largely 
due to his efforts that Col. Van Valkenburgh and Lieut.- 
Col. Diven marched into Washington with the first regiment 
raised under that call. In all the stirring incidents of the 
Rebellion, Col. Walker was found side by side with the 
most patriotic, aiding the needy families of the soldiers, and 
those who became the sole support of aged parents. 



In politics, he early imbibed those principles which had 
for their advocates such statesmen as Michael Hoffman, Silas 
Wright, W. L. Marcy, and Horatio Seymour. His ardent 
nature made him an effective worker as well as a wise coun- 
sellor. For the last twenty years he has served his party as 
a member of the State committee with rare fidelity and gen- 
eral acceptance. 

In 1858 he was chosen supervisor of Corning, against 
great odds, but his numerous cares compelled him to refuse 
a re-election. 

In 1870, Governor Hoffman appointed him a member nf 
the first commission for the Elmira Reformatory. He was 
chosen chairman, and devoted much time and study in de- 
veloping the policy finally adopted for that institution, and 
to perfecting building plans as well as the erection of the 
buildings. He continued a member of the commission 
until the Legislature changed the management of the Re- 
formatory to favor party friends. 

He represented the Twenth-ninth Congressional District 
in the Forty-fourth Congress of the United States, and at 
the time of election, although his party was in the minority 
of from four to five thousand, he received a majority of 
some three thousand ; and in his own town, of a poll of 
seventeen hundred, his majority was some nine hundred 
and eighty. He served on the committee on the Post-ofiBce 
and Post-roads, also that on Expenditures in the Post-ofiice 
Department. 

His course in Congress was maiked by a close and intel- 
ligent attention to his duties ; his decisive and complete 
defense of the military rendezvous at Elmira against 
charges of neglect and cruelty ; and for his effective sup- 
port of all measures for the welfare of the country, also 
measures for the relief of the soldiers and others whom the 
Federal government was in duty bound to protect. His 
record in that memorable Congress reflected alike honor to 
himself and credit to his district. The approval was gen- 
eral, and the expression for his re-election so universal that 
a public declination was deemed necessary, in which he re- 
iterated his feelings of two years before, intensified by an 
experience of two years, " that he much preferred the 
pleasures of home and its associations to any honors which 
a possible election might bring him." 

His whole career has been marked by his strong sym- 
pathy with the agricultural and mechanical interests. 
Farmers, manufiicturers, lumbermen, mechanics, and labor- 
ing men, by the hundreds, can testify to the timely aid 
given in the past. 

In the year 1854, March 2, he married Maria D., 
daughter of Edward S. and Maria Townsend, of Palmyra, 
N. Y. Her father was a native of Palmyra, and her 
grandfather. Rev. Jesse Townsend, was a Presbyterian 
minister, and among the early settlers of that place. 

Their children are Alvah (deceased), Mrs. James A. 
Drake, of Corning, Charles E., Hattie E., and Edwin S. 

Col. Walker, with his family, spends much of his time 
during the summer months at his beautiful farm residence 
at Palmyra, to which he intends to retire when he with- 
draws from active business. 

At present the firm of Walker & Lathrop is extensively 
enKaged in the lumber, manufacturing, and hardware busi- 



TOWN OF CORNING. 



275 



ness, and other enterprises which are d.'veloping the 
resources of Southern New York. In these pursuits Col. 
Walicer has achieved honor and fortune, has earned the 
respect of a legion of friends, and sot an example before 
the young men of this generation worthy to be emulated. 



HON. GEORGE B. BRADLEY 

was born in the town of Greene, Chenango Co., N. Y., Feb. 
5, 182.5. His grandfather, David, and his fiither, Orlo F. 
Bradley, were both natives of Richfield Co., Conn. David 
Bradley removed to Chenango County during its early settle- 
ment, was a farmer by occupation, and died at about eighty- 
four years of age. His father died in Corning in 1845. 

Mr. Bradley spent his time until he was sixteen on the 
farm, and at the common schools, and was subsequently a 
student at the Ithaca Academy. In 1815 he became a stu- 
dent of law, with Judge Monell, of Greene, N. Y., with 
whom he remained only a short time, and was afterwards a 
student with James Crombie, of Fulton, Oswego Co., N. Y., 
and was admitted to the bar in May, 1848. In June of 
the same year he settled in Addison, Steuben Co., in the 
practice of his profession, where he remained the balance of 
the year ; and after practicing for some four years in Wood- 
hull, in the year 1852, settled in Corning, where he has 
since resided, in the practice of the law. 

He has been a member of the law-firms of " Bradley & 
Brown" and " Bradley & Kendall,'' and is still a member 
of the latter firm. 

Mr. Bradley is a Democrat in politics, and holds an in- 
fluential position in that party. In the fall of 1873 he was 
elected to the Senate of the State from the Twenty-seventh 
Senatorial District, and served efficiently in that body during 
the term of 1874-75. In the fall of 1875 he was re-elected, 
and discharged the duties of senator during the following 
term (1876-77). Under the administration of Governor 
John T. Hofi'man he was appointed a member of the consti- 
tutional commission of the State of 1872-73, and in the fall 
of 1878 was a candidate of the Democratic party forjudge 
of the Court of Appeals. 

Mr. Bradley married, in 1850, Hannah E., daughter of 
John Lattimer, of WoodhuU. 



FRANKLIN N. DRAKE 

was born in the town of Milton, Chittenden Co., Vt., Dec. 
1, 1817. His father, Elijah Drake, was a native of New 
Windsor, Conn. ; was married to Polly Tambling, a native 
of Lee, Berkshire Co., Mass. ; was a farmer by occupation, 
and died in 1829, at the age of fifty-si.^, in the town of Mil- 
ton. His wife was subsequently married to Christopher 
Cadman, and removed to Le Roy, Genesee Co., N. Y., 
where the smaller children, at the time of their father's 
death, were reared. 

Of eleven children, Mr. Franklin N. Drake was the 
ninth child. At the age of fifteen he began a clerkship 
in a drug-store at Le Roy, where he remained for three 
years, followed by one year spent in the West, and one 
year as clerk in the drug business in New York City. In 



the year 1840 he returned to Le Roy, and opened busi- 
ness for himself in the hardware and grocery trade, which 
he continued for some fourteen years. In the spring of 
1854 he purchased timber-lands in Cohooton, Steuben Co., 
and began manufacturing lumber on quite an extensive 
scale, running some six mills, and shipping his lumber to 
various markets North, 

In the year 186G Mr. Drake sold his lumber in- 
terest in Cohocton, having previously, with seven others, 
purchased a tract of coal and lumber land near Blossburg, 
Pa., built a railroad connecting their lands with the Tioga 
Railroad, and developed their lands for coal and lumber 
purposes, under the name of " Bloss Coal-Mining and 
Railroad Company," of which he was general superintendent. 

In 18(J7, Mr. Drake removed to Corning, and the .same 
year the company bought the Tioga Railroad, and he was 
elected president of the same. In 1871 the Bloss Coal- 
Mining and Railroad Company sold their mine and roads 
to the Blossburg Coal Company, of which company Mr. 
Drake was elected president, and still holds the office, as 
also the presidency of the Tioga Railroad Co., with office 
located at Corning. The company, in 1876, extended their 
railroad to the city of Elmira. In 1870-71 he was a 
director of the Erie Railway. Mr. Drake has never been 
solicitous of any political preferment, but rather preferred a 
strictly business life, never accepting any office except 
that at one time he was supervisor of the town of Cohoc- 
ton, and served as auditor one term at Corning. In the 
year 1840 he married Abigail, daughter of Giles Man- 
waring, of Bethany, Genesee Co., N. Y., but a native of 
Lynn, Conn. She was born in 1819. Their children were 
three sons and three daughters, of whom only two sons 
reached manhood. Henry lived to the age of twenty-six, 
and died in 1873, leaving a wife and two children. 

James A. Drake, the only surviving son and youngest, 
married Isabella, oldest daughter of Hon. C. C. B. Walker, 
of Corning, and is in bu.siness with his father. 



ELLSWORTH DAGGETT MILLS. 

Ellsworth Daggett Mills, second son of Charles Lewis 
Mills and Maria Ann Kellogg, was born at Fairfield, Conn., 
May 8, 1836. The Mills family is of English origin. The 
first American progenitor was Peter Walter Mills, who, upon 
leaving England, went first to Leyden, Holland, where he 
was called Vondermeulen. He came to America between 
1636 and 1640, and settled at Windsor, Hartford Co., 
Conn. Soon after his name was changed back to Mills by 
an act of the Colonial Legislature of Connecticut. 

His son, named Peter, had twelve children. Three of 
his sons were graduates of Yale College, and became minis- 
ters of the gospel. The eldest, Jedediah, was for fifty years 
pastor of the first church in Huntington, Conn. His wife 
was a granddaughter of Robert Treat, who was Governor 
of Connecticut for several years. His son, Elisha, lived 
in Huntington, and represented that town in the General 
Assembly of the State for thirty consecutive years. 

Charles L. Mills removed from Fairfield, Conn., to Steu- 
ben County in the year 1835, and settled at Centreville, in 



276 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY. NEW YORK. 



the then town of Painted Post, where he engaged in mer- 
cantile business. He brought his family from Fairfield in 
1836. He removed to Corning in 1841, where he con- 
tinued to reside until his death, in 184.5. He first engaged 
in the mercantile business, in Corning, in connection with 
Charles E. Osborne, and afterwards in the foundry busine.ss, 
to which B. W. Payne & Co. succeeded at his death, and 
which has been carried on so successfully since by B. ^V. 
Payne & Co., Payne & Olcotts, Payne & Pritchard, and B. 
W. Payne & Sons. 

The Kellogg family is of Scotch origin, the first settler 
in America having been Stephen Kellogg, who settled at 
Westfield, Mass., about the year 1700. Maria was a daugh- 
ter of Alexander Cyrus Kellogg, who was a grandson of 
Stephen before mentioned, and was a successful merchant 
and prominent citizen of Troy, N. Y. 

The subject of this sketch began his residence in Steu- 
ben County at the early age of six weeks, in the summer of 
18o6, at Centreville, moving to Corning in 1841, where, 
with the exception of about seven years, he has always 
lived. His education was received in the public schools in 
Corning and the academy at Fairfield, Conn. He studied 
law with Hon. Geo. T. Spencer and Charles H. Thomson, 
then practicing law at Corning, under the firm name of 
Spencer & Thomson; was admitted to practice in 1857; 
went to New York City to reside in 1858, and remained 
until 1865, when he returned to Corning and formed a law 
partnership with Charles H. Thomson. Has since been 
a member of the law-firms of Thomson & Mills, Spencer, 
Thomson & Mills, and Spencer & Mills. 

He was elected district attorney in 1874, and re-elected 
in 1877 ; was also elected member of the board of educa- 
tion of the village of Corning in 1874, and re-elected in 
1877. 

In politics he was originally a Democrat. He became a 
war Democrat at the breaking out of the war, and soon after 
became identified with the Republican party, and has acted 
with that organization, substantially, ever since, and was at 
one time chairman of the Republican county committee. 

He was married in 1862 to Eliza A. Wellington, a daugh- 
ter of Samuel B. and Amelia Wellington, who died in 1869 ; 
has two sons living, Charles L. and George A. 

He has one brother living. Dr. Augustus T. Mills, now 
practicing his profession at Corning, and three sisters, Mrs. 
Anna K. Curtis, of Ithaca, N. Y., Catharine L. Mills, and 
Mrs. Margaret A. Green, both residents of Corning. 

Mr. Mills has a good reputation as a lawyer, and is highly 
esteemed for his social and moral qualities. 



AUSTIN LATHROP, Jr. 

The paternal ancestor of the subject of this sketch. Rev. 
John Lathrop, was a native of Barnstable, England, and 
settled in America, at Scituate, Mass., Sept. 28, 1634. He 
died at Norwich, Conn., Nov. 8, 1653. The great-grand- 
father of Austin Lathrop (sometimes spelled " Lattrop" by 
many) was named Jedediah. He was a native of Stoning- 
ton, Conn. He had seven sons, of whom Israel, the grand- 
father of Austin, was the youngest, and was born in Bozra, 
Conn., in October, 1770, and settled in Otsego Co., N. Y., 



in 1801. He was married to Miss Martha, daughter of 
John White, of Springfield, Otsego Co., N. Y. 

John White was a brother of Dr. Joseph White, of 
Cherry Valley, known far and near as a physician and sur- 
geon of great .skill. As the result of the above union, four 
children — two sons and two daughters — were born, of whom 
Austin Lathrop, Sr., was the eldest, and was born in Otsego 
Co., N. Y.. Aug. 19, 1805. His brother Delos was two 
years younger, and graduated at Union College with honors, 
became a lawyer in 1832, and settled in Bufiklo, and died 
in the city of Albany, in 1835. 

Austin Lathrop removed to Chenango County, and from 
thence to Lawrenceville, Pa., in 1830. He married Miss 
Amy, only daughter of Daniel Walker, of Lawrenceville, 
Pa., Nov. 5, 1832. Of this union, seven children — four 
sons and three daughters — were bora, viz., Margaret, Martha, 
Austin, Delos, Daniel, William, and Mary. Mrs. Lathrop 
died March 19, 1850. 

In 1836, Mr. Lathrop removed to Covington, Tioga Co., 
Pa., but at the present time (January, 1879) he is a resi- 
dent of Academy Corners, Tioga Co., Pa. 

He has spent the most of his life as a farmer and lumber- 
man, in Lawrence township, Tioga Co., and is now retired 
from business, at the age of seventy-four years. 

Austin Lathrop, Jr., son of Austin and Amy Lathrop, 
was born in Covington, Tioga Co., Pa., April 9, 1839. 

At the age of sixteen he left the paternal roof, and went 
into the busy world for himself For two years he was 
lumber inspector for Ballard & Sampson, of Williamsport, 
Pa. ; for one year a clerk in a general merchandise store, at 
Lawrenceville, for Mr. Ballard ; and March 30, 1859, came 
to Corning, and engaged as a clerk for Hon. C. C. B. 
Walker, in a general hardware store. June 13, 1862, Mr. 
Lathrop was admitted as partner, with firm-name of Walker 
& Lathrop, since which time, Mes.sr8. Walker & Lathrop, 
in connection with hardware, carry on an extensive busi- 
ness as manufacturers and dealers in lumber. 

Mr. Lathrop is a member of the Democratic party, and 
in matters of local interest has always been connected with 
such enterprises as tend to the growth and prosperity of the 
town and village of Corning. 

He was treasurer of the village for one year ; for two 
years following, its president ; and supervisor of the town 
of Corning for nine years, ending February, 1878, during 
which time he was elected four times as chairman of the 
Board of Supervisors of the county. 

Mr. Lathrop was connected with the fire department of 
the village for many years, and for some two years as chief 
engineer. 



QUINCY W. WELLINGTON 

was born in Moriah, Essex Co., N. Y., Dec. 27, 1832. He 
was second son in a family of seven children of Samuel B. 
and Amelia (Greene) Wellington, — the former a native of 
Alsted, Vt., born Sept. 7, 1805, the latter born at Saratoga, 
N. Y., June 29, 1813. Of the children, all are living 
except two. 

Mr. Wellington removed with his parents to Tioga in 
the year 1845, and in the year 1849 entered the store of 




U(JJ//u^^J^f^C 





Henry Goff was born in the town of Howard, Jan. 8, 
1816. His father, William Goff, was a native of Bennington, 
Vt., burn in 1781 ; went to Otsego County while a young man, 
and married Harriet Hamilton, of the town of Butternuts, 
and began farming. 

Of this union were born in that county. Job; Mrs. Ziniri 
Burnham (deceased); Mrs. Nathan Goff (deceased) ; Jehial 
I}, (ileceased); Potter D. H., a practicing physician of Wis- 
consin. 

The family settled in the town of Howard, this county, 
about 1810, when Mr. Goff first purchased some two hundred 
acres of land on Goff's Creek, making additions thereto sub- 
sequently of several hundred acres. On his land was a saw- 
mill, and on which he built a grist-mill, the first built in that 
section of the county, and erected a wool-carding and cloth- 
dressing mill; and in 1833 he built the brick house now stand- 
ing in tlmt ]>art of the town, making the brick by hand. He 
lived where he first settled until he had erected the third grist- 
mill on different sites on the 'same farm. He also built a 
distillery which he carried on for some twelve years, and was 
engaged in stone-cutting. 

At one time when there was a scarcity of provisions, Mr. 
Goff brought flour from Penn Yan, paj'ing twenty dollars per 
barrel, and distributed it among the need}'; and during the 
famine, in 1816, it is said that Mrs. Goff spent a large part of 
one winter sifting bran, taking the finer part and mixing with 
flour to supply the destitute; and at a time when there was no 
physician near she was the ever ready physician and midwife 
for the settlers; such was her generosity and kindness, that 
her name will long be honored for her many wnmanlj' virtues. 
He was an enterprising, thrifty business man ; his sympathy 
for those around him was only limited b_v his ability to help 
them, and to such families as the Goffs was the establishment 
of schools, settlement of towns, and manufacturing interests 
of the early days most due. 

Mr. Goti' was esteemed very highly by the citizens of the 
town ; was supervisor for many years, and a member of the 
Democratic party. Although a man of little book knowledge, 
he possessed much native ability and sound common sense, and 
during the latter part of his life gave much of his time to 
reading, and especially to the study of the Scriptures, in which 
he was well versed, and believed in the final justification of 
the whole human race. 



Their children born in the town of Howard are Cameron, 
Henry, Washington (died young), Warren W., Hosea B., and 
Mrs. Alkali Bennett. 

The father died in the town of Howard, at the age of 
seventy-eight ; the mother died at the age of fifty-six, in the 
year 1843. 

Mr. Henry Goff spent his minorit}- on the farm and in the 
mill, receiving a fair common-school education. At the age 
of twenty-two he married Minerva, daughter of Reuben and 
Pjlecta (Loomis) Smith, of the town of Bath. Her parents 
soon after their own marriage settled in Howard, when 
there were only three families in the town, and afterwards re- 
moved to Bath, where they lived until they died. She was 
born Fell. 5, 1813. His first liusiness for himself was in the 
carding and cloth-dressing mill, which his father turned over 
to him about the time of his marriage. To this he added the 
manufacture of chairs, wagon hubs, etc., in which he was 
successful, and got a good start in business. 

In 1851 he engaged in the lumber business with Joseph I. 
Burnham, rafting down the Canisteo. For three years as a 
farmer, and five as a merchant, he resided in Avoca. In 1862 
he opened a general merchandising store in Corning, which he 
carried on for seven years, and since has given his attention 
wholly to the dry-goods trade in that place, and is among the 
successful and enterprising merchants of Southern New York. 

Mr. Goff has always been a staunch member of the Demo- 
cratic party, and has been called upon by the citizens of his 
town to fill man}' places of trust and responsibility. Was 
supervisor of the town of Avoca, and for six years a justice of 
the peace of that town ; has been supervisor of Corning for two 
years; eight years justice of the peace and one year president 
of the village of Corning. 

During the excitement consequent upon the draft for Corn- 
ing of one hundred and forty-five men during the late Re- 
bellion, Mr. Goff took an active part in raising money to 
hire men and prevent the draft; i.nd for four days continuously 
was chairman of the meeting of the citizens of Corning at that 
time, and was a liberal contributor in supporting that suc- 
cessful project. 

His attention has been more particularly given to business, 
preferring that to political honor or the emoluments of office. 
Their children are J. Dimick, who died at the age of twenty- 
three ; and Mahlon D., who is now a resident of Corning. 




/i^/if^c 




William Walker was born at Sawley, York- 
shire, England, Oct. 11, 1827. His fatiier, Benja- 
min, eldest son of Eli Walker, of Haddeufield, also 
a native of Yorkshire, is now in Mannum, South 
Australia. His mother, Bridget Baldwin, second 
daughter of Anthony Baldwin, of Gisburn, Coates, 
Yorkshire, England, a captain in the royal navy, is 
deceased. 

Mr. Walker came to the United States, landing 
at New Orleans in 1842 ; thence up the Mississippi 
and to Chicago, then a small village, where he 
resided on a farm in the vicinity for several years. 
He returned to Europe in 1849, spent three years 
traveling through different parts of the continent, 
and on his return to America, in 1852, settled in 
New York City, where he remained for a few years 
and carried on quite extensively woolen manufacture 
in Ohio. 

In May, 1856, he removed to Corning, where he 
has since been a leading dealer in hats, caps, and 
gentlemen's furnishing goods ; and for several years 
past has done a large and successful business in fire 
and life insurance. 



During his residence in America he has made two 
trips to Europe, one of which was made on board a 
sailing vessel in fourteen days from New York to 
Liverpool. 

For several years since he came to Corning he has 
been a vestryman of Christ Church. 

He was one of the original members of the Al- 
liance Hook-and-Ladder Company, of Corning, and 
is now an honorary member of the same. He has 
been a trustee and president of the Corning fire 
department. 

June 16, 1859, he married Helen Comstock Bost- 
wick, niece of Col. Hiram W. Bostwick, of Corning. 
She was born in Milford, Otsego Co., N. Y., June 
23, 1837. Their children are Anne Leach, William 
Baldwin, Helen Bostwick, Mary Louise, Fred Leach, 
and Edith ; of whom Mary Louise and Fred Leach 
Walker are deceased. 

Mr. Walker is identified with the Republican 
party, and interested in all questions aifecting local 
or State legislation. He is a promoter of tlic best 
interests of society, and gives his attention strictly to 
a business life. 





John Storms. 



^iRS. John Storms 




Residence OF JOHN STORMS. Corning, Steuben Co., N Y 



TOWN OF CORNING. 



277 



T. L. Baldwin & Co. as errand boy. In 1851 he became 
a clerk in the store of J. B. Steele, and remained with him 
one year, when he entered into partnership with Mr. Etz, 
with the firm-name of Etz & Wellington. After the death 
of his father at Tioga, Pa., March 1, 1854, he withdrew 
liis interest from the firm, and came to Corning, Steuben 
Co., where he entered the oflBce of the New York and Erie 
Railroad Company, under the management and control of 
A. T. Cochran. 

On the 13th day of May, 1857, he married Matilda B., 
the accomplished daughter of B. C. Wickham, of Tioga, 
Pa. Her father, although now seventy-four years of age, 
is at the head of tlie banking house of B. C. Wickham & 
Co., and through a long life of usefulness has retained an 
unsullied reputation for integrity in all his business rela- 
tions, and is known for his manly qualities and business 
sagacity. In the year 1859, Mr. Wellington entered the 
George Washington Bank, at Corning, where he remained 
until September, 18(52, when he, in company with Samuel 
Russell, organized under the individual banking law of the 
State of New York, with the name of Q. W. Wellington 
& Co.'s Bank. After four years Mr. Russell withdrew his 
interest, and Mr. Wellington has since been the sole owner 
of the bank, giving his whole attention to legitimate bank- 
ing, acting in concert with, and aiding the full development 
of all business interests in the locality to the extent of his 
means, until at the present time his bank ranks financially 
with the strongest banking institutions in the county. 

This sketch gives only another illustration of the result 
of self-exertion by well-directed efforts, and adds another 
name to the list of self-made men, who, by strict attention 
to business, with a will to succeed, have won their way from 
an humble position to take rank in the best leading 
financial circle of the country. His children are Benjamin 
Wickham, Catherine Amelia, Samuel Barney, Adelaide 
Louise, Sarah Etz, Emily Clara, of whom Samuel Barney 
and Emily Clara died in infancy. 



JOHN STORMS 

Was born Jan. 31, 1814, in the city of New York. He 
is the son of John and Sarah Storms, who were natives of 
New Jersey. The family settled in New York about the 
year 1813, and two years after removed to Guilford, Che- 
nango Co., where they resided till the year 1832, at which 
time they took up their residence in Steuben County, town 
of Corning (then Painted Post). Upon his arrival in 
Steuben County, Mr. Storms purchased quite an extensive 
tract of timber-land and a saw-mill, and engaged in the 
lumber trade and in farming. He died Dec. 21, 1855. 
Mrs. Storms died on the 8th day of August, following. 

John Storms, Jr., was the fifth son in a family of sis 
children, two of whom are now living. Mr. Storms has 
followed farming for a business, and is one of the best 
farmers in the town, having a place for everything and 
everything in its place. He is one of the best-known 
tobacco buyers in the Chemung Valley, having been em- 
ployed, for many years, by heavy New York firms to make 
their purchases in this section. 

He has always been a Democrat, as was his father before 
him. 

He was married, February 12, 1837, to Miss Louisa 
Camp, daughter of Sylvester and Mittie Camp, of Owego, 
N. Y. She was the second daughter in a family of twelve 
children, ten of whom are living. The year following his 
marriage, Mr. Storms moved upon the flirm, where he now 
resides, the buildings being an old log house, barn, and 
wagon-shed which, if standing now, would present not a 
very pleasing contrast to his present elegant buildings. 
Mr. Storms takes much pride ip his fine stock, and is espe- 
cially fond of a good horse. 

They have two daughters, viz., Maggie, wife of Henry 
W. Farr, and Rachel, wife of Rufus K. Edminster, both of 
whom arc farmers, residing in the town of Big Flats, Che- 
mung Co. 



DANSVILLE. 



GENERAL DESCRIPTION. 

This town was formed in March, 179G, and was named 
from Daniel P. Faulkner, an early and influential citizen, 
familiarly known as " Captain Dan." Parts of Cohocton 
and Howard were taken off in 1812, a part of Wayland in 
1848, and Fremont in 1854. A portion of the town was 
annexed to Sparta (Livingston County) in 1822, and a 
part of Cohocton was reannexed April 26, 1834. Dans- 
ville i.s the northern town upon the west border of the 
county. Its surl\»ce is a rolling upland, divided into ridges 
by the narrow valleys of the streams, which flow both north 
and south into the two systems of waters which find their out- 
let in the Gulf of St. Lawrence and the Chesapeake Bay. 
The head-waters of the Canaseraga Creek, in this town, 
flow north, and the Canisteo Eiver south. The soil is 
sandj' and gravelly loam in the east and north, and gravel 
underlaid by hard pan in the southwest. 

SETTLEMENT. 

Although the town of Dansville was formed in March, 
1796, the portion containing the population at that time 
was subsequently taken off, and that portion comprising the 
present town was without an inhabitant previous to 1804, 
at which time Isaac Sterling settled half a mile east of 
Burns' Station, near the foot of the hill, on the old Ark- 
port and Dansville road. Samuel Gilson settled next 
north of Sterling the same season. At that time the road 
ran along the foot of the east hill, avoiding a shallow lake 
or mar.sh, which filled nearly the whole valley for a distance 
of three miles. This body of water was covered with rank 
grasses on the west, presenting the appearance of a beau- 
tiful prairie, while to the westward a scraggy growth of 
shrubs and swamp-ash joined the pine aud maple which 
lined the road. It was at the outlet of this body of water 
that the " Arkport" of the earl}' navigators was established, 
and past the settlements of these early pioneers the growing 
travel of Dansville lumbermen and wheat-growers found an 
outlet. 

In 1806, Isaac Sterling opened the first tavern in the 
town, which was succeeded by others until it was said 
" there was a tavern at every mile on the road, and the 
woods were alive with the noisy ox-teamsters who hauled 
staves to Arkport to sell for $1.50 a thousand, and drank 
up the money on their way home." I Settlement had so 
increased in 1811 that a school was opened, and\^ames 
Jonesjlfather of Philander S. Jones, postmaster and mer- 
chant of Burns since 1845, was the first teacher. . This 
school was not far from Doty's Corners. In June, 1816, 
James Jones was married to Miss Polly Shaw, his being 
the first marriage in the town. Spencer B. Joijes, their 
son, occupies the old homestead near by. The Joneses were 
278 



early settlers in this valley, four brothers, John, James, 
Major, and Harry, coming from Penn.sylvania. In the 
north part of the town, on Stony Brook, is a narrow glen, 
varying in width from 50 to 90 feet, and 200 feet deep, 
down which the brook leaps in a succession of falls and cas- 
cades, making a descent of 150 feet in a distance of 275 
yards. Half a mile above this deep, dark glen, the first 
saw-mill in the town, built by Rufus Fuller, was in opera- 
tion in April, 1816. I 

Mr. Fuller built a grist-mill just below the saw-mill, in 
1820, taking the stones from Oak Hill. This grist-mill 
was carried away by high water about 1823. 

A general settlement was made in 1816 in various parts 
of the town. Among xhe first of these was Osgood Carle- 
ton, father of Osgood W. Carleton, who came from Maine, 
and settled on the State road, near Beechville, in 1815. 

In 1815, Jehial Gates came from Vermont and explored 
the new country. The next year he was followed by a 
number of families and young men from Addison and Rut- 
land Counties, among whom were Charles Oliver, Joshua 
Healy, Elisha and John Robinson, Joseph Phelps, Jesse 
Bridge, Jo.siah Pond, Joseph Cobb, Martin Smith, New- 
man Bell, Capt. John Bobbins, "Put" Rich, Judge David 
Demery, Jehial and his sons Gross and James Gates, Arad 
Sheldon, Silas Brookins, Isaiah Goodeno, and Venare Cook. 
These people located in and around Beachville. Judge 
Demery located south of " the corners," and his wife 
cooked for some of the surrounding young men, who re- 
turned in the winter and brought back their young wives 
the next spring. 

Elisha Robinson, father of L. K. Robinson, of Dans- 
ville, is still living on his first farm, at the age of eighty- 
three. 

Charles Oliver, whose -son is one of the leading men of 
Rogersville, organized a company of militia for " Simeon 
Bacon's Battalion" among his Vermont neighbors, and 
was commissioned April 16, 1816. 

Jerome B. Phelps, now one of the oldest and most re- 
spected men of Dansville, is a son of Joseph Phelps. 

A tavern was opened in this settlement in 1816, by Jesse 
Churchill, in a large double log house, near the Brayton 
place, one-half mile east of Beachville, and the country 
soon becoming settled, it was made for years a place of f 
general resort, — men meeting there Saturdays to end the 
week in a general frolic, — pitching quoits, wrestling, running 
horses, and liberally patronizing " the Deacon" — as Mr. 
Churchill was called — until well into the coming week. 

Nathaniel and Thomas Brayton, brothers, came from 
Washington Co. Philip, son of Thomas Brayton, lives on 
the old homestead, near the first burying-ground. 

Tisdall Haskin and Timothy Atwood, surveyor and 



II 








JOHN P FAULKNER. 



MRS.LUCINDA FAULKNER. 



JOHN P. FAULKNER. 



The subject of this sketch is a lineal descendant, of 
Dutch origin, from Capt. Daniel P. Faulkner, who was 
one of the very earliest pioneers of Dansville, Livingston 
Co., N. Y., and the one after whom the present town of 
Dansville in Steuben County was named. He was 
familiarly known as Captain Dan. He died when but 
thirty-eight years of age. 

John Faulkner was the sou of Capt. Daniel P., and 
was born at Milton, Pa., July, 1787 ; married Hannah 
T. Periue, daughter of Capt. Wm. Perine, of Dansville, 
N. Y. She was born September, 1787. Of this alliance 
six children were born, all of whom, save one son — John 
P., — are dead. 

Mr. Faulkner settled in Dansville in 1819, and con- 
tinued to reside there until hLs death, in March, 1863. 
His wife died in August, 1865. 

John P., only surviving child of John and Hannah 
Faulkner, was born in Dansville, Livingston Co., N. Y., 
Sept. 18, 1811. He was reared a farmer, which honor- 
able business he still continues to follow. When a young 
man he worked out by the month on the farm, and did 
not despise the day of small things. When but eight 
years of age he came into Dansville, Steuben Co., N. Y., 
which has since been liLs home. 

He married Luciuda Lemons, daughter of Maj. W. S. 



Lemons, of Dansville,. N. Y., Nov. 28, 1833. She was 
born Dec. 3, 1811. 

As the result of the above alliance six children have 
been born, viz. : Ann, Dorr, Phedova, Agnes, Kate, 
and John L., all of whom were born in Dansville, 
Steuben Co., N.Y. 

Dorr was a brave soldier in the war of the Rebellion ; 
was a member of Company B, 136th Regiment New 
York Volunteers, mustered in Sept. 25, 1862. He was 
with his regiment in many battles, and lost the use of his 
left arm, July 3, 1863, in the battle of Gettysburg, and 
was honorably discharged in December, 1863. 

At the present time he is engaged as postal clerk on 
the Erie Railroad, where he has been for several years. 

The other son — John L. — is at home with his father 
on the farm. Mr. Faulkner is one of the representative 
farmers of Dansville, and owns a large farm near 
Rogersville. 

He is a staunch Republican in politics, and has been 
honored with some of the offices of his town. His wife 
was and he is a member of the Presbyterian Church at 
Rogersville. 

He bought his present farm in 1861. As a citizen he 
is well spoken of by his neighbors. His wife died 
March 14, 1876. 



TOWN OF DANSVILLE. 



279 



school-teacher, settled on the Beachville fiuni, occupied by 
John P. Faulkner. Jared Root and his son, John Root, 
settled near. 

William S. Lenien, from Harrisburg, Pa., settled in the 
deep, narrow valley of Canaseraga Creek in the north, on 
the first land surveyed in that portion of the town. His 
son, James P. Lemen, who occupies the old homestead, was 
born March 1, 1816. Mr. Lemen was the first white child 
born in the town of Dansville. 

In the north part of the town, to the east of Stony Brook, 
was originally a high sandy plain, covered with a light growth 
of oak and yellow pine, which had been annually burned 
over by the Indians to make a hunting-ground. When 
the first settlers came there were about 1000 acres of this 
so open it could be seen through, and nearly level, some of 
the surrounding hills being also quite bare. These lands 
had to be plowed for the first crop, and were soon aban- 
doned by the first settlers as unfit for cultivation. This 
land is still known as Sandy Hill. 

In ISIU, Chauncey Day, father of Chauncey Day, — for 
years proprietor of the only hotel in Kogersville, — a native 
of Massachusetts, made (ho first settlement in that part of 
the town. 

Of the first two settlers in the town who came in 1804, 
Isaac Sterling was elected fence-viewer in 1805, whose 
award was twenty-five cents a day for actual services, and 
Samuel Gilson, overseer of highways, in March, 180G, 
before there were any other inhabitants in its present 
limits. 

The following interesting document was filed in the 
clerk's office of the town of Dansville, in 1811 : 

HANUMISSIOX FROJI .SLAVEnV. 

•' Knmv all men by these presents, that I, Nathaniel Rochester, of 
the town of Dansville, in the county of Steuben, and State of Neiv 
York, have, and by these presents do, manumit, and make free from 
slavery, my negro slave named Benjamin, about sixteen years old, 
and my negro slave named Casandra, about fourteen years old. In 
testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 
twenty-ninth day of .January, 1811. 

(Copy.) "N. RocHE.sTER." [seal,] 

This was certified before John Metcalf, justice of the 
peace. 

The record of a sale on file in the same oflice, in 1814, 
shows this property not to have been very valuable. Ann 
Faulkner, of the town of Bath, sold " all right, title, and 
interest in a little negro girl named Julia, born of her 
slave, Ann," in September, ISOS, to James Faulkner, for 
twenty dollars. 

In 1819, John Faulkner, a soldier of 1812, and a son of 
Capt. Daniel P. Faulkner, and William Perine, father of 
II. W. Perine, of Bath, moved into the maple-land.s, a mile 
south of the sand-lands. Of Mr. Faulkner's family of 
eight children, the only one yet living is John P. Faulkner, 
son of John Faulkner, and grandson of Daniel P. Faulk- 
ner, after whom the town was named, a leading citizen of 
the town, and principal occupant of the little hamlet of 
Beachville. Ilufus Stone was an early settler on Sandv 
Hill. 

In those early days, it was impossible to got work by the 
day, except around " old" Dansville. All work among the 



settlers was done by " bees," from house-raising to harvesting. 
The first barrel of salt brought into the north settlement 
was paid for with fourteen bushels of oats, and the first 
crop of wheat on the sand-hills was pulled up by the roots, 
as being too short to reap, and the heads cut ofl' over a 
•stump with a broad-axe ! The name of " The Lamp-Blacks" 
still clings to a portion of the old road through this part of 
the town where, in 1824, stood a round kiln of upright 
poles, daubed with mud on the outside, with a small open- 
ing through which the operator crawled to pile his ftit-pine 
faggots for burning, or to scrape the lamp-black from the 
sides after they were burned. Lime was burned at Rogers- 
ville, and potash made everywhere. Charcoal was burned 
at $4 a hundred weight, for the use of the blacksmiths, while 
" three shillings" (37 -j cents) a day was paid for chopping 
the wood. If pork enough was raised to last until sugar 
came, in the spring, the people were happy. Among the 
early recreations pursued by the boys might be mentioned 
killing rattlesnakes on the " Old Brail farm," hunting wild- 
cats, to see them fight the dogs, or " cooning." Raccoons 
were plenty, and not every family of boys could boast even 
a flint-lock relic of the old war, yet, with axe, and dogs, 
and pine torch, the dangerous sport was eagerly pursued by 
boys who are the gray-haired grandfathers of to-day. The 
last bear was killed by " Uncle Charley'^Tripp between 
Rogersville and Loon Lake, in 1846, while quietly feasting 
upon corn in a farmer's garden. 

The original settlers in Sandy Hill and its vicinity have 
given place to an industrious German population, from 
Prussia, on the Rhine, who have made of it the most valu- 
able portion of the town. Among their leading men are 
Alexander Leib, John Hayt, Alexander Green, Jacob 
Kurtz, and Jacob Kurtz, Jr. 

The patriarch of Sandy Hill was John Brail, a spare, 
gonial old man, his form bent with age, and his bald head 
fringed with snowy looks which fell upon his shoulders. 
Everybody knew him as " Grandpap Brail," and every one 
liked him. 

John Brail, who was born Jan. 28, 1771, migrated to the 
flats below the village of Dansville, and in 1817 bought the 
Brail farm, now owned by William Hall, and built a log 
house, into which he moved with his family of seven chil- 
dren, the same fall. His fireplace, occupying an entire end 
of the house, was an inclosure of huge stones, resting upon 
the ground. The chimney, commencing at the garret floor, 
consisted of sticks, thoroughly plastered with mud, and ex- 
tending just above the roof Great logs, which were shoved 
in on rollers by the united efforts of the family, kept the 
fire for six or eight days. Pitch-pine faggots furnished the 
only light for years. Ilis first clearing was made and sowed 
to rye in the fall of 1817. The next year grain was scarce, 
and as soon as this rye would do, a part of it was cut and 
shelled by hand. They put it in an old-f:ishioned Dutch 
oven and dried it for two days; then took it to Opp's mill 
to be ground. It being only half ripe and sticky, the mill- 
stone clogged and stopped. The accommodating miller took 
up the stone and gathered the grist, telling him he could 
boil it like rice, and eat it with milk. 

Cows were scarce and expensive, but money would buy 
a cow when it would not buy bread. He gave Jonathan 



280 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Barnhart $40 for a new milch cow, and drove her home. 
Boiled rye and milk was the staple article of food for the 
winter of 1818-19. The next crop was wheat, raised on 
a field opposite the old buryinn;-ground. The soil was too 
poor to make straw, but good grain was produced in short 
scattering heads near the ground. This was pulled and 
threshed on a bed-quilt. His income while farming was 
produced from the burning of charcoal, in which he was an 
expert. 

The necessity of a school becoming apparent, in Decem- 
ber, 1818, he notified the .scattered settlers to attend a 
meeting which was held Dec. 25, 1818, at the house of 
Rufus Stone, in school district No. 8, pursuant to a notice 
given by John Brail, by order of Elisha W. Brockway, 
commissioner of common schools. William S. Lemen was 
chosen moderator ; Rufus Stone, clerk for the district ; 
Rufus Stone, Chauncey Day, and William S. Lemen, trus- 
tees ; David Stone, district collector. The following reso- 
lutions were adopted : 

*' lieBoived, That the forks or corners of the highway at or near the 
house of John Brail be the site for the school-house. 

" Renolved, That those persons that do not deliver their part of the 
lumber by the 8th day of January ne.\t at the site of the school- 
house that their portion of the lumber shall be assigned over to some 
other person by the trustees, and that the money be collected of said 
delinquents and paid over to the said assignee or assignees. 

" Renohed, That the said school-house be built of plank, twenty- 
one feet long and eighteen feet wide. 

" ReHoletdy That the trustees raise by tax $73, to be njipropriatcd 
to building said school-house in the aforesaid district. 

" lieaolved, That each person liable to pay taxes in said district 
pay one day's work towards building said school-house when called 
upon by any one or more of the trustees, and that the said ijay's labor 
be gratis. 

" Resolved, That the amount of lumber persons deliver at the site 
of the school-house as aforesaid shall apply towards his part of the 
before-mentioned tax. 

^^ ReHoU-ed, That this meeting be adjourned to the 9th day of Jan- 
uary next, to bo holden at the same place. 

" [Signed,] W. S. Lemen, Modenitm: 

" Rufus Stone, Clerk." 

This meeting marked an epoch in the history of Sandy 
Hill. Some of the resolutions seem to be arbitrary, but in 
those early days everything had to succumb to the necessity 
of the case. On the 16th day of January, 1819, twenty- 
two days after the first meeting of this district, the meeting 
convened at the same place according to adjournment, and 
the first resolution passed was in these words : 

*' Resfdvcd, That the school-house be finished so far that there can 
be a school kept therein within s^'en days, aud that the school com- 
mence on the 2oth inst." 

The lumber used was only valued at $3.50 per thousand 
feet. 

A month from the date of the first meeting, Elisha W. 
Brockway was teaching the first three months' school, for 
$13 50 per month. An assessment of half a cord of good 
wood was made for each scholar. The walls were notched 
and laid up like logs, and the fireplace, like that of Grand- 
pap Brail, was liberal in its proportions. The windows 
shoved sideways ; the door, at one corner of the building, 
swung upon wooden hinges, and the desks were wide 
boards placed in a standing position against the walls. 



Weeks and months of labor were expended in cutting, 
notching, and gouging these desks full of images and 
strange devices. The seats were heavy slabs, with legs 
driven into auger holes. A water-pail, dipper, hickory- 
splint broom ; a high, straight-backed, splint-bottomed 
chair for the teacher, and a long, blackened, wooden poker 
for the fire, comprised the necessary furniture. In 1819, 
Mr. Brockway was again hired, to be paid partly in wheat 
at " the April price," which was about $1 per bu.shel. In 
1824 wheat was hauled to Rochester and sold for forty 
cents per bushel. In 1825 the old fireplace gave way for 
a stove, which was paid for by the first tax collected by 
warrant. The old school-house was remodeled in 1836, 
after the cholera, and in 1845 abandoned for a new one. 
During its existence this school-house was the educational, 
social, and religious centre for a large scope of country. 

In the old burying-ground, a few rods west of where the 
school-house stood, where rest the remains of many of 
the pioneers, an inscription reads : " John Brail. Died 
Dec. 2, ISGO, in the 90th year of his age." Inscribed 
upon many of the stones are the terrible words, " Died 
of cholera." 

In 1834 the tide of German emigration turned towards 
Sandy Hill and the north of Steuben County. In August 
the families of Mr. Bolinger, Rider, Kersh, and Schu 
came by way of the Erie Canal to Buffalo, one of their 
number dying on the way of cholera. The families, num- 
bering 18 persons, moved into the old Brail house, and 
soon after ]Mrs. Brail was taken sick. The next day, August 
24, she died. The doctors reluctantly admitted that the 
disease was contagious. The funeral, for which large prep- 
arations had been made, was abandoned. On Sunday 
morning one of the daughters died ; three of the emigrants 
were dead or dying. Samuel Lemen led a band of volun- 
teer nurses, composed of Zera Blake, Samuel G. Dorr, Mr. 
Driesbach, Rufus Stone, Joseph Acomb, Andrew Brail, 
John Brail, Jr., and others, doing all that men could do to 
arrest the spread of the disease. None of these ever fully 
recovered from the effects of their terrible watching. Mr. 
Blake was made an invalid for life. The rough cofiins 
were made in the old school-house. Mr. Blake took a load 
of boards back into the woods, half a mile distant, and 
constructed two temporary buildings, aud the two remaining 
sick, Mr. Bolinger and Mr. Rider, were carried thence on 
stretchers. Before arriving at the foot of the hill, Mr. 
Bolinger died ; a day or two later, one of Mr. Rider's 
daughters died. A strict guard surrounded the contagion, 
and no intercourse was permitted with the outside world. 
Mr. Schu was the only one who recovered. Brandy aud 
loaf-sugar were largely used as preventives. On the 4th of 
September, Simeon Decker died. Five days later his father, 
Samuel Decker, came down the old Indian Trail, on horse- 
back, to get lumber for his wife's coffin. Going home from 
the burial, he, too, was attacked, and died before morning. 
September 15, Mr. Acomb, one of the nurses, died. Andrew 
and John Brail, Jr., John P. Faulkner, Mr. Driesbach, 
and Samuel Lemen buried him in the field near the house. 
All night long the sentinel watched at the barn where his 
young wife and four children had taken refuge, passing the 
preconcerted signal, " All is well ! " that it might be 





OEA.JARVJS CASE. 



/^1RS.L0R£TTA CASE. 



JARVIS P. CASE, 



son of Philetus and Lucinda Case, was born in North Canton, Hartford Co., 
Conn., June 9, 1805. His father was a native of Simsbury, Conn.; be was 
the son of Amasa Case, Jr., who was the son of Amaaa Case, Sr., who was 
a native of Scotland. It is related that three brothers came from Scotland 
and settled in New England. One of these was named Amasa, from where 
Jarvis P. came. The parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents of 
Jarvis P. lived and died in Connecticut. Philetus was a farmer by occu- 
pation. He and his wife were members of the Episcopal Church. They 
reared a family of nine children, of whom Jarvis P. was the eldest. He 
was a respected citizen. Jarvis P. remained at home on his father's farm 
until he was twenty-four years of age, when he left home and was engaged 
for a few years as agent for the sale of clocks. In 1829 he settled in Dans- 
ville, Livingston Co., N. Y., where he met his wife, Mrs. Alpbeus Stout, 
formerly Loretta Wyatt, June 1, 1836. She was born April .3, 1804, in 
Seneca Co., N. Y., and settled in Dansville in 1808 or 1809, with her parents. 
Of this union three children were born, viz. : Lucinda C. and Henry P., 
died while very young; antl Henry Seymour, was born Jan. 16, 1844, and 
died April 18, 1857, and was buried in the cemetery at Burns. 

Mr. Case was living at Dansville while engaged in the sale of clocks ; he, 
however, sold his interest, and in 18;J2 or 1 833 bought a farm of one hundred 
acres, on Oak Hill, town of Dansville. He has owned some four different 
farrar: within sight of where they now reside. Mr. Case has been successful 
in his business relations, but he will be known by future generations, and re- 
membered by his neighbors, not by the number of acres he has owned, but 
by the influence of un upright Christian life. He became a worthy member 
of the Presbyterian Church in 1840. He has been one of the most promi- 
nent and useful men in the town. For more than twenty-five years he 
has been deacon of the church, and clerk and trustee for a great many 
years. 

For the past few years he and his wife have been members of the Pres- 
byterian Church at Arkport. Deacon Case has been very liberal in sup- 
porting the church. Among many other things he gave a bell to the 
church at Arkport, which will continue to call the people together for wor- 
ship long after he is gone. 

Deacon Case settled on his present place about 1867 or 1S6S, where he 
continues to reside. In politics he was formerly a Jackson Democrat, but 



of late years he has not taken an active part in politics. He has been an 
assessor of the town for some ten years. 

Mrs. Case joined the church at the same time as Mr. Case. Mr. and Mrs. 
Case are staunch temperance people. He has never used any ardent spirits 
of any kind, neither has he used tobacco in any form. The history of 
Deacon Case is one that might well inspire one to holy living. He is 
now very infirm, and ere this brief sketch shall be read in the history of 
the county, he will probably have passed away. 

We append the following as his last written testimony for the cause of 
Christ : 

" After an experience of the religion of Jesus Christ for almost forty 
years, I find that its excellency, beauty, and power are not in the least 
diminished ; I find, to the joy and delight of my inmost soul, that every- 
thing that I have said or done for our dear Redeemer or his cause, although 
said or done in weakness (great weakness), now comes back to me in an 
hundredfold, not in dollars and cents, but in his infinite fullness, as Christ 
promised his disciples in Matthew x'lx. 29. 

'• In a life devoted to Christ and his glorious cause there is nothing good 
that can be really lost, but everything that is really good is saved. 

"The nearer I approach the Sun of Righteousness the clearer are my 
religious views, the brighter is my path, the more lively my hope, the more 
animating my prospect, the stronger my faith, and my peace is broad and 
deep as the river with overflowing banks. Wod be praised forever for 
bringing me down to my present low physical estate of body so gently and 
gradually. He having given me the full and uninterrupted use and exer- 
cise of my reason and judgment during all of my illness and suffering. 

" I think that God's purposes respecting me in this life are now pretty 
much answered, unless it is his holy and righteous will that I suffer more 
here. 

" I think it must constitute & grand and important element of the happi- 
ness of Heaven to the saints there who have lived on this earth to know 
and to feel that by Divine Grace such was the course and conduct of 
their lives in this sinful and wicked world that the Lord Jesus Christ could 
own them as his true followers, and call them by the endearing names of 
'the children of a king,' and 'the sons and daughters of the Lord Al 
mighty,' and prepare for them auob mansions of glory and bappiueds." 





.-^ 



y 



■^^Q 




|vl0RGAN H. C-ARNEY. 



|vIrs .^loRGAN |^. Carney. 



JOHN CARNEY. 



John Carney was a native of Strabane, Ireland ; settled in 
Pennsylvania, near Easton, some time after the Revolution ; 
married Mary Heater, a native of Pennsylvania, by whom the 
following children were born, viz. : Betsey, William, John, 
Joseph, James, George, and Jane. Betsey and William were 
bom in Pennsylvania ; John, at Hornellsville, Steuben Co. ; and 
all the remainder in Sparta, Livingston Co., N. Y. 

John Carney, Sr., was a farmer by occupation. He was one 
of the very earliest settlers in Steuben County ; settled at Hor- 
nellsville about 1796 or 1797 ; remained a short time, when he 
removed to Sparta, Livingston Co., N. Y., where he continued 
to reside until his death. John, Jr., was born at Hornellsville, 
Dec. 22, 1798 ; removed to Livingston County about 1800. 
He was reared a farmer, which honorable vocation he continued 
to follow through life. He married Anna Decker, in 1822. 
She was born in Pennsylvania in 1800. Her parents were 
natives of Pennsylvania also. Of this union of Mr. and Mrs. 
John Carney eleven children were born, viz. : Morgan H., 
John, George, Alonzo, William, Joseph, Hiram H., Charles and 
Martha (twins), Lyman, and Homer. Mr. Carney settled in 
Dansville the year he was married, on the farm now owned by 
Washington Fritz ; remained a few years, when he settled upon 
the farm now owned by his son, Charles R. He was one of the 
large farmers of the town. He reared his large family to in- 
dustry, and each of them is a respected citizen of the com- 
munity in which he or she resides. In politics, Mr. Carney 
was a Democrat. He died Oct. 21, 1863. His wife died Nov. 
19, 1872. They were buried in the cemetery at Doty's Comers. 



Morgan H. was born April 27, 1824, in Dansville, Steuben Co., 
N. Y. He remained on his brother's farm until his majority, then 
spent nearly two years in Tecumseh, Lenawee Co., Mich., and 
then returned home. He was married, June 2.3, 1848, to Miss 
Sylvina, daughter of John and Melinda Carroll, of Bums, Alle- 
gany Co., N. Y. She was born there April 4, 1827. Her 
father was a native of Pennsylvania, and settled in Bums with 
his father about 1806. He married Malinda Haskins, of 
Almond, N. Y. 

The paternal ancestor of Mrs. Morgan H. Carney was bom 
in Ireland, and her maternal ancestors were from England, and 
settled in New England. 

As the result of the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Carney eight 
children are born, viz. : Hily A., John W., Mary J., James B., 
Joanna R., Kate P., Morgan H., Jr., and Charles M. ; all are 
living. In 1865, April 14, he purchased his present farm. 
He owns some three hundred and twelve acres of good land ; 
two hundred and forty-five is in the home farm. Mr. Carney 
has been a life-long Democrat ; was known as a " War Demo- 
crat." 

Mr. Carney has held various official positions in his town. 
He has been justice of the peace eight years, and supervisor for 
two terms, in all of which he gave general satisfaction to his 
townsmen. Mr. and Mrs. Carney are members of the Baptist 
Church at Canaseraga. Mr. Carney is one of the representative 
men of his town, and is a man respected by his neighbors. He 
inserts this brief sketch of his parents and grandparente in 
memory of them. 



TOWN OF DANSVILLE. 



281 



known they were yet safe. The kst deatli was that of 
Darius Decker, which occurred September 21, eighteen 
victims liaving fallen before the terrible scourge. 

On Oak Hill, the high land forming the western part of 
the town, a settlement was made in 1816-17 by Moses 
Hulburt, Joshua Williams, Daniel, George, and Hubbard 
Griswold, William C. Rogers, Thomas Buck, George But- 
ler, and Joshua Woodard. 

In this settlement, two miles west of Rogersville and 
commanding a view of some 3000 acres of cleared farms 
directly east, was located the old log church, where elec- 
tions were held alternately with the taverns at Rogersville 
and Beachville, and here the first couple were joined in wed- 
lock, — Cyril Buck, son of Thomas Buck, marrying Philena 
Hall, June 16, 1818. The children of this couple, D. S. 
Buck, Mrs. H. A. Kuder, Mrs. Edward Kridler, and their 
grandson, Hon. Fred. M. Kridler, are still residents of 
Dansville. 

Of the Griswold family, Laduli, grandson of Daniel 
Griswold, still occupies the old homestead. From the 
western summit of this hill, near the Methodist J]piscopal 
chnich, a triangular opening in the valley far below presents 
itself to view, surrounded by high and precipitous hills. 
The apex, extending four miles across the valley and pene- 
trating the hills on the opposite side, is occupied by the 
village of Canaseraga, in Allegany County. 

Through this valley, extending beyond the range of 
vision north to the old village of Dansville, and past the 
village of Burns, just visible four miles to the south, 
across the valley, once ran the main line of local com- 
merce before railroads were known. The old marsh has 
disappeared. In 1832 a ditch ten feet in width was cut 
from Burns to Arkport, redeeming the greater portion of 
this beautiful valley, which is now a level body of fine 
cultivated farms, only a narrow strip being still occupied 
by a growth of white a,sh and aquatic shrubbery. Just at 
the foot of the hill, two miles from Burns, at the Healy 
Mansion, in the Doty's Corners post-office, the first estab- 
lished in the town. Its former name of Dewitt Valley, 
given it in 1825, caused confusion in the mails, and the 
present name was substituted. Joshua Healy, the pro- 
prietor of this beautiful ftirm, is a son of Joshua Healy, 
one of the boys who, with Elisha Robinson and Charles 
Oliver, started in 1815 from the Green Mountains of Ver- 
mont with one horse between them, and made themselves 
homes in the then far distant West. The taverns are all 
gone, and the store, kept by an unknown adventurer in 
1820, has been replaced by the little hamlet of Burns; a 
railroad station on the Lake Erie and Northwestern Rail- 
way, which is divided by the western line of the county. 
The post-office, store, hotel, and some twenty residences 
are in Steuben County, while the depot is in the county of 
Allegany. The post-office was established at this place 
after the opening of the railroad in 1850. 

Dr. Thomas M. Bowen, from Washington County, settled 
east of Beachville, on the hill, a quarter of a mile distant, 
in 1819, and was the postmaster of South Dansville. Eli 
Carrington, Timothy, Nathaniel, and Meyer Wallace, from 
Vermont, joined the settlement in 1820, and Arad Sheldon 
opened a tavern, south of Mr. Bowen's, in which election 
30 



was held in 1825. This soon became a business centre 
under the management of Aaron W., Robert, and John 
M. Beach, three brothers, who bought the principal inn 
and opened a store. In 183i, a hurricane swept over the 
place which destroyed buildings and did much damage. 
Aaron W. Beach represented his district in the Assembly, 
in 18-12. 

Beachville declined with the transfer of business to 
Rogersville, and now consists of some 15 houses, occupied 
by farmers and farm laborers, a blacksmith- and wagon- 
shop, and the abandoned Baptist church. A mile over the 
hill, to the northwest of Beachville, is Rogersville, sur- 
rounded on three sides by sloping hill-side farms and open 
to the northwest, showing the hills of North Dansville and 
the second range of hills far beyond in Livingston County. 
Choice groves of sugar-maple and old ajjple-orchards vary 
the scene on every side. 

Gently sloping down the point between Ganong and 
Stony Brooks, for nearly a mile, runs the main street of 
the village. Near the upper end of the street, on the left, 
is the old homestead of the Stevens family, where Hum- 
phrey Stevens settled in 1822. Just beyond, the crown- 
like dome of the Dansville academy rises above the sur- 
rounding maples which hide the village beyond. Beside 
it is the little Universalist church, abandoned years ago for 
more modern innovations. Passing down the broad, shady 
avenue, we find the academy to be a fine three-stoi'y wooden 
building, and beyond, on either side, a succession of fine, 
modern residences. Just above the hotel was opened the 
first store by the founder of the village, William C. Rogers, 
a native of Rhode Island, who opened his store in the 
dwelling-house of Prosper Booth, in 1829, afterward build- 
ing across the street, where his son-in-law, Hon. D. L. 
Kingsley, still continues the business. 

The first settlers in the village were Jonas Bridge, Pros- 
per Booth, and Daniel Handy, who, in company with John 
Miller, built the flouring-mill, in 1822. The post-office was 
moved from Beachville to Rogersville, and, in 1848, Mr. 
Rogers moved the old store down from Beachville, and 
opened therein a select school which soon after became the 
academy. In 1850, a foundry was established by R. W. 
& D. Dans, near the store, for the manufacture of stoves 
and farming implements which continued in operation seve- 
ral years. A cross-road, leading from Dansville to Hornells- 
ville, 12 miles distant, passes through the centre of the 
village. Just below rises the tall spire of the Methodist 
Episcopal church beside the fine residence of Charles Oli- 
ver, Esq., son of the Vermont pioneer. Farther down the 
street the old .stone mill stands corncrwise to the street, 
where the land breaks ofi" abruptly with a descent of 25 
feet, the walls continuing for half a mile below as though 
torn out by the action of some terrible flood. Since a 
blacksmith with his family were swept away in his house 
by a flood, some years ago, this lower valley has been nearly 
tenantless. 

Rogersville contains between fifty and sixty residences, 
and is one of the neatest looking villages in the county. 
Among the business houses are two stores, an unoccupied 
block of stores, hotels, three blacksmith- and two wagon- 
shops, and broker's office, and flouring-mill. There are also 



282 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



two churches and the academy in the village. A daily 
stage to and from Dansville carries the mails. The busi- 
ness depends upon the immediate surrounding country for 
its support. The northern part of the town is devoted 
chiefly to grain raising, while dairying is more prevalent in 
the south. 

ORGANIZATION. 

The first town-meeting of the town of Dansville, then 
including the present town and village of North Dansville, 
iu Livingston County, lield in the village of Dansville, at 
the house of Samuel Faulkner, April 4, 1797. There were 
chosen as town officers for that year, Isaac Van Deventer 
and James Faulkner, Overseers of Highways; David Ful- 
ler, Collector. At the next election on record, held in 
1799, Daniel P. Faulkner was elected Supervisor; James 
Hooker, Town Clerk; William Phoenix, Amariah Ham- 
mond, James Porter, "Commissioners;" Alexander Fuller- 
ton, William Porter, John Phoenix, Assessors ; Frederick 
Barnhart, Constable and Collector; James Hammond, Path- 
master ; William Porter, Overseer of the Poor ; Amariah 
Hammond, Frederick Court, Fence-Viewers. Twenty-four 
votes were cast at the general election of April 30, May 
1 and 2 of the same year. 



1799. 

1800. 

1801. 
1802. 
18113. 
1804. 
180.i. 
1806. 
1807. 
I80S. 

1809. 
1810. 
1811. 
1812. 

1813. 

1814. 

1815. 
1816. 
1817. 
1818. 
1819. 
1820. 
1821. 
1822. 
1823. 
1824. 
1825. 
1826. 
1827. 
1828. 
1829. 
1830. 

1831. 
1S32. 
1333. 
18.34. 



Supervisore, 
Daniel P. Faulkner. 
Alex. FuIlerton(v.). 
Jacob Vjindeventer. 
Ain, Hammond (v.), 
Samuel Faulkner. 
Amariah Hammond. 



CIVIL LIST. 

Town Clerks. 
James Hooken. 
L. Hammond (v.). 



Richard Porter- 



Lazarus Hammond. 



Richard W. Porter. John Metcalf. 

« U U ti 

Jared Irwin (v.). 

Samuel Cuthbertson. " " 

Jared Irwin. *' " 

Jonathan Rowley. " " 



Wm. B. Rochester. 
Tbos. MoWharton. 

a It 

tt ti 

James Faulkner. 



Joshua Heal}-. 
James Faulkner. 
Joshua Healy. 



Charles Oliver. 



Nathaniel Brayton. 
Aaron W. Beach. 



John C. Rochester. 
James Faulkner. 

Matthew Porter. 
Selah Barnard. 
John Kershner. 



Wyllys T. Clark. 



Timothy Atwoood. 
Wm. C. Rogers. 



Prentice Barrows. 



J. P. Brookins. 
P. Barrows (v.). 
Josiah Fisher. 
William C. Rogers. 
Aaron W. Beach. 
Wm. C. -Rogers. 



Collectors. 
Frederick Barnhart. 



Henry Cruger. 
Nathaniel Porter. 
Gwyn Wilkinson. 
Richard Porter. 
Thos. McLcm. 
Jas. McCurdy. 
Matthew Porter. 
Adam Lewis. 

William Ferine. 
John Miller. 
Thos. McWharton. 
Darius Hill. 
Thos. McWharton. 
Nathaniel Purdy. 

John Jones. 
Amariah Hammond. 
Alpha Stout. 
Hosea Craudall. 
Samuel Shannon. 



Gross Gates. 



William Doty. 
Gross Gates. 

James Gates. 



Solomon Scidmore. 
ft it 

Josiah Pond (v.). 



1835. 
18.36. 
1837. 
1838. 
1839. 
1840. 
1841. 
1842. 
1843. 
1844. 
1845. 
1846. 
1847. 
1848. 
1849. 
1850. 
1851. 
1852. 
1853. 
1854. 
1855. 
1856. 
1S57. 
1858. 
1859. 
I860. 
1861. 
1862. 
1863. 
1864. 
1865. 
1866. 
1867. 
1868. 
1869. 
1870. 
1871. 
1872. 
1873. 
1874. 
1875. 
1876. 
1877. 
1878. 



Superrisors. 
Aaron AV. Beach. 

Joel Carrington. 

tt tt . 

Timothy Wallace. 
tt .1 

(( tt 

Joshua Healy. 
Charles Oliver. 
Leeds Allen. 

Charles Oliver. 

it tt 

Joel Carrington. 

tt tt 

Luther AYhitc. 



Joel Carrington. 
Wm. W. Healy. 
Eli Carrington. 

Wm. W. Healy. 
Wui. A. Woodard. 
Wm. W. Healy. 
Cha.x. S. Ackley. 
(( tt 

Wm. W. Healy. 
Dyer L, Klngsley. 



Benj. F. Kershner. 

Warren Wallace. 

it it 

Fred. M. Kreidler. 

Morgan H. Carney. 

(( tt 

Lewellyn S. Healy. 

ii tt 

Charles Oliver. 



Town Clerks. 
Wm. C. Rogeri 



Alexander Kelly. 

John Witter. 
J. H. Stevens. 
Wm. C. Rogers. 



Albert Goodeno. 
Dyer L. Kingsley. 



W. C. Kingsley. 



Albert Goodeno. 
L. H.Benjamin. 

Geo. J. AVaggoner. 
D. H. Oliver. 
Nicholas Welter. 

D. Day. 
Daniel Eveland. 

Wesley Fritz. 
Dyer L. Kingsley. 



Collectors. 
Solomon Scidmore. 
Josiah Fond. 

Silas Cotton. 



Alexander Kelly. 

John Leonard. 

Alexander Kelly. 

Joseph Flint. 
tt •> 

Wm. A. Woodard. 



Thos. W. Bowen. 



Dyer L. Kingsley. 
Thos. W. Bowen. 
Dyer L. Kingsley. 
Thos. W. Bowen. 
Andrew W. Cook. 
Daniel McCoUum. 
Oscar Doolittle. 
James B. Lemon. 
Henry L. Jones. 



Chas. R. Holliday. 

ti it 

Daniel S. Blank. 

Andrew W. Cook. 

Anthony Mindnicb. 

Jacob Kurtz. 

Syrens Watkins. 

D. A. Babeock. 

-John Hflight. 

John Lander. 
tt tt 

Chas. R. Carney. 

tt tt 

John Haight. 



1807, 
1809, 
1810, 
1811. 
1812. 

1813. 
1814. 
1815. 
1817. 
1818. 
1821. 
1822. 
1823. 
1824. 

1825. 

1826. 
1828. 

1829. 
1830. 

1832. 
1833. 

1,834. 



JUSTirES OF THE PI 

Isaac Vandeventer, I 1835. 

Jonas Cleland. I 1836. 

Stephen Haight. 
John Metcalfe. I 

Jared Irwin. 1837. 

Samuel Cuthbertson. 1838. 
W. B. Rochester. I 1839. 

William Anient. 1840. 

Selah Barnard. . 1841. 

Samuel Hunt. 1842. 

E. W. Brockway. 1843. 

George Reynale. 1844. 

Rufus Day. 1845. 

Thomas M. Bowen. 1846. 

John Williams. 1847. 
E. W. Brockway. 

Aaron W. Beach. 1848. 

Martin Smith. 1849. 
Charles Oliver, 
Amherst Kingsbury, 

Martin Smith. 1850. 

Charles Oliver. 1851. 

Aaron W. Beach. 1852. 
Henry Sharp, 
James Briggs. 

Peter Doty. 1853. 

Elnathan P. Foster. 1854. 

Aaron W. Beach. 1855. 



Thomas J. Lewis. 
Jonas Bridge. 
Anthony Hollister. 
Charles Oliver, 
James B. Cowry. 
Aaron W. Beach. 
Jonas Bridge. 
Charles Oliver. 
James B. Curry. 
Timothy Wallace. 
Joshua Healy. 
Charles Oliver. 
George G. Babeock. 
Lyman Norton. 
Amos Knowlton. 
Aaron Bowen. 
J. H. Stevens. 
W. H. Clark. 
H. Florey. 
Robert Brail. 
Nathan B. Newcomb. 
Lyman Brayton. 
William A. Woodard. 
0. Mosher. 
George G. Babeock. 
John M. Roberts. 
Orison Mosher. 
Samuel Lemen. 





■-k^M 



Phileitus Allen. 



Mrs./Almeda B, Allen. 



PHILETUS ALLEN, 



BOD of Leeds Allen and Polly Woodard, was born in 
Dansville, April 7, 1825. He is the only living son of 
a family of twelve children, of whom two sisters also 
survive. His father was a native of Massachusetts, 
and was born July 18, 1792, and settled in Dansville, 
Steuben Co., N. Y., in 1815. He married Polly Wood- 
ard, Dec. 30, 1819. She was born in Onondaga County, 
Sept. 22, 1801. Of this union twelve children were 
born. When Mr. Leeds Allen settled in Dansville 
all this town was one vast wilderness, not a house nearer 
than two miles, where a family by the name of Bridge 
lived. Mr. Allen chopped and cleared a large farm, 
made valuable improvements, reared a large family, and 
was one of the most prominent men of his day. In 
politics, a firm Democrat of the Jackson school. He 
held various town offices. He was assessor several terms, 
and supervisor two terms. He did not seek political 
honors, but was a quiet, unassuming man, preferring 
the surroundings of home to all official honors. He 
and his wife were members of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church at Rogersville, and he was very prominent in 
the society. He died April 30, 1865. His widow still 
resides on the old homestead; is hale and hearty. 



Philetus was feared a farmer, which honorable busi- 
ness he still continues to follow. He received a common- 
school education. He married Almeda, daughter of 
George and Millie Burditt, of Rogersville, Dec. 23, 
1847. She was bom Nov. 9, 1830. 

Geo. Burditt, son of Thomas and Lois Burditt, was 
a native of Vermont, and settled at Rogersville in 1818. 
He married in 1817, and had five children, of whom 
Mrs. Almeda Allen is one. Geo. Burditt was a farmer 
by occupation ; held some town offices, and was a Demo- 
crat in politics. He died Aug. 14, 1851, and his wife 
died Dec. 4, 1839. As the result of the marriage of 
Mr. and Mrs. Philetus Allen thirteen children have been 
born, ten of whom are living. Their children were as 
follows : Mary F. and Leeds B. (deceased), Benson T., 
Rachel E., Wm. W., Walter L., Phebe A. (deceased), 
Geo. Mc, Nellie M., Homer G., James H., Clara E., 
and Leon D. 

Mr. Allen is one of the representative farmers in 
Dansville, and owns some one hundred and ninety-three 
acres of good land. In politics he has been a life-long 
Democrat. Mrs. Allen is a member of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church at Rogersville. 












J.A.JONES. 



SPENCER B.JONES. 



SPENCER B. JONES. 



The grandfather of the subject of this brief sketch was Ben- 
jamin Jones, of Welsh extraction. He was born Dec. 16, 1741, 
in Pennsylvania; married Elizabeth, his wife, about 1770, by 
whom nine children were born, of whom James was one, and 
he was bom Dec. 4, 1779. His wife, Elizabeth, was born Oct. 
24, 1746, and died Dec. 1, 1825. Benjamin was a farmer. 
He died Dec. 7, 1803. James Jones was a farmer by occupa- 
tion ; married Mary Shaw, a native of Luzerne Co., Pa., Jan. 
9, 1816. Mrs. Mary S. Jones was born Dec. 18, 1800. Mr. 
Jones and wife had a family of eight children, viz. ; Philander 
S., Palmer, Mary Ann E., Spencer B., Keziah, Catharine, ElizaT 
beth, and Lewis M. 

Mr. Jones was one of the early pioneers of Steuben County, 
having settled in the county several years before his marriage. 
He settled first at Canisteo, and followed farming, lumbering, 
and was also engaged in rafting on the Canisteo River. He 
soon settled at Arkport, and was employed for a time in aware- 
house. Arkport wa.s the head of navigation at that time. He 
settled in Dansville before his marriage, in the immediate neigh- 
borhood, where he continued to reside till his death, Dec. 14, 
1861. He settled on the farm now owned by his son Spencer 
B. in 1825. He had a farm of some three hundred acres at 
one time. He he^d some minor offices in the town. He was 
the first teacher in the town, having taught a school in 181 1 . 
He was a man respected by his neighbors, reared h'\n family to 
industry, and each of his children is a respected citizen of the 



community in which he or she resides. In politics he was a 
Jeffersonian Democrat. Mrs. Jones died Dec. 26, 1855. 

Spencer B. was born in Dansville, Aug. 5, 1824. He was 
on his father's farm untU he was twenty-four years of age ; then 
was engaged as foreman on a railroad in Ohio for one year ; 
then returned to his father's farm, which has been his place 
of residence ever since. He married Elizabeth C. Weldy, 
daughter of William and Elizabeth Weldy, natives of Pennsyl- 
vania, April 12, 1855. She was born Sept. 15, 1834, and died 
Oct. 18, 1867. She was a member of the Baptist Church. Of 
this union three children were born, viz., Addie J., Mattie E., 
and Carrie E. 

Mr. Jones married his present wife, Miss Margaret E., 
daughter of William and Sally Ann Woolever, of Dansville, 
Dec. 24, 1868. She was born April 26, 1842. They have 
one daughter, Ethel M. 

Mr. Jones is a Democrat in politics. He has held the office 
of assessor of the town for nine yeai-s, and is holding that po- 
sition now. Mr. and Mrs. Jones are worthy members of the 
Baptist Church at Canaseraga, Allegany Co., N. Y. He has 
a good farm in Dansville, situated on the road between Arkport 
and Dansville. The old home was the first public-house, in 
1806, in the town. The farm consists of about one hundred 
and fifty-six acres of good land, well watered and improved. 
He is a respected citizen of his town, and well worthy a place in 
the liistory of his native county.,' 



TOWN OF DANSVILLE. 



283 



1856. 


Timothy Wallace. 


1867. 


Charles It. Holliday 


1857. 


Morgan H. Carney. 


1868. 


Henry A. Kershuer. 


1858. 


Lyman C. Squires. 


1869. 


John N. Kennedy. 


1859. 


John P. Faulltner. 




Charles Oliver. 


1860. 


Thomas Cotton. 


1870. 


Peter Krcidler. 


1861 


51. II. Carney. 


1871. 


J. Beach. 


1862. 


.Joshua Healy. 


1872. 


A. W. Cook. 


1863. 


Samuel Lemen. 


1873. 


John P. Faulkner. 


1S64. 


B. F. Kcrshner. 




Moses MeMaster. 




C. W. Stevens. 


1874. 


Peter Kreidler. 


1865. 


John Kenueily. 


1875. 


Liseum Robinson. 




Henry A. Kershner. 


1876. 


Henry A. Kershner. 




Thomas Burditt. 


1877. 


Marion F. Watkin.s. 


1866. 


Joshua Healy. 


1878. 


Peter Kreidler. 


1867. 


John \. Be.ach. 







THE ROGEESVILLE UNION SEMINARY. 

SOUTH D.INSVILI.E, STEIIBES CO., N. Y. 

In 1848, William C. Rogers moved a store building from 
Beacliville to the present grounds of the Academy, and 
established therein a select high school with one department. 
This was a private enterprise, and was supported by tuition 
fees, under the supervision of Mr. Rogers. Rev. J. Strough 
was the first principal. The present fine building was com- 
pleted in 1852, by subscriptions and contributions, and 
Jan. 28, 1853, the Rogersville Union Seminary was char- 
tered by the Regents of the State University, who appointed 
William C. Rogers, Joel Carrington, Jonas Bridge, Robert 
Brail, James H. Stevens, Edward Crydler, Gardner Pierce, 
Robert W. Davis, Samuel G. Dorr, Michael Ouston, John 
W. Rider, Robert Beach, John Kelly, Rev. F. G. Hibbard, 
Isaac Lyon, M. E. Blake, and C. S. Ackley, M.D., the first 
trustees of the institution. The large three-story building 
is finely located in a handsome grove of maples, its grounds 
comprising three acres of land. It contains a large chapel, 
four recitation rooms, a library, and forty dormitories. 

Faculty, 1878-79. — Lewis McHenry, Principal, Higher 
English, Mathematics, and Sciences ; Mrs. E. S. McHenry, 
Preceptress, Common and Higher English, Latin, and Ma- 
thematics; Dr. C. S. Ackley, President; A. W. Cook, Secre- 
tary. 

Calendar. — Fall Term opens Wednesday, Aug. 28, closes 
Nov. 27, 1878; Winter Term opens Wednesday, Dec. 11, 
closes March 12, 1879 ; Spring Term opens Wednesday, 
March 10 ; closes June 18, 1879. 

Expenses. — Preparatory, 86 ; Provisional and Normal, 
$7; Academic, $8; Incidentals, $1; Board at Hall, per 
week, $2.75 ; Room rent for student, $1.75 ; Instrumental 
Music, §10 ; Vocal Music, $1.50 ; Use of Instrument, $2 ; 
Telegraphy, $10; Drawing, $3. 

The following is the course of study recently established 
by the Regents, in compliance with an act of Legislature. 
Those completing this course will receive the diploma of 
the Regents, which entitles them to admission into any col- 
lege in this State: 1, Algebra; 2, Plane Geometry; 3, 
Physiology; 4, Natural Philosophy; 5, Rhetoric; 6, Amer- 
ican and General History ; 7, Chemistry. Any four of the 
following group : (8, Botany ; 9, Physical Geography ; 10, 
Astronomy; 11, Mental Philosophy; 12, Book-Keeping ; 
13, Geology). Kndi any four of the following group : (14, 
English Literature; 15, Moral Philosophy; IG, Science of 
Government; 17, General History; IS, Zoology; 19, Trigo- 
nometry ; 20, Drawing). 



An equivalent amount of work and time spent on Latin, 
Greek, French, or German, may be substituted for Nos. 12 
to 20, or any of them. Students wishing to take a longer 
or shorter course may do so, and will receive a correspond- 
ing diploma from the institution. 

The names of the different principals of the Rogersville 
Union Seminary are as follows, arranged in the order of 

time: 1, Rev. J. Strough; 2, Vosburg; 3, C. W. 

Bennett; 4, W. S. Hall; 5, E. H. Wildman; 6, Rev. J. 
Easter ; 7, J. W. Byam ; 8, Rev. Chas. Gifford ; 9, Rev. 
J. Haskell; 10, W. A. Dawson; 11, Nye R. Hill; 12, 
D. D. Babcock ; 13, E. L. Maxson ; 14. Barton S. Part- 
ridge ; 15, Lewis McHenry. 

CHURCHES. 

METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH. 

The first Methodist meetings in the town of Dansville 
were held on Oak Hill, — in the house of George Butler, 
half a mile north of the present church, — in the spring of 
1817. Parker Buel and James Bronson were the first 
preachers. A class was formed immediately after, consist- 
ing of George Butler and his wife Abigail, Thomas Buck 
and his wife Abigail, and Robert Butler, brother of George, 
who was class-leader. The next summer, meetings were held 
at the residence of Thomas Buck. 

In 1818 there was a general revival of religion, com- 
mencing in August and continuing through the winter, 
under the preaching of Revs. Buel and Bronson, convert- 
ing nearly the entire population for miles around, and in- 
creasing the class to nearly 100 members. 

The walls of the first house of worship in the town — well 
remembered by the old families as the old log church — were 
rolled up in 1819, without the aid of any trustees or build- 
ing-committee, and occupied immediately. Mrs. Benjamin 
Picket, the first convert, died the day the church was raised. 

As cold weather came on, Cyril Buck and Philander 
Hitchcock secretly purchased a stove, which they put up 
in the church before any one knew their intentions. 

Early services were held in the school-house at Beach- 
ville, John Root being an .early worker in the church at 
that place. Afterwards, as the centre of population changed, 
a new church was built in Rogersville by Leeds Allen and 
William C. Rogers, Trustees, and dedicated, July 19, 1841, 
by Rev. Mr. Woodruff. 

In 18G2 a new church, costing $2200, was dedicated on 
Oak Hill, three-fourths of a mile west of the old log church. 
John Kreidler, Julius Hulburt, and Daniel Kreidler were 
the trustees. Mrs. Lydia Woodard is the oldest member 
of this church now living, having been a member for fifty- 
two years. 

The first cla,ss-leaders were Leeds Allen, Joshua Wood- 
ard, and Joseph Flint. The pastors have been : 1817-18, 
Revs. Parker Buell, James Bronson ; 1819, Thomas McGee, 
Elihu Nash; 1822, Asa Allen, John Copeland ; 1823, 
Robert Packer, Nelson Hoag ; 1825-26, John Arnold, Asa 
A. Call, Henry F. Row; 1828, John Arnold, Levi B. Castle; 
1833, Asa B. Pickard, Samuel Salsbury; 1837, John Shaw, 
Andrew Pickard ; 1838, Robert Parker, Nelson Hoag, Ben- 
jamin Sabin, Caleb Kendall, Micah Seiger, and Chester B. 



284 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Atgate ; Menzo Doud, Osa Orcott, Samuel Cliurch, and Ira 
Bronson ; John Shaw, Saul Church, and John Knapp have 
served in the old log church. Subsequently the same pas- 
tors have supplied all, including the following: 1847, V. 
Brownell; 1849, D. Ferris; 1857, J. M. Park; 1859, D. 
Knapp; 1861, E. D. Rosea; 1862, T. Jolly; 1863-64, 
R. Parker; 1865, Rev. Mr. Hall; 1866, E. T. Bliven ; 
1867. Charles Bush; 18G8, J. T. Thompson ; 1869, \Vm. 
Haskell ; 1870, Rev. Mr. Dunkin ; 1871-72, William Has- 
kell; 1874-75, A. Sorenberger; 1876-77, W. W. iMande- 
ville; 1878, M. J. Landreth. 

Present trustees : Oak Hill, Lorenzo Hulburt, Harvey 
Cleveland ; Rogersville, Peter Kreidler, Joseph S. Flint, J. 
M. Hendee. Present oflScers; Daniel Kreidler, Joseph S. 
Flint, Lorenzo Hulburt, Class-Leaders ; Peter Kreidler, Re- 
cording Secretary; J. M. Hendee, Joseph S. Flint, Daniel 
Kridler, Newton Kingsley, Stewards. Total membership, 84. 

THE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH. 

The first Baptist meetings in Dansville were held by a 
Rev. Mr. Ford, of Howard, as early as 1819, at Beach- 
ville, in the log school-house, on Thomas Brayton's land. 
Mr. Brayton, who was a deacon of the church and an elo- 
quent speaker, also held meetings when there was no pastor 
at hand, and officiated at funerals. Annual association 
meetings were held in barns during the summer. Among 
the early members were Thomas and Nathaniel Brayton, 
Tolman Brown, James Bryant, Robert and Jonathan Sloan, 
Stephen Holden, Erastus-Sexton, 3Iorton Smith, and Thos. 
M. Bowen. 

In 1852, Rev. Nicholas B. Rector came to Dansville and 
found the society divided into Old School and New School 
factions. Rev. George Dye was preaching to the New 
School, and Mr. Rector took charge of the Old School fac- 
tion, reorganizing with 24 members. Each faction occu- 
pied the church on alternate Sundays. Revs. Prentice, 
Jones, and Green succeeded Mr. Dye until the decease of 
Rev. Sir. Rector, in 1865, after which Rev. Mr. Thorp 
supplied them occasionally, for a short time, and the church 
was abandoned. 

There have been deacons : Old School, Thomas Brayton, 
Aaron Bowen ; New School, Robert Beach. 

The present trustees are Robert Beach, Philip Brayton, 
John P. Faulkner. The church was a fine building, but 
has been suffered to fall into decay. 

THE UNIVERSALIS! CHURCH. 

This society was organized at Rogersville through the 
efforts of Rev. Asa Upson soon after the opening of the 
seminary, in 1848, and in 1852 a church was built in the 
village at a cost of S2800. Joseph Phelps, Elisha Robin- 
son, and John M. Bryant were trustees. This church was 
dedicated by Rev. J. H. Tabor. Among the early mem- 
bers were John Robinson, Joshua Healy, Uriah Upson, 
Jerome B. Phelps, Humphrey Stevens. Pastors, O. B. 
Clark, Asa Upson, T. H. Tabor, Rev. Mr. Austin, E. M. 
Whitney, Rev. Mr. Payne. The society has ceased to 
exist since 1866. 

An evangelical society was formed in the north part of 
the town in 1863, and a church built on Oak Hill, which 



was burned soon after. A second one was subsequently 
erected at an expense of S900. Fred. Hanna and wife 
were leading members. A Roman Catholic church was 
built of logs in the north German settlement in 1834. 
These have both been merged in stronger societies in ad- 
joining towns. 

MILITARY RECORD OF DANSVILLE. 

George M. Morrison, sergl., Co. F, 141st N. Y. Inf.; enl.Sopt. 11, 1862. 

William 0. Sylvester, corp., Co. F, 14l3t N. Y. Inf.; cnl. Sept. 11, 1862. 

Joseph C. Newcomb, Corp., Co. F, Ulst N. Y. Inf.; enl. Sept. 11, 1862. 

Thomas W. Cotton, Corp., Co. F, 14Ist N. Y. Inf.: enl. Sept. 11, 1862. 

William B. Ames, Co, F, 141st N. Y. Inf.; enl. Sept. 11, 1862. 

George B. Burditt, Co. F, 141st N. Y. Inf. ; enl. Sept. 11, 1862. 

Leister B:iker, Co. F, Ulst N. Y. Inf ; enl. .Sept. 11, 1S62. 

Joseph S. Flint, Co. F, Ulst N. Y. Inf.; enl. Sept. 11, 1862. 

Albert Goodeno, Co. F, 141stN. Y. Inf.; enl. Sept. 11,1862. 

John Gnty, Co. F, 141st N. Y. Inf ; enl. Sept. 11, 1862. 

Benjamin & Johnson, Co. F, Ulst N. Y. Inf.; enl. Sept. 11, 1862. 

Edward A. Kreidler, Co. F, Ulst N. Y. Inf. ; enl. Sept. 11, 1862. 

George Owston, Co. F, Ulst N. Y. Inf. ; enl. Sept. 11, 1862. 

M.ithias Pomroy, Co. F, Ulst N. Y. Inf. ; enl. Sept. 11, 1S62. 

Liscomb K. Robinson, Co. F, 141st N. Y. Inf.; enl. Sept. 11, 1862. 

Nelson B. P.oot, Co. F, Ulst N. Y. Inf. ; enl. Sept. 11, 1862. 

William D. Sylvester, Co. F, Ulst N. Y. Inf.; enl. Sept. 11, 1862. 

Lyman Wellington, Co. F, Ulst N. Y. Inf.; enl. Sept. 11, 1862 ; died in Ander- 

sonville, Ga., prison. 
Bruce Luther, sergl., Co. B, l.^eth N. Y. Inf. 
John C. Drehmer, sergt., Co. B, i:S6th N. Y. Inf. 
John C. Wheaton, sergt., Co. B, l:i6th N. Y. Inf. 
William L. Lookins, sergt., Co. B, 136lh N. Y. Inf. 
Dorr Faulkner, Corp., Co. B, l:l6lh N. Y. Inf 
George Dolph. Co. B, VMU\ N. Y Inf. 
Martin L. An.leison, Co. B, 136th N. Y. Inf. 
W. Seymour Babcock, Co. B, l:i6th N. Y. Inf. 
Aaron B. Baker, Co. B, 130th N. Y. Inf. 
Patrick Finn, Co. B, 136th N. Y. Inf. 
Baldess Foot, Co. B, 13Cth N. Y. Inf. 
Amariah Boylan, Co. B, 130th N. Y. Inf. 
Egbert Gors, Co. B, 13Clh N. Y. Inf 
John Heller, Co. B, 130th N. Y. Inf 

William Sliffy, Corp., Co. D, UlU N. Y. Art.; enl. Sept. 12, 1863. 
Warren Preston, Co. D, 14lh >'. Y. Art. ; enl. Sept. 12, 1863. 
George Cunningham, Co. D, 14th N. Y. Art. ; enl. Sept. 12, 1863. 
James E. Fulton, Co. D, 14th N. Y. Art ; enl. Sept. 12, 1863. 
William Goode, Co. D, 14th N. Y. Art.; enl. Sept. 12, 1863. 
Thomas Hughes, Co. D, 14th N. Y. Art. ; enl. Sept. 12, 1863. 
Harrison Morehess, wounded at second Bull Run. 
Thomas H. Levers, 130th N. Y. Inf. 
Joseph H. Bowen, Co. F, 141st N. Y. Inf. 
David Bowen, Co. F, 141st N. Y. Inf 
Stephen B. Clark, Co. F, 141st N. Y. Inf. 
Russell B. Carrington, Co. F, Ulst N. Y. Inf. 
William L. Flint, Co. F, 141st N. Y. Inf. 
George Frisby, Co. F, Ulst N. Y. Inf. 
George Owston, Co. F, 141st N. Y. Inf. ; killed. 
Nelson B. Root, Co. F, 141st N. Y. Inf. 
Abram Russell, Co. F, 141st N. Y. Inf. 
George Sherer, Co. F, Ulst N. Y. Inf. 
G. C. Sylvester, 141st N. Y. Inf. 
E. Wellington, Co. B, 13th N. Y. Inf. 
Fred Wellington, 13th N. Y. Inf. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



MICHAEL WEBER, 

son of John J. and Maria A. Weber, was born in Ger- 
many, March 6, 1826. He received a common-school 
education. He emigrated to America, and settled at Pitts- 
ford, Monroe Co., N. Y., in July, 1848, and remained about 
six months, during which time he worked on a farm; 
then settled in Wayland, Steuben Co., N. Y., in 1849, and 
worked for his cousin, Frederick Westerman, on the farm 
and at lumberiuE'. He then farmed on shares for some 





MRS.ANN-A f/IARlA WEBER. 



I^ICHAEL WEBER. 



r^^M^-^:^:':^l-7 ■'r- ' ^>t^:^y-'--' 




Residence of MICHAEL weber, dansville, srEuecNCo.NY 





Dorcas Shipimn. 



Isaac Shipman. 




.1 -j.ji . ISAAC SHIPMAN.D/*.'. 



TOWN OF DANSVILLE. 



285 



ISAAC SHIPMAN. 

The ancestors oF the subject of this sketch came from 
Germany. Mathias Shipman, grandfather of Isaac, was a 
native of New Jersey. He had several children, of whom 
one was Mathias, Jr. Mathias, Sr., died in New Jersey, 
where his wife also died. Mathias, Jr., was a native 
of New Jersey. He married Catherine Kline, who was 
also a native of that State. Miss Catherine Kline's grand- 
parents were born in Germany, and settled in Greenwich, 



eight years, and purchased his present beautiful home in 
the spring of 1863. His farm consists of one hundred 
and ninety acres of good, improved land, on wliich are 
some of the best farm buildings in this section, a fine view 
of which, with portraits of himself and wife, may be seen 
elsewhere in this work. 

His parents came to America and settled in Pittsford, i 
N. Y., in 1852. They bought a home in Dansviile, Liv- 
ingston Co., N. Y., the same year, and continued to reside 
there till their death. His father died in October, 1865, 
and his mother in September, 1872. They had five chil- 
dren, — one son and four daughters, — all of whom are liv- 
ing, and each of whom has a family. 

Michael Weber married Anna Maria, daughter of Michael 
and Mary Sandel, of Lehigh Co., Pa., Oct. 31, 1854. She 
was born Nov. 2!), 1830, and removed to Dansviile, Liv- 
ingston Co., N. Y., in the spring of 1832, in company with 
her parents, who died in that town. Mr. and Mrs. Weber 
have six children, viz., Julius, Mary, Elizabeth, George, 
William, Carrie, and Emma, all of whom are now at home. 

Mr. Weber was a member of the Lutheran Church in 
Germany, but has not united with any religious body since 
coming to America. Mrs. Weber is a member of the 
Reformed Churcli, but both are attendants on the Presby- 
terian Church at Arkport. Mr. Weber is a representa- 
tive man of the town in which he resides, and is well 
deserving a place in this history. He affiliates with the 
Democratic party in his political convictions. 



N. J. Mr. and Mrs. Mathias Shipman had ten children, — 
five sons and five daughters, — of whom Isaac was the seventh 
child and fourth son. He was born in New Jersey, June 
8, 1802, and left that State in company with his parents 
and family when but five years of age, and settled in 
Bloom, Columbia Co., Pa., where his parents died. His 
father was a farmer, and Isaac remained on the farm till 
1824, when he settled at Sparta, Livingston Co., N. Y., 
where he remained one year. He then wont to Canada, 
and remained about a year ; then returned to Sparta, and 
remained there till 1833, when he settled on Oak Hill, in 
the town of Dansviile, where he resided till the spring of 
1870, when he settled on his present fine farm of some 
ninety-eight acres, a view of which, with his residence and 
portraits of himself and wife, appear on another page of 
this work. Mr. Shipman \»as engaged in a distillery some 
seven years after leaving his father's farm, since which he 
has followed farming. 

He married Dorcas, daughter of Isaac and Sarah Berry, 
of Pennsylvania, March 4, 1830. She was born Sept. 19, 
1807, in Columbia Co., Pa. They have had seven chil- 
dren, viz., William, Elizabeth, ^Mathias, Catherine, Jack- 
son, Alonzo, and one who died in infancy. Elizabeth 
married John Lyman Wellington, of Rogersville, by whom 
four children were born. John L. Wellington was a sol- 
dier in Company F, 141st Regiment, New York Volunteers, 
was in several engagements, taken prisoner, and died while 
in prison at Danville, Va. Mathias and Catherine arc at 
home. Alonzo was a soldier in Company K, 1st Regiment, 
New York Dragoons, mustered into .service at Portage, 
N. Y., Aug. 20, 1862, promoted to corporal, Dec. 10, 1863, 
and died at Finly Hospital, Washington, D. C, Aug. 18, 
1864, from the effects of a wound received at TreviJlion, 
June 11, 1864. He was a brave and gallant soldier and 
a true patriot. All the rest of the children are dead. 
Mr. and Mrs. Isaac Shipman are members of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church at Burns. 

In politics Mr. Shipman was formerly a Jack.son Demo- 
crat, but of late years he has been a staunch Republican. 



v-ft;. 



E R W I N. 



GENERAL DESCRIPTION. 

This town lies west of Corning, and was formed from 
Painted Post, July 27, 1826. Lindley was taken off in 
1837, and a part of Corning was annexed in 1856. The 
surface of the town is about equally divided between high 
rolling uplands, and the broad alluvial valleys of the 
streams. The hills rise from* four to six hundred feet 
above the valleys, which are from one to two miles wide. 
The Tioga and Canisteo Rivers unite in the southern part 
of the town ; the Tioga and Conliocton in the northeast 
part, forming the Chemung River. 

SOIL AND PRODUCTS. 

The lands of this town are divided into valleys and 
hills, three-fifths of which, perhaps, belong to the latter 
division. Nearly the whole of them in the valleys of the 
Conhocton, Tioga, and Canisteo are improved. The soil is 
a deposit of rich alluvium, well adapted to the growth of 
cereals, roots, and most of the choice fruits, and many of 
the farms are now carefully and scientifically cultivated. 
The hills, where the sides are not too precipitous (and this 
is rarely the case, though some of them reach an altitude 
of nearly six hundred feet above the rivers), are all tillable, 
and their soils of loam and clay generally produce good 
crops and are well adapted to fruit and grazing. 

EARLY SETTLEMENT. 

The first settlement in Steuben County was made within 
the bounds of this town. In 1786, William Harris, a 
Pennsylvania Indian trader, established his cabin and 
trading-post near the north end of the bridge which now 
spans the Conhocton River, in the village of Painted Post. 
While he was in Pennsylvania on a visit, about Christmas, 
1787, his house was burned. This is the circumstance re- 
ferred to by Judge MoMaster in the following description 
of Judge Baker's visit to Painted Post, with his Indian 
guide, from his log cabin up the Tioga River, just beyond 
the Pennsylvania line : 

" On the morning of Christmas day, in the year 1787, 
a backwoodsman and an Indian issued from the door of a 
log cabin, which stood half buried in snow on the point of 
land lying between the Cowanesque Creek and the Tioga 
River, at the junction of those streams, and set forth on 
the ice of the river for a journey to the settlers below. 
They were clad according to the rude fashion of the fron- 
tiers and the forest, in garments partly obtained by barter 
from outpost traders, and partly stripped by robbery from 
the beasts of the forest. Tomahawks and knives were 
stuck in their belts, snow-shoes were bound to their feet, 
and knapsacks of provisions were lashed to their backs. 
286 



Such was the equipment deemed necessary for travelers in 
Steuben County not a century ago 

■' The pioneer and his savage comrade pursued their 
journey on the ice. The Tioga was then a wild and free 
river. From its source, far up in the ' Magnolia Hills' of 
the old provincial maps, down to its union with the equally 
wild and free Conhocton, no device of civilized man fretted 
its noble torrent. A single habitation of human beings 
stood upon its banks, the log cabin at the mouth of the 
Cowanesque. . . . But it bore now upon its frozen surface 
the forerunner of an unresting race of lumbermen and far- 
mers, who in a few years invaded its peaceful solitudes, 
dammed its wild flood, and hewed down its lordly forests, 
through which it flowed. The travelers kept on their 
course beyond the mouth of the Canisteo to the Painted 
Post. Here they expected to find the cabin of one Harris, 
a trader, where they might have lodgings for the night, and, 
if necessary for the comfort of the savage breast, a draught 
from ' the cup which cheers (and also inebriates).' On 
their arrival at the head of the Chemung, however, they 
found that the cabin had been destroyed by fire. The 
trader had either been murdered by the Indians, or de- 
voured by wild beasts, or else he had left the country, and 
Steuben County was in consequence depopulated. 

" Disappointed in this hope, the two travelers continued 
their journey on the ice as far as Big Flats. Here night 
overtook them. They kindled a fire on the bank of the 
river, and laid them down to sleep. The air was intensely 
cold. It was one of those clear, still, bright nights, when 
the moon seems an iceberg, and the stars are bright and 
sharp like hatchets. The savage rolled himself up in his 
blanket, lay with his back to the fire, and did not so much 
as stir till the morning; but his companion, though framed 
of that stout stufi' out of which backwoodsmen are built, 
could not sleep for the intensity of the cold. At midnight 
a pack of wolves chased a deer from the woods to the river, 
seized the wretched animal on the ice, tore it to pieces, and 
devoured it within ten rods of the encampment. Early in 
the morning the travelers arose and went their way to the 
settlements below, the first of which was Newtown, on the 
site of the present village of Elmira. 

" The backwoodsman was Samuel Baker, a New Eng- 
lander, afterwards well known to our citizens as Judge 
Baker, of Pleasant Valley." 

SURVEYORS AT PAINTED POST. 

That portion of the Phelps and (rorham purchase which 
now constitutes Steuben County was surveyed into townships 
by Augustus Porter, Frederick Saxton, and others, in the 
summer of 1789. Judge Porter, in his narrative published in 
Turner's History of the Holland Purchase, says with regard 




EOWARD TOWNSEND 



EDWARD TOWNSEND. 



Henry A. Townsend was of English origin. He settled 
in Bath before the year 1800, and was the second county 
clerk of Steuben County. He was associated with such 
men as Governors Clinton and Tompkins. He was a 
warm advocate of all the improvements; was a member 
of the Legislature of this State in 1809, and made 
his influence felt for good. He finally settled at 
Cold Springs, where he was engaged in the man- 
ufacture of paper and woolen goods. He purchased 
his mill property of Gen. McClure, and erected the 
first paper-mill in the county. He married Elizabeth 
MoflBt, of Orange Co., N. Y., by whom several children 
were born, of whom Edward was one. His wife died, 
and he married a Miss Elizabeth Hull, of Connecticut, 
by whom one daughter — Sarah — was born. He died 
Oct. 23, 1837. Edward Townsend, son of Henry A., 
was horn in the year 1799. He received an academic 
education, and was studying law at Albany when his 
health gave out, and he was compelled to seek out-door 
employment. 

He married Eliza, eldest child of Capt. Samuel 
Erwin, Novemljer, 1821. Miss Eliza Erwin was 
born Oct. 15, 1801, at Easton, Pa., and settled in 
Erwin with her parents in 1803. As the result of the 
above union, one son — Edward Erwin Townsend — was 



born, Jan. 23, 1825, at Athens, Pa., whither his parents 
had gone to reside on a farm. 

Edward Townsend was injured by the kick of a horse, 
from the effects of which he died nine days after, about 
1826. Soon after the death of her husband, Mrs. Town- 
send left her home in Alliens, Pa., and with her little 
son, Edward E., came to Erwin to reside with her 
parents, Capt. Samuel Erwin and wife. After the death 
of her mother, in 1860, she settled on her farm where she 
now resides. Mrs. Townsend has been a member of the 
Presbyterian Churcii for more than fifty-five years. 
Edward Erwin Townsend lived with his uncle, Gen. F. 
E. Erwin, after the death of his father until his mar- 
riage to Miss Nancy L. Jerome, Sept. 7, 1848. She 
was born in Suffolk Co., N. Y., March 12, 1826. Of 
this union eight children were born, three of whom are 
living, viz.: F. E. and Arthur E., now residing in Cali- 
fornia, and Annie L., now at home with her f»arents. 
Mr. Townsend received a common-school and academic 
education. He settled on his present farm soon after 
marriage. 

He is one of the solid Republicans of Erwin. He is 
postmaster at present. Besides having the charge of a 
large farm, he has charge of the depot, which he built 
principally. 





(Chotos ev Evans ) 



^y^aot. 



^^ 



t^-,- 



JOHN M. PATTEKSON. 



John M. Patterson, son of Benjamin and Sarah Patterson, was born in 
Erwin, March 23, 1804. 

Benjamin was born in Loudon Co., Va., Sept., 1759. He was a farmer 
by ocoupation, and learned the trade of blacksmith when young. He 
served through the Revolutionary war as a soldier, and during a portion 
of this time he acted as a spy on the frontier, for which he received extra 
remuneration. Benjamin left Virginia when a very young child, in com- 
pany with his mother, for Bald Eagle, Pa., where Mrs. Patterson's parents 
( Benjamin Boone and wife) then resided. This was Benjamin Patter- 
son's home till he became a resident of Northumberland Co., Pa., from 
wbioh place he removed to Corning, then "Painted Post," May, 1797. At 
the close of the Revolutionary war he returned home and remained till he 
was called to be a soldier under General Sullivan. He was in several 
battles, some of which were very severe. He was present at the burial of 
those who were massacred at Wyoming of historic fame. He had charge 
of the boats on their return to Northumberland from Athens (then Tioga 
Point). 

He married three times. First, to Jemima Price, of Pennsylvania, of 
whom one son, Samuel, wafl born. Second, to Mary Taggart, of North- 
umberland, of whom three children were born, viz., Thomas, Hannah, and 
Mary. Third, to Mrs. Sarah Shannon, formerly Sarah McCalla, of Bucks 
Co., Pa., but at this time of Northumberland Co., Pa., married in 1795, of 
whom three children were born, viz., Robert, Sarah, and John M. 

Mr. Patterson kept public house at Knoxville, town of Coming, some six 
years, and then purchased a farm of Hugh Erwin, in the town of Erwin, 
then " Painted Post," in 1803, where he continued to reside until his death, 
which ooonrred July 2, 1830. Mrs. Patterson died July 6, 1849. Mr. Pat- 
terson was closely identified with all the material and religious interests of 
the town in which he lived, and his home was often the resort for ministers 
of various denominations. He held various town offices, such as commis- 
sioner and supervisor of Painted Post. He was a member of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church, and his wife of the Presbyterian Society. He was em- 
ployed by Captain Chas. Williamson, in 1792, to conduct a company of two 
hundred and thirty emigrants from Williamsport, Pa., to the Genesee 
River, to a place now known as Mount Morris, then " Big Tree." After 



the Revolutionary war he was chosen captain in the State militia, and 
was known by some as Captain Patterson. 

John M. was reared among the scenes of pioneer life, receiving a com- 
mon-school education, with General Francis Erwin and his family, also 
General W. D. Knox, and Captain John P. Knox, and many other old 
pioneer boys and girls of whom mention is made in this history. He 
was reared a farmer, which honorable calling he haa followed through life. 
He remained at home till his father's death, when he came in possession of 
one-half of his father's farm. He continued to reside there till 1872, 
having added some two hundred and fifty acres more, besides land in other 
parts ; in all, he had five hundred and forty acres of land. 

Mr. Patterson has been quite extensively engaged as a stock-grower, 
and was one of the best farmers in the town. He now owns some two 
hundred and forty acres. 

He removed to Painted Post in the spring of 1872, and to the place 
where he now resides in 1873. In politics formerly a Jackson Democrat, 
of late years he sustains men rather than party. He has been for many 
years commissioner and assessor of Erwin. 

Mr. and Mrs. Patterson are worthy members of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church at Painted Post, and have been for more than fifty years. He 
is a temperance man, and a liberal supporter of the society to which he 
belongs. 

He married Mary, daughter of Samuel and Temperance Cook, March 28, 
1826. Mrs. Patterson waa born Aug. 16, 1807, in Painted Post, now 
Lindley. Her parents wore natives of New Jersey, and removed into 
Steuben County, while they were yet children, with their parents. Mrs. 
Patterson's great-grandfather came from England and settled on Long 
Island. Her grandfather, David Cook, served in the Revolutionary war 
as lieutenant ; was by occupation a farmer, and died at the age of eighty- 
eight. Her father, Samuel Cook, was born on Long Island, in 1779, Jan. 
30 ; married Temperance Van Wey, of New Jersey, about 1803 or 1804, of 
whom nine children were born. He died Sept. 8, 1864, and Mrs. Cook 
died Feb. 9, 1843. By the union of Mr. and Mrs. Patterson six children 
were born, viz.. Temperance S., Sarah A., Harriet C, Robert H., Alfred 
D., and Samuel B. 



TOWN OF ERWIN. 



287 



to the survey, '■ While engaged in it we made our head- 
quarters at Painted Post, on the Conhocton River, at the 
house of old Mr. Harris and his son William. These two 
men, Mr. Goodhue, who lived near by, and Mr. Mead, who 
lived at the mouth of Mead's Creek, were the only persons 
then on the territory we were surveying." It seems that 
Mr. Harris did not become discouraged by the burning of 
his establishment in the winter of 1787, but subsequently 
returned and rebuilt his house, and had a comfortable place 
for the entertainment of the surveyors in 1789. 

FIRST PURCHASE OF ERWIN. 

Early in the summer of 1789, while the surveyors were yet 
at work in this vicinity. Colonel Arthur Erwin, from Erwina, 
Bucks Co., Pa., came to Painted Post with a drove of cattle, 
which he was driving to Canandarque (now Canandaigua). 
While resting his cattle here he employed an Indian guide, 
mounted his pony, and explored the surinunding country. 
The situation and sceneiy so delighted him that he resolved 
at once upon purchasing a tract of land in this vicinity. On 
his arrival at Canandaigua he proceeded immediately to the 
office of Messrs. Phelps and Gorham, inquired if the land 
was for .sale, and made them an offer for the land, which is 
now the town of Erwin. They were to take in part pay- 
ment his drove of cattle, and the remainder was to be paid 
in gold. The next morning the offer was accepted, and 
within twenty-four hours after the deed was signed. Colonel 
Eleazer Lindley arrived, and made an offer for the same 
township. He, however, subsequently purchased the town 
of Lindley. 

The first time the name of Painted Post appears in any 
record or legal document is in the deed of conveyance to 
Colonel Arthur Erwin, which we here copy as a matter of 
curious interest to the reader. It is undoubtedly the oldest 
deed in Steuben County. 

THE PEKD. 

" To (ill pers'iitg tn trhiim lliete presents aJmlt coitte, yreetliKj : Know 
ye, that I, Oliver Phelps, now of Canandarque, county of Ontario, and 
State of New York, Esquire, for and in consideration of the sum of 
£1400 lawful money of the State of New York, to me in hand paid 
before the ensealing hereof, by Arthur Arwin, of Bucks County, t-tate 
of Pennsylvania, the receipt whereof I do hereby acknowledge, and 
am fully satisfied, contented, and paid, have given, granted, bar- 
gained, sold, aliened, released, conveyed, .and confirmed, and by these 
presents do freely, clearly, and absolutely give, grant, bargain, sell, 
alien, release, convey, and confirm unto him, the said Arthur Arwin, 
his heirs and assigns forever, the certain jiiece or parcel of land lying 
in the county of Ontario, in the said State of New York, being town- 
ship Xo. 2, in the second range of towns, being north of Penns^'lvania 
line, and si.x miles west of Massachusetts pre-emption, being si.\ miles 
square, containing 23,040 acres, known by the name of Painted Post, 
to have ayiri to hold the before-granted premises, with the appurten- 
ances and privileges thereunto belonging, to him, the said Arthur 
Arwin, his heirs and assigns, to him and his own proper use, benefit, 
and behoof forever more. And I, the said Oliver Phelps, do iiind 
myself, my heirs, and executors, and administrators do covenant, 
promise, and grant unto and with the said Arthur Arwin, his heirs 
and assigns forever, that before and until the ensealing hereof, I am 
the true, sole, proper, and lawful owner and possessor of the before- 
granted premises, with the appurtenances, and have in myself good 
right, full power, and lawful authority to give, grant, bargain, sell, 
alien, release, convey, and confirm the same, as aforesaid, and that 
free and clear, and freely and clearly executed, acquitted and dis- 
charged of and from all former and other gifts, grants, and bargains, 
sales, leases, mortgages, wills, entails, jointures, doweries, thirds, exe- 



cutions, and encumbrances whatsoever. And furthermore, T, the said 
Oliver Phelps, for myself, my heirs, executors, and administrators, do 
hereby covenant, promise, and engage the before-granted premises, 
with the appurtenances, unto him, the said Arthur Arwin, his heirs 
and assigns forever, to warrant, secure, and defend against the lawful 
claims and demands of any person or persons whatsoever. 

" hi witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 
eighteenth day of July, one thousand seven hundred and eighty- 
nine. 

"Oliver Phelps. [l. s.] 

"Signed, sealed, and delivered in the presence of 

" Amos Hall, 
"John Cott." 

"This deed, and deed of confirmation, from Nathaniel Gorham, 
were recorded at Albany, Feb. 9, 1792, by request of Joseph Erwin. 
They were also recorded in the County Clerk's Office at Bath, Juno 4, 
1870, in Book of Deeds 12S, pages 27.3-276." 

TOWN OF PAINTED POST. 

ORIGIN OF THE NAME. 

The name "Painted Post" originated in the erection by 
the Indians of a monument to the memory of the brave 
Seneca chief, Ca nt. JMontour. who died in the year 1779, 
from wounds received at the battle of Freeling's Fort. 

"This account," says Mr. Chas. H. Erwin, "we get from 
Mr. Taggart, a young man, who was at the time a prisoner 
under the notorious Tory Capt. McDonald, and was present 
at the burial." 

The celebrated Seneca chief, C ornplantei u being inter- 
viewed by Capt. Samuel Adams, in 1833, said that "a 
great chief and brave was there taken sick and died, and 
was buried under the shade of an elm, on the north side 
near the mouth of the Conhocton River, and that he 
(Cornplanter) was one of the council that placed over the 
grave a post stained with the juice of wild berries to mark 
the spot." 

The spot on which it stood, and remained standing for 
many years after the first settlers came into the country, 
was within a few feet of the northeast corner of the wagon- 
shop of Messrs. Stout & Hurd, erected in the spring of 
1860, and was repeatedly identified to persons now living 
by such early settlers as Edmund C. Cooper, Capt. Samuel 
and Francis Erwin, Robert Patterson, and Samuel Cook. 

For many years the " painted post" was a noted land- 
mark throughout the frontier regions of Western New York 
and Northern Pennsylvania. That it was a favorite haunt 
of the red man long previous to its settlement by the whites, 
is abundantly indicated by the great number of relics of 
Indian occupation found scattered in and around the place. 
Stone hatchets, flint arrow-heads, lance-points, pottery, mor- 
tars, and many other mementos of the past, and curiosities 
of the present, have here been gathered and preserved. 
They are chiefly pre-historic, showing that the occupancy of 
the Indians must have been at a period prior to their inter- 
course with the whites, although at a later period it was un- 
doubtedly a place of rendezvous for the wandering tribes and 
war-parties passing back and forward through the country. 
The fact that it was chosen as a burial-place of the chief, 
Montour, shows that it must have been a place for which 
the Indians entertained considerable ancestral reverence. 
Since the white people have occupied the spot, it has not 



288 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



been an uncommon occurrence, in excavating for cellars and 
digging post-holes, to come upon graves in which have been 
found the bones of Indians, pottery, arrows, and other relics. 
In 1847, Mr. Erwin, in sinking a post-hole on the south- 
west corner of his residence lot, exhumed an Indian skele- 
ton, and in the same grave found an arrow-point as white 
as marble, and pieces of broken pottery. In 1860 another 
Indian skeleton was unearthed, while excavating the cellar 
of the Bronson block, on the southwest corner of Hamilton 
and Water Streets. This grave contained the bones of a 
very large person, the thigh and arm bones being of an 
unusual length. It was buried in a sitting posture; in the 
same grave were broken but well-preserved pieces of Indian 
pottery and arrow-heads, showing that he had been amply 
provided with ammunition and cooking utensils for the long 
journey to the happy hunting-grounds. 

The old town of Painted Post was organized as a part of 
Ontario County in 1793, and was represented by its super- 
visor, Mr. Eli Mead, in the board which met at Cauandui- 
gua. Mr. Mead went on foot, by Indian trails, through the 
vast wilderness nearly seventy miles to meet his associates 
from the different scattered settlements at the county-seat. 
There was scarce a habitation on his route, and he was 
compellod to " take his hotel and bar in a knapsack upon 
his back in the daytime, and use them for a pillow at night, 
under the protecting roof of the dense foliage of the trees 
near his path." When the county of Steuben was erected 
in 1796, Painted Post became one of its original towns. 
It comprised the territory now embraced in the six towns 
of Hornby, Campbell, Erwin, Lindley, Corning, and Caton. 
The first division occurred in 1826, when Erwin and 
Hornby (including Campbell and Lindley ) were taken off, 
leaving Painted Post reduced to townships numbers one and 
two in the first range, or Caton and Corning. Cuton was 
taken off as " Wormley" in 1839, reducing Painted Post to 
the single town of Corning, to which name it was changed 
on the 31st of March, 1852. 

We have desired to obtain a complete list of the super- 
visors and other town ofiicers of Painted Post during the 
time it was a town of Steuben County, but owing to the 
loss of the records, and the absence of reliable verbal in- 
formation, we have been unable to do so. We find that 
Benjamin Patterson was supervisor of the town in 1806, 
and we have olitained from miscellaneous records in the 
county clerk's office tke following list since 1823: Thomas 
McBurney, 1823-24; John Knox, 1825; Thomas McBur- 
ney, 1826-27 ; John Knox, 1828-29 ; Henry H. Matthews, 
1830-32; Daniel Gorton, 18.33-34; William Bonham, 
1835; Samuel K. Wolcott, 1836; John McBurney, 
1837-38; H. II. Matthews, 1839; Thomas A. Johnson, 
1840-41; John McBurney, 1842-43; John Sly, Jr., 
1844; Thomas A. Johnson, 1845-46; H. B. Noyce, 
1847; Jonathan Brown, 1848; Benjamin P. Bailey, 
1849-50 ; Daniel B. Cump,ston, 1851. 

PROGRE.S.S OF SETTLEMENT. 

David Fuller with his family settled in the town in the 
autumn of 1789 ; Eli and Eldad Mead, in 1790 ; Capt. 
Samuel Erwin and his brother Francis, David and Jona- 
than Cook, Capt. Howell Bull, and several others, in 1792. 



The first hotel, called the Painted Post Hotel or Tavern, 
was built by David Fuller in the spring of 1790 ; it was of 
round logs, one and a half stories, contained two rooms, and 
was located near the north end of the Conhocton bridge. 
Mr. Fuller was an agent and tenant of Col. Arthur Erwin, 
and for a long time the popular landlord of the hotel. 

NARR.ATIVE 01' THE LATE SAMUEL COOK. 

" In the summer of 1792, I came with my father and 
family to Painted Post. Our goods from Tioga Point were 
pushed in a canoe up the Chemung and Conhocton Rivers 
by my father, and our cattle, sheep, and hogs were driven 
along the banks by my mother and sister and the children. 
In the Chemung Narrows we were met by a large party of 
Indians who were going to Tioga Point to make a treaty. 
At first my mother was very much frightened, but the In- 
dians were very civil, and passed us with their friendly 
salutation of ' sac/wo,' how do you do ? or ' sachoo-cacho,' 
how are you, my friend ? We met with no other unusual 
incident until we reached and landed at a log tavern sit- 
uated on the north shore of the Conhocton River, near the 
end of the bridge built there that spring. This tavern was 
kept by David Fuller, with whom my father and family 
boai'ded some days, or until he found a log shanty situated 
near the Post Creek road, into which he moved. I was 
then thirteen, and now I am eighty-one years old. Jjph- 
raim Patterson was then living in a house on the west bank 
of Post Creek, just above the Chimney Narrows; Ichabod, 
his son, was living in another, situated upon the farm re- 
membered as Nehemiah Hubbell's (father of Hon. Wm. S. 
Hubbell, of Bath, and Philo P. Hubbell, of Winona, Minn.) ; 
and Frederick Calkins was then living on the south side of 
the Chemung River, nearly opposite the Chimney Narrows. 
We lived in this shanty a little more than a year, then 
moved up to Mr. Lindley's, who was just commencing a 
new settlement, and built a log house near where Col. Mor- 
gan now lives. In 1793 or 1794 there was a log grist-mill 
built on Post Creek, just above Patterson's house. 

" In 1795, Benjamin Eaton opened the first store in the 
town,* if not in the county, for the benefit of civilization. 
It was situated upon the ground now used for the highway, 
at the head of the street leading from Knoxville to Corning 
Bridge. A man by the name of Comstock, from the mouth 
of Goodhue Creek, up the Canisteo, and myself, then nearly 
sixteen years old, started in a canoe for Wattles' Ferry (now 
Unadilla) after his first stock of goods. We floated down 
the Chemung River to Tioga Point, then poled up the 
Susquehanna to Wattles' Ferry, drawing our boat upon the 
shore at night and sleeping under the trees upon the banks. 
We reached our destination in five days, where we found 
Mr. Eaton, who had gone by land. The stock of goods was 
too large for our canoe, though it was a very large one, 
which compelled Mr. Eaton to purchase another small one, 
for which he paid one gallon of whisky. We loaded the 
canoes, and took charge of the small one, and we started 
down the river on our return. The water was low and the 
boats heavily laden, and we were frequently compelled to 
unload and ' tote" the bundles past the rapids. Without 

* In what is now the town of Corning. 





C^a^^^ 



Phutos Sr EfAHs.CoMiiiHij n 1 



?<ry^C^ 



JlyU'Mi:i^W 




JUDGE LYMAN BALCOM. 



The subject of this sketch is of Scotch origin of about the fifth 
generation. It is related that two brothers settled in Sudbury, 
Middlesex Co., Mass., having come from the north of England, to 
which place they had gone from Scotland. The great-grandfather 
of Lyman Balcom was poisoned when about forty years of age, 
leaving a family of five sons and one daughter, of whom Henry 
Balcom, the grandfather of Lyman, was the youngest. He was 
born in 1740 in Worcester Co., Mass. Served in the French and 
Indian war from 1756 to 1763, and was also a soldier in the Revolu- 
tionary war. He passed through both wars uninjured, and was 
honorably discharged. By occupation, a carpenter and joiner and 
farmer. He married Miss Coziah Stow, a native of Worcester Co., 
Mass., by whom seven children, two sons and five daughters, were 
born, of whom Col. Samuel Balcom was the second son and fifth child. 

Henry Balcom was injured by ahorse when an old man of seventy- 
two, and died from the effects of the injury in October, 1812. His 
wife died in the fall of 1826, at the good old age of ninety. 

Col. Samuel Balcom was born in Shrewsbury, Worcester Co., 
Mass., Dec. 31, 1772. He was reared a farmer and carpenter, and 
continued to follow it through life. He married Mi.ss Polly Knapp, 
a native of Connecticut, during the winter of 1799, at which time 
they were citizens of Oxford, Chenango Co., N. Y. Mrs. Polly 
Balcom was born Dec. 1, 1780, and removed to Chenango County, 
when but ten years of age, with one Eliza Blackman. She was 
the first white girl or woman in Oxford. Mr. Balcom settled in 
Oxford about 1790. Of this union of Mr. and Mrs. Balcom nine 
children were born, six sons and three daughters, all of whom lived 
to maturity, of whom Judge Lyman Balcom is the eldest, born 
Nov. 19, 1800, in Norwich (now Preston), Chenango Co., N. Y., 
two and a half miles from Oxford, north. Col. Samuel Balcom 
was extensively engaged in lumbering in this county from 1829 
to 1835. He and his wife were residents of the county from 1836 
to 1837, when they returned to Oxford and spent their remaining 
days. He was colonel in the State militia, having risen from a pri- 
vate. He and his wife were members of the Baptist Church of 
Oxford. He was a presidential elector in 1840 for Harrison ; he 
was at first a Jeflersonian and Jackson Democrat, but later in life 
a Whig. He served as magistrate for several years in Chenango 
County. Ho died August, 1847, and Mrs. Balcom died October, 
1852, and both lie sleeping side by side in the cemetery at Oxford. 

Judge Lyman Balcom received a common-school education. 
He was reared a farmer and lumberman. At the early age of 
thirteen he commenced lumbering ; at fifteen he went down the 
Susquehanna with his father. The next year he went alone, and 
when but seventeen years of age he was a pilut. Lumbering has 
been one of the chief occupations of his early life. When about 
twenty years of age he commenced life for himself. From the first 



he has been very successful in making money. He was the owner 
of some five hundred or more acres before he settled in Steuben 
County, which he sold. He bought and sold several farms before 
his settlement in Campbell, Steuben Co., which was in April, 
1835, and settled in Erwin, April, 1852. He made his first pur- 
chase in Steuben of one thousand acres for ten hundred and thirty 
dollars in 1832, which he sold in 1836 for six thousand dollars. 
Previous to this sale he bought more th*n sixteen hundred acres 
more, which he sold in 1836 also. He has bought and sold more 
than five thousand acres of land. He purchased his present 
beautiful faim home in 1864, having previously purchased the 
larger part of his farm. 

Judge Balcom is not only the representative farmer of Erwin, 
but of the entire Chemung Valley. His farm is situated on the 
northwest side of the Tioga River, about half a mile above the con- 
fluence of the Tioga and Cnnhocton Rivers. It is very level, and 
one of the most productive farms in the State, yet Mr. Balcom has 
made his farm di>ubly productive by his course of farming. He 
has made agriculture a study, and enjoys an enviable reputation 
as a successful farmer He has four g«od houses and ten barns, 
some of which are very large. He has made his farm by ditching 
and by the judicious use of manure and plaster. A view of his 
home may be seen opposite. In politics he was a Jackson Demo- 
crat, but later joined the Whig party, and became a Republican 
when that party was organized. He has heldvarious town offices 
both here and in Chenango County. 

He has been assessor several terms, supervisor of Erwin from 
1871 to 1872. He has been a delegate several times to district, 
county, congressional, senatorial, and State conventions, and was 
elected to the State Legislature in 1867, and served one term. He 
was an associate judge of the county court from 1840 to 1846. In 
all his official positions he has given general satisfaction. 

Mrs. Balcom is a member of the Presbyterian society, and Mr. 
Balcom is a regular attendant of the various societies, though not 
a member of any. He married Miss Clarissa HoUenbeck, daughter 
of Abram and Margaret HoUenbeck, of Greene, Chenango Co., 
N. T., July 12, 1820. She was born Sept. 7, 1799, in Greene, 
N. Y. Of this union six children were born, viz.: Mary E., 
Samuel, Margaret, Charles, Su.san P., and Jane E., all living save 
Mary, who died July 30, 1869. Mr. Balcom has taken the premium 
several times for fine stock, and was president of the Agricultural 
Society several years ago ; also vice-jjresident. He was a director 
of the Steuben County Bank for several years. 

Mr. and Mrs. Balcom had their golden wedding July 12, 1870, 
at which time were gathered their children and grandchildren and 
other members of the family, also a very large number of their 
neighbors and friends. 



TOWN OP ERWIN. 



289 



serious accident, but with severe toil, we arrived safely at 
home with tlie first stock of merchandise." 

In 1801, John E. Evans came to Painted Post and 
boarded with Benjamin Patterson. He afterwards pur- 
chased a farm about a mile and a half soutli of the village, 
and built a house (the farm now owned by C. F. Piatt). 
Mr. Evans was born in the city of London, England, and 
came to Philadelphia in 1800. Before leaving England 
he had been liberally educated. He possessed those active 
and business qualifications which made him a leading man 
in the early settlement of this portion of Steuben County. 
He taught the first school in the town, and numbered 
among his pupils Robert and John Patterson, Gen. F. E. 
Erwin, of Painted Post; Gen. Wm. D. Knox, of Junction 
City, Kas. ; John Erwin, Esq., of Cleveland, 0. ; Col. F. 
E. Young, of Hornellsville ; Thomas Wheat, Arthur H. 
Erwin, John McBurney, Samuel Shannon, Philander Knox, 
and many other well-remembered names. During the war 
of 1812 he was collector of revenue, afterwards postmaster. 
He was the first clerk in the town of Erwin, was re-elected 
six times ; was justice of the peace ; and in all his public 
and ofiicial positions maintained a character for capacity, 
honor, and integrity. He died, Feb. 27, 1854, at the age 
of seventy, leaving his second wife and three children. 

In the early spring of 1803, Capt. Samuel Erwin re- 
moved with his family to Painted Post from Easton, Pa. 
His furniture and goods were carted to Wilke.sbarre, the 
metropolis of the far-famed Wyoming Valley, on the Sus- 
quehanna lliver, and there shipped on a Durham boat and 
brought up the rivers to Painted Post. Capt. Erwin, wife 
and daughter, the latter then about fifteen months old (now 
Mrs. Eliza E. Townsend, living with her son, Edward E. 
Townsend, at the " Pines," four miles south of the village), 
came the entire distance on horseback, he carrying the 
child on a pillow in front of him. The distance was about 
three hundred miles. After a short delay at the house of 
David Fuller they moved into their new residence, a log 
house, situated a few rods east and south of the old log 
barn still standing upon the farm now owned by Gen. 
Francis E. Erwin, about a mile and a half west of the 
village. They lived in that house until about 1811, when 
they moved into the log tavern formerly owned and occu- 
pied by David Fuller, where they remained till 1823. 
Charles H. Erwin, the youngest son of Capt. Samuel 
Erwin, was born in the town of Erwin, where he still 
resides, April 30, 1822. 

By this time there had been made in various parts of 
the town many new settlements. George Young, father of 
Col. Francis E. Young, and of Clement H. Young, of 
Corning ; Edmund C. Cooper, father of Levi C. Cooper, 
of Painted Post, settled in the town about 1823. Mr. 
Young, then a single man, was from Philadelphia. 

DIVISION OF THE ERWIN ESTATE. 

After the death of Col. Arthur Erwin his property was 
by allotment divided equally between his ten children, who 
were all then living. Of the number, Capt. Samuel, 
Francis, Maj. Arthur, Mrs. Rebecca McKcan, and Mrs. 
Mulhollon, became settlers upon their portions in the town 
of Erwin. The other bi'others and sisters, except Mrs. 
37 



Dr. John Cooper, subsequently disposed of their property 
in the town, chiefly to the brothers and sisters who had 
settled here. " Captain Sam" and " Uncle Frank," as they 
were usually called, came into possession of their portion, 
upon which the village now stands, and Maj. Arthur of 
the extreme southwestern portion of the town. 

The division was made by commissioners chosen by the 
heirs of Col. Arthur Erwin, pursuant to an act of the 
Legislature, passed March IC, 1785, consisting of John 
Konkle, Eleazcr Lindley, and Henry McCormick. A map 
of the town of Erwin, showing the several allotments 
made to each heir, may be found in the county clerk's office 
of Steuben County. 

THE TOWN IN 1812. 

In 1812 the settlement had grown to a size that required 
them to assist in adjusting the national difficulties with 
England. A day was appointed for determining, by draft, 
who should have the honor of defending our rights and 
privileges from the Tories. The draft was made in Bath, 
and several residing at Painted Post were chosen, among 
whom were Abner Trowbridge, Edmund C. Cooper, James 
Gillen, Thomas Wheat, and several more whose names can- 
not be obtained. Joseph Gillett, then living on Little 
Flats, below Corning, was a lieutenant in the regiment, and 
was wounded. Judge Thomas McBurney also held a com- 
mission. Edmund C. Cooper procured a substitute. Daniel 
Mulhollon, since removed to Jasper, enlisted twice before 
the draft ; the first time his father obtained a release, con- 
trary to his wishes ; lie enlisted again, and in one of the 
battles in Canada lost his left hand, or rather, had it so 
severely wounded that amputation was necessary. The 
drafted men were engaged in several battles. Lieut. Joseph 
Gillett was wounded, and compelled to come home. He 
detached from his company Sir. Trowbridge to accompany 
him, and neglecting to have this put properly upon record, 
Mr. Trowbridge was, very unjustly, put down as a deserter. 
Mr. Erwin, who states this fact in his pamphlet (Hist. 
Painted Post), says, " A truer patriot never went to war." 

Those who were called out upon the second draft did not 
reach the scene of action before peace was declared. 

" THE GREAT PUMPKIN FLOOD." 

In the autumn of 1817, the town was visited with what 
has been designated the " great pumpkin flood." At this 
time few, if any, of the settlements extended far beyond 
the river-flats, and the waters overflowed the banks and 
swept nearly all the late produce oft". The pumpkins, which 
upon the rich soil had grown in great abundance and to a 
great size, were very conspicuous, covering the face of the 
deep, swift current. The experience of a pioneer, which 
probably resembled that of many others, is given by Mr. 
Samuel Cook, as follows : " My father was then living in a 
log house, just above and on the opposite side of Tioga River 
from Erwin Centre. We had on the second floor, which 
was made of split hewn logs, some corn in the ear. The 
flood had driven two families to our house, and my father 
brought the sheep to the house in a canoe, and we shoveled 
the corn back, raised the floor and put the sheep in the 
second story. The water came in on the first floor and 



290 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



then we all went up into the second story, where we re- 
mained until morning, — three families, eleven sheep, and 
the corn, with scarce room enough for either alone. 

" In tlie morning the waters threatened to cover the second 
floor, and my father took the families and the sheep out of 
the window into the canoe, and to the hill-side which was 
near by. During the day five stacks of wheat and oats 
floated off' and went out of sight down the river, two of 
which were afterwards recovered (every sheaf, I believe) ; 
having floated over two miles, they were found landed right 
side up upon the head of MulhoUon's Island, opposite 
Edward E. Townsend's farm. It was to the settlers in 
these valleys the most disheartening event that had yet 
occurred, coming at that season, and before the crops were 
all gathered. Nearly every settler in the valleys of the 
Tioga, Canisteo, and Conhocton was victimized, and the 
destruction of property was only exceeded by the dis- 
appointment and suffering of the hard-toiling settlers." 

THE INUNDATION OP 1833. 

In 1833 the valleys of the Conhocton and Tioga were 
again inundated. This flood, being in the month of May, 
was occasioned alone by heavy showers. It came within 
twelve inches of reaching the height of the great flood of 
1817, and was much more disastrous. Mills, manufac- 
tories, dwellings, bridges, lumber, cattle, sheep, and swine, 
were swept away by the swollen and remorseless current. 
Many reminiscences of this flood, and of the exciting and 
often ludicrous scenes which it presented, are yet vivid in 
the recollection of old settlers on the lower Conhocton. 
Says Mr. Erwin, speaking of its effect upon the river at 
Painted Post: '-Timothy W. Whiting and his partner, 
William Boardman, in an effort to secure .some lumber that 
had been rafted, floated past our town on two platforms of 
lumber that had broken loose, without oars. The water 
was so high that the ' grubs' touched the Conhocton bridge, 
and they had barely room, by lying flat upon the platforms, 
to pass under it. Under the Knoxville bridge they were 
compelled to drop into the water and hold on to the plat- 
forms. They were, however, rescued below the bridge and 
before reaching the canal-dam, but the lumber was lost." 
The narrator also recollects seeing " Jacob Bullman, a well- 
known hunter, now living in the wilds of Michigan, ride 
past on three slabs with only an edging for a setting-pole, 
and safely step off" upon the banks not a dozen feet from 
the bridge." 

THE GREAT FLOOD OP 1857. 

On the 10th of November, 1857, the waters of the 
Chemung River and its tributaries were higher than at any 
time before of which any record exists. About midday on 
the 9th the clouds gathered ; presently the rain commenced 
falling, and it continued in torrents until in the night. It 
seemed as if the flood-gates of heaven were opened, and the 
people of these valleys were to share the fate of the ante- 
diluvians. All night men went to and fro carrying lanterns, 
the scene reminding one of the Dismal Swamp with its fire- 
fly lamps multiplied. In the morning the excitement was 
fearful ; the waters were pouring into the low places and 
many of the houses. Steadily and rapidly the waters ac- 
cunmlated, and increased until the waves dashed against the 



planks of the bridges, which stood firmly, resisting the force 
of trees, logs, lumber, stumps, furniture, corn, pumpkins, 
produce and the flood-wood hurled against them. At three 
o'clock P.M. the waters were observed to be at a stand ; two 
hours later they were visibly falling, and the people felt a 
sense of relief from the impending danger. The next morn- 
ing presented a scene which baffles all attempts at description. 
The waters had risen in the night and complctelj' deluged 
all the flat lands, so that at Painted Post boats landed at the 
door of the hotel, and it was a " perfect sea of water from 
there to the mountains on the west of the Tioga River, or 
where the river should be." It is impossible to convey a 
just idea of the mi.sery, loss, and suffering which this flood 
entailed upon the inhabitants who lived within the field of 
its ravages. 

ORGANIZATION. 

The town of Erwin was organized, and held its first elec- 
tion, on the 7th of March, 1826, at the house of Daniel 
Rooks, Jr., which stood upon the site of the Erwin House, 
about four miles south of Painted Post. Ethan Pier, Esq., 
was the presiding officer. Capt. Samuel Erwin was elected 
the first supervisor, and John E. Evans the first town clerk. 
The town officers to 1878, inclusive, are as follows: 

LIST OP TOWN OPPICERS. 





Supervisors. 


Town Cleiks. 


C.il lectors. 


1826. 


Samuel Erwin. 


John E. Evans. 


Silas Cook. 


1827. 


" •' 


« « 


it it 


1828. 


It ti 


It <i 


" " 


1829. 


(. a 


« it 


Arthur Erwin, Jr. 


1830. 


Abner Thurber. 


ti It 


Samuel Patterson. 


18.11. 


it ii 


" •' 


" " 


1832. 


li tt 


it it 


tt It 


1833. 


John Cooper, Jr. 


" " 


tt it 


1834. 


Cbauncey Hoffman 


Julius Morgan. 


" " 


1835. 


<i <( 


« a 


it tt 


1836. 


A. C. Morgan. 


Ansel C. Smith. 


u it 


1837. 


Francis E. Erwin. 


J. G. Me.ssercau. 


tt 


1838. 


a n 


Washington Barnes 


Joseph E. Borst. 


1839. 


Artliur Erwin, Jr. 


ti a 


" " 


lS4n. 


.( a 


William J. Gilbert. 


(( it 


1841. 


it tt 


a ,i 


It tt 


1842. 


" 


" " 


it a 


1843. 


William J. Gillett. 


Justin M. Smith. 


tt tt 


1844. 


t. tt 


.( a 


It tt 


1845. 


it tt 


tt it 


it it 


1846. 


tt tt 


David B. Cumpston 


Nelson Carpenter. 


1847. 


" " 


E. E. Townsend. 


" " 


1848. 


it it 


L. M. Badger. 


Joseph E. Borst. 


1849. 


Arthur II. Erwin. 


R. 0. Smith. 


" 


1850. 


" 


a it 


" " 


1851. 


Ira P. Bennett. 


Darwin A. Smith. 


John Woolsey. 


1852. 


Uri Balcom. 


Chas. J. Chatfield. 


Clement II. Baker. 


1853. 


<. 


" 


Oscar Jordan. 


1854. 


Samuel Erwin. 


it it 


Isaac N. Sutherly. 


1855. 


Arthur H. Erwin. 


William D. Farwell 


William N. Howell 


1856. 


.. 


tt it 


John Borst. 


1857. 


it it 


it it 


Austin M. Smith. 


1858. 


it tt 


tt tt 


t( it 


1859. 


<i <i 


Francis Erwin. 


it it 


1860. 


" 


William D. Farwell. 


Isaac N. Sutherly. 


1861. 


t( it 


it tt 


t( it 


1862. 


it it 


Benjamin Farwell. 


P. A. Easterbrooks. 


1863. 


William J. Gilbert. 


II. D. Edwards. 


Amos J. Banter. 


1864. 


Wni. C. Bronson. 


.. 


Albert S. Ward. 


1865. 


" 


A. K. Knai)p. 


Wm. N. Howell. 


1866. 


(( it 


Charles J. Fox. 


U H 


1867. 


it . it 


Benjamin Farwell. 


tt a 


1868. 


Alanson J. Fo.x. 


Albert R. Sayles. 


tt it 




^'J*^ 




Photos b' cvans 



ot 




^ 



^n^-^<^ 



CALVIN LOVELL. 



The subject of this sketch is the fifth child of a family 
of thirteen children, eleven of whom lived to be men and 
women. 

Levi Lovell was a native of Canaan, Conn., and was bom in 
the year 1787. He married Maria Dascom, a native of Canaan, 
also, by whom thirteen children were born, of whom Calvin 
was the fifth, and was born at Geneva, Ontario Co., N. Y., May 
30, 1822. Levi Lovell was a farmer by occupation. His 
father left Canaan, Conn., and settled in Dutchess County, then 
in Chemung County, where he died at an advanced age. Levi 
Lovell settled in Dutchess County, and then in Veteran, Che- 
mung Co., with his father; here he was married. He was the 
owner at one time of a good farm ; was a man respected by 
his neighbors. He died in 1861 ; his wife died about 1846 ; 
and both lie buried in the cemetery at Big Flats. 

The maternal grandfather of Calvin Lovell was John Dascom, 
a native of Scotland, who settled in America, previous to the 
Revolutionary war, in Connecticut; served through the war, was 
one of the soldiers who marched through these parts, and was 
honorably discharged. By occupation he was a blacksmith. 
He reared a family of six children, each of whom had a family, 
one of whom was Maria, who married Levi Lovell. John 
Dascom died while living with his daughter, Mrs. Levi Lovell, 
on Big Flats, in 1832 ; his wife died many years previous. 

Caivin Lovell was raised on the farm. When fifteen years 
of age he was engaged as clerk for Fox Holden, of Eimira; 
served some eighteen months ; then was with one Samuel Hall 
about a year; then on the farm till 1841, when he went into 
the public house on Big Flats as clerk, remaining some five 
years, and settled in Corning in 1846. He was engaged as clerk 
for Samuel Maxwell, in the Corning House, for one year ; then 



went to Eimira as clerk for Messrs. Kaight & Sly, in the Man- 
sion House. 

He married Miss Lucretia, daughter of Edward and Marilla 
Beebe, natives of Canaan, Conn., Jan. 2, 1849. Mrs. Lucretia 
Beebe Lovell was born Sept. 18, 1825, in Catlin, Chemung Co., 
N. Y. Of this union of Mr. and Mrs. Lovell four children 
were born, viz. : Ella B., Cora M., Edward Beebe, and Chas. 
H. ; all are now living at home. 

Edward Beebe was born Aug. 15, 1796, and was one of a 
family of twenty-four children ; emigrated to Catlin, Chemung 
Co., about 1819 or 1820 ; purchased a farm, built a log house, 
returned to Canaan, Conn., and married Marilla Collins, and 
returned to his then western home in an ox-wagon. He was 
nineteen days on the road, and settled in the spring of 1821. 
He endured all the hardships of a pioneer life. He had a family 
of four children, of whom Lucretia was second. He died while 
residing with his only son, William Wallace, in Osceola, Clark 
Co., Iowa, July 16, 1871. His wife died Dec. 18, 1831. 

Mr. Lovell settled on a farm in Big Flats soon after his mar- 
riage ; remained one year ; then spent one year in Illinois, and 
in December, 1850, came to Painted Post; and January, 1851, 
commenced keeping public house, and followed it seven years ; 
and in 1859 settled on his present fine farm in the Tioga Valley. 
Mr. Lovell has one of the best farms in the valley. He has 
been very successful in all his business relations, and is considered 
one of the substantial citizens of Erwin. 

In politics he was a Whig until the Republican party was 
organized in 1856 ; since which time he has been a Democrat. 
He has held some minor oflBcial positions. As a farmer he 
takes pride in raising fine Ayrshire stock, and often has taken 
the first premium at the agricultural fairs of his county. 




The great-grandfather of the subject of this sketcli 
came from England. He married an Irish lady; 
they settled in Tolland Co., Conn., and had several 
sons. 

Willis J., son of Ira and Lovina Richardson 
Savory, was born in Marcelliis, Onondaga Co., 
N. Y., Nov. 28, 1807. Ira Savory was a native of 
Tolland Co., Conn., born Aug. 7, 1776 ; married 
Lovina Richardson, of the same county, about 1802. 
Mrs. L. Savory was born Feb. 20, 1783. They had 
twelve children, of whom Willis J. is tiie third. 
Ira Savory settled in Onondaga County previous to 
his marriage, and remained on a farm until 1818, 
when he located in Campbell on the " Granger Farm ;" 
remained some three years ; then spent two years on 
Ralph Babcock's farm ; then settled at Painted Post, 
and continued to follow his chosen occupation as 
fiirmer. He died Feb. 9, 1842. His wife died Oct. 
29, 1864. 

Willis J. settled in Steuben County with his 
parents in 1818. Mr. Savory remained with his 
father till he was twenty-one years of age ; then he 
commenced to work for Gen. F. E. Erwin for 
eight dollars a month ; worked seven years in the 
Erwin family. In the mean time he had purchased 



a farm of one hundred acres of land in Catlin, 
Chemung Co., N, Y., and had it paid for. He mar- 
ried Nancy Wilty, daughter of Jacob and Barbara 
Wilty, of Lancaster Co., Pa., Oct. 28, 1836. She 
was borH Oct. 3, 1809, and died Jan. 21, 1875. Of 
this union nine children were born, viz. : Mary, John 
W., Charles, Sarah, Joiui (2d), Ann E., James W., 
W. R., and Martha. All are dead save James W. 
and Martha. 

Mr. Savory removed to his farm in Chemung 
County soon after marriage, and built a house and 
remained one year, when he finally settled at Painted 
Post, in 1838. He kept public-house some eight 
years ; was on his farm one year ; tlien purchased 
the hotel pro|)erty known as the " Erwin House," 
which he had formerly kept. He was engaged as 
hotel-keeper some twenty years. He sold his hotel 
in January, 1870, and located at his present home, 
which he had purchased in 1867. 

Mr. Savory has been engaged as farmer and hotel- 
keeper through his active life. He retired from 
business in 1870. He married his present wife, 
Mrs. Catharine Piatt, widow of Thomas V. Piatt, 
of Dutchess Co., N. Y., Dec. 30, 1875. Mr. Savory 
has been a life-long Democrat. 







c'w •■ \: 



^.^. ^&c^^£^r-h^. 



Warren S. Hodgman, son of Leonard and Jen- 
nette Hodgmau, was born in Stillwater, Saratoga Co., 
N. Y., Dec. 10, 1824. His father was born in Still- 
water, Jan. 21, 1791. He married Jennette Morey, 
Jan. 12, 1815. She was the daughter of Deacon 
Thomas Morey, of Stillwater, and was born July 25, 
1793. Of this union of Leonard and Jennette 
Hodgman eightchildren — seven sons and one daughter 
— were born ; seven of this number grew to manhood, 
five of whom became heads of families. Leonard 
Hodgman was a farmer during his active life, but is 
now retired from business. He is still living, and is 
now, Jan. 21, 1879, eighty-eight years of age. 

Mrs. L. Hodgmau died Dec. 25, 1870, and was 
buried in the new cemetery in Stillwater. 

Warren S. Hodgman worked on his father's farm 
until he was twenty-two years of age. He received 
a common-school and academic education. In Sep- 
tember, 1846, he removed to Bath, Steuben Co., 
N. Y., and worked for his brother (L. D.) in the 
grist-mill ; continued four years, then settled at 
Painted Post, where he now resides. He and his 
brother (L. D.) rented the old Erwin grist-mill, Jan. 
8, 1850, and ran it for some four years; during 
which time, in 1851, Constant Cook purchased the 
mill property and farm. In 1852, Mr. Cook built 
the saw-mill, and in 1853 built the new grist-mill, 



under the supervision of Warren S. Hodgman. 
April, 1857, Mr. Hodgman became a joint owner 
with his brother (L. D.) in the property ; they have 
continued in business ever since, the firm being known 
as W. S. Hodgman & Co. Mr. Hodgman is also 
connected in business at Corning, and Bradford, 
McKean Co., Pa. 

In politics he is a pronounced Republican, ever 
alive to the interest of his party. He has been called 
to occupy several official positions of trust and honor 
in his town. He has been assessor for ten consecu- 
tive years, supervisor for one term, and president of 
the board of education for three years. He has been 
a member of the Presbyterian Church for more than 
thirty years. 

He married Jennie C, youngest daughter of Judge 
Lyman and Mrs. Clarissa Balcom, Feb. 1, 1860. 
Mrs. W. S. Hodgman was born in Campbell, Steuben 
Co., N. Y., April 3, 1837. Of this union six children 
were born, viz. : Edward B., Harry L. (deceased), 
Mary F., Lyman B., Clara L., and Susie B. Mr. 
Hodo-man is from one of the best families of old 
Saratoga County, and is trying to follow in the paths 
of his honored parents. 

He is one of the leading men in Steuben County, 
and his influence for good is felt in the community 
in which he resides. 






^^fe^ (s^ aiynA.at^<^>K_ 



^RS. Peter Coven hoven 



CAPTAIN PETER COVENHOVEN. 



Tlie ancestors of the subject of this sketch came from Holland, and set- 
tled in New Jersey at a very early day. The first Covenhoven was named 
Peter. 

The paternal great-grandfather of Capt. Peter Covenhoven was named 
Peter, also, and was a native of New Jersey. He had a eon Albert, who 
was bom in Freehold, Monmouth Co., N. J. He married a Covenhoven, by 
whom eight children — four sons and four daughters — were born, of whom 
John was the fourth child, and was born at Freehold, Monmouth Co., N. J., 
Jan. 10, 1778. He was a farmer by occupation. 

He married Miss Mary Phillips, a native of Germantown, about 1800. 
Miss Mary Phillips' parents were bom in Germantown, N. Y., and grand- 
parents in Ireland ; the latter lived to be more than one hundred years of 
age. Of this union six children — four sens and two daughters — were 
born, of whom Peter was the second. 

John Covenhoven removed to Montgomery Co., N. T., when a mere child, 
in company with his parents, about the year 1781 or 1782. 

Albert Covenhoven was an officer in the Revolution, and died while a 
resident of Montgomery County. His wife died there also. 

John Covenhoven died Ajiril 23, 1815, and his wife married Ezekiel 
Roberts, by whom she had four children. She died Dec. 16, 1871, in her 
ninetieth year. 

Capt. Peter Covenhoven was born in Root, Montgomery Co., N. Y., April 
22, 1803. He was reared a farmer, which honorable business he has con- 
tinued to follow ever since. He had no advantages whatever for an educa- 
tion, never having atteuded a school but six months in his life, yet ho has 
obtained by that same indomitable energy, which has ever characterized 
him through life, a good, practical education, by reading and reflection. 
His father dying when he was but twelve years of age, he commenced to 
work on a farm by the year, at three dollars a month. With this he clothed 
himself, and at the end of the year had fourteen dollars left.. He con- 
tinued to work by the month and year for nine years. At the age of 
twenty-one he had saved some three hundred dollars. 

This is the beginning of one of the most successful careers in the county 
or State. In 1821 he visited Steuben County, remaining some six weeks, 
and in September, 1823, settled in Corning, and worked for Lauren Mallory, 
thrashing wheat with a flail and gathering corn, at ten dollars a month; to 
be paid in corn at thirty-seven ;ind a half cents per bushel. 

In October, 1823, ho (nirchased his first one hundred acres of land in 
Hornby, paying four hundred and seventy dollars. To this he has kojit 
adding until ho has owned more than fifteen hundred acres, which he paid 
the larger part for in cash. Beside this vast amount of land he has plenty 
of money at interest. 

To give a detailed account of this man's life would require more space 
than we have at our command, but sutfiee to say that no man in Stetiben 
County can show a more successful career. This amount of property was 
ail obtained by farming, no sjteculation. He has also lost some property, 
but in the main he has met with wonderful success. 

He left Hornby in 1863, and settled on his present farm of four hundred 
acres. 

In politics ho was a .lacksonian Democrat, bnt when the Republican 
party was organized he joined it. He has held various oflioial positions, to 
the general satisfaction of his constituents. Early in life he was chosen 
captain of a company of State militia, and is known as Capt. Covenhoven. 
He has been assessor of Hornby, also supervisor for two terms. 

He married Miss Sarah M. Rorks, March 28, 1828. She was born at 



Northumberland, Saratoga Co., N. Y. Of this union six children — three 
of whom are now living — were born, viz. : Thos. N. and Daniel R., who 
are farmers in Hornby; Martha J., at home with her father, in Erwin. 

Mrs. Sarah Covenhoven died May 19, 1863, and was buried in the ceme- 
tery at Hornby. She was a worthy member of the Baptist Church of 
Hornby. Her memory is cherished by her family. 

Capt. Covenhoven married his present wife, Mrs. Susan Richardson, 
widow of Clark Richardson, of Campbell, Dec. 24, 1864, by whom she 
has one daughter, — Susie D. 

We subjoin the following in reference to Mrs. Peter Covenhoven : 

Mrs. Peter Covenhoven, deceased, was the daughter of Daniel and Pru 
dence Rorks, and was born in Northumberland, Saratoga Co., N. Y, Her 
father served in the Revolution with some distinction. Her mother was a 
woman of deep piety and uncommon ability. Some most excellent hymns 
are now in the family, which she composed. Mrs. Sarah M. Covenhoven 
was the only daughter of Mrs. Daniel Rorks, and inherited her mother's 
traits of character, her main oharacteristios being Mntelfiskaets, fidelity, and 
2iHriti[. 

She was a noble woman, physically, intellectually, socially; a true friend, 
a most aSTectionate and laitht'ul wife and mother. She lived with her hus- 
band thirty-two years on the place whore she breathed her last, rendering 
to him most efficient help in the accumulation of property, and in training 
their children in habits of industry and economy, in intellectual culture, 
and in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. Not only her own 
children, but she also took orphan children under her maternal care, and 
trained them as her own. They call her mother, as well they may, and 
most painfully do they feel her loss. 

But though dead, she still lives, — lives in immortal bloom, lives in her 
influence, lives in her children, who bear her impress and reflect her moral 
beauty. 

The funeral was at the house of the deceased, the family residence, and 
was attended by a large number of people, who came to sympathize with 
the bereaveil, and to take a last view of their departed friend and sister in 
the Church of Jesus. A sermon was delivered on the occasion from the 
Psalmist : " Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints," — 
Ps. 116, 15. The speaker dwelt on the character brought to view, the sol- 
emn scene, and the interest which God takes in the death of His people. 
The deceased possessed this character, and hence to her death was infinite 
gain. While, then, we are weeping on earth, she is rejoicing in heaven, 
with the innumerable company of the glorified, in the immediate presence 
of her Saviour. 

From the house of mourning we went in a long train of carriages in 
solemn procession to the place of burial. The coffin was lowered into a 
water-proof grave, beneath the radiance of the meridian sun, looking down 
from the skies as cheerfully as though death had never entered our world. 
The day was beautiful, the air was fragrant with the perfume of foliage 
and blossom, the birds were singing, and all nature rejoicing in newness 
of life. What a change is revealed by Him who has declared Himself to 
be " The resurrection and the life," and has said to His followers, " Because 
I live ye shall live also." 

" The storms of wintry life will quickly pass, 
And one unbounded Spring encircle all." 

May friends and relatives who read this notice of the deceased, follow 
her as she followed Jesus, and enjoy with her the unspeakable blessings of 
a glorious immortality ! 



TOWN OF ERWIN. 



291 



1869. 
1870. 
1871. 
1872. 
1873. 
1874. 
1875. 
1876. 
1877. 
1878. 



1S33. 

1834. 
1836. 
1837. 

1838. 
1840. 
1841. 



1842 



1844. 
1845, 



1847. 
1849. 



1850. 



Supervisore. 
Wm. C. Bronson. 
Lyman Balcom. 
Ira P. Bennett. 
Chas. J. Fo.x. 



Francis Erwin. 
W. S. Hodgnian. 
Francis Erwiii. 



Town Clerks. 
Benjamin Farwell. 
Charles A. Rose. 
F. E. Young. 
P. D. Parkhurst. 
P. W. N. Sanderson 
J. Monroe Smith. 



Collectors. 
Wra. N. Howell. 
Greeley D. Rood. 
Wm. N. Howell. 
M. W. Hubbard. 

D. W. C. Erwin. 

E. D. Bonham. 



Henry D. Edwards. 
J. Monroe Smith. 



JUSTICES OF THE PEACE. 



Ansel C. Smith. 
Benjamin Harrower. 
John E. Evans. 
John McClure. 
Ansel C.Smith. 
John E. Evans. 
Charles K. Miller. 
Charles K. Miller. 
Clement H. Young. 
Uri Balcom. 
Ansel B. Wood. 
Roswell Enos. 
William Erwin. 
G. A. Farnum. 
C. F. Piatt. 
James Munsoll. 
Henry C. Willcox. 
C. F. Piatt. 
Zatter Wilder. 
T. E. Young. 
John Tiffany. 
John Day. 
Samuel Erwin. 



1856. Benjamin Farwell. 

1857. Emery M. Wood. 
John A. Shults. 

1859. Samuel Adams. 
Francis Erwin, 

1860. John A. Shults. 

1861. John A. Shults. 

1862. John Day. 

1864. Francis Erwin. 

1865. Samuel Erwin. 

1866. Thomas F. Simmons. 

1867. Samuel Erwin. 

1868. Samuel Erwin. 

1869. Andrew J. Blackman. 

1870. James S. Tobias. 

1871. R.H.Schuyler. 

1872. Francis Erwin. 

1873. A. B. Hurd. 

1874. James S. Tobias. 

1875. A. J. Ross. 

1877. A. M. Smitli. 

1878. Chas. F. Dunklee. 
James S. Tobias. 



VILLAGE OF PAINTED POST. 

In the spring of 1833, Capt. Samuel Erwin first laid out 
the village-plat of Painted Post ; that between the Hornby 
road and the river, and Hamilton and Steuben Streets. The 
plat was subsequently enlarged, — on the east by Gen. F. E. 
Erwin, H. P. Badger, and George W. Patterson, and on the 
west by Charles H. Erwin. 

The village was incorporated under the general law July 
18, 1860. 

In 1840 the first church edifice was erected in the village. 
It is now standing, and is occupied by the Presbyterian 
society. 

In 1850 the Methodist Episcopal Church erected their 
edifice on the corner of Chemung and Steuben Streets. 

The Baptist Church was organized in 1852, and their 
house of worship erected in 1860. 

PROGRESS OF THE VILLAGE. 

We take the following notes showing the progress of im- 
provements in the village and other miscellaneous matters 
from the excellent little work which has been our principal 
authority in preparing the matter for this chapter, — Mr. 
Charles H. Erwin's pamphlet " History of Painted Post." 

" In 1822, Francis Erwin erected a two-story frame 
hotel, 70 by 50 feet, at a cost of $2000 ; Mr. Timothy 
Goodrich, architect. This was the first frame upon the 
site of the present village, and remained for half a century, 
lacking a few months, and was burned on the 29th of April, 
1872. We have the original contract, in the handwriting 
of John E. Evans, and on the same sheet a draft of the 



front and rear, east and west elevations, with a plan of the 
ground, second, and garret floors, by IMr. Goodrich. It 
was purchased in 1847, by Willis J. Savory, who raised it 
one story. It was always used for the purpose for which 
it was built. Capt. Samuel Bessley (father of the wife of 
the architect, Mr. Goodrich, of 3Irs. George Havevling, of 
Bath, and of Mrs. Col. Uri Balcom, of Chicago) first, and 
for many years occupied it, and gained a widely-known repu- 
tation as one of the best of landlords. It was situated on 
the rortheasE corner of Water and Hamilton Streets. 

" The same year Capt. Samuel Erwin erected the first 
frame store upon the northwest corner, opposite the hotel, 
which was rented to the late Mr. John Arnot, of Elmira. 
The late Hon. William S. Hubbell, of Bath, was his clerk. 
The next year (1823) he erected the house we now own, 
where we reside, and where now (December, 1873) we are 
writing this article, and in which there has never been a 
change in the form of a room since it was first finished. 
Capt. Erwin occupied it until his death. It is now the 
oldest frame building, excepting the old grist-mill, in town. 
The same year he built the old grist-mill and saw-mill now 
owned and occupied by Warren S. Hodgnian, and his 
brother, L. D. Hodgnian, of Bath. John Spicer was the 
builder and millwright. There were four run of stones 
and a halfgang bolt put in the mill. 

" We still liave many of the old receipted bills for the 
materials, also the shipping bills. When these buildings 
were raised, the ' neighbors' from Tioga Point, Newtown, 
Big Flats, Lawrenceville, Lindley, Penn Yan, Bath, and 
intermediate places, were here to assist. The occasion was 
the last gala day for the old and first hotel of the town, 
and where all received their victuals and drink. 

" In 1824, Mr. John Wygant cut the sheet-iron Indian 
which has ever since graced the village, perched upon a 
painted post. This effort, taking into consideration the 
times and their fticilities, was quite a success ; and when 
looked at as in commemoration and perpetuation of the 
original monumental post, we can the more readily overlook 
all the imperfections, and better appreciate, guard, and pro- 
tect it as a memento. 

" In 1847 the bank of Cayuga Lake, at Ithaca, owned 
by H. J. Grant, was purchased by Asa S. Foster, of the 
city of New York, and Cephas F. Piatt, of Painted Post. 
In the spring of 1851 they removed it to this village, with 
a capital of $50,000. It was for several years kept in the 
second story of the Empire Block. In 1860, Mr. Piatt 
became sole proprietor, at which time its issue was over 
$70,000, and he occupied for some years the brick building 
he had erected for a bank. 

" In 1848, the late A. II. Erwin, Gen. F. E. Erwin, I. 
P. Bennett, and the late Henry S. Brooks, erected an ex- 
tensive foundry and inachine-.«hop, with a block of three 
large stores, and the largest public hall in the county, over 
the stores, known as Mechanics' Hall. It was completed in 
1849. Some two years later the company purchased Mr. 
Bennett's interest, and was known as Erwin & Brooks. In 
1853, Mr. David Curtis purchased Gen. Erwin's interest, 
and the title of the firm was Curtis, Erwin & Brooks. In 
1855, Mr. Curtis gave one-half of his interest to his 
daughter, Mrs. Charles H. Erwin. The nest year Mr. 



292 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Brooks sold half of his interest to the late Judge Wash- 
ington Barnes. Under the superintendence of the late 
James H. Simmons, of Fairport, X. Y.. and until the finan- 
cial pressure of 1857, it was unsurpassed by any establish- 
ment of the kind in Western New York, giving employment 
to nearly 100 men. 

"In the autumn of 1850 the New York and Erie Rail- 
road was completed between Corning and Hornellsville, 
passing through this village. In 1852 the Buffalo. Con- 
hocton Valley and New York Railroad, made a junction at 
this village with the Erie. The Western Union Telegraph 
Company completed its line along the Erie road in 1855, 
and along the Buffalo, Conhocton Valley and New York 
Railroad in 1857, putting this village in momentary com- 
munication with all places along the lines and throughout 
the country. 

" Empire Block was built by A. B. McCuller and Messrs. 
A. H. aud F. E. Erwin, in 1841 . It stood upon the south- 
east corner of Water and Hamilton Streets, the third story 
being occupied by Empire Hall. 

" On the evening of Sept. 2, 1850, a lodge of Free and 
Accepted Masons was instituted in the village. Maj. M. 
H. McGrath was the first W. M. The order is now in a 
flourishing condition. 

PL-iNK-ROAD. 

" In 1852, a company was formed under the name of the 
Corning, Painted Post, Cooper's Plains, and Monterey Plank- 
Road Company. A single track was laid from the village 
of Monterey (now in Schuyler County) through the valley 
of Mead's Creek, to Cooper's Plains, and thence to the 
bridge over the Chemung River at Corning, — about fifteen 
miles, with four toll-gates. Some six years after, the com- 
pany abandoned the plank-road between Cooper's Plains and 
Monterey, and, subsequently, by special act of the Legisla- 
ture, resolved itself into the Conhocton Stone-Road Company, 
obtaining a charter therefor for a period of thirty years. 
This road from the Corning bridge, through Painted Post, 
to Cooper's Plains, has been facetiously called a '■Jordan 
road,' i.e., a ' hard road to travel,' during certain portions 
of the year. The road is not well kept up by the company, 
and is a free highway only in its poorest condition." 

THE GAXG-JIILLS. 

About the year 1832. the estate of William Erwin, in 
this town, was purchased by Isaac Gray, and two lawyers 
from Owego, Messrs, Piatt and Dana, It embraced an area 
of some 4000 acres of land, bountifully supplied with 
groves of superior and valuable pine timber. They built 
the first mill upon the site of the establishment now known 
as the Gang-Mills, and after a few years sold the property 
to Sylvester Smith, Abram Ogden, and Col. Hiram W. 
Bostwick, A few years later, Judge Smith became sole 
proprietor, and for some ten or twelve years manufactured 
lumber, and improved the lands. He then sold to Messrs. 
John C. Cameron and James D. Weston, two gentlemen 
who were credited with a long experience, and a practical 
knowledge of the lumber business; however, these gentle- 
men did not long retain possession. In 1846, Rev. Norman 
Fox, father of A, J, Fox, one of the present proprietors, 



Abijah Weston, and William C, Bronson purchased of 
Messrs, Cameron and Weston this property. This enter- 
prising firm immediately rebuilt and enlarged the mill, add- 
ing gangs, slabbers, edgers, lath, and other improved ma- 
chinery, and, as the increasing demand required, added 
steam to their hydraulic power, new buildings, with planing 
and picket machines, until it has become the most extensive 
lumber establishment and firm in the town, county, or State, 
and the nucleus of perhaps the most extensive lumbering 
business in the United States, when aggregating the various 
results of the different manufactories over the widely-spread 
localities in which one or the other of these gentlemen are 
the principal owners. All of the members of this firm have 
their residence at Painted Post, and their mills are situated 
about one mile southwest of the village. 

They have in their possession the title in fee-simple to 
many hundreds of thousands acres of the best timber-lands 
in the States of New York, Pennsylvania, Michigan, and 
Wisconsin, and timber-rights, licenses, or Government 
leases, for more than a million and a quarter acres of the 
very best timber tracts of Canada, They own and run 
seven extensive gang-mills, that average each from ten to 
thirty millions feet of lumber annnally, and four large 
planing-mills, with each a capacity of from 50,000 to 
250,000 feet of dressed lumber per day, together with the 
immense and unknown quantities of shingles, lath, and 
pickets manufactured h\ them, and the number of their 
employees is counted by the thousands. 

The firm is now known as Fox, Weston & Co., Mr. 
William C. Bronson having sold his interest to A. J. Fox 
and his brother, Maj. Charles J. Fox. 

EXTRACT- WORKS. 

The Extract-Works of this village have applied a new 
method for the manufacture of the extract of hemlock- 
bark, an article of great importance to tanners and dyers, 
and also used in various manufactures. 

In 1856 the Van Orman tannery, on Chemung Street, 
was purchased by Harvey Bissel and William D, Farwell. 
These gentlemen established a successful business, which 
was conducted under the immediate superintendence of 
Benjamin Farwell, of this village. In 1859, William D. 
Farwell sold his interest to 3Ir. Bissel, and about 1864 
Mr, Bissel sold to Cyrus Pyle & Co., of which firm N. 
Spencer Thomas was a member. The latter, while con- 
nected with this firm, successfully completed the new 
method for the manufacture of the extract of hemlock- 
bark, and is the patentee and owner of the process, as well 
as of numerous machines used in making it. Mr. Thomas 
is now a resident of Elmira. William D. Farwell is a 
member of the gigautic mercantile firm of John V. Far- 
well & Co., Chicago. 3Ir, Harvey Bissel, who spent his 
last years in Toledo, Ohio, was an important aid to the 
business interest of this village, where he resided many 
years, and was indefatigable in his efforts to build up and 
improve the place. 

The Extract- Works employ some twenty men ; their 
capacity is from 3000 to 3500 cords of hemlock-bark, and 
about 400 cords of barrel material per annum, there being 
an extensive barrel-factory attached. The establishment is 



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ISAAC P. GOODSELL. 



The Goodsell family is of Scotch extraction. The paternal 
grandfather of Isaac P. Goodsell was Jacob Goodsell. He 
was a native of New England, and married Betsey Warner, 
whose father fell in the Revolution. He was a fine mechanic 
in all branches of iron work, and a farmer, also. He was father 
of twelve children. His wife died in Westmoreland, and he 
removed to Hornby about 1820, where he died. 

Sherman Patterson, maternal grandfather of Isaac P. 
Goodsell, was born in Cornwall, Conn., and married a Miss Beach. 
To them were born seven children, three sons and four daughters. 
He was captain in the Revolution, and was in sight of General 
Montgomery when he fell at Quebec. He was a farmer, and a 
perfect specimen of physical manhood, dying at the advanced 
age of ninety-two years. 

Isaac Goodsell, father of Isaac P., was born in Cambridge, 
Washington Co., N. Y., Oct. 30, 1789. He was married to 
Anna Patterson, in Westmoreland, Oneida Co., N. Y., Aug. 23, 
1810. She was bom in Stillwater, Saratoga Co., N. Y., March 
16, 1794. From this marriage came nine children, four sons and 
five datighters, eight of whom lived to maturity, and six are now 
living. About 1813 or 1814 they left Westmoreland, and 
moved to Susquehanna Co., Pa., where they remained till their 
removal to Painted Post, now Hornby, in 1824. Two of their 
children were born in Westmoreland, four in Pennsylvania, and 
the rest in Hornby. Isaac Goodsell was a farmer and blacksmith 
by occupation. Both himself and wife were members of the 
Baptist Church. Two of the children were Methodists, and six, 
like their parents. Baptists — one a Baptist minister. 

Isaac Goodsell was a staunch, unswerving Democrat, held sev- 



eral official positions, and was a captain in State militia. He 
died Aug. 25, 1841. His widow still survives, living with her 
children, hale and hearty, at the age of eighty-five. 

Isaac P. Goodsell was born in Pennsylvania in the year 
1818. He was reared a farmer, and is a blacksmith. He 
settled in Hornby in 1824, and married Christiana, daughter of 
Deacon Jacob and Betsey Woodward, of Campbell, Aug. 25, 
1841. Miss Woodwaid was born Nov. 14, 1819. Of this 
union were bom five children, namely : Byron W., Jacob L., 
Ella E., Dimis H., and Normah C. Jacob L. died in infancy. 

Mr. Goodsell learned his trade at Hornby Porks, and worked 
seven years in that place, which was founded by his father, who 
purchased a farm there and started that village. He bought 
his farm about 1848, moving to it the same day President Taylor 
was inaugurated. He owned at one time two hundred and 
seventy- eight acres of land. He left his farm and moved to the 
village of Painted Post, April 1, 1871, in consequence of his 
ill health, and a desire to educate his children, leaving his farm 
in charge of Ella E. and her husband, Orin Roloson. He has 
•since resided at Painted Post, engaged in selling agricultural 
implements, and looking after his various business affairs. 

Both Mr. Goodsell and wife were formerly Baptists, but for 
the last six years have been Methodists. Mr. Goodsell has 
been superintendent of Sabbath-schools, and a leading temper- 
ance man. He was formerly a Democrat, but at the organization 
of the Republican party became a member of that party, and 
has ever been faithful to its principles. He was postmaster at 
Hornby, and, by suffrage of his fellow-townsmen, held the office 
of justice of the peace and other town offices. 





PHOrOS ev EVANS. CO»N("G 



(f/'yvt-y^^ ^^4.-f^^yLi!!!Lc''^ 



^aL,tcs2^ ^€i/^tAZ.&£^ 



PHILO CAMPBELL, 



son of Robert Campbell and Rachel Dolson, was born 
in Campbell, Steuben Co., N. Y., Feb. 14, 1808. 

His grandfather was the son of Rev. Robert Camp- 
bell, who was born in Scotland, in 1709, and settled in 
Canaan, Conn., as a Presbyterian minister, in 1761, and 
removed to Stillwater, Saratoga Co., N. Y., in 1762, 
where he was the first minister north of Albany, and 
where he was buried. 

Robert (3d) was born in 1777, at Stillwater; was 
educated for the ministry ; graduated at Dartmouth 
College. He never preached, but followed farming for 
a business; settled in Campbell with his father, who 
was named Robert (2d) also, in the winter of 1801 and 
1802. He died in 1861, while residing in Michigan, 
where he had gone some twelve years before. His wife 
died some five years before, or about 1856. 

Philo Campbell was reared on his father's farm until 
he was about eighteen ; he then went to Chenango 
County, and learned the carding and cloth-dressing busi- 
ness, which he followed more or less for fifteen years. 

He married Calista, daughter of Solomon and Martha 
Cushing, of Vermont, Nov. 23, 1832. Miss Calista 
Cashing was born near Brattleboro', Vt., April 23, 
1814. Her parents are distant relatives of Hon. Caleb 
Cushing (deceased). 

As the result of the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Philo 
Campbell three children were bom, viz. : William Wal- 



lace, born Feb. 13, 1834; died June 23, 1836. Solomon 
C, born Jan. 9, 1836 ; married Aurelia, daughter of 
Benjamin and Hannah Farwell, of Painted Post, and is 
now one of the largest merchants in Corning; he has one 
son, Wallace B. Sybil H., born Nov. 11, 1838; died 
Feb. 3, 1842. 

In June, 1836, Mr. Campbell removed to Bellevue, 
Eaton Co., Mich. ; purchased a farm of some two hun- 
dred acres; remained until October, 1845, when he re- 
turned to Steuben County, and settled in Hornby, where 
he followed his trade some five years; then followed 
lumbering some three years on Mead's Creek, Campbell, 
where he settled about 1850. 

About 1854 he purchased his present farm in Camp- 
bell. He built all the buildings on his farm, which are as 
fine as any in the town. He left his farm in December, 
1877, and located on his present place of residence in 
Painted Post, where he is surrounded by all the com- 
forts of a pleasant home. 

He has always been identified with the Republican 
party since its organization, having been a Whig pre- 
viously. Mr. Campbell has been commissioner, assessor 
three years, town clerk two years, and collector one year; 
also was trustee of schools. 

Mr. and Mrs. Campbell are members of the Baptist 
Church at Painted Post. He is one of the temperance 
men of Painted Post. 



TOWN OF ERWIN. 



293 



run night and day, and is under the effioient management 
of Mr. Charles Iredell. The products arc shipped directly 
from the works to all parts of this continent, and to 
Europe. 

Since 1855, tobacco has been successfully raised in the 
valleys, and nearly an liundrcd acres are annually planted 
in the town. Calvin Lovell, Esq., residing on a farm near 
the Gang-Mills, is the pioneer in the culture of this lucra- 
tive production. 

About three o'clock a.m. on the morning of the 7th 
of May, 1860, a fire was discovered in the foundry then 
owned by Messrs. Curtis, Erwin, Brooks & Co. It spread 
rapidly and consumed the foundry block and buildings, the 
barn of the company, the barns, li very-stable, and market 
of the hotel, five dwellings and five barns on the north side 
of Water Street, and four .stores, wagon-, and blucksmith- 
shop on the south side. It was estimated that more than 
$50,000 worth of property above insurance was destroyed. 

The same year Messrs. A. Weston, Wni. C. Bronson, 
Charles H. Erwin, and Wnj. II. Calkins rebuilt the foun- 
dry and machine-shops, to which they have added at various 
times since. In 1865, with the addition of Maj. McGrath 
to the company, they erected the extensive door-, sa.sh-, and 
blind-factory, which flourished a few years and was then 
abandoned. 

The large three-story brick block on the corner of Ham- 
ilton and Water Streets was erected by Wm. C. Bronson, 
in 1860. In 1869, Dr. Orcott's drug-store and H. D. 
Edwards' jeweler-store were added. 

In 1870, Wm. C. Bronson and Harris C. Higman opened 
a bank in the Bronson Block. In 1872 these gentlemen 
purchased the Bank of Cayuga Lake, and Mr. Bronson 
the building of C. F. Piatt. Mr. Bronson immediately 
commenced the enlargement and rebuilding of the old 
bank, adding an iron and plate-glass front and another 
story. In January, 1873, Mr. Bronson purchased Mr. 
Higman's interest and became sole proprietor. 

In 1872, Mr. Bronson built on his lot, in front of the 
Erie depot, an iron-roofed, fire-proof planing-mill, and in 
1873 opened, with George Dorn and Alva Bronson, an 
extensive lumber-yard. This mill has a capacity of 50,000 
feet of dressed lumber per day. 

On the 28th of February, 1873, the village was scourged 
with another desolating fire. All the buildings between 
Hamilton Street and the Erie railway-cro.ssing, on the 
south side of Water Street, including the Empire Block, 
were consumed. Nearly all of these buildings have since 
been replaced by better structures. 

NEWSPAPERS. 

The first newspaper started in the village was the Painted 
Post Gazette, in the year 1846, by Sir. Fairchild. It con- 
tinued to be issued only a few months. In May, 1848, 
Messrs. Ransom Bennett and B. M. Hawley commenced 
the publication of the Painted Post IJeralJ, which was 
continued about one year. 

In October, 1870, Wm. C. Bronson, H. C. Higman, and 
S. H. Ferenbaugh began the publication of the Painted 
Post Times, Mr. Higman retired in 1872. The paper 
has lately been discontinued. 



PUBLIC SCHOOL. 

John E. Evans taught the first school in the village, or 
rather in the pioneer .settlement ; for it was a quarter of a 
century at least before the village was laid out. " The first 
school-house," says Mr. Erwin, " that we recollect, was 
situated on the site of the dwelling now occupied by E. S. 
Borland, which is also Messrs. Ilodgman's farm-house. This 
school-house was built of plank, and the rent of ground 
given by Capt. Samuel Erwin. The next one was built on 
the south side of the river, and is now used as a dwelling 
by Mrs. Hallack. In 1848 or 1849, the late Arthur Erwin 
built a large twostory frame building on the south side of 
the river, nearly opposite the residence of the late C. J. 
Chatfield. This building was rented to the district, together 
with two acres of ground, for SI 00 per annum, to be used 
for a district school. The main building was some 50 by 
75 feet, with a projecting gable, supported by four large 
pillars in front, and a wing on the north and south sides, 
making a front upon the street of about one hundred feet. 
It was used by the district school till 1868, when the pres- 
ent model brick school-house on Charles Street was built, 
at an expense of $14,000, including the lot and furniture. 
William C. Bronson was the contractor, and Maj. M. H. 
McGrath the architect. The old building, after being 
abandoned for school purposes, was converted into a tobacco 
warehouse, and was destroyed by fire in the fall of 1871. 

The public school is a union free school, with an academic 
department. It is provided with a valuable library of mis- 
cellaneous books and works of reference, has a fine lot of 
new apparatus for performing philosophical and other experi- 
ments, and is received under visitation of the Regents. 

The school has been designated by them to instruct a 
teachers' class during the winter term, beginning Jan. 6, 
1879, in methods of teaching, school management, and in 
general normal training. 

Board of Education. — S. B. Howell, President; E. H. 
Smith, Secretary ; W. H. Calkins, J. Z. Wilder, A. F. 
Timerman ; J. Monroe Smith, Treasurer. 

Facidt^.^Fj. AV. Griffith, Principal; Bell S. Arnold, 
Academic Assistant ; Florence E. Willson, Intermediate 
Department ; Minerva D. McCarty, Primary Department. 

Calendar. — Winter Term commences Jan. 6, 1879; 
closes April 4; Spring Term commences April 14, 1879 ; 
elo.ses June 27. 

Rates of Taition. — All actual residents, free ; non-resi- 
dents as follows : Academic Department, per term, $5 ; 
Primary and Intermediate Departments, $3. 

Attendance during the past school year, 160 ; Academic 
Department, 75. 

cooper's plains. 

We learn from Mr. Alson Pierce, an early resident of 
Cooper's Plains, that one John Williams, a " Hessian," 
who had been taken prisoner at Burgoyne's surrender at 
Saratoga, settled on lands adjoining the town line between 
Erwin and Campbell about 1705. In 1814 part of this 
land was bought by Judge McBurney, and in 1815, Alson 
Pierce and the two Cobbs purchased most of the remainder. 
Mr. Pierce came from the State of Vermont, and at the 
time of his settlement there was a road leading from 



294 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Painted Post to Bath, along the Conhocton, by which the 
mail was carried on horseback once a week. John E. 
Evans was then postmaster at Centrevilje. The Bath 
paper was then carried open, and thrown into the yards as 
the carrier passed by. The first post-office at Cooper's 
Plains consisted of a " shingle nailed to a tree, under which 
the mail was stuck by the accommodating mail rider." 

Judge Cooper settled in this part of the town in 1828. 
He was an only son, and his father resided in Easton, Pa. 
His mother was a daughter of Col. Arthur Erwin. His 
son, John Cooper, Jr., was a physician of considerable note, 
and the founder of the village of Cooper's Plains. 

About 1841, Dr. Cooper built a large residence on his 
farm near the junction of Mead's Creek Valley with Con- 
hocton, and laid out a portion of his farm into village lots. 
The place soon began to attract settlers. Albert Mulligan 
opened the first store, and subsequently Col. Uri Balcom, 
now a resident of Chicago, carried on lumbering and mer- 
cantile business, operating a saw-mill, which had been built 
by John Williams. An.son Buck, father of Edward Buik, 
Esq., of Addison, built and kept the first hotel. This 
house for many years after Mr. Buck left it was occupied 
by the late Daniel Ogden, who.se reputation as a " prince of 
landlords" nearly absorbed the name of the village, for it 
used to be more frequently said "going to Ogden's" than 
going to Cooper's Plains. The building was burned in 
1871, and has not yet been replaced. 

The Rochester branch of the Erie Railway passes through 
and has a station at Cooper's Plains. There are a Baptist 
and a Methodist church, a large and commodious district 
school-house, a flouring-mill, steam saw-mill, chair-factory, 
wagon- and blacksmith-shops, one or two stores, a post-office, 
and some twenty-five or thirty dwellings, and the Good 
Templars maintain a flourishing lodge in the village. 

ERWIN. 

In the spring of 1873 a depot was built near the west 
line of E. E. Town.send's property, and the station was 
called Erwin. A post-office was established here, and Mr. 
Townsend was appointed postmaster. 

There are now three post-offices in the town of Erwin, 
viz., Painted Post, in the village of Painted Post; Cooper's 
Plains, at Cooper's Plains ; and Erwin, at Erwin. 

MILITARY RECORD OF ERWIN. 

Abbey, John, private, 74th Inf., Co. K ; enl. Sept. 13, 1861, three years ; re-enl. ; 

lost an arm at the battle of Gettysburg ; disch. in consetiuence. 
Abel, Emerson W., scrgt., Hist Inf , Co. E ; enl. Aug., 1SG2, three year^. 
Adams, William Bradford, private, I07th Inf., Co, C; enl. July, 1862, three years. 
Alexander, Geo., private, 8th U. S. Col Inf. ; drafted July 17, 1863, tliree years. 
Araeigh, Richmond .!., private, 74tli Inf., Co. K ; enl. May 22, 1861, three years ; 

re-enlisted; disch. Jnne, 1865. 
Ames. Eli, 16Ist Inf. ; enl. Dec. 22, 1863, throe years. 
Andrews, Uansom Riley, piivate, 20th N. Y. lod. Bat.; enl. June G, 1863, three 

years; disch. Aug. 7, 180.5, 
Bailey, Charles .\ma^a, private, 86th Inf, Co. I; enl. Sept., 1861, three years; 

discb.; re-enl. same co. and regt. in 1863; wounded in battle of tho Wil- 
derness, May G, 1864 ; died the next day. 
Bailey, Sylvester. 
Baker, Morgan Henry, musician, .'iOth Eng., Co. F ; enl. Aug., 1862, three years ; 

disch. June 8, 18G5. 
Ball, Joseph Allen, corporal, 23d Inf., Co. D; enl. April 12, 1801 ; wounded in 

the battle of Antietam in the right arm, arm amputated; disch. Dec. 5, 

1802. 
Barber, Henry C, 10th Cav.; enl. Dec. 31, 1863, three years. 
Barnett, Henry E., IGth Vet. Res. Corps; enl. July 27, 1864, three years. 
Baumes, Peter, private, 60th Eng., Co. F; enl. Aug. 18, 1862, three years. 



Beet^ Schuyler, artificer, 50th Eng., Co. C; enl. Aug. 31, 1864, one year; pro. 

to artificer ; disch. June 13, 1865. 
Benjamin, James R., 16th II. Art.; enl. Dec. 29, 1863, three years. 
Bennett, Wilson Le Roy, musician, Gth Cav., Co. L; enl. Oct. 16, 1861, three 

years; disch. Oct. 28, 1864. 
Berry, Francis, private, 50th Eng., Co. F ; enl. Aug. 22, 1862. three years ; disch. 

June 13, 1865. 
Blanchard, William Alexander, private, 51th Eng., Co. F; enl. Sept. 1, 1864, 

one year ; disch. June 13, 1865. 
Blowers, John, 50th Eng. ; enl. .'Vpril 3, 1865, one year. 
Boardman, James, enl. Aug. 29, 1S63, three years ; sub. for James McGuire. 
Boguie, Jame^, 179th Inf.; enl. March 20, 1864, three years. 
Borst, Ira .\., private, lij7th Inf, Co. C ; enl. July 9, 18G2, three years ; captured 

Dec. 15, 1864; in Florence prison three months; exchanged; disch. June 

2, 1865; died in Nov. 
Borst, Pbilo, corporal, 107th Inf, Co. C; enl. July 4, 1862, three years; pro. to 

Corp., Aug. 1, 1S62; disch. Feb. 4, 1863 ; re-enl. 50th Eng., Co. A, Dec. 19, 

1863, three years ; pro. to artificer, July 1, 1864 ; to Corp., April 23,1865; 

disch. June 30,1865. 
Borst, Theodore, 50th Eng.; enl. Dec. 29, 1863, three year.<. 
Bor»t, Julius Rowley, .50th Eng,; enl. Dec. 19, 18G3, three years. 
Brimmer, Lorenzo, 50th Eng ; enl. .\pril 3, 1865, one year. 
Britten, William James, Jr., private, Gth Cav., Co. L; enl. Aug. 2, 1864, three 

years ; disch. Aug. 9, 1865. 
Bronson, Irving, capt., 107th Inf, Co. C; enl. July 29.1862, three years; pro. to 

1st licut.. May 2, 1863 ; to capt., Sept. 20, 1805 ; disch. .June 5, 1865. 
Brower, Charles, private, SGth Inf 
Brown, Sanford Delos, corporal, 50th Eng., Co. F; enl. Aug. 22,1862, three 

years; disch. June 13, 1865. 
Brown, Gilbert La Fayette, private, 50th Eng., Co. A ; enl. Dec. 19, 1863, three 

years; died Aug. 6, 1864. 
Brown, Samuel W'atson, private, 107th Inf, Co. C; enl. Aug. 7, 1862, three 

years; disch. June 5, 1865. 
Brown, Wm. A., 50th Eng. ; enl. Aug 30, 1864, one year. 
Brown, Henry E., 23d Inf; re-eul. 22d Giv., Aug. 9, 1SG4, three years. 
Burnsides, James, drafted. 
Button, Miles, private, 179th Inf., Co. B ; enl. JIarch 3, 1864, three years; disch. 

May 29, 1805. 
Brockway, Andrew, private, 107th Inf, Co. C; enl. July, 1862, three years; 

killed in the battle at Dallas, May 25, 1864. 
Calkins, Milton, 2d sergt, 107th Inf, Co. C; enl. July 9, 1862, three years; disch. 

June IS, 1865. 
Campbell, William, 20th U. S. Col. Inf; enl. July25, 1864, three years. 
Cassida, John, 50th Eng.; enl. Aug. 31, 1861, one year. 

C.irman, John, enl. Aug. 23, 1864. tliree years ; sub. for Warren S. Hodgnian. 
Chapman, Alonzo, 179tli Inf; enl. Mar. 31, 1864, three years. 
Clark, John B., enl. Dec. 16, 1804, three years; sub. for .\bijah Weston. 
Cliristler, Charles, private, 14lst Inf; enl. Aug., 1862, three years. 
Chatfield, Charles James, 1st lieut., 23d Inf, Co. D; enl. April, 1861, two years; 

pro. to Corp., Aiig.l, ISOl ; wounded in the leg in 8ec.ond Bull Run battle, 

Aug. 31,1862; disch. May 22, 1803; re-enl. 10th Cav., Jan. 2, 1864, three 

years; must, out 10th Cav. and appointed Ist lieut. of 20th N. Y. Ind. 

Bat., April 4, 1864 ; disch. July 7, 1864 ; re-enl. Ist U. S. V. V. Corps, Co. 

H, Dec. 5, 1804, one year ; pro. to sergt., Jan. 5, 1865 ; to 2d lieut. of 2d 

Regt., 1st Corps, July 24, 1865; to 1st lieut. same regt., Oct 5, 1865. 
Cobb, Charles, private, 86th Inf, Co. I ; enl. Oct. 7, 1861, three years ; disch. and 

re-enl. Jan. 1, 1864, three years; taken prisoner at Gains' Farm, June 1, 

1864; sent to Libby prison eight days; moved to Andersonville for ten 

months; paroled April 29, 1865; disch. June 28, 1865. 
Cobb, James Ezra, private, 3oth Inf, Co. F ; enl. for two years ; re-enl. in 20th 

Ind. Bat. 
Cobb,Wm., private, 23d Inf, Co. D, two years; re-enl. in 50thEng.,Co. A, one year. 
Cook, Seth Dagger, private, 107th Inf, Co. C; enl. July 5, 1802, three years; 

disch. Feb. 5, 1863; re-enl. in 10th Cav., Co. L, Aug. 25, 1804, one year; 

discli. June 28, 1865. 
Coolbaugh, Jerome, enl. Aug. 14, 1864, three years ; sub. for Alanson J. Fox. 
Coon, Jndson C, private, 50th Eng., Co. F ; enl. Aug. 28, 1862, three years. 
Cooper, John, surg. Fremont's staff; appointed June 21, 1801 ; must, out Jan., 

1862 ; reappointed A. A. surg. U. S. A., Feb., 1862 ; must, out and reap- 
pointed surg., 2d La. Cav., May, 1804; disch. July 24, 1805. 
Cooper, Thomas Wallis, 1st liout.,7th Inf., Co. B; enl. April 19, 1861; pro. to 2d 

lieut.; died at St. Louis, Oct. 31, 1802. 
Cooper, Fredei-ick, *2d lieut., 4th Mo. Cav., Co. F; enl. Dec. 24, 1861, three years; 

served as vol. aide-de-camp; commissioned 2il lieut.; disch. July 19, 1862. 
Cooper, Benjamin A., private, 50th Eng., Co. F; enl. Aug. 27, 1804, one year. 
Conner, Theodore, corporal, 107tli Inf, Co. C; enl. July 7, 1802, three years; 

pro. in August, 1803; wounded at Chanci-llorsville ; disch. June 5, 1805. 
Coryell, Edward, private, 86th Int., Co. C; eul. Nov. 5, 1861, three years. 
Cornell, Wm. Harrison, sergt., 14l8t Inf, Co. E; enl. Aug., 1862, three years. 
Courtwright, John, 107th Inf, Co. C ; enl. Dec. 28, 1863, three years. 
Cowley, Bernard, artificer, 50th Eng., Co. F ; enl. Aug., 1862, three years. 
Cowley, Michael, 1st sergt., 107th Inf., Co. C; enl. July 9, 1802, three years; 

pro. to 1st sergt., Jan., 1863 ; disch. June 5, 1865. 
Creamer, Roscoe D., 16th V. R. Corps; enl. Aug. 5, 1864, three years. 
Dill, John H., lOtli V. E. Corps; enl. Aug. ,5, 1804, three years. 
Dodge, Leonard Lorycor, private, 112th Inf, Co. C; enl. Sept. 5, 1864, one year; 

killed at Fort Fisher. 



TOWN OF ERWIN. 



295 



Durniai), Eugene C, private, 50th Eng., Co. F ; enl. March 15, 18G5, one year; 

di■^ch. June l:i, ISCo. 
Duval, Al.ram, SUtli Eng.: r-nl. Dec. 19, 18G3, three years. 
Edwards, Samuel P., IGth V. U. Corps; enl. July 27, 18C4, three yeais. 
Elwell, Thomas A., Sth H. Art. ; enl. Dec. 29, 1863, three years. 
Emory, George Washington, private, 50tb Eng., Co. F; enl. March 19,1864, 

three years ; disch. June 13, 1865. 
Erwin. William Wilberforce, 1st lieut., 74th Inf.,Co. K; enl. May 22, 1861, three 

years; sun-struck June 5, 18G2 ; resigned on surg.-general'fl certif. of 

these injuries, Nov. 4, I8G2. 
Erwin, De Witt Clinton, 2d seryt, 50th Eng., Co.F; enl. Aug. 30, 1862, three 

years ; pro. to 2d sergt. ; diseli. June 13, 1865. 
Erwin, Edward. 
Evans, Charles Ernest, private, oOtli Eng., Co. A ; en!. Aug. 21, 1SG2, three years; 

disch. Nov. 14, 1862, disability. 
Foster, Homer B., musitian, Hist Inf., Co. E; enl. Aug., 1862, three yeare. 
Fo.x, William Freeman, lii-ut.-cul., 107th Inf., Co. C; ent. July 29, 1862, three 

years; pro to nmjor, Feb. 3,1863; to licut.-col., Sept. 5, 1863; wounded 

at the batile of Antielam ; in left knee at Cbancellorsville, and again iu 

arm at Resacii ; disch. in eonsequence. 
Fox, Charles James, major, l07tli Inf., Co. C; enl. July 29, 1S62, three years; 

pro. to captain, Ft-b. 3, 1863 ; to major, Sept. 27, 1864 ; disch. June 5, '65. 
Fox, Nurman, Jr., chaplain, 77th Inf.; must. Dec. 1, 18C2, three years; diseh. 

Dec. 13, 1865. 
Freeling, Thomas, must. Dec. 16, 1864, three years; sub. for Alvah Brouson. 
Furgison, Michael, I79th Inf.; enl. Aug. 6, 1SG4, three years. 
Gilbert, lienry Krwin, private, 2 M Inf., Co. D ; enl. Sept. 23, 1861, three years ; 

died of congestion of the lungs, Dec. 1, 18G1. 
Golden, Charles, corporal, 107tli Inf., Co. C; enl. July 9, 18G2, three years; disch. 

June 5, 1865. 
Goodno, Ira A., enl. Dec. 29, I8G3, three years; sub. for Patrick Cowley, 
Hale, James Lemon, artificei-, 50th Eng., Co. A ; enl. Aug. 30, 1862, thi ee years ; 

pro. to artificer, Dec, 1862^ wounded in back by a spent ball, bi'fore Fred- 
ericksburg, Dec 11, 1S62; disch. June 13, 1865. 
Hedden, Joseph, 16th V. K. Corps; enl. July 3U, 1865, three years, 
llorner, Thomas, sergt., I07ih Inf., Co. C; enl. July 9, 1862, three years ; pro. to 

Sf rfjr., Nov., 186:^ ; disch. June 5, 1865. 
Honghtailing. William, artificer, 50tli Eng., Co. C; enl. Aug. 22, 18G2, three 

years; pro. to artificer; disch. June 13, 1865. 
Jenning:-, William Walbice, private, 141st Inf., Co. E; enl. Aug. 19, 1862, three 

years; disch. June 20, 1865. 
Jordan, Townsend Bartlett, private, 2iJth N. Y. Ind. Bat.; enl. March 18, 1864, 

three years ; disch. Aug. 5, 1865. 
Kirklaiid, James, private, oOth Eng., Co.F; enl. Aug. 18, 1862, three years; 

disch. June 13, 1865. 
Knight, John, artificer, 50th Eng., Co. A; enl. Sept. 19, 1863, three years; pro. to 

artificer, July 1, ISGi ; disch. June 30, 1865. 
Knight, Lemuel Cniter, artificer, 50th Eng , Co. A; enl. Dec. 19, 1863, three 

years ; pro. to artificer, July I, 1864; disch. June 30, 1865. 
Lewjs, Jesse B , color-sergt., 107th Inf., Co. C ; enl. July 3, 1862, three years ; 

pro. to color-sergt. ; disch. fur di.^ability, Feb. 10, 18G3; re-enl. Dec. 20, 

18G3, 50th Eiig., Co. A, three years; pro. to artificer and corporal; disch. 

June 13, 18G5. 
Lewis, Solomon, private, 2d Cav., Co. E; enl, Dec. 20, 18G3, three years ; disch. 

July, 1865. 
Lewis, Alonzo, corporal, 107th Inf., Co. C; enl. July 6, 18G2, three years; since 

killed in a luuiber establishment. 
Manley, Jerome, 1st lieut., Gth Cav. ; enl. Oct. 8, 1861, two years ; pro. to Ist 

Bergt., March. 1862 ; disch. fur re-enl. Dec. 15, 1863. 
Mann, Reuben T., 8th U. S. Col. Inf. ; drafted July 2, 1863, three years. 
Mathia*", Francis, private, l07th Inf., Co. C; enl. July 27, 1862, three years; 

wounded in right forearm at Dallas, May 25, 1864; disch. for disability, 

Jan. 27, 1865. 
Matlniis, Louis, private, 107th Inf , Co. C; enl. Dec. 28, 1863, three years; shot 

in both knees, March 16, 1865; legs amputated and died in consequence. 

May 6, 1865. 
May, Anthony, enl. Aug. 28, 1863, three years ; suli. for Lenhart May. 
Mayo, Thomas, corporal, 14th Inf., Co. E ; enl. June 12, 1861, two years; pro. to 

corporal, Dec, 18G2; disch. June 30, 18G3. 
McCanna, Henry, private, 23d Inf., Co. D; enl. May 6, 1861, two years; disch. 

May IG, 1863; re-enl. loTlh Inf., Co. C, Jan. 5, 1864, three years; trans. 

to 60th Inf.; disch. Aug., 1865. 
McGrath, Michael Healy, major, 50th Eng., Co. F; enl. Aug. 6,1862, three 

years; pro. to c-iptain, Co. F, Nov. 14, 18G2; brevetted major, June 10, 

1865 ; wounded slightly in left knee, June 5, 1863, at Deep Run ; disch. 

June 13, 1865. 
McHenry, Matthew A., artificer, 50th Eng., Co. F; enl. Sept., 1862, three years. 
Mcintosh, Parker, private, 23d Inf., Co. C; enl. April, 1861, two years ; must. 

out May, 1863; re-enl. Jan. 28, 1865, one year. 
Mcintosh, Schuyler, cor|)oral, 79tli Inf.; enl. Sept., 18G1 ; disch. for disability, 

July. 1862; re-enl. 
Mcintosh, James Gay, private, 74th Inf., Co. K; enl. 1861, three yeiirs ; died 

of fever. 
Mcintosh, Alonzo, private, 14th H. Ait.; enl. Dec. 13,1863; taken prisoner near 

Gaines' Farm, Va., June 14, 1864 ; taken to Libby prison ; his father had 

a letter from him July 1, ISG4, since when he has nut been heard of or 

from ; supposed to be dead. 



McKean, De la Fletcher, private, 112th Inf., Co. E; enl. Aug. 28, 1864, one year ; 

disch. April 28, 1865. 
McKinney, Henry, 107th Inf.; enl. Feb. 29, 18G4, three years. 
McTigue, Thomas, 86th Inf.; enl. Dec 31, 1863, three years; re-enl. 
Miller, Frank, 50th Eng.; enl. Dec. 22, 1863, three years. 
Miller, Newman, 50th Eng. ; enl. Jan. 1, 1864, three years. 
Millspaugh, Frederick, IGtli H. Art. ; enl. Dec. 9, 1863, tliree years. 
Minier, William, 179th Inf. ; enl. March 17, 1864, three years. 
Moore, William Henry, drum-major, 141st Inf., Co. E; enl. Aug., 1862, three 

years ; disch. by special order from Sec. atanton. 
Morrison, Benjamin P., 2d Vet. Cav. ; enl. Aug. 2, 1864, three years. 
Mosher, Albert, enl. Aug. 21, 1863, three years ; sub. for George W. Coovert. 
Mourhess, Ferril C, IGlst Inf.; e'll. Dec. 28, 1863, three years. 
Myres, Francis, 5oth Eng.; enl. March 17, 1865, one year. 
Naramore, Daniel Hubbard, private, 74th Inf., Co. K ; enl. Sept. 11, 1861, thn-e 

years ; wounded in the head ; disch. iu consequence. 
Neal, David, drafted July 17, 18ti3, three yeai*3. 
Northaway, Harlo, private, lOth Cav.; eul. Aug. 22, 1864, three years; disch. 

June, 1865. 
Olmstead, Ricliard, corporal, 14th Inf., Co. C; enl. March 4, 1862, three years; 

wounded iu the left arm and in the breast at Spottsylvania ; disch. March 

14, 1865. 
Osborn, Lawrence W., corporal, 107th Inf., Co. C; enl. July, 1862, three years. 
Owen, Jas. Clark, private, 107tli Inf., Co. C; enl. Sept. 3, 18G4, one year; re-enl. 
Osterhout, James F., private, 107ih Inf., Co. C; enl. July 29, 1862, three years; 

wounded in the foot at Chancetlorsvitle ; disch. in consequence. 
Pace, Lewis, private, 50th Eng., Co. C; enl. Aug. 31, 1864, one year; disch. June 

13, 1865. 
Pace, William, private, 50th Eng., Co. C; enl. Aug. 29, 1864, one year; disch. 

June 13, 18G5. 
Page, Sylvester Parchnst, 1st sergt., 74tli Inf., Co. K ; enl. Sept. 1, 1861, three 

years; wounded in the battle of Williamsburg in light knee, May 5, 

18G2; again in the battle of Gettysburg, in groin; disch. Oct 11, 1864. 
Palmer, Joseph, private, 141st Inf., Co. E; enl. Aug., 1862, three years. 
Paxton, Stephen D., 179th Inf.; enl. March 31, 1864, three years. 
Phelps, Nelson 0., corporal, 50th Eng , Co. F; enl. Aog. 29, 1862, three years ; 

pro. t't corporal, 1864; disch. June 13, 18G5. 
Pitts, Joseph Theodore, private, 23d Inf., C-o. D ; enl. Aug. 19, 1861, twenty-one 

months; disch. June 20,1863; re-enl. 50th Eng., Co. A, Feb. 17, 1865, one 

year; disch. June 13,1865, 
Pitts, James, corporal, 50th Eng. ; enl. Jau. 1, 1864, three yeara ; pro. to corp. ; 

disch. June 13, 1865. 
Prouty, Lester J., 50th Eng.; enl. Aug. 31, 1864, one year. 
Rarric, Jacob. 
Rece, Edward, private, 107th Inf., Co. C; enl. July 9, 1863, three years; disch. 

for disability, Feb. 8, 18G4. 
Reese, John, bGih Inf. ; enl. Dec. 31, 1863, three years ; re-enl. 
Reilly, George, l6th V. R. Corps; enl. July 26, 1864, three years. 
Richards, Robert M., artificer, 50lh Eng., Co. F; enl. Aug. 30. 1862, three years. 
Rose, Rankin B,, musician, 86th Inf.; enl. Oct. 12, 1861, three years; disch. 

March, 1862; re-enl., artificer, 50lh Eng., Co. F, Aug. 21, 1862, three 

years; pro. to artificer; disch. June 13,1865. 
Rose, Mortimer Wilson, musician, 8Gth Inf, Co. I ; enl. Oct., 1861, three years; 

transf. to regt. band, Oct., 18GI ; disch. in March, 1862 ; died June 1, 1863, 

consumption. 
Russell, James, private, 23d Inf., Co. D; enl. Sept. 19, 1861, two years; disch. 

May 22, 1863. 
Rumsey, Isaac, 86th Inf; enl. Feb. 15, 1864, three years. 
Russell, David, private, 141st Inf., Co. D; enl. Aug. 21, 1862, three years ; disch. 

July 19, 18G5. 
Rus«eli, David Halsey, private, 23d Inf., Co. D ; enl. May 16, 1861, two years. 
Kussell, Oliver, private, 50th Eng., Co. A ; enl. Aug. 22, 1862, three years. 
Schuyler, Henry S., 8Gth Inf., Co. I; enl. Feb. 15, 1863, three years. 
Sherwood, Amos W., captain, 86th Inf., Co. I. 

Shotr. Peter S., enl. Aug. 27, 1863, three years ; sub. for Valentine Miller. 
Shults, John Addison, captain, 141st Inf., Co. E; enl. Aug., 1862, three years; 

pro. to captrin, March 14, 18G3; in consequence of disease in his limbs, 

resigned July 31,1863. 
Smith, John Seth, corporal, 5th Cav., Co. B; enl. Aug. 17, 1862, three years 

pro. to corporal, Nov. 11, 1862 ; wounded at Gettysburg, April G, 1863 

taken prisoner and sent to Hagerstown hospital ; escaped April 19, 1863 

left forearm and hand permanently disabled ; disch. April 25, 1864. 
Smith,Henry Albert, artificer, 50th Eng., Co. A; enl. Aug. 21, 18G2, three years; 

disch. June 13, 1865. 
Smith, Isaiah, private, 86th Inf., Co. I; enl. Oct. 26, 1861, three years; wounded 

at second Bull Run ; leg amputated and died next day, Sept. 10, 1862. 
Sprague, James R.,16th V. R. Corps; enl. Aug. 5, 1864, three years; re-eul. 
Stevens, Park, 13th 11. Art.; eid. Aug. 23, 1864, one year. 
Thomas, Stephen, 8Gth Inf.; enl. Dec. 20, 1863, three years; re-enl. 
Thornton, John, IGtli V. R. Corps; enl. Aug. 5, 1864, three years; re-enl. 
Tuttle, Iliram B., artificer, 50th Eng., Co. F; enl. Aug. 22, 1862, three years. 
Vastbinder, James M., private, 1st Rifles, Co. E; enl. Aug. 1861, three years; 

di>ch. for disab. Dec. 9, 1861, 
Walker, Henry, 16th V. R. Corps; eul. Aug. 5, 1864, three years; re-enl. 
Ward, Reuben Charles, private, 50th Eng., Co. A ; enl. Aug. 22, 1862, three 

years; hou.discli. by special order from President Lincoln; re-enl. 50th 
Eng., Co. A, Mar. 15. 1865, one year. 



296 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Ward, Albert Scott, 3d sergt., 107th Inf., Co. C; enl. July 15, 1862, tliree j-eara ; 

pro. to sergt., Feb, 10, 18G.'i ; wounded in ri-ilit leg at Chancellorsvillo, 

May 3, 1863; leg amputated below the knee: disch. July 27, 1863. 
Ward, Lewis, private, 50th Eng., Co. A ; enl. Dec. 22, 1863, three years; disch. 

June 13,1865. 
Ward, William Carlton, private, 97th Inf., Co. F ; drafted July 17, 1863, three 

years ; killed in the second day's fight of the Wilderness. 
Wheeler, Richard, 86th Inf. ; enl. Dec. 20, 1863, three years ; re-enl. 
Williams, Alwyn, private, 74th Inf., Co. F; enl. June 1, 18G1, three years; 

transf to Vet. Res. Corps, June 24, 1863 ; diach. June 2, 1864. 
Williams, Silas, private, 50t!i Eng.; enl. Aug. 7, 18G4, three years. 
Wilson, Andrew J., IGth V. R. Corps; enl. July 26, 1864, three years; re-enl. 
Winer, Pulydore B., 2d Cav. ; enl. Dec. 31, 1863, three years. 
Wood, Jerry V., 3d sergt., I07tii Inf, Co. C; ctiI. July 9, 1862, three years; was 

in the battle at Dallas, carried from the field with typhoid fever, and died 

thi- third day after. Not feeling well he had a pass from his officers, but 

refused to keep out of the fight. 
Wood, Stephen Edgar, private, 6th Cav., Co. L ; enl. Jan. 1, 1804, three years ; 

disch. A\ig. 23, 1865 ; died Sept. 3, 18C5. 
Wood, Augustus Hazen, sergt., 6th Cav., Co. L; enl. Sept., 1861, three years; 

disch. for rc-enl. Dec. 16, 1863, three yeara; pro. to corporal, July 4, 1864; 

to sergt., Dec, 1864; disch. Aug. 23, 18C5. 
Woodruff, Ezra, private, 8Gth Inf, Co. I; enl. Aug. 17, 18G1, three years; discb. 

for re-enl. Jan. 1, 1861; wounded in left thigh at Spottsylvaiiia, May 12, 

1SG4, and disabled for further service; disch. May 11, 1865. 
Woodruff, Wilson, private, l07th Inf., Co. C ; enl. July 9, 1862, three years; 

wounded at Cliaticellorsville, and transf in consequence to V. R. C^orps. 
Woodruff, Aaron, 
Wolcotf, David Ferdinand, sergt., 5th Cav.; enl. March lu, 18G2, three yeare; 

disch. for re-enl. Mar. 13, 1864; pro. to saddle surgt., Apiil 13, 18G4 ; disch. 

July 19,1865. 
Wright, Fred. A., private, 107th Inf, Co. C; enl. July 9, 18G2, tliree years; 

disch. for disjtbility, 18C3. 
Wygaiit, John, private, 23d Inf., Co. D; enl Sept. 23, 1861, three years. 
Yeomans, William Corey, private, 141st Inf, Co. E; enl. Aug. 18, 1862, three 

years; wuunded in left shoulder at battle uf Peach-Tree Crt*ek, July 20, 

1864 ; died in consequence, Aug. 20, 1864. 

LIVING IN TOWN BUT ENLISTING ELSEWHERE. 

Ascli, Meyer, colonel, 1st N. J. Cav.; appointed Aug. 18G1, three years; pro. 
to lat lieut. and adjt., Oct. 1, 18G1 ; to capt. Co. H, March, 18G2; up- 
pointed aide-de-camp to Maj.-Gen. Pope, July, 1862; wiih Gen. Pope — 
1861 — in Dept. of the Northwest; Nov. 1863, appointed asst. adjt. -gen. to 
Gen. T. C. H. Smith, commanding Dist. of Wisconsin ; Jan. 7, 1864, asst. 
adjt.-genl. to Gen. Albert Sully, coninmnding Dist. of Iowa; Feb. 1864, 
chief of cavalry, Dept. of the Nnrlhwest ; March, reported to Cav. Bureau, 
Washington, D. 0.; April, assist, adjt.-gen. to Gen. Kautz, commanding 
cav., Dept. of James ; Oct., taken prisoner in front of Richmond, six 
months in Libhy, Salisbury, and Danville prisons; March, 18G5, ap- 
pointed colonel, 4tli Mo, Vol. ; disch. May, 1865. 

Birnes, Johu Dubois, chaplain, 13th Inf., Co. F; enl. May 16, 1861, two years ; 
appointed chaplain, July 4, 1861; res. on account of poor health, Aug. 
6, 1862. 

Britton, Edward Daniel, corporal, 6th Cav., Co. L; enl. Jan. 29, 1864, three 
years, pro. to corporal, Jan. 1, 1865; disch. Aug. 9, 1865. 

Campbell, William Carlos 1st sergt., 141st Inf., Co. I; enl. Aug. 19, 1862, three 
years; disch. Feb. 2, 1863, disease of the lieart. 

Chase, Fiaucis Marion, private, 189th Inf, Co. I; enl. Sept. 9, 1864, one year; 
disch JuTie 10, 18G5. 

Cooper, Levi Cornell, musician, 6th Cav., Co. L ; cnl. Oct. 16. 1861, three years ; 
disch. for re-eul. Dec. 16, 1863, three years ; disch. Aug. 23, 1865. 

Badger, Herbert. 

Decker, John C, private, 50th Inf., Co. F. 

Dickinson, Edward, private, 20tli N.Y. Bat. ; eul. Sept. 6, 18G4, one year; disch. 
May 8, 1865. 

Erwiu, Samuel, piivate, 37th Inf., N. Y. M., Co. C; disch. 

Kvritt, Richard Philips, private, 86th Inf, Co. I; enl. March 22, 1862; three 
years; disch. July 4. 1865. 

Fox, George Henry, private, 77th Inf. ; enl. Sept. 15, 1864, one year; disch. 

Halsey, fllenzo Dw Witt, pr.vate, 2Utli Art., (.'o. E ; enl. Sept. 5, 1861, one year; 
transf about Sept. 20, 1864, to I4i!d Ui'gt., Co. E ; wounded in right loot 
in front of Richmond, Oct. 27, 1864; disch. June 24, 1865. 

Kimball, Floy<l, private, ISSth Inf., Co. F; eul. Sept. 17, 1864, one year; disch. 
Aug. 11, 1865. 

Laman, John Jay, captain. 107th N.Y. Inf, Co. G; cum. Sept. 6, 1862; resigned 
at Atlanta, Oct. 25, 1864. 

Lamphire, Alonzo, private, 10th Cav., Co. E ; enl. Aug. 27, 1864, one year ; disch. 
June 5, 18G5. 

Manly, Jerome, 1st lieut., Gth Cav., Co. L; enl. Dec. 16, 1863, three years ; pro. 
to sergt., Dec. 20, 1863; to 1st lieut., Feb. 8, 1864; disch. Nov. 22, 18G5. 

Pitts, John William, private, 5th Art., Co. C; enl. Jan. 4, 1864, three years; 
disch. July 31, 1865. 

Ragan, John, private, 161st Inf. 

Ragan, Jeremiah, private, 1st Pa. Cav., Cu. D; enl. July, 1861, three years; 
disch. June 1, 1864. 

Sykes, Lorenzo, corporal, 23d Inf, Co. H ; enl. May 16, 1861, two j ears ; pro. to 
corporal, Nov. 27, 1863 ; disch. May 20, 1863. 



Teachman, Leander, artificer, 50th Eng., Co. F ; eoL Aug. 15, 1861, three years ; 

must, out for re-enl. Dec. 20, 1863, three years; pro. to artificer, 1863 ; 

wounded in the mouth in front of Petersburg, at Fort Hell, Aug. 12, 

1864 ; disch. June 13, 18G5. 
Todd, Eli Gilbert, lat lieut., 86th Inf, Co. C; enl. Sept. 11, 1861, three years; 

pro. to corporal, Nov. 27, 1861 ; to sergt., Aug. 25, 1862; disch. for re-enl. 

Dec. 31, 1S63, three years; pro. to 1st sergt., Aug. 6, 18G4 ; to Ist lieut., 

Co. C, Sept. 28, 1864 ; twice slightly wounded; disch. July 5, 1865. 
WilUanis, Alwyn, private, 142d Inf, Co. E: enl. Sept. 5, 1864, one year; wounded 

in right thigh, Oct. 27, 1864. before Richmond; disch. June 7, 1865. 

NAVAL SERVICE RECORD. 

Cooper, Theodore, 2d asst. eng.. U. S. N. ; enl. Sept., 1861 ; pro. to 2d asst. eng., 

Sept., 1863 ; serving as asst. prof, of naval philosophy at Naval Academy, 

AnapoliS, Md. 
Curley, Patrick, alian McManus, fireman, enl. Sept. 1, 1862, one jear, De Solo; 

disch. May, 1864:. 
Curley, Patrick, alias Hughes, re-enl. July 24, 1864, sloop Jtininta ; discb. June 

3, 1865. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



COL. ARTHUR ERWIN. 

In this connection it seems proper to record a few of the 
leadini; facts in the life of one so pioiuinently identified 
with the first settlement of tliis town, and otiiers in the 
county, as was Cul. Arthur Erwin. He came from near 
the city of Antrim, Ireland, before tiie Revolution, and 
settled at Erwinna, Bucks Co., Pa , nearly opposite Fiench- 
town, N. J. He was a gentleman not only of shrewd busi- 
ness habits and untiring energy, but of culture and affluence. 
In personal appearance he was dignified, commanding, and 
aflfable, and of a kindly and generous disposition. He was 
the proprietor of a large landed estate, extendii>g some 
eight or nine miles along the west bank of the Delaware 
River. During the Revolution he held a commission and 
served with some distinction in the American army. Soon 
after the close of the war he made a purchase of nearly five 
thousand acres of land in the Chemung Valley, near Tioga 
Point (now Athens), and subsequently, in the years 1789 
and 1790 he purchased the town of Erwin and parts of 
the towns of Canisteo and Hornellsville. 

He was twice married, and reared a family of ten chil- 
dren, among whom his soiis, Capt. Samuel, Francis, and 
Maj. Arthur, bore a conspicuous part in the early settle- 
ment of this town and county. 

In the early summer of 1792 he visited liis possessions 
in this vicinity, accompanied by his two sons, Samuel and 
Francis, who were to remain and superintend his business 
here. On his return, while stopping at the house of Dan- 
iel McDuffe, one of his tenants, near Tioga Point, he was 
shot, and died within a few hours, — supposed to have been 
assassinated by an ejected squatter by the name of Thomas. 

Capt. Samuel Erwin. 
Capt. Samuel Erwin was born in Erwinna, Bucks Co., 
Pa., May 4, 1770, where he received the rudiments of an 
English education at the "select schools." In 1792 he 
accompanied his father to Painted Post, and remained in 
charge of his father's large possessions here till 1795 or 
1796. On the 10th of January, 1799, he was commis- 
sioned by President Adams first lieutenant in the 11th 
Regiment of United States Infantry, his commission expir- 
ing with the President's term of office. President Jeffer- 
son, Feb. IG, 1802, commissioned him first lieutenant of 




-C^j (o^ C^'TT^^H^J 





« 1 



TOWN OF ERWIN. 



297 



the 2d Regiment of United States Infantry, and he was 
subsequently promoted to the rank of captain. 

In 1801 he married Miss Rachel Heckman, of Easton, 
Pa., and removed from thence to Painted Post, in the 
summer of 1803, where he resided till his death, Nov. 10, 
1836. Ho maintained, throughout his long life, a charac- 
ter for the highest respectability and integrity. 

Physically, Capt. Erwin was the ideal settler and pioneer, 
his height being nearly six and a half feet, and his frame 
erect and powerful. It is said that for physical vigor and 
endurance he had no equal in the county, if in Western 
New York. In manners he was a graceful gentleman of 
the old school, courteous, kind, obliging, careful for the 
wants of the sick or suffering, and a model of probity in 
all his social and business relations. " His genial and social 
qualities have left the most grateful recollections among 
those who knew him in the intimacies of friendship." 

In 1806, Capt. Samuel Irwin and his brother Francis 
were engaged in mercantile business, and continued sellin<'- 
goods till 1811. From some old papers it appears that 
Maj. Arthur Erwin was their clerk. 

GEN. FRANCIS E. ERWIN, 
the second son and third child of Capt. Samuel Erwin and 
Rachel Heckman, was born in the town of Erwin, Steuben 
Co., N. Y., May 3, 1803. He is one of a large and intel- 
ligent fiimily of ten children who grew to manhood and 
womanhood. His educational advantages were confined to 
the common schools of that early day, yet by that untiring 
energy which has been a prominent characteristic of him 
through life, he acquired a good practical education. He 
was reared a farmer, which honorable business, combined 
with that of lumbering and some minor interests, has con- 
tinued to be his occupation up to the present time. He 
has been successful in his financial dealings, and ranks 
among the solid and representative men of his native town. 

Gen. Erwin has been a life-long Democrat of the Jeffer- 
son and Jackson school. He is a firm believer in a redeem- 
able currency, or a currency redeemed in coin at the will of 
the holder. 

He has held many positions of trust and responsibility, 
the duties of which he has always faithfully discharged, 
and with satisfaction to his constituents. During the years 
1838 and 1839 he was supervisor of his town. He was 
elected to the State Legislature in 1841 and 1842, and 
.served two terms. While in the Legislature he was a mem- 
ber of the Military committee, and during his second term 
was chairman of the same. The general's friends urged 
him to be a candidate for the third term, but he declined, 
preferring the quiet of home to official honors. He mar- 
ried Miss Sophia, daughter of Ansel McCall, of Painted 
Post, Jan. 23, 1827. She was born Oct. 23, 1806. Of 
this union, seven children were born in the town of Erwin, 
five of whom are still living, and are among the most re- 
spected citizens of the town or county. 

Mrs. Erwin died May 16, 1856. She was a lady highly 
esteemed for her excellent traits of character, and died re- 
gretted by those who knew her. Gen. Erwin has held all 
the military offices in the State militia, from the rank of 
corporal to that of general, save that of captain. 
38 



ARTHUR H. ERWIN, 

son of Capt. Samuel and Rachel H. Erwin, and grandson 
of Col. Arthur and Mary Erwin, of Scotch-Irish descent, 
was born in Erwin, Steuben Co., N. Y., Nov. 26, 1805. 
He was one of a family of nine children, all of whom lived 
to maturity. His early advantages for an education were 
chiefly confined to the common school of his town, then 
known as " Painted Post." When quite a young man he 
attended an academy at Easton, Pa., and here met Miss 
Frances M., daughter of William and Rebecca McKeen, 
his future wife. His boyhood was spent upon his father's 
farm, and he was also more or less engaged in lumbering. 
His father was engaged in the mercantile business at Painted 
Post ; hence Arthur also had more or less experience in 
the business. He was a partner with his father in the 
store for several years. 

He married, Feb. 2, 1828. Of this union twelve child- 
ren were born. All are living except the youngest, who died 
when quite young, and De Witt Clinton, who was a soldier 
in the Rebellion, in the 50th Engineer Corps, and was 
honorably discharged, and returned home to the farm, and 
died Dec. 11, 1873. All of this large family were born in 
the town of Erwin, and the larger part in the house where 
the widow and family now reside. 

Arthur H. continued in mercantile business till about 
1830, when his health compelled him to seek outdoor em- 
ployment; hence he went on his father's farm and remained 
about one year, when he returned to Painted Post and re- 
sumed his former pursuit, continuing till the winter of 
1834, when he settled on the large farm, which continued 
to be his home till his death, which occurred Aug. 1, 1863. 
During these years he was engaged in the foundry busi- 
ness under the firm-name, Erwin, Bennett, Brooks & Co. 
During Mr. Erwin's lifetime he was extensively engaged in 
lumbering, and was the owner of a steam saw-mill. Like 
many others of this community, he was engaged as a farmer 
and lumberman. Mr. Erwin inherited a large portion of 
his property ; has made great improvements upon his home- 
farm, which is one of the best in the town. This farm has 
never gone out of the Erwin family since its first purchase 
in 1789. 

In politics Mr. Erwin was formerly identified with the 
Whig party, but towards the close of his life he voted the 
Democratic ticket. He represented his town for eight 
consecutive years as its supervisor, and was such at the 
time of his death. 

His wife is a member of the Presbyterian Church at 
Painted Post, and Mr. Erwin became a member a .short 
time before his death. He was always a friend of educa- 
tion, and gave his children good opportunities for the same. 
He was a liberal supporter of the different churches of his 
town, and the poor found in him a friend indeed. He was 
a good citizen, a kind neighbor, a true and devoted hus- 
band, and an affectionate father. His name is held in 
grateful remembrance by the members of the family. He 
was buried in the family cemetery in Erwin, three and a 
half miles west of Painted Post. His widow still survives, 
and resides at the old home with her sou Winfield Scott 
and three of her daughtera. 



FREMONT. 



GENERAL DESCRIPTION. 
The town of Fremont was formed from Hornellsville, 
Dansville, Wayland, and Floward, Nov. 17, 1854. The 
south end of Wayland, in township 5, was subsequently 
added, but a compromise was effected returning a part, 
leaving an addition one by two miles in extent. It is 
situated in the northern part of the county, near the east 
line, and is bounded by Dansville and Wayland on the north, 
Cohocton and Howard on the east, Howard and Hornells- 
ville on the south, and Hornellsville and Wayland on the 
west. It is an elevation of broken land, cut into small 
bodies by numerous knobs and ravines. It forms the divid- 
ing ridge between the Conhocton and Canisteo Rivers, and 
comprises, for the most part, fine grazing lands. The ridges 
and valleys alternate between hard pan and gravelly soil, fine 
wheat and farming land occurring in all parts of the town. 

ERECTION OF THE TOWN. 

Elisha J. Stephens, the first supervisor, was the principal 
mover in the erection of the town of Fremont. An at- 
tempt was being made to erect a new county, and to avoid 
the possibility of a more distant county-seat, Mr. Stephens 
mapped out a new town, which he gave the name Fremont, 
and procured its erection at the nest session of the Board 
of Supervisors, tliereb}' creating one additional vote in that 
board against the new county. 

SETTLEMENT. 

Mr. Stephens, a son of Capt. Nathaniel Stephens, of 
Canisteo, moved from that town in 1834, and entered the 
wilderness to operate the saw- and grist-mills of Daniel Up- 
son, the first mills built in the town. The .saw-mill was 
built in 1816, and the grist-mill in 1819. At the time of 
his purchase there was only a little log cabin down in the 
ravine by the mill, and another occupied by David Dun- 
ham, a preacher, who still lives there, near the present 
tavern. There was a small clearing, made by " Jerry" 
Carrington, in 1818, and all else was woods. Mr. Ste- 
phens repaired the mill, and added a separator and smut- 
mill, a new thing in those days, inducing customers to come 
from a long distance, and even past other mills. A black- 
smith was induced to locate at the mill, and a cooper came 
and made barrels for the flour. One hundred acres of land 
were cleared the first season. In 1839 a daughter of Mr. 
Stephens dying, was buried on the extreme corner of the 
clearing, and afterwards the cemetery was located at that 
point. The first store in the village was opened by Cor- 
nelius H. Stephens, in 1858, five years after the post-office 
was established. The Stephens Hotel was opened in 1854. 
The village is named Fremont Centre, but the post-oflace is 
Stephens' Mills. It is located upon a high bench of land 
298 



overlooking Stephens Creek, and extends for half a mile 
along the base of a knob which rises abruptly to a height 
of ninety feet above the level of its street. From the top 
of this hill may be seen level farm-lands in the distance, 
and fringes of low timber filling the ravines, which are too 
deep and dark to be worth clearing. To the east, as you 
look from the hill-top over the little village, is the residence 
of Alvin Gates, son of Salmon Gates, who made the first 
settlement in 181(j, half a mile to the north, where you see 
the old homestead. This, one of the finest farms in the 
town, is occupied by another son, Syphorus Gates. Levi, 
brother of Salmon Gates, settled just out of sight — to the 
west, and his son, G. W. Gates, lives in the fine house at 
the we.st end of the village. Just below the village, in the 
valley, where the grist-mill stands, were the old Upson mills, 
to which hard-working men came years ago with bags of 
corn on their backs. Close under the hill to the east, half 
hidden by a grove of hemlock, is the Advent church and 
cemetery. A few straggling houses continue to the valley 
beyond. 

Far beyond this church, where the eye rests on a broad, 
level hill-top, at the west line of the town, was made the first 
settlement in the present town of Fremont, by Job B. 
Rathbun, father of William B. Rathbun, the present oc- 
cupant, and last of the family bearing the name in this 
State. Job B. Rathbun came from Connecticut and settled 
in Dansville, where he was pathmaster as early as 1810. 
Moving on to the hill in the spring of 1812, he built the 
first house in the town, just behind the present residence. 

Half-way between Stephens' mill and the point of first 
settlement, known as Job's Corners, is an open basin a mile 
across, the lands gradually sloping until they join in the valley, 
and extending in cleared farms to the hill-tops on either side. 
In this valley, just beyond the old orchard on the right as you 
ascend the stream to the west, is the residence of the first 
neighbor of Job B. Rathbun, Abel H. Baldwin, who came 
from Otsego County in 1812, and is now the oldest man in 
the town, as well as the oldest settler. Mr. Baldwin was 
born in March, 1878, and has lived with his wife, who is 
still living, sixty-six years. Thomas, father of Sylvester and 
John A. Buck, settled just beyond the orchard, and built 
his log cabin on the top of the hill. They were natives of 
Washington County. The only other settler within six 
miles at that time was Job Rathbun, two miles east, over the 
ridge, and the road consisted mainly of white spots blazed 
upon the trees with an axe. They used first to carry their 
grists to Bath to be ground. John A. Buck married Re- 
becca, the daughter of his neighbor Baldwin, Aug. 24, 
1815, and settled on the ridge near by. They were the 
first couple married in the town of Fremont, Their son, 
Charles E. Buck, born Nov. 12, 1816, was the first white 




(^^'/^ ^ Jie^Jjyy^P 



The subject of this sketch is of English origin. It is 
related that three brothers — Thomas, Richard, and Henry 
Stephens — came to America from Ireland some time during 
King Philip's war, served during said war as colonels, and 
afterwards settled: Thomas, in Massachusetts; Richard, in 
Charleston, S. C. ; and Henry, in Hartford, Conn. Elisha 
G. Stephens, eldest son of Nathan Stephens and Rachel 
Gilbert, of Canisteo, and grandson of Jedediah and Abi- 
gail Stephens, natives of Connecticut, was born in Addison, 
Steuben Co., N. Y., March 21, 1805. He is a lineal de- 
scendant of the fifth generation from Henry Stephens. He 
received a common-school education, and taught school four 
winters. He remained at home until he was twenty-one 
years of age ; then worked at the carpenter and joiner 
trade until he was thirty years of age. 

He married Sarah Bennett, daughter of William and 
Mary Bennett, of Canisteo, May 21, 1829. She was born 
at Hornellsville, April 30, 1807. Her father was a son of 
Captain Solomon Bennett, one of the twelve who was a 
purchaser of the original towns of Canisteo and Hornells- 
ville of Phelps and Gorham. 

Of this union five children have been born, — one who 
died in infancy. William B., who married Samantha Van 
Scoter, and has two living children, Floyd L. and Ira B. ; 
he is at home with his father, and is at present a merchant 
at Stephens' Mills ; Emeline, deceased ; Benton W., who is 
at home with his father on the farm ; and Le Roy, deceased. 
The first three were born in Canisteo, and the other two in 



Fremont. Elisha G. continued to follow his trade until Jan- 
uary, 1834, when he settled in the present town of Fre- 
mont, but at that time known as Hornellsville. During his 
residence in this place he has ever been the leading man, 
and to him more than to any other one is honor due for 
the growth and prosperity of the little hamlet which now 
bears his name. 

He purchased the mills known as Upson Mills, and has 
continued to own them ever since. He has also more than 
one hundred and fifty acres of land, besides the public- 
house of the place, which was his home at the time of the 
death of his wife, May 29, 1861. 

Mr. Stephens has been a life-long Democrat of the Jef- 
fersonian school. He has held various ofiices of trust and 
honor in the towns of Canisteo, Hornellsville, and Fremont, 
having served as supervisor of Hornellsville two terms 
and magistrate four years, and in Fremont was the first 
supervisor of the town after its organization for two terms, 
and magistrate for more than twenty years. He has often 
represented his town as a delegate to congressional conven- 
tions. Mr. Stephens belongs to one of the very earliest 
pioneer families of Steuben County, his father — Nathan — 
having settled in Canisteo as early as 1790. The names 
" Stephens" and " Stevens" are one and the same. 

As a man, Mr. Stephens is respected by all. He is now 
nearly seventy-four years of age, hale and hearty, and retains 
the vigor of youth, and does more town business than 
any other man. 



TOWN OF FREMONT. 



299 



cliild born in tlie town. Miss Lydia Everett taught the 
first school. The first death in the town was that of Mrs. 
Amos Baldwin, which occurred Dec. 12, 1815. Ira Travis 
was an early settler to the south of Mr. Rathbun, in the 
valley of Big Creek. Solomon and Jacob Condorinan were 
early settlers between Baldwin's and Job's Corners. Capt. 
Joseph Bartholomew, from Washington County, father of 
Ebcr Bartholomew, settled south of Job's Corners in the 
southeast part of the town. 

The road from Fremont Centre to Hornellsville, six miles 
distant, winds among numerous round knobs of cleared land, 
rising from twenty to eighty feet above the surfiice of the 
rolling lands which they obstruct, and overlooks deep, nar- 
row openings, dark with hemlock, or green with growing 
grain. Before these were cleared, they were the haunts of 
wolves, wild-cats, and beasts of prey ; furnishing a secure 
retreat from the pursuing hunter. Past these to the south, 
close beside a beautiful grove of beech and maple, is the 
residence of Morrison Harding, one of the leading farmers 
of the town, where Lemuel Harding, his father, settled in 
181(i. 

Soon after, Oliver Harding, a soldier of the Revolution, 
who left the Wyoming Valley at the time of the massacre, 
moved into the place with his other sons, Oliver, Jr., Ju.s- 
tus, Abram, and Henry, giving the name of Harding Hill 
to that part of tlie town. Samuel Sharp settled west of 
Harding soon after. 

Elisha Strait, who came in 1815, was the first settler in 
the north part of the town, and was joined on the south by 
Edward Markham and Francis Drake, in 1816. 

Jerry Kinney and George Nutting, Barnet Bray ton, 
Henry Cotton, and Leonard Briggs formed a settlement at 
the head of the west branch of Neil's Creek, in 1819. 
When these settlers came, there was a camp of some 20 
Indians on the Cotton place, in the valley, where they 
hunted during the season. 

Henry Cotton, who came from Washington County, still 
lives with his son, Samuel Cotton, on the old homestead. 

The first clearing in the vicinity of Haskinville was made 
by Alexander Kelly, father of Charles Kelly, on the Isaac 
Rathbone place, half a mile east. 

James Rider, father of L. 31. Rider, and William Has- 
kins came together from Saratoga County in 1818, and set- 
tled across the creek from Henry Cotton. 

William Holden made shingles in a little log house, in 
1834, and had a few acres partially cleared, but soon after 
sold out his improvement to William Haskin, who moved 
there and opened the first tavern in the town, on the same 
ground, in 1836. The village, which has grown around the 
old tavern, is situated in a deep valley near the head of 
Neil's Creek, and consists of a store, hotel, cheese-factory, 
shoe-shop, and twenty residences. Half a mile above is a 
saw-mill. 

A mail-route from Wallace's to Hornellsville, by stage, 
passes through, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. 

Half a mile over the hill, to the west of Haskinville, in 
a sheltered little valley, is the beautiful farm of Leadran 
11. Benjamin, the present supervisor of the town. Here 
his father, Silas Benjamin, located, when ho came from Ot- 
sego County, in 1834. 



In 1820 Gideon Maynard, from Cayuga County, settled 
on the high dividing-ridge near the Methodist Episcopal 
church, making the first settlement in that vicinity, on the 
farm now occupied by his son, Richard Maynard. In the 
northwest corner of the town Stephen Holden, father of 
Jedediah and Stephen Holden, Jr., settled in 1816 on land 
still occupied by his sons. From this high divide may be 
obtained a most comprehensive view of that part of Steuben 
County west of Bath and north of the valley of the Canisteo 
River. The lands, which are here high and rolling, pre.sent 
the appearance of a general level, cut through with occasional 
valleys and ravines, from which show the tops of standing 
timber ; while beyond the view blends into a line of nearly 
level farms and skirts of woodland to the east. To the 
south and west the more distant hills of central Allegany 
and southern Steuben blend with the hazy skies beyond. 
From here, looking to the southeast, may be seen the vast 
level of cleared farms in eastern Fremont, at Job's Corners, 
where the first hardy adventurer, Job B. Rathbun, located 
far beyond Dansville, towards Bath, in 1812, when those 
two towns were the great business centres of an almost 
unbroken wilderne.ss. These high and airy points were 
selected first by the pioneers, and their trails were marked 
along the tops of all the ridges long before the opening of 
roads through the more difficult valleys. Long before these 
hills were bared the noblest game of the forest had fled. 
In 1818, Daniel Upson, the miller, killed the last elk seen 
in the town ; but wolves remained much later. An early 
settler, who penned his little flock of sheep in a high 
inclosure, was astonished to find two wolves with them in 
the morning, unable to climb the high walls which sloped 
inward, and too much alarmed at the situation to have a 
taste for mutton. Sometimes a wolf would be tracked to 
the " knolls" in the south part of the town, when a gen- 
eral hunt would be instituted, the retreat surrounded, and 
close figuring ensue on the division of the bounty, which was 
from §40 to $60 apiece on each wolf" killed in the town." 
It is related how a shrewd hunter for several years guarded 
the secret of a she wolf's retreat, stealing her young and 
rearing them until old enough to take a bounty, and how 
he trapped wolves where they were plentiest, leading them 
home securely tied, to kill them in his own town " accord- 
ing to law." Sometimes, too, these early settlers were 
in want of bread. Mr. Upson, the miller, relates how 
when he had been repairing his mill, and started it on Sat- 
urday night, the settlers, who were waiting with backloads 
of corn, forced him to grind all night and far into the Sab- 
bath, that their little ones might have bread. 

The lumbering of the town has ceased to furnish em- 
ployment, but little timber being left, except upon the 
waste land along the ravines, and some beautiful groves 
upon the uplands, which are reserved for tlie manufacture 
of maple-sugar in the spring, which is still a profitable in- 
dustry in favored seasons. The roads are generally superior, 
and the scenery varied and picturesque. Buildings are of 
modern construction, the open fireplace of the fathers 
having almost entirely disappeared. Many of the farmers 
of the town are engaged in active business pursuits during 
the winters. Four cheese-factories are in operation in dif- 
ferent parts of the town, located respectively on Big Creek 



300 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



in the southeast, where is also a post-office ; at Haskinville, 
on the farm of John M. Kelly, near Stephens' Mill, and 
in the southwest part of the town, on Harding Hill. 
There are two Grange organizations in the town, and one 
Odd-Fellows' society. The main business of the town 
centres at Fremont Centre. Elisha G. Stephens, who re- 
sides here, has been a leader in public afl'airs of the town 
since its formation, and for twenty-four years has been a 
magistrate. He and Morrison Harding were prominent in 
support of the government and furnishing volunteers during 
the war of the Rebellion. 

Among the leading men of the town are William E. 
Rathbun, J. Jolly, L. H. Benjamin, Daniel Wainright, 
D. M. Page, L. n" Rider, and William B. Stephens. 

FREMONT CENTRE. 

Fremont Centre contains one store, the Methodist Epis- 
copal and Advent church, a hotel, shoe-, blacksmith-, and 
wagon-shops, cheese-factory, fiouring-mill, and thirty-five 
residences. 

Mails are received Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays 
by stage from Wallace Station, in Avoca, and by stage 
from South Dansville to Hornellsville, and return Wed- 
nesdaj's and Thursdays. 

ORGANIZATION. 

At the first annual town-meeting of the town of Fremont, 
held in E. G. Stephens' hotel, at Fremont Centre, Feb. 13, 
1S55, the following officers were elected: Elisha G. Steph- 
ens, Supervisor; Franklin Dartt, Town Clerk ; Jason Ranger, 
Salmon Gates, Ebenezer H. Mason,* Justices of the Peace; 
Randal F. Beecher, Isaac P. Haskin, and Morrison Hard- 
ing,t Assessors ; Hiram Culver, Norman Eldredge, William 
Haskin.J Commissioners of Highways ; James R. Babcock, 
Collector ; Cornelius Conderman, Overseer of the Poor ; 
Derick Goes, Joshua YV. Palmer, Caleb Bullock, Inspectors 
of Election ; John Eldredge, Henry J. Pawling, George 
Bartholomew, Thomas McAdams, Constables; J. S. M. B. 
Green, Town Sealer. George Collins, Jr., was appointed 
Commissioner of Schools, March G, 1855. 

LIST OF TOWN OFFICERS. 





Supervisors. 


Town Clerks. 


Collectors. 


1855. 


Elisha G. Stephens 


Franklin Dartt. 


James R. Babcock. 


185C. 


tt u 


» 


« 


1857. 


Lorenzo N. Rider. 


Wm. B. Stephens. 


Henry J. Pawling. 


1858. 


« (( 


Franklin Dartt. 


« .< 


1859. 


ti it 


Wm. B. Stephens. 


John B. Cummins. 


1860. 


Jason Ranger. 


tt ti 


Stephen B. Haskin. 


1861. 


ti It 


Samuel B. Hendee. 


John Sternburgh. 


1862. 


Othniel Preston. 


Daniel Wainright. 


Almond T. Allis. 


1863. 


ti t( 


a ti 


Henry Pickle. 


1S6+. 


Samuel E. Ilaskin. 


Samuel B. Hendee. 


Syphoras Gates. 


1865. 


Wni. B. Stephens. 


Daniel Wainright. 


Milo Canfield. 


1866. 


" 


Dwight jVIanwaring 


Orrin L. Rider. 


1867. 


W. 13. Rathbun. 


AY. A. Chapman. 


a 


1868. 


Wm. B. Stephens. 


Calvin Bullock. 


Alpheus Harding. 


1869. 


Escls Page. 


Orrin L. Rider. 


it it 


1870. 


tt tt 


Daniel Wainright. 


It tt 



=s Elected in Howard, 
f Elected in Hornellsville. 

i L. M. Rider, elected in Howard, also held over the balance of his 
term one vear. 



Supervisoi?. 

1871. Esek Page. 

1872. " " 

1873. Ira Carrington. 
1S74. " " 

1875. D. iMerville Page. 

1876. Calvin Bullock. 

1877. L. H. Benjamin. 
1S78. " " 



Town Clerks. 
Daniel Wainright. 



Albert Good no. 



Daniel Wainright. 



Collectors. 
Nathan Razey. 
Orrin L. Rider. 

J. R. Conderman. 

it it 

McldoD J. Harding. 
it it 

Cameron Cotton. 



1855. 



1856. 

1857. 
1858. 
1859. 
1860. 
1861. 
1862. 

1863. 
1864. 

1865. 



JUSTICES 

JasoD Ranger. 
Salmon Gates. 
Ebenezer H. Mason. 
L. M. Rider. 

E. H. Mason. 
George Collins, Jr. 
John Cole. 
William B. Rathbun. 
Charles Bullock. 
Esek Page. 

Elisha G. Stephens. 
Hiram Culver. 
Joseph J. Burnham. 
James Timmcrman. 

F. G. Allis. 
Esek Page. 
Finley McColum. 



THE PEACE. 

1865. P. S. Burdett. 

1866. Elisha G. Stephens. 

1867. Martin E. Hamlin. 

1868. Paul S. Burdett. 
Harrison Russell. 

1869. George Collins. 

1870. Elisha G. Stephens. 

1871. Tcherick P. Vankeuren. 

1872. Paul S. Burdett. 

1873. George Collins. 

1874. Elisha G. Stephens. 

1875. Byron C. Hurlbut. 
Harrison Russell. 

1876. Tcherick P. Vankeuren. 

1877. James S. Brownson. 

1878. Elisha G. Stephens. 



CHURCHES. 
METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH. 

The first meetings of this society were held by Rev. 
David Dunham, in Byron Harlow's house, in 1828, and in 
the Harlow school-house on Big Creek, in 1830, by Revs. 
John Arnold and Levi B. Castle. In 1831, Rev. Cyrus 
Story formed the first class. Ambrose, David, and John 
Dunham, and their wives, Byron Harlow and wife, Zilum 
Pratt and wife, Dexter Pratt and wife, John Mason and 
wife were first members. The first class-leader was David 
Dunham ; first steward. Dexter Pratt. The pastors have 
been Revs. Cyrus Story, John Shaw, and Andrew B. Pickard, 
E. Dowd ; 1864-65, M. Fillmore, Asa Story, Robert Packer, 

Israel Kellogg, and Gage, Ira Bronson, Nelson Hoag, 

Samuel P. Gurnesey, M. D. Jackson, C. G. Lowell, J. J. 
Turten, Daniel D. Van Allen, Eliza F. Bliven, A. S. Baker, 
John II. Perry, Delos Potter, L. R. Crippin, Geo. F. Cole; 
1876, E. Batchelder; 1877, Aaron Sornberger; 1878-79, 
John Irons. 

The Methodist Episcopal Church of the town is com- 
prised in three separate classes, located on Big Creek, in the 
southeast, on Briar Hill, in the west, and at Fremont 
Centre. 

WESLEYAN METHODIST CHURCH. 

The first meetings were held by Rev. Stephen D. Trembley, 
who organized a class in the Gulf school-house, in the south- 
east part of the town, in 1831. Jacob Winnie and wife, 
Jesse Bartholomew and wife, and John Pauling and wife 
were among the first members. The Haskinville circuit 
was formed in 1855, by Rev. S. D. Trembley. A church 
was built by J. W. Faiden, Geo. H. Sprague, and Isaac R. 
Rathbun, trustees, at an expense of $1000, and dedicated 
Dec. 23, 1876, by Rev. L. N. Stratton. List of pastors: 
1855, S. D. Trembley ; 1858, C. C. Reynolds ; 1860, G. W. 
Scudder; 1861, M. Q. MeFarland ; 1862, G. L. Payne; 
1867, P. S. Stratton ; 1868, Henry W. Bixby; 1873, John 





MRS.)^ENRY COTrON. 



fJENRY COTTON 



HENRY COTTON, 



son of Silas and Elizabeth Cotton, was born in Hartford, Wash- 
ington Co., N. Y., June 20, 1798. His father was a native of 
Rhode Island, and settled in Washington County at a very early 
day. He was a farmer by occupation, and continued to reside 
in Hartford until his death. He reared a family of eleven chil- 
dren, of whom Henry was the fifth child. The grandfather of 
Henry was Samuel Cotton, a native of Rhode Island also, who 
settled in Hartford, Washington Co., about 1814, and remained 
until his death. Henry Cotton was reared on the farm, and has 
continued to follow the same until the present time. He has also 
been somewhat engaged as a dealer in cattle and sheep. He worked 
out by the month on a farm for two seasons before coming to 
Steuben County. He located on his present farm in November, 

1819. He came here in company with Messrs. Barnard, Bray- 
ton, and William E. Congdon. He has made all the improve- 
ments on his present farm of one hundred and sixty-eight acres. 
Mr. Cotton is a substantial farmer and citizen, and to such men 
is due the credit of making Steuben County what it is today. 
He is highly spoken of by those who know him. 

He married Almira, daughter of Daniel Martin, Dec. 28, 

1820. She was born Oct. 6, 1802, in Hartford, Washington 
Co., N. Y. Of this union five children have been bom, viz. : 
Silas, born June 7, 1822, married Miss Sally Ann Mack, Dec. 
31, 1845, and had one son, George E. ; Silas Cotton and wife 



are dead ; Lydia Ann, bom Nov. 8, 1827, married George 
Collins, Feb. 22, 1846, and has five children ; Samuel Cotton 
was born Sept. 20, 1831, married Sarah Carrington, April 17, 
1850, and has two children ; Daniel Cotton was born Aug. 16, 
1837, married Jane Tuller, Feb. 17, 1859, and has two children ; 
and Juliza Cotton was born Oct. 1, 1839, and married William 
H. Bowen, Feb. 17, 1859, and has nine children. 

Mrs. Henry Cotton was a member of the Baptist Church, 
was a lady highly esteemed, and left a name which is cherished 
to-day by members of the family. She died March 6, 1857, 
and was buried in the BeachvUle Cemetery in DansvUle. 

Mr. Cotton married Miss Desdamona Phelps, a native of 
Vermont, but a resident of Steuben County after she was 
twelve years of age, Jan. 7, 1858. She was a member of the 
Universalist Church. She died Sept. 28, 1875. Mr. Cotton 
has been a Democrat the larger part of his life. He is now an 
old gentleman, hale and hearty, living on the same place he 
purchased in 1819. He is a member of the Baptist Church. 
He has a large and interesting family of children and grand- 
children, who love and respect their aged father and grandfather. 

Out of five couple who were married within six weeks of 
one another, all are now dead save the subject of this sketch ; 
so, one by one, the old pioneers are joining the innumerable 
caravan who are marching to the pale realms of shade. 



TOWN OF FREMONT. 



301 



Eandolf ; 1874, J. W. Fancher; 1878, J. H. Cook. Past 
elders, G. L. Pajiie, J. Bartholomew, Jacob Ward. Li- 
censed, Jacob McDowell. 

Present officers, J. H. Cook, Pastor ; George H. Sprague, 
Erastus Hard, Trustees ; Isaac R. Ratlibun, Clerk and Class- 
Leader, Haskinville ; George Bardeau, Class- Leader at Big 
Creek school-house. 

Present membership 76, some of whom live in adjoining 
towns. 

EVANGELICAL CHURCH. 

The first meetings of this society were missionary meet- 
ings, held by German preachers from Pennsylvania, in the 
house of Jacob Conderman, in 1828. Meetings were held 
here, and also funeral.s, until the building of the church 
near by, in 1800. The trustees were Jacob H. Conder- 
man, Andrew Holmer, and John Nipher. 

Among the first members were Jacob Conderman and 
wife and Mrs. Polly Helmer. The pa.stors were Revs. 
Jacob Rail, Henry Graves, Jacob Moose, Henry Curtiss, 
James F. Shults. Present Pastor, John H. Peters; Clerk, 
Wm. R. Babcock ; Steward, Adam Helmer. Present mem- 
bership, 40. 

The church was dedicated in July, 1860, by the Rev. 
John Wagner. 

THE FIRST ADVENT CHRISTIAN CHURCH OF FREMONT. 

In 1870, Rev. William A. Fenn, of Rochester, then an 
Advent preacher, came to Fremont in response to an invi- 
tation from some of the citizens, and pitched a tent on the 
flat south of the present Advent church, from which he 
commenced to preach daily. Some thirty persons were 
converted to his doctrine during the two weeks he remained. 
Among the converts were Alvin Gates and wife, George W. 
Gates and wife, Hubbard Head and wife, Mrs. Ruth Ship- 
ham, Mrs. Celia Gates, Cassius Booth, Willard Westcott 
and wife, Mrs. Daniel Head, Ephraim Bcntley and wife, 
John and Fanny Mauhart, Isaac Masterman and wife. 
Burton Dart and wife, Fayette Robinson and wife, and M. 
Carrington. After the departure of Mr. Fenn, Rev. John 
W. Taylor filled his place. Syphonius Gates was chosen 
Elder ; Burton Dart and Isaac Masterman, Deacons. In 
1871, a church was built and paid for, at an expen.se of 
$1600. The church was dedicated by Rev. William A. 
Fenn. Pastors : Revs. John W. Taylor, A. G. Briggs, 0. 
Wendell, Seymour Moo.se, Henry Zeigiifus. Present 
membership, 30. Deacons : John P. Oswald, William 
Roberts. Trustees : John P. Oswald, Fayette Robinson, 
Burton Dart, William Roberts. 

At a meeting held at the house of Increase Miller, in 
the east part of the town, in 1853, George Morris was 
chosen Chairman, and Rev. A. S. Baker, Secretary ; 
Richard Maynard, Wm. Osborn, George Morris, Thomas 
Osborn, and David Dunham were chosen trustees, and a 
church was built soon after, on the land of Increase Miller, 
at an expense of 8900. The first class-leader was David 
Dunham. Present officers: Luther M. Osborn, Clerk; 
Russell White, Cla.ss-leader ; Russell White, Thomas Davis, 
John Kelly, Stewards. Present membership, 7. 

A church was built at Fremont Ceutre by John M. 



Kelly, Isaiah Ingals, and Samuel B. Hendee, Trustees, at 
an expense of $4000, and dedicated Oct. 8, 1874, by Rev. 
D. W. C. Huntington. The present officers are Russell 
C. White, Class-Leader ; Melvin L. Osborn, Clerk ; Caleb 
"Bullock, Samuel B. Hendee, John M. Kelly, Trustees. 
Present membership, 38. 

MILITARY RECORD OP FREMONT. 

Alexander Maynard, Co. F, 141st N. Y. Inf. 
Charles Qneisser, Co. F, 141st N. Y. Inf. 

Harrison Russell, privale, Co. K, lOTIli N. Y. Inf. ; cnl. Ang. 13, 1862. 
Samuel E. Kider, sergt., Co. F, 141st N. Y. Inf.; enl. Sept. 11, 1802. 
James M. Kelly, Corp., Co. F, Itlst N. Y. Inf.; enl. Sept. 11, 1SC2. 
Amos D. Mason, Corp., Co F, 141st Y. N.Iiif ; enl. Sept. 1I,18C2. 
Eugene E. Abner, Co. F, 141st N. Y. Inf. ; enl. Sept. 11, 1SC2. 
Harvey J. Bennett, Co. F, 141st N. Y. Inf.; enl. Sept. 11,1802. 
Warron Briggs, Co. P, 141st N. Y. Inf. ; enl. Sept. 11, 1802. 
Edgar W. Brown, Co. F, 141st N. Y. Inf.; enl. Sept. II, 1802. 
Sweet B. Coburn, sejgl., Co. F, UUt N. Y. Inf.; enl. Aug. 11, 1802. 
Samuel A. H. Conderman, Co. F, 141st N. Y. Inf.; enl. Aug. 11, 1862. '' 
Daniel C. Cook, Co. F, 141.st N. Y. Inf.; enl. Aug. 11, 1802. 
George Coburn, Co. F, lllst N. Y. Inf ; enl. Aug. 11, 1802. 
Orrin Conderman, Co. F, 141st N. Y. Inf. ; cnl. Aug. 11, 1802. ^ 
Russell B. Carrington, Co. F, 141st N. Y. Inf.; enl. .\ug. 11, 1802. 
Warren A. L. Demery, Co. F, 141st N. Y. Inf. ; enl. Aug. 11, 1802. 
Trumair C. Gil/ljs, Co. F, 141st N. Y. Inf ; enl. Aug. 11, 1862. 
William H. Harrison, Co. F, lllst N. Y. Inf.; enl. Aug. 11, 1802. 
Dexter V. B. Jolly, Co, F. 141st N. Y. Inf ; enl. Aug. 11, 1802. 
As.ael Mead, Co. F, 14Ist N. Y. Inf.; enl. Aug. 11, 1802. 
James H. Moore, Corp., Co. F, 141st N. Y. luf. ; cnl. Ang. 11, 1802. 
Albert Manliart, Co. F, 14Ut N. Y. Inf. ; enl. Aug. 11, 1SC2. 
Thoniiis Robinson, Co. F, 141st N. Y. Inf. ; enl. Ang. 11, 1802. 
Franklin M. Reynolds, Co. F, Hist N. Y. Inf.; cnl. .\ug.ll, 1802. 
Daniel Wheeler, wagoner, Co. F, 141st N. Y.; enl. Aug. 11, 1862. 
Edward Cole, Co. A, 25lb Cav.; cnl. Feb. 20, 1804. 
Thomas W. Cotton, Corp., Co. F, lllst N. Y. Inf. 
Leonard N. Hengenir, Co. F, 14Ist N. Y. liif. 
Orlando Pettis. 
H,arvey J. Bennett. 

Benjiimin S. Johnson, Co. F, Hist N. Y. Inf. 
Samuel A. Conderman. 
Orrin Conderman. 

Charles F. Hamlin, Co. F, 141st N. Y. Inf. 
Henry Tuttle, ISOth N. Y. Inf. 
Lisfomb C. Robinson, Co. F, 141st N. Y. Inf. 

Melanilithon Barber, piivatc, Co. D, S6th Regt. ; enl. Sept. 5, 1801. 
Alon/.o Davis, private, Co. D, 86th Regt.; enl. Sept. .'"), 1861. 
Jacob A. Duel, private, Co. D, 86lh Regt. ; enl. Nov. 2, 1861. 
John M. Kelly, 1st sergt., Co. F, 141st N. Y. Inf. 
Tbomas Robinson, Co. F, 141st N. Y. Inf 
Abrani Bnssell, Co. F, 141st N. Y. Inf. 
William E. Codington, Co. F, Ulst N. Y. luf. 
John Brown. 
Edward Brown. 
Steward Shinebarger. 
John Swain. 

Duane Cook, l.ith N. Y. Vol. Inf. 
Hendrick Ratlibun. SGth N. \. Inf. 
Samuel Smith, 8nth N. Y. Inf 
Francis Hurlburt, 86tli N. Y. Inf. 
James R. Stephens, ItMlh N. Y^. Inf. 
William B. Travis, 104th N. Y. Inf. 
Horatio Allen, lolth N. Y. Inf. 
Ira Allen, 104th N. Y. Inf 
Henry Head, 104tli N. Y. Inf. 
Sweet Brayton, 107th N. Y. Inf. 
Cla-k Preston. lllTth N. Y. Inf. 
Reuben Ziuimernian, 107th N. Y. Inf. 
Delos Br.iwncll, Co. K, 107th N. Y. Inf. 
John A. Brownell, Co. K, 107th N. Y. Inf 

The following men enlisted on the call of the President of Oct. 17, 1S03 : James 
D. Jolly, Benjamin Hnlburt, Jacob G. Winnie, George M. Saxton, Isaac 
W. Trowbridge, George H. Vredenbnrg, Henry Barber, John Wisler, 
Warren Briggs, Joseph Ueed, Henry Cohen, Charles F. Stephens, Francis 
Hurlburt, Silas Manning, Benjamin J. Miller, Monroe Betron, James F. 
Davis, Charles liladdison, Isaiah K. Martin. 
The following men enlisted under the last call: James Scott, George Mason. 
Robert D. Person, John Seaman, John S. Early, Edward Murphy, Peleg 
Decker, Amos H. Ercubmck, Edward Forte, Merritt Stanton, William 
Gorman, Edward Qninn, Daniel Wilc.ix, John Williams, Edward Willom, 
Oeoige Klemhany, James H.Stevens, Patrick McGuire, Thomas Crook- 
■bhank, Charles H. Bonnin, George B. McClosy, Joseph Lichield. 



GREENWOOD. 



GENERAL DESCRIPTION. 
The town of Greenwood was formed from Troupsburgh 
and Canisteo, Jan. 24, 1827. West Union was taken from 
it in 1845, and a part of Jasper was anne.xed in 1848. It 
lies upon the western border of the county, and is bounded 
nortii by Hartsville, east by Jasper, soutli by West Union, 
and west by the county line. Bennett's Creek runs through 
the east part of the town tbrougii a valley excavated from 
four to six hundred feet below the hill-tops. The central 
and western part of the town is rolling u])land of clayey 
loam, the valleys being loam mixed with gravel and shale. 

E.VRLV SETTLEMENT. 

Alexander H. Stephens came up Bennett's Creek from 
Cani.steo, in company with Anson Robinson, popularly 
known as " llobinson Crusoe," and commenced the first 
clearing in the town of Greenwood, a mile north of the 
present village, on the Hovey Stephens place, in the spring of 
1821. Ezra Cobey, a Prussian, had previou.sly made a small 
clearing three miles down the creek, in Canisteo. The road 
had been chopped up through the valley and south to the 
■ State line, by the land-office, but was not cleared. They 
worked hereduring the summer and part of the winter, living 
in a log cabin and working on their mill, Mrs. John Stephens 
coming up occasionally to do their cooking. The family 
did not move into Greenwood until the mill was running. 
Ezra and John H. Stephens moved up the valley first, and 
Phineas came soon after. The mill, to which was soon 
added two " run" of stones, was built near the Brundage 
mill, and run by an undershot breast-wheel. The outlines 
of the old pond are still marked by willows. This was the 
first mill built in the town, and was operated by Uriah 
Stephens until 1825, when Colonel John Stephens moved 
into the town. At this time there was no mill in roach of 
the settlements down the creek nearer than at Wombougli's, 
on the Tuscarora, and another north, on the Canisteo. 

Settlement along the creek was made very fast after the 
mill was built. 

Deacon Jacob Manning, from New Hampshire, came in 
1823, his family consisting of his wife and one son, Daniel 
Manning. Dennis Sanford settled back on the hill, to- 
wards Krusin's Corners, in 1824. Eleazer Woodward 
came in 1823, from New Hampshire, and opened a tannery 
on a small stream to the east, near the mill. Sebe Norton 
and Stephen Powell settled in the southwest part of the 
town, on the ridge, and Enoch Ordway and his two sons- 
in-law, " Hoose" Carr and Ezra Lovejoy, Hiram Putnam, 
John H. Hoyt, Joseph and Josephus Bachelor, and Jacob 
Manning settled along and near the creek. Guy Wardwell 
lived on the strip of land annexed to Greenwood from Jas- 
per before any other settlement was made in the town. 
302 



Next to building a mill, the opening of a tavern and cross- 
roads was an alluring enterprise. 

In the fall of 1824, Levi Davis, of Dryden, Tompkins 
Co., came and bought the site of the present village of 
Greenwood, built a log house, and in March, 1825, moved 
in and opened a tavern. In one corner of the room a bar 
was fenced off, in which he sold goods, which consisted 
mainly of tea, snufF, cotton cloth, tobacco, pork, and whisky 
(worth twenty cents a gallon at the still ), oats, hay, and 
indigo for coloring cloth. This was the first tavern and 
store in the town. As business increased, he added a bed- 
room to the front stoop, and built a kitchen in the rear. 
Mr. Davis also commenced the manufacture of pot and pearl 
ashes, which he continued for thirty years. The farmers 
when clearing their land gathered and saved the ashes, 
which (hey boiled down in bad weather, selling the black 
ash at the store. Seven hundred bushels of ashes were re- 
quired for a ton of potash, which would be worth from §80 
to $100. A man could make $10 a month by gathering 
his ashes and boiling down the proceeds. This was a cash 
business, the Liverpool market readily absorbing these 
chemicals, until (he Russians entered into competition some 
years later. The first post-office in the town was at this 
store. Joshua L. Chapman, then a boy of fifteen, carried 
the mails on horseback through the dense forest from Hor- 
nellsville to Canisteo. passing through Greenwood, the jour- 
ney taking him one day each way. This was in 1828-29. 
In 1826, Col. Ira Davenport, father of Hon. Ira Davenport, 
the present State senator, became Mr. Davis' partner. David 
Foote and Wm. Ferguson, who bought two village lots of 
Redmond Davis, a short distance above the store, and opened 
a coffin and furniture manufactory in 1830, were the next 
settlers in the future village. Some of their heavy carved 
work is still treasured by Mr. Davis, as specimens of artistic 
skill. 

In 1830, Benjamin F. Brundage moved from Bath, and 
erected a carding and cloth-dressing factory in Greenwood, 
in which he did a successful business until its destruction 
by fire in 1846, when it was replaced by the present ttouring- 
mill. Mr. Brundage has been a prominent citizen. Of his 
seven sons, Robert L. and Benjamin C. are prominent 
lawyers ; Israel M. a successful farmer, — he has for several 
years been supervisor of the town ; and John M. Brundage 
has been justice of sessions. 

Daniel MeCormick came from the county of Antrim in 
1832, and built a grist-mill at Rough and Ready. In 1834 
his brother James came, bringing his wife and two little 
children, arriving in the winter at New York City, where 
he bought a one-hor.se wagou, and started up the North 
River on his overland journey to his new home, which he 
reached about the middle of January, after twenty-four days 



TOWN OF GREENWOOD. 



303 



nf almost insufferable hardship, arrived at liis destination, 
and purchasing an improvement, made that summer the 
first three firlcins of butter for marlcet which were shipped 
from tlie town. He soon increased his dairy to 30 cows, 
and built him a house, three stories in height, on the point 
of a high hill overlooking the village, from which he took 
the name of " High Jimmy" McCormick, as he is popu- 
larly known throughout the surrounding country. 

Among the earlier settlers are also Henry Young, who 
came from Tompkins County in 182C, and settled where 
his .son William now lives. George Updike came from 
Seneca County in 1828; Benjamin Edwards from NewBeld, 
Tompkins Co., in 1880 ; Wni. Atkins from Enfield in 1832 ; 
Abrain Williamson and Daniel llicliey from Uly.sses in 

1827, settling in the west part of the town. John J. 
Dutclier settled near Kruseii's in 1820. John Kogers, 
from Lansing, Cayuga Co., settled in the soutii part of the 
town, near the old Catholic church, in 1832. Hiram Bur- 
ger, who lives near Greenwood village, came with his 
father, Ezekiel Burger, from Troupsburgh, where he was 
born, in 1815. Enos Smith came from Seneca County in 

1828, and settled on the hill west of the village. Homer 
Mallory, supervisor of Greenwood for the past six years, is 
a son of Samuel Mallory, who came from Connecticut, and 
settled near Kru.sen's Corners in 1838. John Balsby 
settled in the northwest corner of the town in 1828. 

Charles C, son of Ezra Stephens, was the first white 
child born in the town, his birth occurring in 1824. The 
first marriages were, on Christmas, 1828, Hiram Putnam 
to Lucinda, daughter of Ezra Stephens; and, June 14, 

1829, Redmond Davis, son of Levi Davis, to Jane, daugh- 
ter of Nathaniel Porter. The first school was taught by 
Sarah Carr. 

When the first settlements were made, the valley was 
filled with a heavy growth of nutritious herbage, upon 
which cattle were driven up from the river to fatten. The 
first settlement south was Mr. Olmstead's, now Rexvillo. 

Richard Krusen came from Dryden in 1825, and opened 
the cross-roads, four miles west of Davis' store, towards 
Andover, where he kept a tavern until the country had 
become well settled, and railroads changed the routes of 
travel. Acting as a sub agent for the land-office at Bath, 
he did much towards attracting a good cla.ss of settlers 
from his native country. 

In 1828, the first clearing west of Greenwood was that 
of Jo.seph Crossing, and just beyond, on the Ridge road, 
lived Randal Pease and Daniel Richey, who came in 1827. 
The next place west, on the hill, was Aden Lewis, William 
Brown, and Timothy Terpeting. Then, nearly opposite 
each other, were James and William Bess; and back some 
distance from the road was John Potter. Timothy Hol- 
loway from Dutchess County, on the right, was the next 
.settler, and half a mile through the dark woods was the 
little clearing of Elisha Sanford. Joiniiig the Sanford 
place was An.son Cook, Esq. Robert Richards lived where 
Alva Richards, who came in 1834, now lives. Nathaniel 
Richards, their father, came in 1828. 

Enos Mead, from Newfield, Tompkins Co., made the 
first clearing west of Krusen's Corners, in 1827. His son, 
Alvin Mead, who came a few months later, brought the 



first wagon into that part of the town, his brothers chop- 
ping the road ahead ihr him to drive through. Mr. Mead 
contracted for 1050 acres of land, and brought several 
families of his relatives. The Mead settlement became a 
centre of improvement, and a post-office was established 
there in 1842, with Alvin Mead postmaster. The post- 
office was discontinued on the opening of another at Rex- 
ville, in the north part of West Union. 

William Burrows was an early settler still west, near the 
county line, and built a saw-mill in 1830. Joshua Gold- 
smith, a son-in-law of Derrick Krusen, the school-teacher, 
lived near him. Half a mile north of Krusen's Corners 
was the log school-house where Sophie Phelps taught school. 
There were many small clearings in that part of the town 
as early as 1830. 

A spring of salt water was discovered by Ezekiel Burger, 
a native of Delaware County, while hunting, before the set- 
tlement of the town. This spring was a resort for deer and 
elk, and was well known by the Indians, who watched for 
them as they came to drink its waters. Mr. Burger and a 
Mr. Mathews had built a couple of cabins at the spring, one 
roofed with elm-bark, and the other with what was called a 
"stake and ridered roof;" that is, built in at the top, and 
the I'ough-split shingles laid in courses and held in place-by 
logs laid over each cour.se and held in place by stakes or 
wooden pins. The spring was close to the creek, but a drill 
had been erected and a well sunk sixty-four feet by hand, 
when the drill was broken off in the well. Boiling was 
carried on in kettles until Mr. Davis bought the land, and 
Mr. Mathews died, when the enterpri.se was abandoned. 

After the well had been abandoned fijr a few days the 
settlers would come and pump out the water and boil down 
a sack of salt in Burger's kettles until they were taken 
away. Salt was hard to get in those days, and the well was 
much frequented. Afterwards, when roads were opened, 
salt was imported so cheaply that the well was abandoned. 
In 1870 a well was drilled at this place for oil to a depth 
of GOO feet, resulting in gas, which would burn freely 
for several minutes, and salt water in small quantities, 
with some indications of oil. The well was abandoned 
when the contract under which it was drilled had expired. 
The north part of the town, west of Bennett's Creek, is 
quite broken, and its settlement is comparatively recent. The 
western and central part, which has the appearance of high 
rolling prarie, is well cultivated, and the view from almost 
any point is magnificent. Descending into the deep, narrow 
valley of Bennett's Creek, in the north part of the town, 
the change is very abrupt. The hills on either side of the 
deep, narrow valley are cleared and cultivated, and a con- 
tinuous row of farm-houses extends along the left bank of 
the stream to the village, some three miles south. Follow- 
ing the hill on the right bank of the stream is the partially- 
completed grade of the Rochester, Hornellsville and Pine 
Creek Railroad, which was abandoned in 1875, and which 
has made the town of Greenwood famous for its refusal to 
pay its assessment of tax upon bonds issued for its con- 
struction. 

One of the principal citizens of the town, Alexander H. 
Stephens, the first settler, is a .son of Col. John Stephens, 
one of the earliest settlers of the county, and Olive Frank- 



304 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



lin, daughter of Capt. John Franklin, the hero of the 
Wyoming massacre. Uriah F., Phineas, Elias, John H., 
Alexander H., and Franklin Stephens are the members of 
the family. Alexander H. Stephens, who was born in 
1801, has been a leading spirit in the affairs of his town, 
from its erection to the present time. Mr. Stephens is a 
man of high literary attainments, and one of the most in- 
fluential citizens of the town. He was a member of the 
State Legislature in 1848, and ably represented its interests 
while there. His wife, Mary M. Davis, was a daughter of 
Levi Davis, the first merchant, and for years the leading 
business man of the town. James H. Stephens, son of 
Phineas Stephens, and Redmond Davis and John Davis, 
both sons of Levi Davis, have also been sent to the State 
Legislature from Greenwood. 

The village of Greenwood contains nine stores ; harness-, 
cabinet-, wagon-, shoe-, and blacksmith-shops ; a large steam 
saw-mill and flouring-mill ; the " Stage House" and Green- 
wood Hotel, a large three-story building ; two churches, a 
fine two-story school-house, and an unusual number of fine 
residences. Elias V. Davis has conducted a jewelry estab- 
lishment here since 1841, at which date there was but one 
store in the place. The village extends along both .sides of a 
single street filling the space between the hills and the creek, 
and a street starting from the central part of the village 
and continuing west, and contains about 200 inhabitants. 
There is a flouring-mill at Rough and Ready, a mill settle- 
ment in the south part of the town, where was once a post- 
office, named from the Rough and Ready Presidential candi- 
date ; and north of the village are two flouriug-mills and a 
saw-mill. 

ORGANIZATION. 

The first town election of the town of Greenwood was 
held at the hou.se of Levi Davis, March 6, 1827, when the 
following officers were elected : Levi Davis, Supervisor ; 
Anson Cook, Town Clerk ; David Murray, Randall Pease, 
Uriah F. Stephens, Assessors ; Richard Krusen, Uriah 
Ingley, Aden Lewis, Commissioners of Highways ; Jacob 
Manning, James Bess, Overseers of the Poor ; Abram V. 
Olmstead, Joseph Batchelor, Thomas Johnson, Commis- 
sioners of Common Schools ; Francis Strang, Josiah Hay- 
wood, Moses Clauson, Inspectors of Common Schools; 
John H. Stephens, Collector; John H. Stephens, Ira S. 
Mills, Constables. John J. Holt, John Stephens, Amos 
Lewis, Jr., Linden Lewis, Francis Pilgrim, Amos Labar, 
Enos Mead, John Krusen, Wm. Brown, Wm. M. Blair, 
Sylvanus Strang, Wm. Crampton, Joseph Davenport, Seba 
Norton, John Matt&son, and A. V. Olmstead were made 
path masters. 

The name of Greenwood was given it by Hon. Alexan- 
der H. Stephens, through whose exertions a half mile was 
added to the east end of the town, from Jasper. 



Supervisors. 
Randall Pease. 
Anson Cook. 



LIST OP TOWN OFFICERS. 



Supervisors. 
1S27. Levi Davi3. 

1828. " " 

1829. " " 

1S30. Thomas Johnson. 

1831. Levi Davis. 

1832. " 



Town Clerks. 
Anson Cook. 



Francis Strang. 



Collectors. 



John H. Stephens. 
Ira S. Mills. 



" Wm. M. Blair. 

Joseph Davenport. Joseph Deremer. 

John J. Holt. " " 

Alex. H. Stephens. " " 



Elijah Guyon. 



John Davis. 



Augustus Mallory. 
John Davis. 



1833. 
1834. 
1835. 
1836. 
183r. 
1838. 
1839. 
1840. 
1841. 
1842. 
1843. 
1844. 
1845. 
1846. 

1847. 
1848. 
1849. 
1850. 
1851. 
1852. 
1853. 
1854. 
1855. 
1856. 
1857. 
1858. 
1859. 
1860. 
1861. 
1862. 
1863. 
1864. 
1865. 
1866. 
1X67. 
1868. 
1869. 
1870. 
1871. 
1872. 
1873. 
1874. 
1875. 

1876. " 

1877. " 

1878. " 

JUSTICES 

1830. Thomas Johnson. 

1831. Sherman Brown. 
William Johnson. 
Joseph Baehelder. 

1832. F. Strang. 

1833. Anson Cook. 
Talmai Ferrell. 

1834. Benjamin Smead. 

1835. Sherman Brown. 
AVilliam Horton. 

1836. Tahnai Ferrell. 
John H. Stephens. 

1837. Benjamin S. Brundage. 
William M. Blair. 

1838. Lulher Campbell. 
Philetus Farrar. 

1839. Benjamin S. Brundage. 

1840. Alvin Mead. 

1841. Philetus Farrar. 

1842. Hanford Smith. 

1843. Luther Campbell. 

1844. Alvin Mead. 
Sheppard Amidon.* 
Leonard Smith. '^ 



Town Clerks. 
Moses Clauson. 



Collectors. 
Ira S. Mills. 



Daniel Richcy. 
Joshua L. Chapman. 



A. R. Stephens. 

Daniel B. Closson. 
It It 

Wm. Bess (v.). 
Nelson Rogers. 



Josh'a L. Chapman. Isaac Richey (v.). 
S. J. Conklin. 

" " Oliver B. Richey. 

>i II II II 

J. B. Chapman. ** " 

A. K. Stephens. •* '* 

" '* Samuel Saston. 

J. L. Chapm.in. Wm. Z. Skank. 



Israt'l .M. Brundage. 
Danifl Manning. 
Israel M. Brundage. 
(< II 

John Davis. 
Homer H. Mallory. 
tt II 

R. H. Sheffield. 

John Davis. 

Israel M. Brundage. 

John S. Hartrura. 
John Davis. 

Merritt F. Smith. 
Homer H. Mallory. 



Benjamin Iliekctt. 
B. D. Conkling. 
M. V. B. Fisher. 
J, L. Chapman. 
De Witt C. Amey. 

J. W. Whiting, Jr. 
De Witt C. Amey. 
Valentine Reimann. 
De Witt C. Amey, 
Valentine Reimann. 



OF THE P 

1S45. 

18i6. 



1347. 
1848, 
1849. 
1850. 
1851. 



1852. 

1853. 
1854. 
1855. 
1856. 
1857. 
1858. 

1859. 

1860. 



Alexander Todd. 
Homer S. Brundage. 

Alexander Todd. 
J. M. Brundage. 
Nelson Blair. 
J. L. Chapman. 
John iMcMinds. 
Valentino Reimann. 
Wm. Burton. 
Francis Updyke. 
, John S. Young. 
Mathias Pease. 

Levi Pease. 
Cornelius 0. Haryan, 
Freeman Rogers. 
Wm. 0. Swar.s. 

EACK. 

Jesse B. Smith. 
Sheppard Amidon. 
Leonard Smith.* 
Andrew Vansickle.* 
William Bess. 
Philetus Farrar. 
George W. Easterbrook. 
Sheppard Amidon. 
Thomas Strceter. 
Luther Campbell.* 
Daniel L. Starr. "^ 
John Brundage. 
B. S. Brundage. 
John Starr. 
Luther Campbell. 
B. S. Brundage. 
A. H. Bruster. 
Joseph B. Chadwick. 
A. H. Burrell. 
Abram Crout.^" 
J. H. Stephens. 
Edward E. Stuart. 
Ebenezer Northrup. 
Warren Houghton. 



* Vacancy. 







J^^-4^^UU^ 



Jesse T, Atkins was born in the town of En- 
field, Tompkins Co., N. Y., Jan. 29, 1820. He 
Avas one in a family of six children of William and 
Rozina Atkins. His father by a previous marriage 
had fifteen children, and hence was tiie father of 
twenty-one children. He was a native of Ciierry 
Valley. His parents removed from Enfield and 
settled in the town of Greenwood among the earlier 
settlers ; was a farmer during his residence here, 
where both he and iiis wife died. 

Jesse T. Atkins liad very limited opportunities for 
in education, as ir tiie early history of the town 
a pecuniary value was placed upon the time of chil- 
dren ; he was reared on the farm and inured to the 
hardships common to a farmer's life, in clearing off 
the forest and preparing the land for cultivation. 
After reaching his majority he purchased one lum- 
dred and ninety-five acres of land in the west ])art 
of the town of Greenwood, — on which his widow 
and family now reside, — a considerable part of which 
he cleared and made improvements upon of good 
farm buildings. July 19, 1854, he married Harriet, 
daughter of John and Roby Scott, of Greenwoo<l. 



Her parents formerly resided in Genoa, Cayuga 
Co., N. Y., and settled in Greenwood about 1841 ; 
her father died two years prior to the settlement of 
the family here ; her mother died February, 1876. 
Mrs. Atkins was born Dec. 21, 1836. 

Mr. Atkins spent his life as a farmer. He was a 
man of indomitable perseverance, resolution, and 
industry. He carried forward to successful com- 
pletion whatever he undertook. For many years 
prior to his decease he dealt quite largely in stock, 
shipping to New York. He was known as an enter- 
prising, thrifty business man, and possessed strict in- 
tegrity in all his business operations. Mr. Atkins 
never gave much attention to politics, but was a 
member of the Republican party, and valued the 
right of suffrage. Of him it may be truthfully said 
no more stirring, active, and enterprising man lived 
in the town of Greenwood, and bis farm and build- 
ings show that he was a thoroughgoing agricul- 
turist. He died April 13, 1868. His wife, a lady 
of good executive ability, is successfully carrying on 
the fiirm and making improvements thereon. Their 
children arc William, Jesse, and Rhoda. 



TOWN OF GREENWOOD. 



305 



1861. 
1862. 



1863. 
1861. 
186.'). 
;8G6. 

1867. 
1868. 



Edward E. Stuart. 
A. H. Burrell. 
Augustus M.illory.^' 
E. V. Davis.« 
E. V. Davis. 
Ebcnezer Northrup. 
William L. Ilartruin. 
M. E. Nearing. 
.Silas Kellogg."-:-" 
John M. Brundage.* 
George McLean. 



1869. William L. Ilartrum. 
187n. Silas Kellogg.a 

1871. Jolin M. Brundagc. 

1872. Henry W. Young."^' 

1873. William S. Ilartrum. 
I'erer Thomas O'llargan. 

1871. Silas Kellogg. 

1875. John M. Brundago. 

1876. P. Thomas O'Hargan. 

1877. Thomas D. Rogers. 

1878. Silas Kellogg. 



CHURCHES. 
METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH OP GREENWOOD. 

Soon after the arrival of Alvin Mead, in 1827, Rev. 
James Hemingway came to Greenwood, accompanied by 
another preaclier, and remained a week, preaching in Mr. 
Mead's liouse. Rev. Asa Orcutt preached at Krusen's 
" corners" as early as 1825-2G. A class was formed, in 
1827, under the leadership of Enos Mead, whose wife, his 
sons, Samuel and Alvin, and their wives, Fanny Everest 
and Arron Burris, were members of the church at its organi- 
zation. Alvah Richards was one of the fir.st stewards. 
Revs. Joseph Ashworth, Nathan Fellows, David Fellows, S. 
Northway, Ambrose Abbott, Samuel Nichols, J. Jerola- 
mon, L. Northway, Theodore McElheney, Wm. Jones, 
Alvin F. Walker, Jacob Striker, L. L. Rogers, C. Graham, 
Alvah Davison, and Wm. C. Mathison have preached to 
them at different periods. The old log school-house has 
rotted down, and as the landmarks disappeared one by one, 
the old cemetery, with its sacred but unmarked graves con- 
taining the early dead of the church, has become lost in the 
cultivated field which now occupies its former site. Ziba 
Cook was class-leader, in 1851, when the reorganization 
was effected, under the pastorate of Rev. L. L. Rogers. 
Alvin Mead, present class-leader, has filled that position 
since 1852; Steward, Wilber T. Mead; Pastors, 1852, 
Revs. W. C. Mathison ; 1856, John S. Bush ; 1857, S. 

B. Dickinson; 1858, David Nutten ; 1859-60, R. E. 
Thompson, Mr. Jolly; 1861-62, Henry Harpst. 

The building of a church in the village of Greenwood 
was begun and carried to its completion through the exer- 
tion of persons not members of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church, nor even professors of religion. To the efforts of 
Dr. R. H. Sheffield, Merrit T. Smith, Geo. D. Woodward, 
and others, is due the honor of the action which secured 
the organization of a legally-constituted society and build- 
ing a fine church, costing over $5000, under the corporate 
protection of the Methodist society. The church was dedi- 
cated, Sept. 1-1, 1876, by Rev. B. I. Ives, and upon inquiry 
it was found that there were but three Methodists connected 
with them or living in that part of the town. Rev. Charles 
T. Gifford was assigned to the work of organization, and 
was .succeeded by Rev. Francis M. Smith, in 1877, who 
was relieved by Rev. Charles R. Buck, in November, 1878. 
There are now five classes in various parts of the town, 
under the leadership of Merritt M. Smith, Geo. D. Wood- 
ward, V. Reimann, Alouzo D. Stephens, and Charles H. 
Norton. The present membership is 116. Charles H. 
Norton is present Clerk ; Wm. Baker, G. D. Woodward, 

C. H. Norton, Albert Ingalls, Charles H. York, Reuben 



■* Vacancy. 



Stephens are Stewards. M. F. Smith, V. Reimann, and 
Geo. D. Woodward, Tiustees. 

THE UNlVEttSALIST CHURCH OF GREENWOOD. 

The first Universalist meetings were held by Rev. O. B. 
Clark, Rev. R. M. Cheney, and Asa Upson, in the old stone 
school-house. In 1851 an organization was formed, con- 
sisting of 12 members, among whom were Levi Davis and 
wife, John H. Stephens and wife, and R. S. Davis and wife. 
Alexander H. Stephens was elected clerk, and Levi Davis 
and John H. Stephens trustees. A church was immediately 
built in the village of Greenwood, and dedicated in 1852, 
by Rev. E. Francis. Revs. J. C. Sawyer, Walter Buliard, 
and the present pastor, Dr. I. K. Richardson, have since 
been pastors of this society. The church has been recently 
repaired, making the actual cost of the edifice about $2500. 

The membership numbers 31. Dr. I. K. Richardson is 
Clerk, and John Davis, Frank Brundage, and J. B. Wood- 
bury, Trustees. 

FIRST CHRISTIAN CHURCH OF GREENWOOD. 

In 1871, Rev. John H. Cheeseman moved into the vil- 
lage of Greenwood, which was then the central point between 
the localities in which he labored, and began meetings in 
the school-house, continuing to preach as occasion permitted 
until the winter of 1875-76, when his efforts were rewarded 
by a revival and the organization of a society on the 19th 
of February, 1876, with 17 members. Among these were 
Henry Hoyt and wife, Charles L. Cheeseman and wife, and 
John Freeland and wife. Charles L. Cheeseman was made 
Deacon and Clerk. Henry Hoyt, Washington Morton, and 
William Potter, Trustees ; and William Morton, James M. 
Cheeseman, Wilson Wyckoff, and William Blair, Build- 
ing Committee, and a church commenced, which it is ex- 
pected to complete during the coming year. The society 
now numbers 33 members. 

THE WESLEYAN METHODIST CHURCH. 

In 1860, a Wesleyan Methodist class was formed in 
Greenwood, on " Danby Hill," through the efforts of Alvah 
Richards, a leading member, and for years a licensed 
preacher. This class was formed under the preaching of 
Rev. Daniel Fanton, who was formerly a Methodist Episco- 
pal clergyman. The members were Daniel Fanton and 
wife, Charles Comash and wife, David Fanton and wife, 
and Alvah Richards, who was the first steward, and is the 
only original member yet living. This class has since been 
consolidated with the charge at Jasper, although an organ- 
ized class is still vigorously supported. 

MILITARY RECORD OF GREENWOOD. 

Amey, Dewitt C, 1st sergt., leist N. Y. Vols., Co. H; enl. Aug. 22, 1862, three 

years; pro. to sergt., Oct. 27, l.Sf)2; to let sergt., Aug. 1,1864. 
Trobridge, George W., private, 80th N. Y. Vols.; oiil. Aug. 1861, three years; 

re-enl.Dec. 3(1, 18C3, for three years; killed in battle of the Wilderness. 
Humiston, Elrude L., private, 6th H. Art.; enl. Jan. 4, 1864, three years. 
Eeimaun, Valentine, sergt., 141st N. Y. Vols., Co. H; enl. Aug. 22, 1862, three 

years. 
Knight, Warren S., corp., leist N. Y. Vols., Co. H ; enl Aug. 20, 1862, three 

years; pro. to Corp. in 1863. 
Crone, Franklin B., Corp., 141st N. V. Vols. ; enl. Aug. 22, 1862, three years ; pro. 

to Corp., June 1, 1864. 
Richey, Alpheus H., private, 86th N. Y. Vols.; enl. Aug. 1861, three years; re- 

enl. Dec. 30, 1863, for tbree years. 



39 



306 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



West, Chaancey A.,recrait;* enl. Sept. 19, 1864, one year; discb. Nov. 30,1864. 
Barnes, Levi, corp., leut N. Y. Vols., Co. H ; enl. Aug. 20, 1862, three years ; pro. 

to Corp., Aug. 1, 1863. 
Stephens, Lee, private, 189th N. Y. Vols. ; enl. Oct. 18, 1864, one year. 
Clark, John, private, IGlst N. Y. Vols., Co. H ; enl. Aug. 20, 1862, three years. 
Donaldson, Wm., priv., IClst N. Y. Vols., Co. E; enl. Feb. 19, 1864, three years. 
Merrit, Rinaldo S., private, 161st N. T. Vols., Co. H ; enl. Aug. 22, 1862, three 

years. 
HoyI, Justice G., priv.,14l8t N. Y. Vols., Co. H; enl. Aug. 10, 1862, three years. 
King, Leonard C, private, I61st N. Y. Vols., Co. H ; enl. Jan. 4, '64, three years. 
Storm, Wra. H., private;* enl. Jan. I, 1864, three years; disch. April, 1S64. 
Tyler, John B., priv., 161st N. Y. Vols., Co. H; enl. Aug. 20, 1862, three years. 
Conrad, Ezra, private, 141st N. Y. Vols. ; enl. Aug. 20, 1862, three years. 
Stephens, Brace \V., musician, 16lst N. Y. Vols., Co. H ; enl. Aug. 20, 1862, three 

years ; was a prisoner of war in Tyler, Texas. 
Norton, Charles H., private, 107th N. Y. Vols., Co. K-; enl. July 31, 1862, three 

years, 
Norton, Wm. T., Corp., 161st N. Y. Vols., Co. H ; enl. Aug. 20. 1802, three years ; 
pro. to Corp., Aug. 1, 1864; wounded at the battle of Sabine Cross-Roads, 
La., April 8, 1864. 
Norton, George R., private, 107th Regt. ; enl. July, 1862, three years. 
Norton, Edgar W., private, 5tli H. Art. ; enl. Jan. 1864, three years. 
Hush, William, private, 107th Regt.; enl. July, 1862, three years. 
Todd, John, private, 23d N. Y. Vols.; enl. 1861, two years. 
Aldin, Daniel T., private, 86lh N. Y. Vols.; enl. Aug. 1861, three years; served 

term and re-enlisted for three years. 
Ketchum, Robert, private, 86th N. Y. Vols.; enl. Aug. 1861, three years. 
Knight, Alonzo, private, 86th N. Y. Vols. ; enl. Aug. 1861, three years; wounded 

at the battle of the Wilderness, and since died. 
Tapping, George, private, 86lh N. Y. Vols.; enl. Aug. 1861, three years; died 

in service. 
Raaco, Wellington, private, 86th N. Y. Vols. ; enl. Aug. 1861, three ye,ars ; disch. 

before term of service expired. 
Kellogg, Silas, private, 86th N. Y. Vols., fk>. B; enl. Sept. 7, 1861, three years; 

disch. before exp. of term of service on account of disability. 
Michels, James, private, 5th H. Art. ; enl. Doc. 1863, three years. 
Dexter, Wheeler 0., private, 16th H. Art.; enl. Jan. 4, 1864, three years. 
Burger, Timothy, private ;* enl. Dec. 1863, three years ; died in the service. 
Smith, Johili H., private;* enl. Dec. 1863, three years; died in the service. 
King, Charles L., private, 16lh H. Art. ; enl. Dec. 1863, three years. 
Bell, Joseph S., Jr., private, 16th H. Art. ; enl. Dec. 1863, three years ; died in 

the service. 
Hush, Wm., Jr., private ;* enl. Dec. 1863, three years. 
McGraw, Aaron, private ;» enl. Dec. 1863, three years ; disch. before going to the 

front. 
Wand, Samuel, private, lelst Regt., Co. B ; enl. Dec. 1863, three years. 
Clark, Thaddeus B., private, 5th H. Art.; enl. Dec. 1863, three years. 
Sheldon, Gilbert W , priv., 1st Mtd. Rifles, Co. I ; enl. Dec. 28, 1863, three years. 
Baker, Meldin, private;* enl. Dec. 1863, three years. 
Freeland, Thomas, private, Ulst N. Y. Vols., Co. H ; enl. Aug. 22, 1862, three 

years; disch. on account of wounds. 
Reynolds, Normon, private, S61h N. Y. Vols., Co. B; enl. Ang, 1861, three years ; 

served full term and re-enlisted. 
Younglove, Wm. A., recruit;* enl. March, 1864, three years. 
Faling, Jacob W., recruit;* enl. July, 1864, one year. 
Ternyburry, Miner, recruit ;* enl. July, 1864, one year. 
Strait, James, recruit;* enl. July, 1864, one year. 
Olmsted, Mortimer A., recruit ;* enl. July, 1864, one year. 
Norton, Washington, recruit, 189th N. Y. Vols., Co. I ; enl. Sept. 10, 1864, one 

year. 
Ingley, Henry, recruit;* enl. July, 1864, one year. 
Faling, Lencious J,, recruit ;* enl. July, 1864, one year. 
Erskin, John, recruit ;• enl. July, 1864, one year. 
Saxton, John, recruit ;* enl. July, 1864, one year. 
Savery, Edwin T., recruit ;* enl. July, 1864, one year. 
Hilborn, Andrew R., recruit ;* enl. July, 1864, one year. 
Bell, Sylvester, recruit ;* enl. July, 1864, one year. 
Baker, James, recruit ;* enl. July, 1864, one year. 
Austen, Derance, recruit ;« enl. July, 1804, one year. 
Stephens, Caasius M. Clay, recruit;* enl. July, 1864, one year. 
Ingraham, David A., recruit ;* enl. July, 1864, one year. 
Bunker, Oscar, recruit, 189th N. Y. Vols., Co, V ; enl. Sept. 18, 1864, one year 
Bunker, G.W., recruit, 189th N. Y. Vols., Co, F; enl. Sept. 16, 1864, one year. 
Sherwood, Henry, recruit;* enl. July, 1864, one year. 
Brush, John, recruit;* enl. July, 1864, one year. 
Cassidy, William, recruit;* enl. July, 1864, one year. 
Thormon, John R. D., recruit ;* enl. July, 1864, one year. 
Savage, William, recruit;* enl. July, 1864, one year. 
Mattison, Samuel, private, leist N. Y. Vols., Co. E; enl. Aug. 22, 1862, three 

years; disch. on account of disability, Jan. 25, 1864. 
Krusen, James P., private, 189th Regt., Co. F; enl. Sept. 22, 1864, one year 
White, Philo A., priv., 14l6t N. y. Vols., Co. H ; enl. Sept. 10, 1862, three years. 
Mattison, Geo. Gilbert, private, Ulst N. Y. Inf., Co. H ; enl. Aug. 22, 1862, three 
years ; disch. on account of disability, July 20, 1866. 



* No record of company or regiment. 



Jeffers, George W., private, Ulst N. Y. Vols., Co. H ; enl. Aug. 22, 1862, three 
years; wounded at the battle of Resaca, Ga., May 16, 1864, and died of 
wounil. May 18, 1804. 

Nearing, Addison Oscar, private, 8Cth N. Y. Vols.; enl. Sept. 1861, three years; 
died at Falmouth, Va., of disease, Dec. 8, 1862, and buried at that place. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



HON. ALEXANDER II. STEI'IIENS 
was born in Canisteo, Sept. 8, 1801. He is a son of Col. 
John Stephens, and a grandson of Uriah Stephens, the 
first settler of the Cani,steo Valley, 178!). His mother was 
Olive Franklin, a native of IMiddlebury, Conn. She was 
taken prisoner at Wyoming, by the Indians, and kept eight 
days. Her mother, taken at the same time, was killed, and 
left in the wilderness. 




Col. John Stephens and his family settled in Canisteo in 
1790, he having visited the valley the year previous. Their 
children are Mrs. Ezra Stephens, Franklin, Uriah, Phineas, 
Elias, John H., Alexander H., Frederick, Daniel, and Mrs. 
Dr. Olin. Colonel Stephens, with his family, came to 
Greenwood in April, 1825, built the first grist- and saw- 
mill in Greenwood ; the grist-mill being subsequently re- 
built by his son, Alexander IT., the subject of this notice, 
and finally disposed of by him about 1863. The family of 
Col. Stephens were among the earliest pioneers of the town. 
He died March 19, 1837. His wife died Nov. 6, 1848. 

Mr. Alexander H. Stephens received a good common- 
school education for the days of log school-houses. He 
was married Jan. 20, 1829, to Mary May, daughter of 
Levi and Mary Davis. Her parents settled in Greenwood 
at the same time as did Col. Stephens. She was born in 
1810. After his marriage Mr. Stephens began life for him- 
self, clearing the forest, and preparing the land for cultiva 
tion, and carrying on the grist-mUl. He cleared the most 



TOWN OF GREENWOOD. 



307 



of the one hundred and fifty acres of hind received from 
his father, and made the first chopping in the town of 
Greenwood, and continued in the milling business until the 
sale of the mill, in 1863. He also erected the first framed 
house built in the town. 

Mr. Stephens, in middle life, was a quite active exponent 
of the principles of the Democratic party, and for seven 
years represented his town on the Board of Supervisors, 
and held various other town ofiices, and in 1848 repre- 
sented his Assembly district in the Legislature of the State. 

During that year, while at Albany, being handed a copy 
of "Noah's Weekly Messenger," he subscribed for it, and 
has read it for thirty years past. He and his wife were 



among the organizers of the Universalist Church at Green- 
wood, and were members of the same until her death, Sept. 
9, 1866. The former is still an attendant upon its service. 
Mr. Stephens has lived to see fine edifices supplant the 
log cabin, villages grace the valleys of the county, and the 
original forest give place to fine agricultural fields. He is 
a man of sterling qualities, and endowed with the charac- 
teristics of perseverance, independence of thought and ac- 
tion, promptness in all business matters, prudence, and good 
judgment. Their children are Redmond D., of Iowa, Mrs. 
Joseph B. Woodbury, Mrs. William G. Porter, of Green- 
wood (living), and Mrs. Amos W. Crandall, and Merritt A. 
(deceased). 




e^^ J^^^ 



ASA H. STEPHENS 
was born in the town of Canisteo, March 14, 1820. He 
was the son of Ezra Stephens and grandson of Col. John 
Stephens, who was the son of Uriah Stephens, the first 
settler of the Canisteo Valley, — 1789. He spent his mi- 
nority on the farm at home, in the town of Greenwood, 
where his father settled when it was a wilderness tract of 
land, the same farm now being in possession of the family. 
In 1844, July 31, he married Charlotte, daughter of 



■L/I\jl 



Randall and Nancy Pease, of Greenwood. Her parents 
removed from Dryden, Tompkins Co., in June, 1826, and 
settled in the town of Greenwood, where she was born, in 
August following ; and hence the Pesse family were among 
the earliest settlers of the town. His father, Ezra Ste- 
phens, died in Canisteo, about 1851, and his mother died 
about 1845, in Greenwood. 

After his marriage, Mr. Stephens settled on the home- 
stead, a part of which he had purchased from his brother, 



308 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Andrew R. Stephens, and remained on the same farm during 
the remainder of his life. He made many improvements 
on the farm, erected elaborate farm-buildings, and was, in 
fact, a representative agriculturist of the town. He was a 
thrifty, active, and enterprising farmer, a man of good ex- 
ecutive ability, and of excellent judgment in business mat- 
ters. Characteristic of Mr. Stephens, as well as of his 
ancestors, was his fondness for hunting, and very much of 
his pastime was spent in pursuit of the wild game so nu- 
merous among the hills and valleys of this part of the 
county, — in his day being mostly deer and foxes. He, 
however, killed one bear. 

He was always interested in local matters, and was iden- 
tified with the Democratic party, as a member of which he 
held various town offices. 

He and his wife were members of the Universalist 
Church at Greenwood, and supporters of that and kindred 
interests. 

Their children are Randall P., who married Flavilla 
Porter, of Greenwood. Rozeltha (Mrs. David Panshall, de- 
ceased), Viola V. (Mrs. Marcus Todd), Charlotte (Mrs. 
George Woodward), Olive, and Mary. 

For many years prior to his death he was quite an exten- 
sive dealer in cattle and sheep, buying in Steuben and ad- 
joining counties and marketing in the East and New York ; 
and in this business, as in everything he undertook, he was 
successful. 

He died, Nov. 4, 18G6, at Unionville, Dutchess Co., — 
where he had gone to dispose of a large drove of cattle 
which he had purchased at home, — and his remains were 
brought back to Greenwood Cemetery, at Greenwood, Steu- 
ben Co., for interment. 



LKVI DAVLS 



was born in Oxford, iMass., Jan. 8, 1782. Was a lineal 
descendant of the sixth generation from an ancestor who 
emigrated from Wales. He married Mary Spurr, a native 
of Canton, Mass., born Aug. 11, 1782. While a resident 
of Ma.ssachusetts he carried on farming in Charlestown. 
The children born them were Redmond S., now a res- 
ident of Greenwood, George, who died at the age of four 
years, and Mrs. Alexander H. Stephens, for many years a 
resident of Greenwood, who died in Septenjber, ISGU. 

In 1815, the family removed to Columbus, Chenango 
Co., N. Y., and remained one year, thence to Dryden, 
Tompkins Co., where they resided till 1825, and then came 
to Greenwood (then Troupsburgh), this county, and settled, 
building a log house on the present site of the Ward 
Hotel. The incidents of a pioneer life — settling in the 
wilderness, the necessary economy to support a family, the 
struggles with poverty and privation in a new country — 
were all met by this family. His first purchase was 14-1 
acres of land, to which he made additions subsequently of 
several hundred acres, and during his life had in his pos- 
session considerable real estate. He was an industrious, 



thorough-going business man, and passessed characteristic 
integrity in all his business relations. He was interested 
in the improvements of the town, and in all local matters. 
He was the first to e.stablish trade at Greenwood, and com- 
menced in a small way to supply the settlers with the 





necessaries of life, and from the time of his first settlement 
here until the present time a mercantile business has been 
carried on by the Davis family, it now being in the name 
of John Davis & Co. 

The other children are Levi, born in Columbus, Che- 
nango Co., N. Y., and John Davis, born in the town of 
Dryden, Tompkins Co. He also, from the time of his 
settlement, for many years kept a public-house in the log 
house first built when he settled hero, and some forty years 
ago built the Ward Hou.se as it now is, except the third 
story. Ho was also engaged for some thirty years, more 
or less, in the lumber business. In politics lie was a Whig, 
and was the first supervisor of the town of Greenwood 
after its erection, and held the office some two years sub- 
sequently. He was the first postma.st.er at Greenwood, and 
officiated in that capacity some twenty-five years following 
the establishment of the office. 

His wife was known as a woman of great sympathy for 
the needy ; was truly a helpmeet, fulfilling all the duties 
pertaining to a wife and mother, and did her part well, 
training her children in all that makes true manhood and 
womanhood. She died July 9, 1854, remembered for her 
many virtues. He survived her nine years, and died July 
9, 1863. 



HAETSVILLE. 



QENKRAL DESCRIPTION. 

HTartsville lies on the west border of the county, 
south of the centre, and was erected from Hornellsville, 
Feb. 7, 1844. The surface is a hilly upland, broken by 
several deep valleys. The valley of Bennett's Creek ex- 
tends along the east border of the town, while Purdy Creek 
flows east through the north part, their valley.s being bor- 
dered by steep hills from four to six hundred feet high. 
The soil is productive, being for the most part a shaly and 
clayey loam. 

EARLY SETTLEMENT. 

Joseph Purdy, a native of Ireland, and for some years a 
prominent citizen of Steuben County, was the first actual 
settler in the town of Hartsville. In the year 1810 he 
moved up the creek which bears his name, and settled in 
the northwest corner of the present town, occupying a par- 
tially-completed cabin, which had been commenced and 
abandoned by a Mr. Brookins the year before. He was 
the sole occupant of the town until 1819, when Jesse, 
father of Silas Palmeter, a native of Madison County, 
Perry Potter, and his brother Andrew, and William D. 
Burdick, who was a boy of seventeen, and lived with Mr. 
Potter, .settled on the ridge near the head of Crosby Creek, 
in the northwest part of the town. William D. Burdick 
" booked," that is, had fifty acres reserved on the books at 
the land-office for his purchase, when of age, but soon aOcr 
traded to his brother, who lived over the line in Allegany 
County, for an old watch. 

Daniel P. Carpenter came from Orange C'ouiily with an 
ox-team, in the summer of 1822, and settled on the 
Vickers place, half a mile below Hartsville Centre, moving 
into an unfinished log house, that had been built in the 
deep woods, which almost closed together above its roof. 
Their only neighbor was Mr. Purdy, two and a hall' miles 
down the creek. In October, Fiaiil; I'cjwrll, liitlier of II. 
F. Powell, came from Dutcliess County, and located below, 
near the cemetery, living in the old Brookins cabin while 
building. Mr. Powell was grandfather of Nathaniel and 
Elisha Purdy. 

This valley was a famous hunting-ground, deer gathering 
in numbers to feed upon the mosses which clung to the 
trees in the shady valley. Fearful stories were related by 
the hunters of the Canisteo Valley, to di.ssuade people from 
settling here and spoiling their favorite hunting-ground. 

On the flat, near Hartsville Centre, were found many 
bent poles, which had been u.sed by the Indians in their 
camps, and the early pioneers plowed up mortars and other 
implements about the old cornfield, which was abandoned 
by the Indians when the white men came into the valley 
There were several of these cornfields along Purdy's Creek, 



and a large apple-tree stood for some years, below the Purdy 
place. 

While Mr. Purdy lived in the Brookins house, a fright- 
ened deer, chased by wolves, sought refuge in the house, 
and was killed by the family, at a time when they were in 
such want of provisions that Mrs. Purdy, who was a pious 
lady, considered it a special dispensation of Providence. 

A young man came over the hills from Allegany County 
at an early day, and discovering a deer-lick near the head of 
Purdy Creek, went down to the Canisteo, found the num- 
bers of the land, and continued on to Bath, in great glee, 
to enter the land on which to locate a salt-work. He was 
under age, but received a " booking," which reserved the 
land from entry until he should be old enough to purchase. 
Returning to Canisteo, he borrowed a kettle, and with ket- 
tle, axe, gun, and tinder, returned to the spring and boiled 
industriou.sly for several days, but obtaining no salt, left in 
disgust. This place, known as the Birch lick, was a famous 
place to watch for deer, which were shot in the night as 
they came to drink. Gravel was scattered where they would 
rattle when stepped upon, a gun was sighted where the deer 
was supposed to stand while drinking, supports were fixed 
under it, and the patient hunter lay in ambush with his 
gun "set," awaiting the time when the exciting rattle of 
the gravel should signal him to fire the gun, after which the 
deer was almost certain to be found. Later, when in the 
darkness an ox was shot, this risky sport was abandoned 
for the more laborious trail, where they would be shot while 
crossing at some favorite point from one hill to another. 

In 1823, William Hudson and John Granger located 
below Mr. Carpenter, on the creek. Robert G. Martin set- 
tled on the present fine farm of Richard F. Allison, and 
was married to Mary A. Gleason, a member of Mr. Powell's 
family, in December of 1823. This, the first wedding in 
the town, was quite an affair, and was attended by the en- 
tire population of the valley, consisting of Mr. Hudson and 
wife, Mr. J. M:irtin and wife, D. P. Carpenter and wife, 
John Granger and wife, Mary Carpenter, and Susan Nichols. 
Mr. and Mrs. Hudson stood up with the happy couple. 
The ceremony was performed at one o'clock, after which 
the party sat down to a hearty dinner of baked beans and 
sausage, and a jovial time was had until it was time to 
wade back home through the deep snow to do the chores. 
It was not considered safe to leave a house alone a great 
while then, lest the wooden chimney should take fire, as 
was a common occurrence when at home. 

Sarah Ann, daughter of Daniel P. Carpenter, was the 
first white child born in the town, her birth occurring in 
January, 1823. The first death was that of Charlotte, 
daughter of Ebenezer Martin, in 1823. In 1824, Joseph 
Thompson moved on to the abandoned place of Mr. Hud- 

309 



310 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



son, and Joseph Hood, of Yates County, father of U. D. 
Hood, of Corning, finished a log house, which had been 
partially built and abandoned, on the site of the present 
village near the bridge. James Thomp.son came in 1824. 
Mrs. Thompson was a cousin of Mrs. Carpenter, both 
families coming from Orange County. 

In 1828, James Howell and John Martin joined the 
settlement. In 1825, William Allison, father of Richard 
F. Allison, of Hartsville, and Slortimer, Lawrence, Isaac, 
and Oscar Allison, of Canisteo, a native of Orange County, 
moved from Horsehcads and settled north of Mr. Carpenter, 
who shared his house with him until he could build. This 
was a common hospitality among the early settlers. Casper 
Van Buskirk built a log liou.se near by and moved in the 
next spring. The country bad become so settled at this 
time that Mr. Carpenter ventured to bring in some goods 
and open a store, the first in the town, at bis residence. A 
log school-bouse was built on his land the same season, and 
Z. A. Purdy, daughter of Joseph Purdy, taught the first 
school in the town. In 1827, Mr. Carpenter built the first 
saw-mill in the town, on his place. Daniel P. Carpenter 
was one of the most prominent men of his time, and did 
much to advance the settlement of his town. He became 
interested in the land-office, and, in connection with his 
other business, conducted an ashery for some years. Be- 
fore the organization of the town of Hartsville, the first 
election for this part of the old town of Hornellsville was 
held at his house. The men came on horseback to vote, 
and all the women iu the neighborhood came to assist in 
cooking their dinner, wliich was a free lunch on a grand 
scale ; roast pig forming the central attraction, around which 
revolved numerous wholesome dishes, with a profusion of 
pumpkin-pie, piled high on plates, for dessert. Twenty 
guests came from Hornellsville, and numerous others from 
Almond. On removing the plates many silver coins were 
found by the girls, where tliey had been deposited by the 
grateful guests. Elections were held seven years at Mr. 
Carpenter's. 

Robert G. Martin built a mill where 11. F. Allison's 
mill stands, in 1832. Wm. Allison built another soon 
after; Mr. Whiting built one two miles above, Asher and 
Whiting between, and near the bridge a stave- and shingle- 
mill was built. All were running until about 1855, when 
the stock of timber began to give out, and the clearing 
made the .season for running water-mills much shorter by 
drying up the streams. R. P. Allison put up the first 
steam-power in the town. 

John Hood, an officer in the war of 1812, came from 
Bellona, Yates Co., in 1826, and .settled on the hill near 
the Allison place. Soon after be organized a company of 
militia under Col. Amasa Thatcher, and was made captain. 
Nathan Williams was lieutenant, Oliver Coon, ensign ; and 
Ferris Clawson, first sergeant. Joseph Lawson, Henry 
and Adam Acker, Silas Palmeter, Wm. Allison, Robert 
Martin, Hiram and George Powell, Eli.sha and Perry Potter, 
were members of the company, which used to assemble at 
Carpenter's to train. Charles N. Hart, who gave his name 
to the town, James Clawson, Benjamin S. and John Van 
Buskirk, and William Allison, were the leading business 
men of the town. After the lumbering ceased, farming re- 



ceived more general attention, and dairying became a lead- 
ing industry. 

The principal cheese-factory, on Purdy Creek, has manu- 
factured upwards of $10,000 worth of fine cheese during 
the past season, and another large factory is in successful 
operation in the northwestern part of the town. 

When Jacob Vickers came to Hart.sville in 1855 there 
was no store in the town. An eflbrt was made several 
times, but the country was not sufficiently developed to 
support a local store until 1868, when J. D. Russell began 
the present business, which has been continued by Mr. 
Vickers. 

Joseph Henry opened the Centre House, in Hartsville, 
in 1851. The business was first located at the present 
cheese-factory, a mile above the present village, and was 
changed to the present locality in 1858. The post-office 
was first at Charles N. Hart's residence, between Hartsville 
Centre and Canisteo. The land is all taken from the land- 
office. The last lot near Hartsville Centre was sold for 75. 
cents per acre at private sale. 

On the hill in the southwest part of the town, Simeon 
Baker settled with his three sons, James, Ephraim, and 
Simeon, Jr. Robert Hemphill, a native of New Hampshire, 
settled on the top of the dividing ridge east of Hartsville 
Centre, the highest land in the north part of the town, in 
1835, where his son, George W. Hemphill, now resides. 
Benjamin and David Cook were early settlers on this ridge 
toward the valley east, where they went to have their bread 
baked by the Carpenter girls while clearing their farms and 
erecting their cabins. Oliver, Jonathan, and Solomon Pet- 
tibone settled near the Hemphill place in 1832. Mrs. 
Isaac Burdick, Jr., came from Allegany County, in 1826. 
Hiram P. Burdick, the present pastor of the Seventh-Day 
Church, and popular temperance worker, then a lad of ten 
years, was the oldest of her family. William D. Burdick 
was a brother of Mrs. Isaac Burdick, Jr., and married a 
sister of Isaac Burdick, Jr. 

From the high land to the west of Mr. Hemphill's may 
be seen a fine scope of country to the west. Just off' the 
highest ridge is the Seventh-Day Baptist church, and a 
few rods below is the residence of Rev. H. P. Burdick, the 
well-known temperance worker, and one of the leading men 
of that part of the county, who says, with pride, that Harts- 
ville has never granted a license to sell strong drink. Just 
beyond, is the oldest cheese-factory in the town. To the 
east, a point of high land extends northward like a gigantic 
wall, while to the north the view extends to Fremont and 
the bills about Bath. To the west, across the deep, narrow 
valley which beads near by, Lewis Clark, father of the pres- 
ent Lewis Clark, built his pioneer cabin and rai.sed his 
family. Near by, the land slopes smoothly to the north 
for a quarter of a mile, when it descends rapidly into the 
deep, narrow valley of Crosby Creek. A mile below in the 
valley, near the line of Hornellsville, lives Capt. John Hood, 
the oldest of the living pioneers of Hartsville. 

The low, sloping hill-sides on each side of the little 
village of Hartsville Centre are covered with well-tilled 
farms, an occasional sugar-bush intervening, and the vil- 
lage has a quiet, old appearance, which is enhanced by 
the numerous stone fences and an occasional old-fa.shioned 



TOWN OP HARTSVILLE. 



^11 



well-sweep beside some roadside well. The valley holds 
a continuous width of a i(uarter of a mile, and opens above 
the village into a beautiful little flat at the mouth of 
Donaldson Creek. Ascending Purdy Creek nearly south- 
west the hills gradually disappear, until the level of that 
stream is reached near the south line of the town. A road 
to the east ascends Call Hill, so named from Othniel Call, 
the first settler in this part of the town, who came from 
Tompkins County in 1828, and located at the crossing of 
the old road between Greenwood and I'urdy Creek. His 
brothers-in-law, Micah and Francis Kennedy, came the next 
year, and located west of Call. Aaron V., son of Micah 
Kennedy, occupies the old farm, and both the Kennedy 
brothers are still living. Joseph Alma and David Alger 
came next, and settled east, near where Mr. Alma still lives. 
This ridge contains some fine rolling farms, and is generally 
well settled. 

South of this hill, on Slate Creek, — -a stream running east 
half across the town, — Thomas Stout settled in 1832, on 
an abandoned chopping made in 1829. The settlement on 
this creek was first induced by lumbering. Two mills are 
still running on that stream a portion of the year. Daniel 
M. Stephens was an early settler on this stream. 

There are six saw-mills in the town, — three on Furdy 
Creek, two on Slate Creek, and one on Fall Brook. A 
mile above Hartsville Centre is a chee.se-factory, feed-mill, 
and shingle-mill. There are post-offices and trading-points 
near each side of the town, which absorb much of its 
products ; this town also furnishes the main support of two 
cheese-factories in adjoining towns. 

HARTSVILLE CKNTKE. 

This, the principal settlement and business centre, com- 
prises some forty residences, scattered along the valley of 
Purdy Creek, near the centre of the town. Two saw-mills, 
two stores, a fine new Methodist Episcopal church and parson- 
age, school-house, and the usual trades comprise the balance 
of the improvements. Most of the buildings are old, among 
which are scattered later and more modern ones, the finest 
of which are the Methodist Episcopal parsonage and the 
residence of R. F. Allison, one of the leading business men 
of the town. The lumbering of the two mills is confined 
to the few straggling hemlocks, oaks, and scrubby pines 
left as worthless by the lumbermen of thirty years ago. 
Mail is received daily from Canisteo by private conveyances 
according to opportunity, there being no contract for its 
regular carriage. 

ORGANIZATION. 

The town of Hartsville was formed from the southern 
part of Hornellsville, comprised in township No. 3, on 
Feb. 7, 1844, and named Hartsville, in honor of Charles N. 
Hart, one of the loading men of the town. A town-meet- 
ing was called at the house of Erastus S. Beard, on the 
first Tuesday in March of that year, and the poll opened 
by Christopher C. Purdy, Sidney Frisby, and Calvin Withy.' 
The ofiicers there elected were Charles N. Hart, Supervisor ; 
Erastus S. Beard, Town Clerk ; James Beard, Jonathan Pet- 
tibone, Elizur Sage, A.ssessors ; Silas Palminter, Jonathan B. 
Purdy, Reuben W. Millard, Henry Acker, Justices of the 
Peace ; Israel Adams, Edmoud Cook, Levi C. Henry, Com- 



missioners of Highways ; David S. Whiting, Russell Ami- 
don, Overseers of the Poor ; Silas Palminter, Superintendent 
of Schools; John Van Buskirk, Collector; Robert Hemp- 
hill, Calvin Withey, Inspectors of Election ; Samuel H. 
Burdick, Barney Hinckley, Chester F. Whiting, Con- 
stables ; Casper Buskirk, Sealer of Weights and Measures ; 
William Allison, David S. Whiting, Uriah F. Stephens, 
Oliver Peltibone, Nathan Neff, Peter Hinckley, Elisha 
Potter, David Call, Reuben IT. Millard, Burton H. Saun- 
ders, Ebenezer Martin, Benjamin Hall, Silas Tolls, David 
Alger, John Holt, and Shubad S. Fenton were elected 
Pathmasters. 

LIST OF TOWN OPFICER.S. 



1844. 
1845. 
1846. 
1847. 
1348. 
1849. 

1850. 
1S51. 
1852. 
1853. 
1854. 
1855. 
1856. 
1857. 
1858. 
1859. 
1860. 
1861. 
1862. 
1863. 
1864. 

1865. 
1866. 
1867. 
1868. 
1869. 
1870. 
1871. 
1872. 
1873. 
1874. 
1875. 
1876. 
1877. 
1878. 



1S44. 



1845. 
1846. 
1847. 
1848. 
1849. 
1850. 
1851. 
1852. 
1853. 
1854. 

1855. 



Supervisors. 
Charles N. Hart. 

James Beard. 

a it 

Edmund Cook. 



Town Clfiks. Collectors. 

Ei-!istus P. Beard. John Van Buskirk. 

Sidney Frisbcy. Barney Hinckley. 

Richard F. Allison. Kingsley Amidon. 

Michael A. Howell. Barney Hinckley. 

" " James W. Corbitt. 



Erastus Beard. 

Francis Kennedy.* Joseph Henry. 

" " Sidney Frisbcy. 

James Beard. " " 



Edmund Cook. 
James Beard. 
C. C. Purdy. 
James M. Cook. 



F. n. Reynolds. 
Jonas Goodno. 
Jacob H. Stryker. 



Shepherd Amidon. " " 

Richard F. Allison. Sidney Frishey. 



Samuel Woolever. 
Aaron V. Kennedy. 
James Moore. 



John A. Farnham. 

James M. Henry. 

ti it 

Micah Kennedy. 

a a 

Allen C. Henry. 
Tisdale A. PuBer. 



" " A. A. McGraw. " " 

Dennis McGraw. 

« " Deforest Crane. William Hamilton. 

" " Dennis McGraw. " " 

Silas Palmer. Jacob H. Stryker. Samuel Woolever. 

Richard F. Allison. Henry L. Farnham. Alanson W. Almey. 

Lyman A. Cook. Joseph Vickers. A. W. Almey. 

*i ** '• " Dura Martin. 

Wesley Langs. 

John A. Farnham. 
Cas. M. C. Stephens 
M. S. Amidon. 
Langford Whiti'ord. 
Levi 0. Henry. 



R. F. Allison. 

H It 

James A. Almey. 
Joseph Vickers. 

James B. Hcndee. 



J. H. Stryker. 
II it 

Albert Amidon. 

Jacob H. Stryker. 
t> it 

Jonas Goodno. 



Langford Whitford. George R. Corbett. AV. W. Langs. 



JUSTICES OF 

Silas Palmeter. 
Jonathan B. Purdy. 
Reuben W. Millard. 
Henry Acker. 
Reuben W. Millard. 
Jonathan B. Purdy. 
David S. Whiting. 
Silas Palmeter. 
Christopher C. Purdy. 
Luther King. 
Reuben Millard. 
Jonas Goodno. 
Robert Hemphill. 
Luther King. 
C. C. Purdy (v.). 
C. C. Purdy. 



THE PEACE. 

1856. Shepherd Amidon. 

1857. Robert Hemphill. 

1858. Luther King. 

1859. C. C. Purdy. 
Jonas Goodno, 

1860. Shepherd Amidon. 

1861. Silas Palmeter. 

1862. S. C. Watkins. 

1863. James M. Henry. 

1864. M. A. Cass. 

1865. Silas Palmeter. 
P. D. Hinckley. 
William Gay. 

1866. W. W. Wither. 

1867. Phileman Tuller. 
Barney Hinckley. 



•Special meeting to Hll vacancy. 



312 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



1868. Charles R. Amidon. 
James M. Henry. 

1869. George R. Corbetl. 

1870. Willi.im W. Willier. 

1871. .T.imes M. Henry. 

1872. James M. Henry. 



187i?. Silas Palnieter. 

1874. William K. Thatcher. 

1875. Charles S. Jenkins. 

1876. James M. Henry. 

1877. John R. Hemphill. 

1878. William K. Thatcher. 



CHURCHES. 
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF HAllTSNII.I.E. 

At a meeting held at the house of H. Caiiiwell, on Sat- 
urday before the second Sunday in November, 1838, a 
society was formed with ten members. Their names were 
Nathan Noff, Ebenezer Martin and wife, Sarah W. Turner, 
Rhoda Martin, Hannah Ncff, Rachel Tolls, Hiram Carn- 
well and wife, Robert, Hemphill. Rev. R. Clark was the 
first pastor, under whose preaching this class was formed. 
Early preaching was held in the house of F. Kennedy and 
the Carpenter school-house. Solomon Pettibone was made 
the first Deacon, and Robert Hemphill, Clerk. Pastors: 
Revs. R. Clark, Hiram Carnwell, 0. B. Call, C. G. Smith, 
Washington L. Cook, H. A. Rose, Rev. Mr. Clark, James 
Babcock, Roswell Corbett, Allen C. Henry, and C. K. 
Bunnell, present pastor. OflBcers : Joseph W. Henry, Dea- 
cori ; P. M. Phelps, Clerk. There are 30 members, among 
whom are Mrs. Angeline Martin, who with her husband, 
Ebenezer Martin, joined the society at its organization. 

Deacons: 1847, Jonathan Truman ; 1857, George Hood, 
Lyman Lewis, Thomas Bordeau, Alonzo Woodard. 

Liccn.sed : 1847, Hiram P. Burdick. 

Ordained: 1848, H. P. Burdick, William C. Kenyon, 
President of Alfred College, Darwin Maxon, D. K. Davis, 
W. M. Babcock. 

Present membership, 130. Clerk, H. G. Pope. 

METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH. 

Rev. James Hemingway formed the first IMethodist 
Episcopal Church in Hartsville in June, 1825. The first 
meetings were held in the house of Daniel B. Carpenter ; 
John Hood was the first class-leader. Among tlic first 
members were Hiram Cornell and wife, Louis Clark and 
wife, Robert D. Martin and wife, Mary, wife of John 
Martin, Mary Carpenter, Amos Babcock, Noah Dunbar 
and wife. The first stewards were Robert Martin and 
Lewis Clark. The first Methodist Episcopal Church edi- 
fice was built by Eli Woodrufi", John Acker, Joseph 
Vickers, Charles Dutcher, and John Eels, Trustees, at an 
expense of 13400, and dedicated March 19, 1870, by Rev. 
B. I. Ives. The present membership is 67. Pastors : 
1825, J. Hemingway; 1826, Eleazer Dewey; 1827, Rev. 
Mr. Kurzort; 1828-29, Rev. Mr. Buell ; 1830-36, Rev. 
Mr. Filmore, John Shaw, John Vaughn, Nathan Fel- 
lows, C. Storey, Jesse Bacon, Rev. Mr. Kinney ; 1837, 
S. Nichols; 1853, R. M. Beach; 1854-55, W. A. Bron- 
son; 1856-57, Chandler Wheeler; 1858, L.L.Rogers; 
1860, J. J. Turton ; 1862, S. H. Aldrich ; 1863-64, Isaac 
Everett; 1865, N. N. Beers; 1866, Wesley Cochran; 
1867, W. W. Colvin ; 1868, F. D. Blakeslee ; 1869, S. M. 
Dayton, Henry Goodwin; 1870, J. H. Blades; 1871-72, 
James Landreth ; 1873, C. E. Milspaugh; 1874, E. D. 
Graham; 1875-76, Maj. J. Robins; 1877, Andrew Purdy; 
1878, J. J. Dayton. Rev. E. Dewy, who married a daugh- 



ter of Daniel B. Carpenter, died at this place in 1867. 
John Hood, Oliver Pettibone, Jacob Stryker, John 
Hopper, and the present incumbent, Joseph Vickers, have 
been class-leaders. Daniel Reed, Recording Steward ; W. 
S. Parish, Eli Woodworth, E. K. Powell, Milo Hayze, 
Charles Hayze, Samuel J. Zeliff, Stewards; Eli Wood- 
worth, Jacob Vickers, D. Reed, J Vickers, W. S. Parish, 
Trustees. A fine new parsonage has been built, adjoining 
the cluiich. 

THE SEVE.NTH-DAY BAPTIST CHURCH OP HARTSYILLE. 

In the year 1836, Hiram P. Burdick, then a boy of six- 
teen, started a Sabbath-school near his present residence, 
attending the old church in Allegany County, getting the 
lesson there and rehearsing it to his little class at home. 
His library consisted of a Bible, spelling-book. Pike's 
arithmetic, and a Columbian reader. Afterward, he hoed 
potatoes two days for seventy-five cents, and bought " Barnes' 
Notes on Matthew and Mark." Out of this first effort grew 
the organization of the church in the town of Hartsville, 
the same year, with 33 members, many of whom were already 
members of the church just over the county line, in Alle- 
gany County. Among the first members were Mrs. Betsey 
Burdick, Hiram P. Burdick, Eiisha Potter and wife, Silas 
Palmeter and wife, Jlrs. Harriet Pettibone, and William D. 
Burdick and wife. This society continued to be a branch 
of the Allegany Church until 1847. At a meeting called, of 
which George Hood was chairman, but one vote was cast 
in favor of building the church, two for the present site, and 
30 for H. P. Burdick as soliciting committee. With the 
assistance of Miss Eliza Potter, $1300 were raised by sub- 
scription the next day, and the church was completed the 
next year, at an expense of $2800, and dedicated Oct. 1, 
1856, by Rev. Thomas Brown. This was the first church 
built in the town. H. P. Burdick, George Hood, Lewis 
Clark, Schuyler Whitford, and Wm. D. Burdick were build- 
ing committee. Pastore : 1847, Hiram Cornwell ; 1848- 
53, H. P. Burdick ; 1853-54, Darwin Maxon ; 1854-58, 
H. P. Burdick; 1858-61, Wm. C. Kenyon, H. P. Bur- 
dick; 1861-67, H. P. Burdick; 1868, B. F. Rogers; 
1869, Jonathan Allen, president of Alford College ; 1869- 
75, D. K. Davis ; 1875-77, H. P. Burdick ; 1877-78, 
U. M. Babcock; 1878, Ira Lee Cottrell, H. P. Burdick. 

MILITARY RECORD OF HARTSVILLE. 

Harlow Phelps, Co. A, 141st N. Y. Inf. ; en\. Sept. 11, 1862. 

Charles E. Hinckley, wagoner, Co. II, 141st N. Y. Inf.; cnl. Sept. II, 1862. 

John T. Amidon, Co. B, SCth N. Y. Inf. ; cnl. Sept. 10, 1861. 

Denzil Amiilon, Co. B,_80tli N. Y. Inf. ; eul. Sept. in, 1861. 

Alhert Amidon, Co. B,"sCth N. Y. Inf. ; enl. Sept. 10, 1S6I. 

Newman P. Stryker, Co. B,8Gth N. Y. Inf.; cnl. Sept. 13, 1861. 

Oscar Monroe, Co. B.SGth N. Y. Inf. ; cnl. Sept. 13, 1861. 

William II. McCane, Co. B, SOth N. Y. Inf. ; enl. Sept. 13, 1861. 

William Letts, Co. F, S6th N. Y. Inf. ; enl. Oct. 21, 1861. 

Daniel P. McGraw, Co. F, 8Gth N. Y. Inf. ; enl. Oct. 19, 1861 ; re-enl. in ca?alry. 

John Popple, Co. F, SCth N. Y. Inf. ; cnl. Oct. 21, 1861. 

William B.Jenkins. Co. I, ii6lh N. Y. Inf.: enl. Nov. 18, 1861. 

George W. I'arscls, Co. I, 861h N. Y. Inf. ; enl. Oct. 24, 1861. 

Hngh Clark, Co. K, S6th N. Y. Inf.; eul. Sept. 13, 1861. 

Ambrose A. McGraw, Co. K, 86th N. Y. Inf.; enl. Sept. 13, 1861. 

James C. Orvis, Co, K, S6th N. Y. Inf. ; enl. Sept. 13, 1861. 

William K. Orvis, Co. K, 86th N. Y. Inf. ; enl. Sept. 13, 1861. 

George M. Woodworth, Co. K,86th N. Y. Inf. ; enl. Sept. 13, 1861. 

Ephinetus Webb, Co. K, 86th N. Y. Inf. ; enl. Sept. 13, 1861. 

John Ilemi)hill, Rev. J. J. Dayton, George Powell, William Stryker. 

Seymour G. Kyenvault, capt. ; pro. to maj. 

Newman Striker. 




fHOTdS e* EVAKS COffNlWCNf 





'^-i-<:^C-'y-lO'L€-L^ 




/ yi 




^Tm^ .=^^^^^^^ 



DEACON JOHN ST. JOHN, 



son of John, Sr., and Susannah St. John, was born at 
Hiibbardton, Rutland Co., Vt., Sept. 29, 1792. His 
parents were natives of Fairfield Co., Conn., and settled 
in Vermont. The St. Johns are of English origin, and 
John St. John's mother was of French and English descent. 
At the age of seven Mr. St. John commenced living 
with an uncle, with whom he remained till he was twenty- 
one. He was a soldier in the war of 1812. About 1816 
he emigrated to Steuben County, and made a permanent 
settlement in the spring of 1817 on the farm now owned 
by Ira Hendrick, and has lived in this locality ever 
since. On Oct. 1, 1821, he married Lucinda Shumway, 
daughter of Elijah and Chloe Shumway, of Woodstock, 
Mass. Mrs. St. John was bom, Feb. 5, 1798, at Pomfret, 
Conn. Four children were born, viz. : Clarissa S., who 
married Wm. Nichols, Esq., of Bath. Minerva, who 
married Dr. Daniel Slauson, of Corning; they had three 
children, one of whom, John, lived with his grandparents 
and family after he was about one and a half years old, 
and continued to do so till the fall of 1875, when he 
went to Port Hudson and resided with his father until 
the terrible epidemic of 1878 occurred in the South, when 
he and his father both fell victims to the yellow fever ; 



the son preceded his father only three days. Francis 
O., another son of Deacon St. John, resides at home with 
his father, and his daughter, Sarah A., is living with her 
father and brother. 

In politics Deacon St. John is a Democrat. He cast 
his first presidential vote for President Madison when he 
was a candidate the second time, and has been able to 
vote at every presidential election since. He has been 
assessor of Hornby. When a young man he and Mrs. 
St. John joined the Baptist Church of Hornby, and for 
nearly forty years he has been deacon of the same. By 
word and deed he has tried to maintain a Christian char- 
acter, and has done his part to build up the cause of 
Christ in his community. Mrs. St. John died March 
6, 1860, leaving a record of devoted ness to the society of 
which she was a bright and shining light. Her memory 
is ever green to her family. 

Deacon St. John is now an old man of eighty-six 
yeai-s, yet he is hale and hearty, of sound mind, and is 
surrounded by the comforts of a happy home. He 
is now living with his two children, Francis O. and 
Sarah A., who are devoted to the wants of their aged 
father. 



HORNBY. 



GENERAL DESCRIPTION. 

Hornby was erected from the old town of Painted 
Post, on the 27th of January, 1826, and was named in 
honor of John Hornby, an eminent English land-holder. 
The town of Campbell was taken from it in 1831, and 
part of it was annexed to Orange, Schuyler Co., April 11, 
1842. It lies near the centre of the east border of the 
county, and has a high, rolling surface, intersected by deep, 
narrow valleys, chiefly formed by Dry Run and Post and 
Border Creeks. Border Creek is in the southwest part 
of the town and flows into the Chemung, while Post 
Creek, in the south, enters the Chemung opposite Corning. 
The soil is a clayey and shaly loam of superior quality. 

EARLY SETTLEMENT. 

Asa and Uriah Nash, the first settlers in Hornby, set- 
tled in 1814 in the north part of the town, called Nash 
Settlement. Edward Stubbs, Ezra Shaw, Samuel Adams, 
and Jesse Underwood settled in 1815. In the same year 
Jesse Piatt, John Bobbins, and Amasa Stanton settled in 
the Piatt Settlement, in the southwestern part of the 
town. James S. Gardner, Chester Knowlton, and Aden 
Palmer settled in the Palmer Settlement in 1816. Others 
came near the same time, among whom were Hiram and 
Benjamin Gardner, John St. John, Isaac Goodell, Aaron 
Harwood, John Sayer, and Jacob Goodsell, with his two 
sons, Daniel W., aged thirty-three, and Henry, aged twenty- 
eight, each having families. 

The first tavern was kept by E. Shaw, in the Under- 
wood District, near the present school-house. A. B. Dick- 
ason, who afterwards spelled his name Dickinson, opened 
the first store on the old homestead about 1824. One of 
the first settlements was that of Levi, father of Ira Nash, 
the schoolmaster, near Nash Lake, a bottomless body of 
spring water, comprising some 60 acres, surrounded by 
hills and abounding with fi.sh. Nash built a saw-mill at 
the outlet of the lake. Isaac Goodsell kept the earliest 
tavern at Hornby Forks. 

Lorena A. Hendrick, daughter of Theodore and Char- 
lotte Hendrick, the first white child born in Hornby, was 
born Jan. 19, 1818. 

John Bidler and Lucy A. Piatt, the first couple mar- 
ried in Hornby, were married, Feb. 2, 1813 or 1814, by 
William Mulhollen, justice of the peace, and commenced 
housekeeping on Mead's Creek (now Campbell). 

In 1838 the farmers first commenced to break up or 
plow land. Most of the land was sowed on new fallows 
with winter wheat, but sometimes with spring wheat and 
oats. In no case was there a failure of a crop. 

To guard against wolves, Hon. A. B. Dickinson in early 
times built a high fence around a field to preserve his 
40 



sheep. Wild-cats were numerous, destroying sheep for J. 
H. Humphreys as late as 1859, and one was killed in 1875. 

Mr. St. John, a native of Rutland Co., Vt., came from 
Otsego at the age of twenty-four years, and located near 
where he now lives, in 1816, and boarded with his neigh- 
bor, Asa Nash, built the log house whose walls are still 
standing, made a small clearing, and returning brought out 
Theodore Hendrick, and bought the Nash place. His 
housekeepers locating for themselves, he again returned to 
Otsego, bringing his sister, who remained with him until 
he found a permanent housekeeper, Lucinda, daughter of 
Ledger Shumway, of Connecticut, and sister of Mrs. Jesse 
Underwood, whom he married in 1822. Mr. St. John 
had three daughters, one of whom was the wife of Mr. M. 
Nichols, Esq., of Bath. Although nearly eighty-seven 
years of age, he is still in good health and vigor, and well 
remembers the events of the early days in which he par- 
ticipated. He is the oldest of the early settlers remaining, 
and one of the few who, living in a land of game and 
hardy adventure, stuck quietly to his business, and made 
himself a home, while the early hunters of his day are 
" hunters" still, though less successful than in days of 
yore 

At that time a crowd of upwards of 100 would assem- 
ble for their annual three days' election and general holi- 
day, when an unusual amount of jollification took place. 
Wolves levied their tax upon sheep, so that it was almost 
impossible to keep them. Hogs fattened upon beech-nuts, 
which were abundant in the woods. Indians were never 
numerous nor troublesome, though their appearance some- 
times did frighten the women. In 1824 they clothed 
themselves in home-made and homespun wool and flax, 
which when made into cloth was taken to the primitive 
factory to be finished. The nearest store previous to Dick- 
inson's was Bonham's, kept, at the river, by William Bon- 
ham, a small, thick-set, slow and easy man, who had the 
general reputation of being " a good fellow." Goods were 
brought from Newburg, on the Hudson, in wagons, and 
consisted of bake-kettles and skillets, in place of the modern 
stoves. Ammunition was a heavy item of trade, all the 
boys having guns of .some kind. Tea, cofiee, and notions, 
which were sold in exchange for hides and grains, which 
were sent down the river in arks, or maple-sugar, which the 
teamster took North on his way after goods, many families 
making the greater part of their living from the sap brush. 
Wheat sold for five shillings and oat's one shilling a bushel. 

Ferenbaugh's, five and one-half miles from Corning, is 
in the town of Hornby, in a thickly-settled farming local- 
ity, four miles from Hornby Forks, on the old farm first 
opened by Fredalius Ferenbaugh, in 1826. The first farm 
on the left, just opposite the creek bridge, is that of Mr. 

313 



314 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Thomas Oldfield, which was the first settlement between 
Beaver Dams and Corning. A 3Ir. Hodge was the pio- 
neer ; afterwards came Martin Lane. Samuel Lilly, one of 
the earliest settlers yet living, resides just above on the 
same road. He is eighty-five years old, having been born 
in 1793. William W. Cole and Benjamin Lewis, Jr., were 
his pioneer companions. 

An almost continuous row of farm-houses extends from 
Mr. Oldfield's along the foot of the hills to the left, sur- 
rounded by shrubbery and fruit-trees and backed by well- 
tilled lands, until you pass Benedict Perenbaugh's, when 
the hills open to admit the beautiful valley of Post Creek, 
which is divided by the east line of the town and county. 

In 1824, the only building in this valley was a little log 
house, on the present Oldfield place, and Mr. Samuel Lilly 
came up the creek in 1822, $300 in debt, with a family of 
nine children, and opened a claim on the Pulteney estate, 
paying for it by hard labor, such as only the early pioneers 
of a heavily-timbered country can realize, clearing 104 
acres of timber-land with his own hands. At the time of 
this entry the country was all a wilderness, with only an 
occasional small opening, teams going up the creek to Wat- 
kins for goods and returning via Horseheads. 

When up to Bath to make a payment on his lands, Mr. 
McCay, the agent, asked of Lilly, " How do you get along 
for roads?" He answered, "We don't get along at all." 

After he had explained the condition of things the agent 
informed him that if he would open a road, the work thus 
done should apply on payment for his lands, at the rate of 
81 per rod. This report was received with incredulity by 
his few neighbors, but Mr. Lilly complied, making 180 
rods that year which was accepted and applied, and also 89 
rods the next year. This road was opened along the valley 
below high-water mark, and subsequently had to be moved 
to the foot of the hill. Before this it took two days to go 
to Corning. Game of all kinds was especially abundant. 

The first stage-route was established by A. B. Dickinson 
and Mr. Seymour, a tavern-keeper in Corning. 

Among the early settlers was Isaac Lafevre, who built 
the first grist-mill in town, and Jane C. Leach, who is 
credited with having taught the first school. George Stan- 
ton was the first male child born in the town. The first 
death was that of John Stanton. 

Alonzo Gaylord was also one of the first school-teachers 
in the town as well as first assessor. He was intimately 
connected with the development of the town for several 
years, and much of the early improvement was due to him. 

The late Hon. Andrew B. Dickinson became, at a later 
day, a resident of Hornby, and was perhaps the most re- 
markable and distinguished man who has ever lived in the 
town. Major Dickinson represented this Senatorial district 
for four years, and for many years was a leading and in- 
fluential politician. At the same time he was one of the 
most extensive farmers and stock-growers in this part of the 
State. Under Mr. Lincoln's administration he was ap- 
pointed minister to Nicaragua, where he displayed so 
much diplomatic ability that the government to which he 
was accredited made particular request, and offered pecuniai-y 
inducements, to have him returned. He finally consented, 
and settled in that country, purchasing a sugar plantation 



and living upon it until his death, which occurred April 
21, 1873. 

ORGANIZATION. 

Owing to the loss of the records the list of the officers of 
1826 is incomplete, but in 1827 there was a vigorous open- 
ing of roads, under the administration of Henry Gardner 
and James W. Holmes. Roads were surveyed from Elijah 
Robbin.s', three miles around West Hill ; from David 
Smith's, north, through by John Dickinson's, south and 
east ; three miles east from the county line ; and nearly 300 
days' work laid out that year. 

At the three days' election held at Shaw's tavern, 
Knowlton's, and Dickinson's store, in 1826, the following 
officers were elected : Supervisor, A. B. Dickinson ; Town 
Clerk, Josiah Wheat ; Collector, Hiram Gardner ; Justices 
of the Peace, Alonzo Gaylord, Milo llurd, Jonathan Fel- 
lows ; Inspectors of Election, A. B. Dickinson, Josiah 
Wheat, Alson Pierce, Daniel Clark ; Assessors, Alonzo 

Gaylord, ; Commissioner of Highways, Amasa 

Stanton ; Constable, Hiram Gardner. 

LIST OF TOWN OFFICERS. 





Supervisors. 


Town Clerks. 


Collectors. 


1826. 


A.m\. B. DickinsoD. 


Josiah Wheat. 


ll-enry Gardner. 


1S27. 


Rice Nash. 


u it 


William Stewart. 


1S2S. 


And. B. Dickinson. 


ti It 


Pliny Cobb. 


lS2il. 


a it 


it It 


" 


1830. 


Daniel Clark. 


it tt 


Milo Ilurd. 


1831. 


(. a 


•' 


■' 


1832. 


And. B. Dickinsun. 


Jonathan Kimbali. 


.\lanson Gibbs. 


IS33. 


" 


Josiah Wheat. 


" " 


18.34. 


i, ti 


(t «i 


ti ti 


1835. 


■• 


" " 


" " 


1836. 


a it 


tt It 


" 


1837. 


.< 


it tt 


James Warrick. 


1838. 


W. H. Gaylord. 


" 


" 


1839. 


Amasa Stanton. 


" 


0. D. Chatfleld. 


1840. 


" 


Henry Gardner. 


John II. Gardner. 


1S41. 


'• 


" 


a 


1842. 


David Smith. 


Lyman C. Wheat. 


Lemuel Wcllman, 


1S43. 


ii i> 


" " 


" 


1844. 


U It 


John F. Stanton. 


it it 


1845. 


Flavel W. Morrow. 


" 


Elijah S. Hill. 


1846. 


Peter Rhoda. 


Philo Campbell. 


John M. Bixbj. 


1847. 


" 


•• 


Darius Wellmiui. 


1848. 


Willis H. Gaylord. 


F. W. Morrow. 


Darius L. Wellman 


1849. 


F. W. Morrow. 


D. D. Slauson. 


Clark L. Smith. 


1850. 


John T. Stanlon. 


., it 


0. L. Underwood. 


1851. 


Peter Covenhoven. 


it tt 


Darius L. Wellman 


1852. 


H ti 


.Samuel 0. Masters. 


Kussel Wellman. 


1853. 


John T. Stanton. 


J. M. Bi.\by. 


a a 


1854. 


F. W. Morrow. 


" 


it 11 


1855. 


Wm. A. Armstrong 


Nial Gardner. 


Orlando F. Rhoda. 


1856. 


F. W. Morrow. 


S. 0. Masters. 


Frank 0. St. John. 


1857. 


" 


Nial Gardner. 


Charles (1. Rogers. 


185S. 


ti it 


D. L. Wheat. 


n ii 


1859. 


George Adams. 


J. Roof, Jr. 


Philander Wellman 


1860. 


" 


John J. Hazen. 


Charles G. Rogers. 


1861. 


N. B. Stanton. 


.. 


0. L. Underwood. 


1862. 


H (« 


Michael H. Sands. 


Silas Masters. 


1863. 


" " 


it ti 


And. J. Hendrick. 


1864. 


'• 


Joseph D. Gilbert. 


•' " 


1865. 


J. H. Ferenbaugh. 


G. J. Murphy. 


Philander Wellman 


1866. 


Asem Eddy. 


Henry F. Harrison 


U i< 


1867. 


" 


John B. Smith. 


Charles G. Rogers. 


1868. 


Jas. B. Humphrey. 


J. W. Dickinson. 


George V. Whiting. 


1869. 


Saml. Easterbrooks 


Myron A. Eddy. 


Aug. J. Hathaway. 


1870. 


" 


John Pitts. 


P. H. Wellman. 


1871. 


J. H. Ferenbaugh. 


li it 


David N. Lane. 


1872. 


it n 


L. J. Stanton. 


M. J. Harrison. 





*x 



*'^^*:5ar«.t y''^svifij. 



rHOTOi, flr £v<>HS COPN HO N Y 



fVIRS.S.T. STANTON. 



COL. N. B. STANTON. 



Among those whose names appear upon the pages of our 
county history, none have a better record of an honest, indus- 
trious life than the subject of this sketch. Colonel N. B. 
Stanton, son of Deacon Amasa Stanton and Dimmis Brown, 
was born in Charleston, Montgomery Co., N. Y., Jan. 29, 1814. 
He was the oldest of a family of seven children, all of whom 
save the colonel were born in Hornby, his brother George 
being the first boy born in Hornby. The colonel's grandfather 
was a native of (!onnecticut, and hence his ancestors were in 
America before the llevolutionary war, and undoubtedly were 
of English origin. 

The colonel's father was also a native of Connecticut, and 
one of the early pioneers of this county, and settled in Hornby 
in 1816. He cut the road through from Painted Post to his 
home in Hornby. He married Dimmis Brown, a native of 
Connecticut, who was born in 1795, and emigrated to Mont- 
gomery County ; married about 1813, and settled in Hornby in 
1816. Amasa died in 1842, and she died Sept. 13, 1878, in 
Grand Rapids, Mich., and was buried in Hornby, at her request. 
The colonel came from one of the best pioneer families of the 
county. He was reared to industry and sobriety, and in youth 
imbibed those principles so earnestly maintained by hiii devoted 
parents. He was reared a farmer, which honorable occupation he 
sucoessfully followed. Repurchased hiw present farm about 1840, 
aud since has added thereto, until now the family have two hun- 
dred and seventy-five acres. He has made nearly all the im- 
provements on his farm, chopping and clearing the same. His 
farm was always in a good state of cultivation, and he was con- 
sidered one of the leading farmers in the town or county. He 
married Samantha Tracy, daughter of Deacon Jolin aud Polly 



Stanton Tracy, of Charleston, Montgomery Co., N. Y., Sept. 12, 
1841. Mrs. Colonel Stanton was born July 6, 1824. The 
Tracys originally came from Connecticut, and settled in Mont- 
gomery County. 

Of this happy union of Colonel and Mrs. Stanton nine 
children have been born, eight of whom are living, namely : Au- 
gustus W., E.sther, Olive A. (who died at the age of seven), J. 
Amasa, Ophelia R., Frank P., Adelia, Charles A., and Elmer E. 

In politics Colonel Stanton affiliated with the Republican 
party from its organization, having previously been a Whig. 
During the war he was very active in raising troops ; was 
supervisor for some eight years during the war. He held 
various offices of trust in the town, to the general satisfaction of 
his constituents. In 1870 he was elected vice-president of the 
Agi-icultural Society, and in 1876 was cho.sen president of the 
same. In his official position he won the respect and confidence 
of a host of friends, and to him more than any other peraon is 
due the increased interest and membership. Colonel Stanton 
was identified with the State militia of his county, and has held 
the various military positions from private to colonel. Colonel 
Stanton was a man highly respected by all who knew him, and 
by his kind, genial disposition won the esteem of his neighbors. 
As a man, he was courteous and obliging ; as a husband, kind 
and true ; as a father, tender and affectionate ; as a son and 
brother, loving and sincere. He came to a sudden death, April 
16, 1878, by accidentally falling into a well. He left a good 
name as the priceless legacy to his widow and children. He 
left his family in good circumstances. At the time of his death 
he had lived longer in town than any other man. He was a 
temperance man. 





moTos Br EvoMS.ConoiNC K.Y. 



DANIEL GOODSCLL 



;^RS DANIEIL GOODSELL 



DANIEL W. GOODSELL. 



The subject of this sketch was born in Cambridge, Wash- 
ington Co., N. Y., May 14, 1788. His father, Jacob, and 
mother, Phebe, were natives of Litchfield Co., Conn., and soon 
after their maniage settled in Washington Co., N. Y. Of this 
union twelve children were born, of whom Daniel W. was the 
second child and oldest son. The ancestors of Daniel W. were 
of English origin, and settled in America previous to the Rev- 
olutionary war. 

Daniel W. was reared a farmer, which honorable calling he 
followed until advanced age compelled him to give it up. As a 
fanner he has been successful. In the winter of 1802 he 
settled in Westmoreland, Oneida Co., N. Y., in company with 
his parents and family. 

He married Miss Dinah Barker, daughter of Lawton and 
Hannah Cushman Barker, Oct. 8, 1812. Lawton Barker was 
born in Rhode Island, April 5, 1772 ; married Miss Hannah 
Cushman, September, 1794. She was born at Dartmouth, 
Mass., April 7, 1773. Of this union seven children were born, 
one son and six daughters, of whom Dinah Barker is the eldest. 
She was born Oct. 4, 1795, at Cambridge, Washington Co., 
N. Y. As the result of this happy alliance eight children have 
been born, viz. : Phebe, Hannah, George, Samuel, Albert, Mary, 
William, and Nelson, all of whom still live, save Mary. 

Mr. and Mrs. Goodsell resided one year in Oneida County 
after their maiTiage, then removed to Choconut, Susquehanna 
Co., Pa. ; remained some six or seven years, and in April, 1820, 
settled in Hornby, on a farm near where they now reside. Mr. 



and Mrs. Goodsell's eldest child was born in Oneida County, 
the next three in Pennsylvania, and the remainder in Hornby. 

Mr. Goodsell has been a farmer by occupation. In politics, 
formerly a Jeifersonian Democrat, but later in life a Republican. 
He has held the office of assessor of Hornby. Mr. Goodsell 
united with the Methodist Episcopal Church in 1828, and 
Mrs. Goodsell with the Baptists in 1823. 

In 1869, Mrs. Goodsell received an injury which compelled 
them to give up the old farm and live with their daughter Han- 
nah, who married Levi Coye. Mr. Coye is a native of Auburn, 
N. Y., and settled in Hornby, when but eleven years of age, 
with his parents. Mr. and Mrs. Goodsell are now far advanced 
in life, having lived longer together than any other couple we 
know of in the county. More than sixty-six years ago they 
commenced life's journey together, and Mrs. Goodsell is as 
smart as ever, save her lameness, but age has made its mark on 
Mr. Goodsell. 

They have reared a family who are respected. Mr. Goodsell 
was never absent from home more than four weeks at any one 
time. 

Levi Coye was born Nov. 8, 1811, and married Hannah 
Goodsell, Oct. 11, 1838. Of this union four children were 
born, viz. : Minerva 0., Alva D. and Ahce (twins), and Emma 
A. Mr. and Mrs. Coye are members of the Methodist Episco- 
pal Church of Hornby, and have been for many years. Id 
politics, formerly a Whig, and then Republican. Mr. Coye is 
one of the substantial farmers of Hornby. 




rfS-'-i^^' 




V f 



■^4s'§^' 



GEORGE GOODSELL. 



f PfOTOS BY Evans. CORN'HC.N Y.) 



MRS. GEORGE GOODSELL. 



GEORGE GOODSELL. 



Among the most highly respected citizens of Hornby 
may be placed Mr. George Goodsell. He is the eldest 
son of Daniel W. and Dinah Goodsell, and was born in 
Choconut, Susquehanna Co., Pa., Feb. 17, 1817. He 
spent his boyhood days on his father's farm, in which, 
at an early age, he took a deep interest. When twenty- 
one years of age he commenced work for himself on 
forty-one acres of land in Hornby, whither he had come 
with his parents in 1820, when but three years old ; to 
this first purchase he has been adding acre after aci-e, 
until he has two hundred and eight acres of land, and 
other property. He has chopped and cleared the larger 
part of his home farm himself. During the winters he 
has for a great many years been engaged in lumbering, 
but of late has given up that interest. 

He married Miss Olive, daughter of Theodore and 
Charlotte Hendrick, old settlers of Hornby, and late 
of Orange township, N. Y., March 12, 1846. Mrs. 



Olive Goodsell was born in Otsego Co., N. Y., Oct. 10, 
1816, and removed to Hornby in 1817 with her parents. 

Of this union the following children were born, viz., 
Isabell C, born April 6, 1848 ; she married Layton 
Powell, of Hornby, and has three children, namely, 
Ellen, Clarissa, and George. Clarissa A. was born 
April 23, 1852, and died May 2, 1852. Delilah was 
born Aug. 5, 1854; married David Kiif, and now re- 
sides in Pennsylvania; they have one son, Arthur. 
Dinah E. was born March 22, 1856, and married Clay- 
ton Roloson, of Hornby ; and Theodore D., born Oct. 
31, 1860, and died in infancy. 

Mr. Goodsell has been a life-long Democrat, but never 
takes a very active part in politics. He has held some 
of the minor offices of his town. He is regarded as 
one of the upright citizens of Hornby. Both of his 
parents are still living, honored and respected by all 
who know them. 



TOWN OF HORNBY. 



315 



Supervisors. Town Clerks. OoIIcctors. 

1873. J. H. Ferenbaugh. Peter D. Rogers. M. J. Harrison. 

1874. Saml. Easterbrooks. Isaac N. (Jreen. L. G. Stanton. 

1875. " " Myron A. Eddy. Ricbard H. Rogers. 

1876. Samuel C. Erwin. Frank Sands. P. H. Wellman. 

1877. *' '' '* *' '' ** 

1878. .'\lfrcd Rolo.son. Henry Wheat. David N. Lane. 



ISL'fi. .Milo Ilurd. 

Jon.<itban Fellows. 

Alimzo (Jaylord. 
1S27. Daniel Clark. 

Josiah AViieat. 
1828. Alonz.o Uaylord. 
1S2<). .Josiah Wheat. 
ISIill. Daniel Clark. 

.lo.^iuh Wheat. 
Is:U. Henry tiardner. 

Josiah Whent. 
1S;)2. Mark Laine. 

Samuel Bi.\by. 

.Iniiathan Kimball. 
ls;j;;. Ilem-y Gardner. 

.Josiah Wheal. 
IS;;4. Henry Gardner. 
lS:l.'i. .lonathiin Kimliall. 
isae. David Smith. 
I 837. .\mbrose Ponil. 

Amasa Stanton. 

1838. Josiah Wheat. 
Henry Gardner. 

1839. Ambrose Pond. 

1840. David Smith. 

1841. Simeou R. Ivingsford. 
John T. Stanton. 

1S42. Henry Gardner. 

Samuel Oldfield. 

Josiah Wheat. 
1843. Paranach JIaradou. 
1S44. Walter L. Patchin. 

.James AVarnick. 

1845. Ambrose Pond. 

1846. C. D. Thomas. 

1847. Thomas Jewett. 
184S. Paranach Haradon. 



JCSTIrES OF THE PE.\CE. 

1849. Hiram Gardner. 

1850. Paranach Haradon. 

1851. Alexander H. Swartwout. 

1852. Thomas Jewett. 
1S53. Paranach Haradon. 

Hiram Gardner. 

1854. Cornelius Benjamin. 

1855. A. H. Swartwout. 

1856. Asem Eddy. 
E. 1!. Hniigerford. 

1857. Paranach Haradon. 

1858. A. H. Swartwout. 

1859. C. F. lienjamin. 

1860. Ama.sa Eddy. 
I),arins Wellinan. 

1861. John P\*rcnbaugh. 
1802. Paranach Ilariiilcm. 
186;!. Joseph S. Chapin. 

1864. Isaac P. Goodsell. 
P. Haradon. 

1865. C. G. Wheat. 

1866. William Hamilton. 

1867. Richard V. Van Vasen. 

1868. John II. Ferenbaugh. 

1869. C. G. Wheat. 

1870. G. J. Murphy. 

1871. C. L. Smith. 

1872. Willis S. Lilly. 

1873. Charles G. Rogers. 
D. L. Wellman. 

1874. H. W. Stejihcns. 
John Ferenbaugh. 

1875. Clark L. Smith. 
Geo. J. Murphy. 

1876. Asem Eddy. 

1877. Thomas Oldfield. 

1878. H. W. Stephens. 



The village of Hornby contains some thirty residences, 
two stores, a shingle-mill, shingle- anil saw-mill, three 
blacksmith-shops, two wagon-shops, two shoe-shops, a 
turning- and rake-factory, a school-house, two churches, 
and the only post-ofBce in the town. 

Armstrong's Mills, on Cutler Creek, a saw- and grist-mill, 
comprises a small hamlet, a mile above which is the Wes- 
leyan church. Ferenbaugh's, on Post Creek, oon.sists of 
several residences, saw-mill, blacksmith- and wagon-shop, 
and scliool-hou.se, and is a flag .station on the Syracuse, 
Geneva and Corning Railroad, which passes through the 
southeast corner of the town. 

CHURCHES. 
BAPTIST CHURCH. 

The regular Baptist Church of Hornby first met on 
West Hill, in Robins' Settlement, and on Mead's Creek ; 
Rev. Mr. Stone moving from Campbell to Hornby between 
1824 and 1830, and holding meetings at both places 

Amiisa Stanton and Dyer Wentworth were the first 
deacons. Revs. Bebee, Coriell, and Sheardown succeeded. 
About 1838 the churches formed two separate societies, 
and about two years after the Hornby society entered tlieir 



new church at Hornby Forks. Ainasa Stanton and Jacob 
Underwood were the trustees of the new church ; Rev. 
Mr. Coriell preaching in it first. Rev. Ray G. Lewis suc- 
ceeded, dying at his charge, March 29, 1851, at the age of 
fifty-two years. He was buried in the Goodsell Cemetery, 
near the scene of his labors. Then succeeded Revs. Parker, 
William Birdsley, Rev. Sander.?on, Rev. William Sharp; 
1860, Rev. W. W. Beardslee ; 1862, Rev. P. P. Sander- 
son; 1864, Rev. F. G. Surbridge ; 1866, Rev. Isaac Easter- 
brook ; 1869, Rev. R. Corbit ; 1871, Rev. W. C. Larned ; 
1873, Rev. S. D. Ross; 1876, Rev. Benjamin Hughes, B. 
P. Mathews. 

The present officers of the church are : Clerk and Moder- 
ator, Josiah Easterbrooks; Trustees, John Adams, George 
Adams ; Treasurer, George Adams ; Deacons, John St. 
John, George Adams, Benjamin Bovliees. 

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 

September 14, 1831, a committee a]ipoiiited by the Pres- 
bytery of Bath to f(inn a church in llie town of Hornby 
met at the Knowlton school-house. Rev. B. B. Smith de- 
livered a sermon, and 21 candidates were organized into a 
church. Josiah Wheat was made clerk, and Francis North- 
way, Josiah Wheat, and Sarap.son Bixby chosen elders. 
Thirteen more candidates were admitted November 20. 
Meetings were held at Chester Knowlton's house. The 
pastors were: in 1833, Rev. Mr. Barton; 1836, Rev. Mr. 
Goodrich; 1838, Rev. D. B. Butts; 1839, Rev. John- 
Gray; 1847, Rev. P. L. de Home; 1854, Rev. Wm. R. 
Downs; 1856, Rev. John Gray; 1866, Rev. Mr. Chap- 
man; 1869, Rev. J. G. Butler. Elders: 1838, Henry 
Gardner; 1852, Daniel D. Slawson ; 1854, S. R. Hunger- 
ford, D. L. Wheat; 1858, C. G. Wheat; 1864, Andrew 
Hyslip. Among the first members were found the names 
of Haradon, Gibbs, Jennings, Gardner, Rockwell, Harrison, 
Cross, and Palmer. In March, 1851, definite steps were 
taken towards building a church, and Marcus Gaylord, 
Henry Gardner, S. R. Huugerford, D. L. Wheat, and D. 

D. Stanton were chosen trustees, and a substantial building 
erected the ensuing year. The present trustees are Charles 
Wheat, Alexander Steward, and Henry F. Harrison. 

THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH 

organized a class at Mr. Abel R. Palmer's, under the 
preaching of Rev. James Hall, in 1828. Sylvester Brooks 
was class-leader until his removal from the place in 1838, 
when he was succeeded by Levi Coy. A division of senti- 
ment occurring in the Methodist Episcopal Church, the 
organization of the Wcsleyans in 1843, many of the mem- 
bers went over to that tirganizatiou, thus reducing this 
church to but a very few members. After a short time. 

E. P. Carr was leading a class under the preaching of Rev. 
Joseph Chapman. About 1863 the church was reorganized 
under the leadership of Kev. A. II. ShurtlifF, with Alex- 
ander P. McCabe as cla.ss leader, who was succeeded by 
Joseph Chapin and William Stevens, the present leader. 
Meetings were held at Mr. Palmer's and D. W. Goodseil's 
for several years. When the church reorganized they held 
meetings in the Baptist house until the Presbyterians 
tendered them the use of their house. Among the earliest 



316 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



members were Mr. John Chambers and wife, John Bixby 
and wife, Lemuel Wellman, James Roe and wife, Daniel 
Goodsell, and Henry Fero and wife. There are now about 
45 members. The present officers are : Pastor, Rev. A. S. 
Gould ; Stewards, S. P. Goodsell, A. G. Coyle; Class- Leader, 
William Stevens. 

THE WESLEYAN METHODIST CHURCH, 

organized in 1843, drew largely from the Methodist Epis- 
copal Church in this place, taking all but 8 or 9 of its 40 
members. The first officers were : Pastors, Rev. Simeon 
Hall, Rev. P. A. Johnson, alternates; Class-Leader, A. 
Bixby ; Stewards, W. Pierce, H. W. Bixby, Lemuel Well- 
man ; Licentiates, John Bixby, Leander Pond. The organ- 
ization took place with a revival, and above 40 members 
were gathered in, among whom were Darius Whitney, Sid- 
ney EUe-sworth, Daniel Pierce and wife, Abrani Whitney 
and wife, and Daniel Bixby and wife. 

Former pastors: 1844-40, Rev. John Kitchell, Rev. S. 
Philips; 1847-48, Leander Pond, licentiate; 1849-50, 
no pastor; 1851-53, Rev. Peter Slauson ; 1854-5G, Rev. 
Wm. S. May; 1857-58, Rev. D. E. Baker; 1859, no 
pastor; 1800-61, Rev. D. E. Baker; 1862-04, H. W. 
Bixby, licentiate; 1805-06, Rev. T. W. Reed, who was 
succeeded by the present pastor. 

Meetings were held first in the Knowlton school-house, 
and then at Hornby Forks, until 1851, when, in consider- 
ation of aid extended by this society to build the Presby- 
terian church, it was occupied by them on alternate Sun- 
days. Several years after they left the church and held 
.services in school-houses, their numbers declining, and 
being for some time without a pastor. 

On the 4th of March, 1877, Rev. L. N. Stratton offici- 
ating, the Wesleyans dedicated their first church, at Shady 
Grove, on Cutler Creek, at a paid-up expense of $1200. 
The pi'esent officers are : Pastor, Rev. Henry W. Bixby ; 
Leader, H. T. Jimerson ; Stewards, C. G. Rogers, H. P. 
Fero, M. L. Baker, Mrs. R. K. Hays, Miss L. Bixby; 
Trustees, H. W. Bixby, E. B. Rolfe, J. N. Henry; Licen- 
tiates, D. Bixby, L. Horys ; Church Clerk, G. W. Bixby. 
The present membership numbers 43. 

MILIT.\RY RECORD OP HORNBY. 

Goodsell, Sylvenus John, private, 60tli Eiig., Co. B; enl. .Sept. 9, 1801, three 

years ; pro. to artificer, Oct. 22, 1861 ; disch. March 3, 1863, for Uisab. ; re- 

enl. 50th Eng., Co. D, Dec. 2.0, 1863, three years; pro. to artificer, April 

10, 1864; to Corp., Nov. 1, 1864 ; disch. June 13, 1865. 
Hathaway, Augustus Jeremiah, private, 50th Eng., Co. A ; enl. Aug. 27, 1864, 

one year ; disch. June 13, 1865. 
Clark, Henry Silas, private, S6th Inf., Co. C; enl. Nov. 18, 1861, one year ; disch. 

Feb. 12, 1863, for di.sab. ; re-enl. 15th Eng., Co. F, Sept. 22, 1864, one year ; 

pro. to artificer, Nov. 1, 1864 ; disch. Jutie 13, 1865. 
Bixby, Rufus Galusha, private, 50th Eng., Co. B ; enl. Aug. 29, 1864, one year; 

disch. June 13, 1865. 
Goodsell, William Levi, private, 50th Eng., Co. D; enl. Aug. 19, 1864, one year; 

disch. June 13, 1865. 
Lane, David Nelson, private, 14th tJ. S. Inf., Co. B; enl. Feb. 28, 1862, three 

years; diach. May 8, 1862, for disab. ; re-enl. 50th Eng., Co. D, Aug. 17, 

18G4, one year ; pro. to artificer, Nov. 1, 1864 ; disch. June 13, 1805. 
Humphrey, William Wallace, priv.. 188th Inf., Co. F; eul. Sept. 10, 1864, one 

year ; pro. to Corp., Oct. 10, 1864 ; disch. May 31, 1865, on ace. of wounds. 
Snow, Geo. Simpson, private, 15th Eug., Co. F; enl. Sept. 13, 1864, one year; 

disch. June 13, 1865. 
Ely, Martin William, private, 107th Inf., Co. I; enl. Aug. 7, 1862. three years; 

disch. May, 1863 ; died at home of consumption contracted in the service, 

July 21, 1863. 



Harrison, Wm. Nelson, priv., 10th Cav., Co. H ; enl. Oct. 28, 1861, three years ; 

pro. to Corp., Feb. 1862; must, out at exp. of service. 
Kirkendall, Alonzo, private, 50th Eng., Co. G; enl. Dec. 25, 1863, three years; 

disch. June 27, 1865. 
Wheaton, Daniel, private, 50th Eng., Co. Q ; enl. Dec. 25, 1863, three yeare ; died 

in the service, March 11, 1864, at Washington, of measles. 
St. Germain, John, private, 15th Cav., Co. F; enl. Aug. 26, 1863, three years; 

drafted; enl. before notified; taken pris.. May, 1864, near Newtown, and 

has not been heard from since. 
Van Ortwick, Geo. W., private, 15th Eng., Co. F; enl. Sept. 8, 1864, one year ; 

disch. June 13, 1865. 
Bnrnap, Tracy, private, 5th Cav., Co. B; enl. Aug. 11, 1862, three years ; disch. 

June 13, 1866. 
Swartwout, Clayton, private, 9th Art., Co. F; enl. Dec. 25, 1863, three years; 

disch. Sept. 25, 1865. 
Leavenworth, Lyman Bixby, private, 9th Art., Co. F ; enl. Dec. 25, 1863, three 

years; wounded in right leg at Cedar Creek, Va. ; disch. June 6, 1865, 

on surg. certificate. 
Burnap, George, private, 50th Eng., Co. G; enl. Dec. 25, 1863, three years; died 

of fever, Nov. 3, 1864; buried in Hornby. 
Monday, Wm. Harvey, private, 50th Eng., Co. F; enl. .\ug. 29, 1862, three years; 

disch. Juno 13, 1865. 
Velie, William D., private, 107(h Inf., Co. C; enl. Aug. 1862, three years; disch. 

Feb. 28, 1803, for disability. 
Stanton, Lawson Jay, Corp., 86th Inf., Co. C; enl. Oct. 19, 1861, three years; 

disch. Oct. 22, 1864, at exp. of term. 
Jaynes, Albert Muusou, private, 107th Inf., Co. I; enl. Aug. 8, 1S62, three years ; 

died at Frederick, Md., Feb. 1863, of typhoid fever. 
Simons, Henry, enl. .\ug. 8, 1864, one year; disch. June 25, 1865. 
.Scott, Jonathan, one year ; killed in front of Petersburg; buried in Livingston 

Co., N. Y. 
Remington, Washington B., private, 9th .\rt., Co. F; enl. Jan. 1, 1804, three 

years; disch. Oct. 9, 1865. 
Lilly, Willis S., sergt, lS8th Inf., Co. F ; enl. Sept. 10, 1804, one year; disch. 

July 1, 1865. 
Butler, Thomas, private, 15th Eng., t'o. M; enl. Sept. 9, 1864, one year; disch. 

June 13, 1865. 
Randall, Alonzo, private, 50th Eng., Co. G; enl. Aug. 24, 1861, three years; 

disch. Sept. 21, 1864, at exp. of term. 
Lashure, James H., private, 188th Inf., Co. F ; enl. Sept. 12, 1864, one year ; 

disch. July 1, 1865. 
Easling, Wm. Harrison, private, 86th Inf., Co. C; enl. Oct. 18,1861, three years; 

disch. Dec. 2, 1863; re-enl. 86th Inf., Co. C, Dec. 3, 1863, three years; 

disch. June 25, 1865. 
Southard. William, private, 97th Inf., Co. B ; drafted July 17, 1803 ; disch. Aug. 

6, 1865. 
Duvall, Albert, Jr., private, 9th Art., Co. F ; enl. Jan.l, 1864, three years ; disch. 

Sept. 29, 1865, by order 220 of the War Department. 
Covenhoven, Peter, drafted, July 17, 1863; disch. Aug. 5, 1865, by general order 

No. 2, of War Department. 
Culver, Wm. Henry, private, 50th Eng., Co. F; enl. .\ug. 20, 1862, three years; 

disch. June 21, 1865. 
Hilton, Sylvester B., private, 50th Eng., Co. F; enl. Aug. 31, 1802, three years; 

disch. June 27, 1865. 
Taylor, Ebenezer Ovid, private, 35th Inf., ('o. F; enl. May 15, 1801, two years ; 

wounded at Fredei icksburg ; disch. May 15, 1803, at exp. of term. 
Henderson, Atexamler, private, 141st Inf., Co. B ; enl. Aug. 21, 1862, three years ; 

disch. June 24, 1805. 
Wasson, John, private, 89tli I [if., Co. A; enl. Oct. 14, 1861, three years; wounded 

at Antietam ; disch. Oct. 21, 1864, at exp. of term. 
Harrison, Myron James, private, 141st Inf., Co. B; enl. Aug. 21, 1862, three 

years ; disch. June 23, 1865. 
Scott, John D., private, 50th Eng., Co. D; eul. Aug. 20, 1864, one year; disch. 

June 13, 1865. 
Ward, John Itollin, private, 50th Eng., Co. K ; enl. .\ug. 20,1864, three yeara; 

disch. June 20, 1865. 
Randall, Josejih Thompson, private, SOth Eng., Co. G; enl. Dec. 25, 1863, three 

years; disch. June 20, 1865. 
Lamphere, Alonzo M., private, loth Cav., Co. E; enl. Aug. 27, 1804, one year; 

disch. June 5, 1805. 
Sands, William D., Corp., I07th Inf., Co. C; enl. July 20, 1862, three yeara ; 

disch. June 17, 1805. 
Morrow, James Humphrey, private, 50th Eng., Co. D ; enl. .\ug. 25, 1804, one 

year; disch. June 13, 1805. 
Green, Freeman, Corp., 80th N. Y. Inf., Co. C; enl. Sept. 9, 1801, three yeara; 

died March, 1862, near W'ashington. 
Clark, Francis E., private, 86th N. Y. Inf., Co. C ; eul. Sept. 19, 1861, three years ; 

re-enl. same regt. and co., Dec. 31, 1863; pro. to Corp. 
Pond, Leander, private, 107th N. Y. Vols., Co. B; enl. June SI, 1862, three years. 

died iu the service. 
Pond, Ambrose, private, 50th N. Y. Eng., Co. F; enl. Dec. 1863; died in the 

service at Baltimore. 
Leavenworth, John R., private, 107th N. Y. Vols. Co. I; enl. June 21, 1862; 

must, out by general order. 
Ladue, Daniel, private, 50th N. Y. Eng. ; enl. 1861 ; must, out by general order. 





PHOTOS er EVAMS 



SAMUEL LILLY. 



MRS. ELIZABETH LILLY. 



SAMUEL LILLY. 



The paternal grandfather of Samuel Lilly was a native of 
Wales ; his maternal grandfather was a native of Germany. 
His Grandmother Lilly came to America and settled in North- 
ampton Co., Pa., many years before the Revolutionary war. 
She had several children, of whom John F., the father of 
Samuel, was the youngest. John F. was born in Northampton 
Co., Pa., and married Miss Catherine Bowlender, a native of 
the same place. Of this union seven children, four sons and 
three daughters, were born, of whom Samuel was the sixth child 
and youngest son. John F. was a blacksmith by occupation. 
In 1818, John F. and family went to Pickaway Co., Ohio, and 
he died there in August, 1820. The following November, 
Samuel took his mother to Columbia Co., Pa., and resided there 
four years. His mother lived to be about one hundred years old. 
Samuel Lilly was born in Northumberland Co., Pa., Aug. 7, 
1793. He worked with his father at the blacksmith trade 
when young ; also for some fifteen years was engaged in the 
distilling business, and the remainder of his life was engaged 
upon the farm. He married Miss Mary Wooliver, daughter of 
Jacob Wooliver, of Columbia Co., Pa., May 5, 1814. Of this 
union three sons were born, viz., John, Jacob, and Elisha. 
Jacob is now dead. Mrs. Lilly died November, 1819, while 
living in Pickaway Co., Ohio. Mr. Lilly married for his second 
wife Miss Elizabeth Wooliver, sister of his first wife, Septem- 



ber, 1821. She was born June 23, 1799. Of this union ten 
children, two sons and eight daughters, were born, namely : 
Catherine, Hester, Louvina, Mary Ann, Alvin J. (was killed 
by an accident in his eighth year), Clarissa, Elizabeth, Miranda, 
Matilda, and Willis S., who was born June 23, 1845, and is 
now at home with his father, and is the owner of the old 
home. Mrs. Lilly died April 15, 1865, the same day that 
President Lincoln died. 

In politics Mr. Lilly was formerly a Democrat, but later in 
life a Republican. Mr. Lilly and his second wife are members 
of the Methodist Episcopal Church. 

Mr. Lilly is now an old man of eighty-six years, in good 
health, living at the old home in Hornby, where he settled 
in 1831. His son was a soldier in the war of the Rebellion ; 
enlisted Sept. 15, 1864, in Company F, 188th Regiment New 
York Volunteers ; said regiment was in nine engagements, and 
Mr. Lilly was in all of them save one. He was honorably dis- 
charged July 8, 1865, and returned home to remain with his 
parents. 

He married Cynthia, daughter of Daniel Buck, of Beaver 
Dam, Schuyler Co., N. Y., Jan 24, 1866. She was born Feb. 
21, 1847. Of this union two children, Cassia and Roy, are 
born. Mr. Samuel Lilly's son, Elisha, waa also in the war of 
the Rebellion, and was honorably discharged. 





J. BWasson . 



Mrs. J. B.Wasson. 



Photos. Bf £v*n3, Cpwh'xc 




South East View 




RfsiDtNCE OF J. B.WASSON, f^oSNBY, Steuben Co., NY 



TOWN OF HORNBY. 



517 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 





THEODORE HENDRICK. 



THEODORE HENDRICK, 



MRS. CHARLOTTE HENDRICK. 



of Orange, Schujler Co., N. Y., son of Samuel and Han- 
nah Hendrick, was born in Massachusetts, in 1792, and 
settled in Hornby, beside Deacon St. John, about 1817, and 
followed farming. He was one of the early settlers of Hornby, 
and experienced all the privations incident to a pioneer life. 
He married Miss Charlotte, daughter of Benjamin Jeleff, 
of Vermont, on the banks of Lake Champlain, in the fall of 
1813. Mrs. Hendrick was born in the spring of 1792, in 
Vermont. Of this union eight children were born, viz., 
Ellen, Sept. 27, 1814; Olive, Oct. 10, 1816; Laura, Jan. 
19, 1818, being the first white girl born in Hornby ; Sarah 
A., Oct. 19, 1820 ; Benjamin, Jan. 19, 1823 (died September, 
1827); Maria, April 12, 182(5 ; Charlotte, Rlaroh 28, 1828 
(died Sept. 18, 1842) ; and Amanda S., Aug. — , 1831 
(died May 10, 1859). Li politics Mr. Hendrick was a 
JefFersonian Democrat. He died Dec. 13, 1858, and Mrs. 
Hendrick died March 5, 1875. Ellen and Maria live to- 
gether, near where their parents settled in 1817, in Hornby, 
on the farm owned by their parents at the time of their 
death. Olive married George Goodscll, and now resides in 
Hornby ; Laura married John llemer, and resides in Min- 
nesota ; Sarah married Philip Kemer, and resides in Iowa ; 
and Amanda married Amou Webster, and died while living 



in Minnesota. Ellen and Maria have an equal interest in 
the " Old Home," and insert this biography and portraits 
in memory of their parents. 



JOHN B. WASSON, 
.son of Andrew Wasson, was born in L'eland, Dec. 13, 1827 ; 
removed to America and settled at Watkins in 1849, and 
in Steuben County in 1856. He married Miss Catherine 
Ann Ellison, Sept. 15, 1863. She was born in Ireland, 
May 12, 1836. Mr. Wasson served nearly two years in 
the late war, and was honorably discharged. He settled 
on his present farm in 1864, and built his present fine 
house in 1877. 

Mr. Wasson has some one hundred and thirty acres of 
good land in his home farm, clear of debt, beside some fifty 
acres more, near by, nearly unincumbered. In politics he 
is a firm Republican. 

Mr. and Mrs. Wasson are members of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church. They have the following children : 
Sarah Jane, Thomas M. (deceased), Wm. John, and 
Robert H. 

Mr. Wasson's parents came to America in 1851, and set- 
tled at Dix, Schuyler Co., N. Y., and are now (1878) liv- 
ing. Mrs. Catherine Ann Wasson came to America in 
1853, and settled at Watkins. 



3ir 



HORNELLSVILLE. 



GEOGRAPHICAL SITUATION. 
The town of Hornellsville is situated near the centre of 
the west border of the county, and is bounded north by 
Dansville and Fremont, east by Howard and Canisteo, south 
by Hartsville, and west by Allegany County. 

PHYSICAL FEATtlRES. 

The Canisteo River, forming a rich valley from one to 
two miles in width, passes through this town from north- 
west to southeast, dividing it into two nearly equal upland 
sections, and affording a fine variety of land.scape. The 
hills which border tiiis valley are in some places .steep and 
precipitous, but generally tluiy rise giadually to a height of 
four or five hundred feet, and sweep away into a broad and 
undulating table-land of rich farming country. In .some 
place.s this table-land is broken or divided into rounded hills 
by the smaller streams which flow into the Canisteo. The 
principal of these are the (Janacadea and Crosley Creeks, 
entering the Canisteo from the south and southeast. The 
soil generally is a clayey and gravelly loam. 

ORIGINAL PURCHASE. 

In 6 Cowen's Reports, pages 707, 708, etc., we find 
the following history of the original purchase of Canisteo 
and Hornellsville : 

"In the early part of 1789 a number of persons came 
into the western part of the State to buy land. In order 
to purchase cheaper and on better terms, they formed a 
company consisting of twelve persons, and Solomon Ben- 
nett and Elisha Brown, two of the associates, were selected 
to go to Oliver Phelps and make a purchase for the com- 
pany. In pursuance of such authority, they went, and 
entered into contract Aug. 8, 1798. The purchase was 
approved by the company, and soon after Arthur Erwin, 
Solomon Bennett, and Joel Thomas were deputed by the 
company to go to Canandaigua, where Phelps resided, to 
complete the purcha.se. They accordingly went, and took 
a deed for town.ship 3, 5th range (Canisteo), and township 
3, 6th range (Hartsville'). Uriah Stephens was made a 
party to the deed at the request of Phelps, and afterwards 
signed the notes which were given for the consideration 
money. 

" It was soon discovered that the Canisteo Flats, which 
the company wished to purchase, were not covered by these 
lots, but wore covered by township 3, 5th range (Canisteo), 
and town.ship 4, 6tli range (Hornellsville). Erwin, Ben- 
nett, Thomas, and Stephens, accordingly, went to Canan- 
daigua in September, 1790, to get a deed for their town- 
ships and to deliver up the former one. Phelps agreed to 
give them a new deed, provided they would consent to strike 
one-half mile by six from each township, so as to make 
318 



them five and a half by sis miles. As considerable im- 
provement had been made on town.ship 3, 5th range (Can- 
isteo), it was agreed that, instead of taking one half-mile 
from that township, one mile in width should be taken 
from town.ship 4, Gth range (Hornellsville), so aS to have 
township 3 (Canisteo) six miles .square, and township 4 
(Hornellsville) five miles by six. In pursuance of this ar- 
rangement, a deed was executed Sept. 17, 1790, by Phelps 
to Erwin, Bennett, Thomas, and Stephens, for the two 
entire townships, and they, on the same day, rcconveyed 
to liim one mile by six of the west side of township 4, tith 
range ( Hornellsville)." 

See 4 Wendell's Reports, pages 59, etc. 

DRAWING OP THE LOTS. 

The twelve lots into which the town of Hornellsville was 
divided by the original proprietors were drawn as follows : 
James Hadley, No. 1 ; John Jameson, No. 2; Arthur Er- 
win, No. 3; Christian Kriss, No. 4 ; Joel Thomas, No. 5; 
Uriah Stephens, Jr., No. G ; John Stephens, No. 7 ; Wm. 
Wynkoop, No. 8 ; Uriah Stephens, Sr., No. 9 ; Solomon 
Bennett, No. 10; Elisha Brown, No. 11; Solomon Ben- 
nett, No. 12. 

EARLY SETTLEMENT. 

The first settlements were made in this town, then " Up- 
per Canisteo,'' as early as 1793, by Judge Hornell and 
others. Deacon Mowry Thaclier, now living in Hornells- 
ville, came into the town in 1810, from Troupsburgh, 
where his father, Nathaniel Thacher, had settled in 1808. 
Mr. Thacher knew all the settlers at that time in the 
Canisteo Valley, from Addison to the village of Dansville, 
and has given us in a series of " reminiscences" a collection 
of valuable information not elsewhere attainable. He 
entered this town (^then Canisteo) at its eastern boundary, 
and the first house, after passing an unbroken wilderness of 
eighteen miles in extent, was that of Col. William Stephens, 
familiarly known as " Capt. Bill," who kept the most 
famous tavern in all this region. Capt. Jameson lived in 
a double log house, farther on, and the next was a hewed 
log house on the bank of Bennett's Creek, the residence of 
" that genial, good old man, John Stephens," who owned 
all the beautiful fiat extending across the entire valley, and 
including t he ancient Indian apple-tree^ which is still stand- 
ing. Tills tree measures nearly three feet in diameter, and 
is probably more than a hundred years old. 

The next location was that of Nicholas Doughty, the 
Dutch blacksmith, who " made hoes and pitchforks as 
heavy as j)lowshares are now," in a little log shop by the 
side of his log cabin. He was a kind-hearted, respectable 
man, and, withal, a pretty shrewd trader. Of the large 




^^a, c/^^6r^U/i^U2J2y~~^ 



Hon. Asa McConnell was born in Orange Co., N. Y., 
Feb. 4, 1801. His father, Charles McConnell, was also a 
native of the same county ; was married to Sally Sammons, 
and was a farmer by occupation. In the year 1808 he 
moved with his family and settled in the town of Howard, 
this county, then an almost unbroken wilderness tract. 
His journey with a lumber wagon the entire distance, and 
from Bath by only a wagon-road cut through the timber, 
is in strong contrast with the same distance traveled by 
means of railway at the present time. 

His purchase in the town of Howard was one hundred 
and sixty acres of timber land, which he at once began to 
clear of its heavy forest, and prepare for raising cereals. 
His house was always open to the new settler, and many a 
prospecting one made it a welcome rendezvous until lie had 
selected and located for himself. He was a soldier of the 
war of 1812. His father died in the year 1827, at the 
age of fifty-one, leaving a wife and family of seven sons 
and four daughters. His mother died at the age of seventy- 
four, in the year 1856. 

Of these children, Asa was eldest, and upon the death 
of his father took general charge of the affairs at home, 
and carried on the farm. At the age of sixteen he had 
been apprenticed to learn the carpenter's and joiner's trade, 
which took his time until he reached his majority. 

For a few years he worked at his trade, and in the year 
1825 married EUzabeth, daughter of Major Jones, of 
Dansville. Her father was one of the early settlers of 
that town, she being born in the town of Hornellsville, 



Sept. 18, 1805. He remained upon the farm, ranking 
among the most indu.strious, thrifty, and judicious mana- 
gers of agricultural matters in the town, until the year 
1867, when he removed to Hornellsville, and soon after, in 
partnership with his two sons, Benton and Philo F., pur- 
chased the planing-mill property now owned by the sons, 
and began the manufacture of sash, doors, and blinds. In 
this business he continued until 1877, when he disposed of 
his interest to his youngest son, Floyd T. 

The business of the firm has so increased that their 
manufacturing interest is the largest in the county of the 
kind, and one of the most extensive in the southern part 
of the State, being carried on with that enterprising spirit 
often found among self-made men. They are dealers, also, 
in marbelized slate mantels, grates, and fenders, and French 
and American window-glass. 

Mr. McConnell has given his attention mostly to business 
operations during his life, yet while a resident of the town 
of Howard he was elected by his fellow-townsmen to the 
office of justice of the peace for some four terms, and for 
one term was supervisor of the town, and in the year 184-1 
represented his Assembly district in the State Legislature. 
During his earlier and middle life he was somewhat active 
in the interests of questions affecting our local and State 
political history, and ever stood a staunch member of the 
Democratic party. His remaining children are Mrs. A. J. 
Ward, of Madison, Wis. ; Mrs. Warren P Cook, of Genesee, 
111.; Mrs. Edward T. Young; and Miss Jennie, of 
Hornellsville. 



TOWN OF HORNELLSVILLB. 



319 



family he then had, few, if any, are left in this part of the 
land. 

Abraham Minier and his brother Henry occupied the 
farm now owned by a son of the late Captain William Ben- 
nett. It was then known as the Dr. Hale farm, afterwards 
as the Pompelly, and still later as the Meade farm. Uriah 
Upson lived on the opposite .side of the river from this 
farm, a little farther up, and nearly on the site of the 
present Canisteo depot. He liad a large family, many of 
whom still remain. Next came William MulhoUon, famil- 
iarly called " Uncle Billy." He kept a tavern in a hewed 
log house, and owned a most beautiful farm, sweeping from 
hill-t(ip to hill-top across the broad valley, and all yet owned 
by Samuel and William, the surviving sons, who have 
greatly imjiroved and beautified the ancestral homestead. 

Then came Col. James McBurnoy, a bachelor, at that 
time of some forty or forty-five years, and owning some 
1600 acres of land. He had, for that time, a fine house, 
well finished and painted, the grounds neatly fenced and 
shrubbery in the yard. He had also a fine orchard in full 
bearing. This splendid property was bought of Solomon 
Bennettj^father of the late Maj. Thomas and W^illiam 
Bennett. It is now, in great part, owned by Mr. T. J. 
Magee. Col. McBurney married a Mrs. Erwin, of Dans- 
ville, Livingston Co., with whom he lived many years, but 
left no child to bear his name or inherit his estate. He 
was a man of sterling integrity, strong mind, and kindly 
disposition. As a Democrat he was decided in his political 
principles, and was honored by his townsmen with every 
responsible office in their gift. In later life he became a 
member of the First Presbyterian Church of Ilornellsville 
at the time of its organization, and an active and liberal 
helper in the erection of the first church edifice. 

The next occupied farm on the way we have thus far 
traveled was owned by old Mr. Richard Crosby, who was 
as early a settler as any in the valley. He, in company 
with Solomon Bennett, Capt. John Jameson, and Uriah 
Stephens, explored this region in 1788, and became a settler 
on this form in 1790. It is the same farm now owned by 
Alauson Stephens and Philip Van Scoter. Mr. Crosby 
was an old man in 1810, and soon passed away. He had 
two sons, Reuben and Richard, and three daugliters, Han- 
nah, Rachel, and Polly. Reuben lived a little north of 
Mr. Hough's on the bank of the creek. It was then all 
woods between there and where Main Street, in the village 
of Hornellsville, now is. Richard lived on the river a few 
miles below Col. Bill's mill, and owned a good farm there. 
He had several sons, the most of whom have passed away, 
but some remain, and a new and enterprising generation of 
that name have taken the place of their ancestors. None 
of the daughters of old Mr. Crosby are living at this writ- 
ing. Hannah, known as Aunt Niel, was the last to depart, 
some years since. Rachel married Daniel Upson, and 
reared a large and respectable family. Many of the 
grandchildren remain here, but the majority of them have 
removed West. Polly married Elias Stephens, who lived 
in a hewed log house near the railroad crossing below the 
Hornellsville depot. They had two sons and five daughters, 
two of whom, Erastus Stephens and Mrs. Holmes, were, 
until their recent decease, residents of Hornellsville. 



Deacon Thacher, speaking of Mrs. Niel, says : " This 
most estimable lady lived with her father and mother, when 
I first knew lier, but she owned a house and 50 acres of 
land, the gift of her father. The house stood a few rods 
east of Canisteo Street, and nearly opposite the Franklin 
House. It was thickly wooded between the house and road, 
though a little improved, and a small orchard stood farther 
back. Here she lived, as I have been told, for many 
months entirely alone, with no neighbors nearer than the 
settlement at ' Lower Canisteo,' a distance of six or seven 
miles. She was a model pioneer heroine. In the midst of 
a den.se forest, the hoot of the owl, the howl of the wolf, 
and the panther's cry were familiar sounds by night, and 
the timid deer almost a constant visitor by day. Here she 
held this frontier outpost for months entirely alone. Her 
husband and her brother Reuben's wife were buried on the 
same day, the first occurrence of the kind ( the interment 
of two persons on the same day) in this entire region. She 
lived to be nearly one hundred years old, and died, as she 
had lived, with the respect and esteem of all who knew her. 
She was a worthy member of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church of Hornellsville." 

Oliver Harding was the nearest neighbor of Reuben 
Crosby, and lived on what is now Main Street, a few rods 
back from the " turnpike," as it was then called. He was 
an old man in 1810, a veteran of 1776 ; he had often seen, 
and, if we mistake not, fought under the immediate com- 
mand of General Washington. The old hero would always 
be affected to tears when looking at the likeness of his be- 
loved commander, and the slightest disrespect towards him 
would rouse the deepest indignation of the old soldier. He 
had six sons and two daughters. The daughters have long 
been dead, and all the .sons save one are now gone. James, 
the eldest but one, died some fifteen years ago. He was 
about eighty years of age, the father of Morrison Harding 
and Mrs. Erastus Grovcr. Adam Lewis was a half-brother 
of Mr. James Harding, and the father of Mrs. Matthew 
Stephens. " Harding Hill" received its name from Oliver 
Harding. 

Judge Hornell, after whom the town was named, came 
next. He lived in what for a long time was known as the 
" Red House." It stood a little back from the road, and 
on the site of the house now owned by Mrs. Dr. Gray, on 
Washington Street. It was a large building for those days, 
and was kept as a public-house for a long series of years. 
The judge was one of the earliest of the pioneers, and bore 
his full share of pioneer hardships, which were neither few 
nor small. He purchased two or three thousand acres of 
land, and soon erected a grists and saw-mill, which were a 
great relief to the infant settlement, as their nearest grist- 
mill was at Elmira (then Newtown), sixty miles by the 
present road, but nearer one hundred by the roads they 
were then obliged to take. The few neighbors here and at 
"Lower Canisteo" used to join and fit out a fleet of canoes, 
load them with grain for all the families, and then a sufii- 
cient number of the hardy woodsmen, with their setting- 
poles, navigated the fleet through all the windings and 
turnings, through the collections of driftwood, and over the 
shoals ; when wet and wearied, as the day closed, they were 
obliged to find a shelter wherever night overtook them. By 



320 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



their indomitable energy they overcame every obstacle, and 
carried their precious freight safely to " Newtown." But 
the victory was not then half won ; it was then, as now, 
much easier to go with the current than against the cur- 
rent (whether the stream be water or corrupt public senti- 
ment) ; but energy and will generally succeed, and so did 
our energetic pioneers. These journeys " to mill" occupied 
weeks of exhausting toil. We may well imagine that the 
new mills were hailed with joy, and that their owner was re- 
garded as a benefactor, as he truly was in more respects 
than one. He was a man of great energy of character, and 
grappled heroically with the difficulties of frontier life. He 
had always a helping hand to e.\tend to the struggling poor. 
It is said of him that at a time of great scarcity of grain, 
when he had about all there was within twenty miles in 
every direction, a man of considerable wealth came to him 
and a.skcd him if he had grain to sell. " Yes," said the 
Judge, "have you got the money to pay for it?" The 
man somewhat indignantly replied, "Yes, sir!" "Well, 
then," said the Judge, " take your money and go where 
they have it to sell ; I must keep mine for poor men who 
cannot go away after it." 

For seventeen years, Judge Hornell was the life of the 
settlement and the embodiment of its history. Endowed 
with a liberal mind, and a kind and generous heart, he was 
a good citizen, a warm friend, and an honorable man. He 
was called by the people to fill many important trusts, and 
was one of the associate judges of the county. He died 
and was buried on the eminence just west of and overlook- 
ing the village, leaving a " name and a memory that his 
friends will not willingly let die." His widow survived him 
nearly thirty years. A plain marble slab, reared by the 
loving hand of a daughter (whose kindness in sickness and 
trouble many can never forget, and who has herself passed 
from earth), marks their resting-place. It bears the fol- 
lowing inscription : 

"GEORGE AND MARTHA HORNELL, 

"pioneers .4ND FOU.NDER.S Of HORNKI.LSVII.LE. 

"They spread their tent in the wilderness, 1794, and built them a 
vineyard, but the Master called them home ere they gathered the 
fruit." 

A writer adds this comment : 

" As we stand on that eminence and look far off over the 
broad valley of the Canisteo, with its busy thousands, and 
hear the rush of the locomotives, as they speed by on either 
hand, jarring the sacred resting-place of the pioneers, and 
watch the breezes waving the ripening grain of their de- 
scendants, while from the old mill to the river in the distance 
comes up the hum of the busy mart now peopled with 
strangers, we cannot but repeat, "JEre they gathered the 
fruit:' 

THE INDIANS. 

The Indians had cleared here and there a small spot all 
along the Canisteo Valley. There was scarcely a farm on 
the flats but had some portion bearing marks of Indian 
cultivation. Old corn-hills, although covered with a thick 
sward of grass, were plainly to be seen by the early settlers. 
They did not, however, at the time of which we are speak- 
ing, cultivate the lands, but still kept possession of their old 



hunting- and fishing-grounds. They were quite as fond of 
dignity and titles as were their pale-faced brothers. There 
were Col. Shongo , of Wyoming notoriety. Tall Chief, and 
Tall John , Clump Font , and Y ankee John, who called 
himself " Capt. John, " the Jamesons, sons of the white 
woman captive, and a great many other celebrities. These 
sons of the forest had acquired a fondness for the " fire- 
water" of the pale-face, and under its influence had become 
so much the counterpart of their instructors, that their 
presence was neither agreeable nor safe. But there was 
one feature in their drunken revels which it would have 
been well for their professedly more civilized neighbors to 
have adopted. They invariably kept one or more of their 
number sober, who generally succeeded in saving them from 
fines and lock-ups, and their white neighbors from serious 
injury. 

In 1812 and 1813 there was great dread of the Indians. 
They had a great many warriors in the valley of the Gen- 
esee, and it was greatly feared they might be induced to 
take up the hatchet against their intruding white neighbors, 
but they finally embarked in our cau.se and became our 
allies. It was in this service that the chief Shongo ob- 
tained the title of colonel. This chief had borne an active 
part in the Wyoming raid, and was well known by many of 
the settlers in this valley. Aunt Olive Stephens (mother 
of Mrs. Dr. Olin) was a captive among them. Her mother 
was shot down by her side, and she herself escaped death 
almost miraculously. None knew Sliongo better than Maj. 
Van Campen . of Angelica, father of Mrs. Rev. Robert 
Hubbard, the late Mrs. George Lockhart, and the late Mrs. 
Samuel MulhoUen. Van Campen could not forget the 
horrors and sufferings of Wyoming, where men, women, 
and children were the victims of savage barbarity, and he 
retained a deadly hostility towards the perpetrators, many 
of whom he recognized as they roamed over their hunting- 
fields of the Allegany and Steuben forests. Shongo and 
the major were foes by mutual consent, and were each on 
the watch for the other, especially on their hunting excur- 
sions. It happened in one of these tours that each discov- 
ered the other at about the same moment, and each availed 
himself of the shelter of a large tree as a fortress behind 
which to fight. They both stood for a few moments, neither 
daring to expose himself to the sure shot of his antagonist's 
rifle, when the major finally resorted to a ruse to bring out 
his savage foe. He very carefully slipped his ramrod under 
his hat and quietly carried the hat out till the keen eye of 
the savage caught sight of it. Instantly a ball from 
Shongo's rifle struck the hat, and Shongo j umped from his 
hiding-place, but only to find himself a victim of the supe- 
rior cunning of the white man. He as speedily sprang 
behind his fortress and commenced reloading his rifle ; in 
this act he dropped something and thoughtlessly stooped 
to pick it up. Now was Van Campen's opportunity, and a 
bullet from his rifle convinced the savage chief that his foe 
was a sure shot. The ball struck the fleshy part of the 
Indian's thigh, and, although not fatal, it extorted a terri- 
ble savage yell with which the discomfited chief beat a 
hasty retreat into the thick woods. Van Campen did not 
choose to pursue him. 

Deacon Thacher, from whose " Reminiscences" most of 







'^l^/vi/^ ^/^/^ /uuiJ^-t^tr- 



Christophek Httrlbut, Jr., whose portrait is here pre- 
sented, was born in Wyoming Valley, Pa., Dec. 17, 1794, and 
was next to the youngest of a family of eight children, seven 
of whom lived to a mature age. He married Ellen Tiffany, 
of Palmyra, N. Y., June 4, 1823, by whom he bad six chil- 
dren, Myron, Edmund, Lydia, Nancy, Elizabeth, and Abigail. 
He was a farmer, and a man of unblemished character, and 
died Feb. 8, 1875, having lived seventy-seven years on the 
"old Hurlbut homestead," in Arkport. 

As Christopher Hurlbut, Sr., was the head of the family 
here, and the founder of the village of Arkport, a more 
minute history of him is given. 

He was born in Groton, Conn., May 30, 1757, and died in 
Arkport, N. Y., April 21, 1831. He descended in the follow- 
ing direct line from English ancestors; John, Jr., John, Sr., 
Stephen, Samuel, and Lieut. Thoma.s Hurlbut, who came 
from England about ltj30, and settled in Connecticut. 

April 3, 177G, Christopher enlisted in the Continental army 
and served under the immediate command of Gen. Washing- 
ton. In 1777 he visited Wyoming Valley. In February, 
1778, he left Groton for Hanover, Luzerne Co., Pa., to pre- 
pare a home for his father's family, and returned in June to 
assist in moving them to the valley. When they arrived 
at Lackawasen, on the Delaware, they were met by the 
fugitives flying from the " Wyoming massacre," which put a 
stop to their further progress for that season. Christopher 
helped bury the victims of the " massacre," and the family in 
November, 1779, settled in their new home in Hanover. In 
1782 he married Elizabeth Mann, of Wysox, Pa. Their chil- 
dren were Abigail, John, James, Sarah, Elizabeth, Nancy, 
Christopher, and Edward ; all but the latter were born in 
Hanover, Pa. In 1789 he was a]ipointed by Governor 
Mifllin, of Pennsylvania, judge for the county of Luzerne 
for seven years; and in 1791 he received the appointment by 
the same Governor of "justice of the peace for the district of 
Wilkesbarre," which ofBce he held until he moved from the 
State. 

While living in Pennsylvania he was a ))rominent actor in 
the stirring scenes of the valley which followed the historic 
battle of July 3, 1778. Of him, Gearge Peck, D.D., the 



historian of Wyoming Valley, says: "Mr. Hurlbut was a 
man for the times, of more than usual education ; a good 
mathematician, and a practical surveyor. His plots of large 
tracts of land surveyed by him in the county of Luzerne are 
acknowledged data." 

In 1796 he visited "the Genesee country," and purchased 
a large tract of choice land at the head of the Canisteo Valley 
(now Arkport), known as great lots Nos. 2, 3, 4, and 13, in 
the Gore. The following spring be erected a small log hou.se, 
and in August, 1797, left Wyoming Valley with his family in 
a Durham boat, and ascended the Susquehanna as far as 
Tioga Point; from there by land to his new home, five miles 
from the nearest white inhabitant. About 1800 he built a 
saw-mill and store-house, and in 1801, or the spring of 1802, 
he ran the first arks ever taken down the Canisteo. 

The first years of the present century were spent by him in 
clearing his farm and developing the country. He laid out 
and im])roved roads in every direction from Arkport ; obtained 
the passage of an act by the Legislature of this State making 
the Canisteo Kiver a "public highway," and made it a 
channel of commerce down whose waters were borne much 
of the products of " the Genesee country." 

He built a large hotel and farm-house in 1805-6, which is 
still in good repair, and about 1815 a carding and cloth 
dressing mill ; he also bought about the same date a large tract 
of pine timbered land in what is now Perkinsville, Steuben 
Co., on which he built a saw-mill. He filled various 
offices in the town of Canisteo, and was appointed judge of 
Steuben County. In the law creating the " Erie Turnpike 
Company" he was named as one of the three commissioners to 
locate and construct the road, a work of much labor and ex- 
pense, but of great importance to the country. Public im- 
provements, public .schools, and public morals found in him 
an efficient advocate and worker. In religion he was a 
Presbyterian, as were his ancestors, and as are his descend- 
ants. In politics he was a Whig of olden times. 

His children settled in this valley and vicinity, except 
Nancy, who married Ziba Hoyt in "1815, and moved back 
to Wyoming Valley to bec<ime the mother, in 1830, of Henry 
M. Hoyt, the present Governor of Pennsylvania. 



A I 





■HOTOS Br SuriOM , jlOitHaiSvniC.H.'r 



MRS FRANCIS COLOROVZ 



f ■ 



FffANC/S COLGROVE 



FRANCIS COLGROVE, 



son of Samuel and Clarissa Colgrove, was born at 
Painted Post, June 17, 1810. He is of English origin. 
His parents came from Rhode Island, settled in 
Steuben County at an early day, and continued to re- 
side in the county until their death. Francis received 
a common-school education; removed into Addison, 
remained a few years, then settled at Arkport, more 
than fifty years ago, where he remained following the 
occupation of a farmer until his death, Nov. 25, 1878. 
He was very successful as a farmer. He married 
Amanda, daughter of John and Sibyl Pitts, of Ark- 
port, Oct. 17, 1830. Mrs. Amanda Colgrove was born 
in Columbia Co., N. Y., Oct. 12, 1815, and settled in 
Arkport in 1818, in company with her parents, who 
were among the early pioneer families of this part of 
the county. 

As the result of the above union, ten children have 



been born, viz., John P., Henry, Newton, Samuel F., 
James, Theodore, W. H., Mary A., Chas. A., and Frank 
E., all of whom were born in the town of Homellsville, 
in the community where the widow and a portion of the 
family now reside. 

Mr. Colgrove affiliated with the Republican party 
until within a few years of his death. He was a mem- 
ber of the Presbyterian Church at Homellsville, and 
his wife is a member at the present time. Their son, 
Newton, was a soldier in the late war ; enlisted in Com- 
pany E, 188th Regiment New York Volunteers; mus- 
tered into service Oct. 4, 1864, and was honorably dis- 
charged at the close of the war. 

Mrs. Colgrove's mother, Mrs. John Pitts, is now living 
in Arkport, and is in her ninety-first year; has good 
physical health, and has retained her faculties remark- 
ably well for one so old. 




/my?^ // 




C^:^?W 






JOHN J. SHARP. 



Johu J. yiiarp was born on Staten Island, Jan. 1, 
1800. Little is known of the ancestry of the Sharp 
family beyond his father, William Sharp, who was a 
merchant on Staten Island for many years. He was 
married to Elizabeth Johnson, by whom he had thirteen 
children, five of whom are now living. The family 
moved to Arkport, this county, in the year 1812, and 
hence were among the early settlers of the town of Hor- 
nellsville. Subsequently the parents moved to Pennsyl- 
vania, where the father died at the age of eighty-four, 
in the year 1844. The mother died during the same 
year, at the age of seventy-eight. 

Mr. Sharp's opportunities for an education from 
books during his minority were somewhat limited, as 
he came with his parents to their new home when 
only twelve years of age, and tiiose of our early set- 
tlers who still survive remember well the rude log 
school-house and its meagre appointments. In the 
year 1824 he married Olive, daughter <if William Hyde, 
Esq., of Arkport. She was born De< '.a, 1802. With- 
out pecuniary assistance this couple began life for them- 
.selves. 

For eleven years they lived on what is known as the 
Wheeler farm, during which time, by industry and 
economy, they accumulated sufficient means, and in the 
year 1835 purchased the farm now owned and occupied 
by the surviving wife and children. 

Nearly all of this farm, consisting of one hundred 



and five acres, Mr. Sharp cleared of its original for&st, 
where now may be seen cultivated fields and farm im- 
provements, showing the handiwork of a careful and 
representative farmer. His children were Edwin Reuben 
(deceased) ; Ann Eliza (deceased) ; Lucinda (deceased) ; 
John W., of California ; and Mary Elizabeth (Mrs. 
D. H. Butler), of Elgin, III. The mother died Aug. 
17, 1838. 

For his second wife he married, Jan. 24, 1839, Eliz- 
abetli, widow of the late David Boyd, and daugliter of 
Richard Allen, who emigrated from Ireland, lived iii 
Luzerne Co., Pa., and subsequently moved to Erie Co., 
Pa., where he died. She was born March 17, 1812. 
Of this union five children were born, — Sarah ; Martiia 
H. (deceased) ; Milton (deceased) ; Henry W. and Helen 
H. (twins). 

Mr. Sharp was decided in his political inclinations, 
and unswervingly identified as a member of the Repub- 
lican party. 

For many years he was an active member and elder 
of the Presbyterian Church at Hornellsville, which 
connection he retained until the organization of the 
Presbyterian Church at Arkport, when he united with 
that church, and was elder of the same until his death, 
Dec. 9, 1875. 

]\Ir. Sharp was a man of sterling integrity, correct 
habits, and known for uprightness in all his business 
relations. 



TOWN OF HORNELLSVILLE. 



321 



the above has been taken, with some verbal alterations, in 
company with his brother, in 1828 or 1829, visited old 
Shonso at his village residence on the Genesee River. He 
was then an old, white-haired man. Upon his attention 
being called to his encounter with Van Campen the old 
chief laughed, and pulling aside his blanket showed the 
scar, which was still plainly visible. He knew Judge Hor- 
nell well, and called him by his Indian name, Ton-equin-e-da. 
He also had in his possession a copy of a treaty signed by 
George Washington. 

The Tories and Indians from Niagara, on their way to 
Wyoming, in 1778, came across the Genesee country and 
reached the Canisteo in this town. About a mile above 
the village of Hornellsville they cut the pine-trees and 
built the canoes which carried them down the Susquehanna 
to the scene of that terrible massacre. The place where 
they built their canoes has often been pointed out by the 
late Col. John R. Stephens, being on the bank of the river 
on his farm where the stumps from which the trees were 
cut were standing. At the time Col. Stephens settled on 
the place a partly-fini.shed canoe and some of their tools 
and implements were found there. 

Nathaniel Thacher, father of Deacon Mowry Thacher, 
removed from Troupsbnrgh, and settled about a mile below 
the village of Hornellsville, on the site of the Arnott grist- 
mill, in 1810. His house, for that day, was considered a 
very excellent one, being constructed of hewed logs. In 
about two years he settled on what is now known as the Hart 
farm, where he resided ten years. He then moved into the 
village, where he spent the remainder of his days. He died 
in Florence, Ala., about 1825, leaving his widow, four sons, 
and two daughters. His third son, Otis Thacher, resided 
on the homestead in the village, where his family still reside, 
till his death, March 14, 1868. He was a prominent citizen, 
and was often called to fill positions of honor and trust. He 
held military commissions under Governors De Witt Clinton 
and William L. Marcy. In 1840 he was appointed one of 
the associate judges of the Court of Common Pleas of the 
county, in which position he acted for five or six years. In 
1850 he was deputy marshal of the Third Assembly Dis- 
trict of Steuben County, and took the census of that year. 
He was one of the members of the Presbyterian Church of 
Hornellsville at its organization in 1831, and by his zeal 
and liberality aided largely in the erection of the first church 
edifice in the village. He was a devoted Christian and an 
earnest advocate of temperance. 

Deacon Thacher has resided in the house where he now 
lives over fifty years. He was born in Gloucester, R. I., 
June 15, 1802, and came with his parents to this town in 
1810. The house in which he resides was built in 1819, 
by his father, Nathaniel Thacher, for his son-in-law, George 
Hornell, a son of Judge Hornell. It is the oldest house 
now in town. Most of the old Hornell homestead, which 
was purchased by the Thachers in 1831, is now embraced 
in the First Ward of the village, and a large part of it 
covered with buildings. The first settlers on the site of 
the village were Judge Hornell, Benjamin Crosby, Elias 
Stephens, Elijah Stephens, and Oliver Harding. The 
Stephens' were brothersin-law to Judge Hornell, and settled 
here soon after. 
41 



EARLY HISTORY OF ARKPORT. 

In the spring of 1797, Judge Hurlbut and his eldest 
son, John, then a boy twelve years of age, came from Wy- 
oming, Pa., to Arkport, and made a small clearing, planted 
a piece of corn, and built a small log house where James 
Hurlbut's saw-mill now stands. Judge Hurlbut had pre- 
viously purchased over 900 acres of land in the valley of a 
land speculator, at $4.50 per acre, and afterwards had to 
pay for the same land the second time at the land-ofiice. 
After putting up the house they returned to Wyoming 
Valley, and in the fall of the same year returned to Ark- 
port, bringing the family, — John Hurlbut, who died in 
1831; James Hurlbut, of Geneva ; Christopher Hurlbut, 
of Arkport, then three years old ; Abigail and Mrs. Tag- 
gart, both of whom have since died ; Mrs. Joshua Shepard, 
of Dansville; and Mrs. Hoyt, of Kingston, Pa. 

Mr. Nathan Cory, father of Jonathan Cory, accompanied 
the family to assist in the arduous task of moving. They 
came up the river in flat-boats to the point where the 
bridge crosses the Canisteo, a mile below Arkport. Here 
the process of debarkation commenced, and they made their 
way through the dense forest of weeping elms that thickly 
covered the beautiful valley to their lonely cabin, surrounded 
by savage beasts and the scarcely less savage and much more 
wily red u)an. But soon a cheerful maple-wood fire was 
burning on the capacious stone hearth, and the good house- 
wife had the evening meal prepared from a well-selected 
stock of comforts and luxuries laid in before leaving the 
beautiful and far-famed Valley of Wyoming. 

Judge Hurlbut was a native of Groton, Conn , and moved 
to Wyoming Valley the same year the battle was fought, 
and was within forty miles of Wilkesbarre the day of the 
horrible massacre. For several years he was employed by 
the Connecticut Legislature in making surveys of the sev- 
eral townships in the valley. He was the first surveyor in 
the town of Hornellsville,^for a long time the only one, — 
and was employed almost constantly by the land-office in 
making surveys in Steuben, Livingston, and Allegany 
Counties. The year after his arrival he built a large two- 
story double log house, and commenced keeping tavern, 
and in 1806 (the same year in which Judge Hornell built 
his red tavern) he built his residence, then, if not now, the 
largest dwelling in town. In 1800 he built and launched 
the first ark ever run on the Canisteo, and took it to Balti- 
more, loaded with wheat, which he purchased of the far- 
mers in Dansville and Geneseo. He was successful in this, 
his first experiment, and a market was opened at once for 
the surplus grain, pork, and beef of the Genesee country. 

The same year he built a saw-mill and erected a large 
storehouse on the east bank of the Canisteo, to which in 
winter the farmers of the Genesee Valley would bring their 
wheat and corn, butter and cheese, and other marketable 
products, and store them, waiting only for the " moving of 
the waters" to step in and ride to Baltimore and a market. 
Thousands of bushels of grain were sent annually from this 
port, and some seasons as many as eleven arks were loaded 
with wjieat, corn, etc., and sent down the Susquehanna. 

As early as 1804, Gen. William Wadsworth, of Geneseo, 
started from Arkport, with two boat-loads of very large stall- 
fed oxen, and reached Baltimore in safety. 



322 



HISTOKY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



In 1806, Hall & Ellsworth, of Geneseo, sent down an 
ark, loaded with 300 barrels of mess pork, a large quantity 
of cheese, and a great number of dried venison hams. 
Jonathan Cory went down with this load, and he says they 
lived high. 

Thus things went on swimmingly till the Erie Canal was 
built, and the tide of transportation turned through that 
channel to the Eastern seaboard. 

The year following Judge Hurlbut's settlement in Ark- 
port, Nathan Cory, from Corytown, in the Wyoming Valley, 
came in with a large family of boys, — Johnson, Eleazer, 
Adam, William, and Christopher. Nathan Cory purchased 
about 100 acres of choice land at the head of the valley, 
on which his son Johnson built a large tavern-house, which 
he kept thirty-eight years. Eleazer Cory taught the first 
district school here in the winter of 1798, and about the 
same time Miss Abigail Hurlbut, assisted by her sister, 
Mrs. Taggart, established the first Sunday-school, in a pine 
grove, using large scoring-blocks for seats, and afterwards 
holding it in the saw-mill. It is pleasing to be able to say 
that these schools have been well sustained ever since. 

The same year Stephen Webb, father of Stephen and 
Shepard Webb, settled on the farm now owned by William 
Harrison. After clearing this farm he went to No. 4, now 
Almond, and built a grist-mill on the site of the Evan Davis 
mill. He afterwards exchanged his mill for a farm in Ark- 
port, where he resided till his death in 1831. 

In 1798, Joel Atherton built a house on the west side of 
Main Street, about forty rods north of the residence of Mr. 
Potts, and was the first blacksmith in the place. Here he 
dug a well and " stoned it up with cord-wood." 

In 1802 came William Hyde, father of Col. Avery Hyde, 
Ira Hyde, decea.sed, Mrs. Christopher Doty, and Mrs. 
Thomas Major. He moved from Nanticoke, below Wilkes- 
barre, and settled on the hill just north of the burying- 
ground. Willis Hyde was the first justice of the peace ap- 
pointed, and held the ofiice till his death in 1823. 

James Cleveland, in 1802, settled on the farm where 
Selah Van Scoter resides, then called Mill Town, and 
cleared 20 acres. The same year. Col. Williamson, of 
Bath, built a saw-mill on Mill Creek, near Mr. Cleveland's. 

At this time John P. Ryerss was living at Arkport, sell- 
ing goods from the old store-house, and James Taggart, of 
Northumberland, Pa., was his clerk. They sold salt at 
^10 a barrel and coarse factoiy-cotton at 50 cts. a yard. 
Mr. Ryerss bought at the land-oiBce 1300 acres of choice 
land, directly .south of Judge Hurlbut's residence and in- 
cluding the farms of Elias Ayres and Selah Van Scoter. 

At the death of Mr. Hyde, James Cleveland was ap- 
pointed justice of the peace, and held the ofiice until the 
election of John Pitts by the people. 

John Pitts came about 1810. Silas Stephens settled on 
the Ayers farm about the .same time. Elias Van Scoter, 
father of Philip and Selah Van Scoter, came in 1802 ; 
Capt. Abbott, in 1804; Willis Hyde, 1812. He settled 
north of Arkport, adjoining the marsh, where he built a 
large frame house and bade fair to enjoy a full share of 
worldly pro.sperity ; but in twenty years eleven of that once 
happy family lay side by side in the grave, with both father 
and mother at the head. 



William Sharp, formerly of Staten Island, with a family 
of twelve children, settled in Arkport, in July, 1812, and 
soon after purchased the Babcock farm, on the Dansville 
Road, and lived there nearly thirty years. His son Wil- 
liam made the first cabinet-work in the town, in 1814. 

As early as 1798, Rev. Andrew Gray preached regularly 
at Alfred, Almond, Arkport, and Dansville. Mrs. McCoy 
— mother of James McCurdy, and living on the place occu- 
pied by him — was Rev. Mr. Gray's nearest neighbor on the 
north, and Judge Hornell on the south. Mrs. McCoy, it 
is said, used to think nothing of walking from Dansville 
over to Arkport after the breakfast-dishes were washed, 
making a good vi.->it and returning in time to get supper 
for the men. She always used to come " light-footed," as 
she called it, that is, barefooted. 

SETTLEMENT OF THE HILLS. 

The earliest settlements were chiefly, if not exclusively, 
in the valleys of the streams, and not till within compara- 
tively few years — since the pines have become scarce and 
inferior — have the uplands been occupied exclusively, or 
even generally, for agricultural purposes. But within these 
few years wonderful improvements have been made. The 
smoke of the many burning fallows has not been made in 
vain. All the hills surrounding the village have been 
thickly settled, and their improvements form a large part 
of the wealth and pro.sperity of the town. 

The settlement known as Wellever Hill is situated south- 
east upon the dividing ridge between this town and Harts- 
ville. The soil on the hill is excellent both for grain and 
grass, and no better wheat land is to be found in Western 
New York. The first settler of this neighborhood was Mr. 
Cahran. He moved here over fifty years ago and cleared 
a farm, and was followed soon after by David Wellever, the 
father of four townsmen of that name, who came from 
Lycoming Co., Pa. After him came Andrew Hendershott, 
Samuel Hathaway, Peter Best, John Meeks, and James 
Spencer. Alanson Stephens made a fine clearing on the 
hill overlooking the village. The settlers have good houses, 
and the district to which they belong has a good school. 
The settlement is rapidly increasing in agriculture, and 
some have devoted considerable attention to wool-growing. 

Leaving Wellever Hill we come to Crosby Creek, where 
we find a snug neighborhood of farmers. Those familiar 
with this region twenty-five years ago, will be astonished 
at the change that has taken place. Among the earliest 
settlers on the creek were Leonard Drake, Jerry Davis, 
Wm. D. Burdick, Richard Peter.son, Samuel and Thomas 
Burnett, Asa Whitford, Isaiah Bartlett, and Elisha Potter; 
and in later years, John Stone, John Cleveland, Abraham 
Whitford, Samuel Olin, Edwin G. Burdick, Samuel and 
George Cobb, and the Wheelers. There are many fine 
farms, two saw-mills a short distance up the valley, erected 
by N. B. Haskell. 

Pennsylvania Hill embraces a large tract of country on 
the table-land northwest of the village, and contains some 
of the best farms in the town. Among the oldest inhabi- 
tants were James Dildine, James McMichael, William 
Emery, A. Sutton, Daniel Sutton, Ira Hyde, and Gilbert 
Wright. 




WILLIAM WOOLEVER. 



WTLLIAM WOOLEVER. 



William Woolever was born in Columbia Co., Pa., in the 
year 1807, Oct. 29. His grandfather was an emigrant from 
Genuany. His father, Samuel Woolever, was bom in Columbia 
County in 1779 ; married Effie Gillespie, a native of the same 
county. Of this union there were born four sons and three 
daughters, of whom William was eldest. His father died at 
the age of forty-five, in the same county where he was born. 
His mother died at about the age of forty, the next year after 
her husband, in the year 1825. 

Of the children, only a sister, Mrs. Jacob Yager, of Lycom- 
ing Co., Pa., besides the subject of this narrative, survives. 

Mr. Woolever came to Arkport, Steuben Co., first in the year 
1823, with his father; stayed nearly one year, and returned to 
their home in Pennsylvania. After the death of both his 
father and mother, in the year 1826, he returned to Arkport 
and began work by the month for Christopher Cary. His 
whole capital was twelve shillings in money. In 1827 he mar- 
ried Mrs. Cary, and began a business life for himself. 

Through the assistance of the late Ira Davenport he rented 
a farm (Mr. Davenport's), which he carried on for ten years, 
and was then able of his own means to purchase seventy acres 



of land for himself, to which he af^rwards made additions, so 
that he became the possessor of several hundred acres of fine 
agricultural land about Arkport. 

His life has been one of industry, economy, and care, and it 
is to such men as Mr. Woolever that the rising generation ffill 
ever owe a debt of gratitade for their enterprise, privation, and 
resolution in building schools, churches, clearing off forests, and 
establishing law and order in society. With that public spirit 
that shows devotion to country and sympathy for the needy, 
upon the breaking out of the late Rebellion, Mr. Woolever was 
the first man to ofier his subscription for the care of soldiers' 
wives and families while they were in battle at the front. 

He has been an unswerving member of the Whig and Re- 
publican parties, and ever exercised the right of sufirage. 

His wife died in October, 18C9, aged seventy. HLs children 
were William (deceased), Mary Ann (deceased), Alexander (de- 
ceased), Augustus (deceased) ; James and Samuel, of Arkport ; 
and Mrs. AUington Ward, of Michigan. 

For his second wife, in the year 1870, he married Mrs. Mary 
Ann Cairns, widow of the late Hiram Cairns, of Allegany Co., 
N. Y., and daughter of Sylvester Prior, of Arkport. 




/"■ \ ■■• 




'ty">'-^'i^<^'^t^-''yi^<^ 



3^<u^u^/—^^^ 




'i^^yt^'Y.^-^-z^^z^-cn^^^ 



GEOROE DAVENPORT 



was born In Speucertown, Columbia Co., N. Y., Oct. 
15, 1814. The Davenport family was one of the oldest 
of that county, and became quite numerous. His grand- 
father, Noah Davenport, settled in Columbia County 
soon after he was married ; was a farmer by occupation. 
His children were four sons and four daughters, of whom 
the late Col. Ira Davenport, one of the first settlers of 
HornellSville, was one son. William Davenport, father of 
the subject of this sketch, was the second son ; he remained 
upon the old homestead in Columbia County; was mar- 
ried to Lavinia Davis, and by this union were born two 
sons and one daughter, viz. : Mrs. John Olmstead 
(deceased), of Yonkers, N. Y., but formerly of New 
York City ; George, and Charles (deceased). 

His father was a farmer during his life, and died at 
the age of eighty-fonr, in the year 1873, on the old 
homestead where he was born. His mother died at the 
age of fifty-seven, in the year 1850. Mr. George 
Davenpoi't, the only surviving member of the family, 
spent his minority on the farm and attending school. 

At the age of twenty-six, in the year 1840, he mar- 
ried Caroline, oldest daughter of Squire Mead, of Somers, 
Westchester Co., N. Y. She was born March 3, 1822. 



The Mead family were among the first settlers at Somers, 
and a family of prominence. For elevjen years he 
remained on a part of the old homestead, and in the 
year 1851 removed to Arkport, and settled on the farm 
where he now lives; a view of which, with his im- 
provements, may be seen on another page of this work ; 
showing a marked contrast with its condition when he 
first settled on it, and bearing marks of industry, the 
labor of years, and the result of judicious management. 

Mr. Davenport belongs to that class of thrifty, en- 
terprising agriculturists upon whose shoulders rest the 
tax of the country, and without whose aid no public 
improvements would have existence, and the town and 
county would be without society, law, or order. 

He has never taken an active part in politics, but has 
been identified from his first vote with the Democratic 
party, casting his first vote for Andrew Jackson. 

He was a strong Union man during the late Rebellion, 
although opposed to the war at its commencement, and 
was one of the first to contribute for the relief of soldiers' 
families. His children are Mrs. Charles G. Alley, of 
Whitehall, Mich.; William; Mrs. J. H. Rider, of Wells- 
ville, N. Y. ; Stephen ; Henry ; Mrs. Daniel Curry. 



TOWN OF HORNELLSVILLE. 



323 



Prom Pennsylvania Hill we come by a gentle descent to 
the Webb District, first settled by Col. John R. Stephens, 
Stephen Webb, Bazey Baker, and others. The Ryerss 
tract is in this district, and embraces several hundred acres 
of land, considerable of which is improved. On this tract, 
deeply imbedded in the primeval forest, is the Ryers' Lake, 
a favorite resort of pleasure-parties and amateur .sportsmen. 

In the Winfield Settlement, northeast of the village, the 
first settlement was made by Matthias Reed, nearly fifty 
years ago. Since then farms have been cleared and greatly 
improved by Sylvanus Cleveland, Horace and William 
Winfield, Orrin Burch, Henry Belts, Henry Keefer, John 
Newson, and others. The settlement numbers among its 
members some of the most thorough, prosperous, and influ- 
ential farmers of the town. 

Prom the Winfield district, by a good and well-traveled 
road, we reach the old Turnpike Settlement, lying on the 
main road between this town and Bath. Maj. Bennett 
cleared a farm on the turnpike in 1808, and was one of the 
first settlers. After him came John Beattie, Jonathan L. 
Nicholson, Dudley Robinson, Wm. R. Stephens, Samuel 
Jones, Henry Chapman, N. Dilanow, and Mr. Boyd, some 
of whom are in the town of Howard. Tiie late Nathaniel 
Pinch, Esq., of Hornellsville, was among the early settlers 
on this hill, having settled on the farm formerly owned by 
Mr. Boyd, and known as the Cross farm. He was the 
second resident surveyor in this town, and a very enterpri- 
sing and useful citizen. Nathan Osborne was also one of 
the early surveyors. The turnpike hill is one of the most 
prosperous settlements in the town. It is familiarly known 
as " Nicholson Hill" from the numerous families of that 
name who have settled there, all descendants of the patri- 
arch Jonathan L. Nicholson. The district has a good 
school, and regular religious services on the Sabbath. 

ORGANIZATION. 

The town of Hornellsville was formed from Canisteo, 
April 1, 1820, and embraced, in addition to the present 
territory, the town of Hartsville and part of the town of 
Premont. Hartsville was taken oflT in 1844, and part of 
Fremont in 1854. 

The first town-meeting in and for the town of Hornells- 
ville was held on the first Tuesday in March, 1821, at the 
house of Martha Hornell, then occupied by Peter Reynolds, 
when the following town officers were elected : Ira Daven- 
port, Supervisor ; John R. Stephens, Town Clerk ; John 
Hurlbut, George Hornell, James Harding, Assessors; Wm. 
B. Bostwick, Collector; Elijah Stephens, Stephen Webb, 
Poormasters ; Stephen Coon, Asa Upson, Samuel Harding, 
Commissioners of Highways ; Christopher Hurlbut, Arvin 
Kennedy, George Hornell, Inspectors of Schools ; James 
Taggart, William Stephens, Amos Graves, School Commis- 
sioners ; Wm. B. Bostwick, David Whitney, Wm. Webb, 
Constables ; Amasa Thacher, Justus Harding, William 
Stephens, Jr., Fence- Viewers. 

In April an election was held to elect two members of 
Congress for the Twentieth Congressional District, result- 
ing as follows : Wm. B. Rochester, 35 votes ; David Wood- 
cock, 31 votes ; Sherman Camp, 38 votes ; Jonathan Rich- 
mond, 34 votes. At the same meeting to elect members 



of Assembly for the counties of Steuben and Allegany, the 
result was as follows : Asa Lee Davidson, 38 votes ; Wm. 
Woods, 39 votes ; Amos Peabody, 25 votes ; Grattan H . 
Wheeler, 25 votes. 

LIST OP TOWN OPFIOEES. 





Supervisors. 


Town Clerks. 


Collectors. 


1821. 


Ira Davenport. 


John R. Stephens. 


Wm. B. Bostwick. 


1822. 


" 


it it 


Truman Bostwick. 


1823. 


John II. .Stephens. 


George Hornell. 


James Taggart. 


182J. 


" 


Samuel Thacher. 


Truman Bostwick. 


1825. 


" 


Wm. Stephens, Jr. 


it it 


1826. 


Maj. Thos. Bennett 


Otis Thacher. 


tt it 


182?. 


u « 


" " 


Stephen Webb, Jr. 


1828. 


Jas. McBui-ney. 


It tt 


'•■ " 


1829. 


" 


Augustus Newell. 


John R. Stephens. 


1830. 


it tt 


Thos. Bennett. 


" 


1831. 


It tt 


John Morris. 


Charles Lefferts. 


1832. 


James Uyke. 


John R. Morris. 


Erastus Lewis, 


1833. 


" " 


Thos. J. Reynold?. 


Andrew Morris. 


1834. 


Jas. McBurney. 


Martin Adsit. 


Daniel McAlmont. 


1835. 


" 


tt It 


tt tt 


1836. 


Ira Davenport. 


" '• 


ti it 


1837. 


" 


" " 


Asher C. Smith. 


18.38. 


tt tt 


ti tt 


Wm. D. Burdick. 


1839. 


tt ti 


" " 


" " 


lS-10. 


Hugh Magee. 


Chas. Lefferts. 


Vincent Stephens. 


1841. 


" " 


Andy L. Smith, Jr. 


It it 


1842. 


John R. Morris. 


Hiram Bennett. 


John Burdew. 


1843. 


tt tt 


" 


Philip Van Scoter. 


1844. 


tt tt 


" 


(( it 


1845. 


Thos. Major. 


Rufus Tuttle. 


Elias Ayers. 


1846. 


tt 


Andy L. Smith, Jr 


" " 


1847. 


tt tt 


Rufus Tuttle. 


Wm. U. Doty. 


1848. 


Martin Adsit. 


Daniel Bullard. 


it It 


1849. 


Aaron Morris. 


Wm. H. Doty. 


Daniel Haas. 


1850. 


" 


Nath. Blaksley. 


" " 


1851. 


Elisha G. Stevens. 


ti it 


Fred. E. Rogers. 


1852. 


" 


It It 


" " 


1853. 


Wm. Bennett. 


Marcus E. Brown. 


Wm. H. Doty. 


1854. 


tt tt 


It It 


Philip Van Scoter. 


1855. 


Lewis D. Benton. 


" " 


Rufus E. Holmes. 


1856. 


Marcus E. Brown 


Chas. E. Baldwin. 


II it 


1857. 


tt tt 


Nathan Nichols. 


Charles Major. 


1858. 


Alanson Stephens. 


Miles W. Hawley. 


James McWooliver 


1859. 


tt tt 


Theodore Badger. 


it it 


1860. 


Philip Van Scoter. 


Nathan Nichols. 


John A. Major. 


1861. 


tt ft 


Joseph Lanphear. 


Elijah Cone. 


1862. 


J. H. Stephens, Jr. 


Chas. C. Reynolds. 


it it 


1863. 


tt tt 


Elmon D. Smith. 


Henry F. Howard. 


1864. 


" " 


Peter P. Houok. 


it it 


1865. 


John A. Major. 


M. W. Hawley. 


tt a 


1866. 


tt tt 


(1 it 


ft ti 


1867. 


Chas. F. Smith. 


tt it 


it tt 


1868. 


J. W. Robinson. 


ti tt 


ti it 


1869. 


Arza P. Broese. 


it it 


John A. Farnham. 


1870. 


John McDougall. 


it It 


It it 


1871. 


tt tt 


it it 


a it 


1872 


" " 


it it 


It tt 


1873. 


Walter G. Rose. 


Wm. 11. Greenhow. 


it it 


1874. 


tt It 


" 


William Dickey. 


1875. 


Miles W. Hawley. 


It It 


Thomas Morrissay. 


1876. 


tt it 


tt a 


Wm. H. Harris. 


1877. 


it tt 


tt tt 


G. P. Burlingham. 


1878. 


S. E. Shattuok. 


Joseph Cameron. 


A. B. Crockett. 



JUSTICES ELECTED BY THE PEOPLE. 



. John Pitts. 

1830. Jabesh Lanphear. 

1831. John R. Stephe^s. 

1832. Ephraim Wood. 

1833. Charles N. Hart. 



1834. John Baldwin. 

1835. Stephen Abbott. 

1836. Dexter Straight. 

1837. Chas. N. Hart. 

1838. John Baldwin. 



321 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



1838. 


John Pitts.» 


1858. 


Richard C. Major. 


1839. 


John Pitts. 


1859. 


Homer Holliday. 




David Crandall.'^ 


1860. 


John Hurlbut. 


1840. 


David Crandall. 


1861. 


Hiram Bennett. 


1841. 


Charles LefTcrts. 


1862. 


William W. Osgoodby 


1842. 


Elisb.l (i. Stephens. 


1863. 


Homer Holliday. 




Israel Adams. ^>" 


1864. 


James McWooiever. 


1843. 


Sidney Frisbie. 


1865. 


Hiram Bennett. 


1844. 


John Pitts. 




F. Colegrove.* 




Nathaniel Finch.* 


1866. 


S. M. Thacher. 


1845. 


Hiram Bennett. 




S. D. Pitts.* 


1846. 


Benjamin T. Hoyes. 


1867. 


Stephen F. Gilbert. 


1847. 


Ethan Coats. 


1868. 


Homer Hollid.iy. 




Andrew Morris.* 


1869. 


Kodney Dennis. 


1848. 


John Hurlbut. 




Henry Howard.* 




Nathaniel Finch.* 


isro. 


Charles E. Beard. 


1849. 


Nathaniel Finch. 


1871. 


H. F. Howard. 


1850. 


Hiram Bennett. 


1872. 


Martin V. Doty. 


1851. 


Andrew Morris. 


187-3. 


Homer Holliday. 


1852. 


William E. Haight. 


1874. 


C. E. Board. 


1853. 


James Atley. 


1875. 


H. F. Howard. 


1854. 


Hiram Bennett. 


1876. 


Orson Mosher. 


1855. 


Homer Holliday. 


1877. 


Edwin J. Cox. 


1856. 


John Hurlbut. 


1878. 


Henry L. Walker. 


1857. 


John M. Wisewell. 







VILLAGE or HOENELLSYILLE. 

The Tillage of Hornellsville is situated in the upper Can- 
isteo Valley, and at th e intersection of the Buffalo division 
with the main line of the Erie Railway. Its railroad 
facilities and advantages for manufacturing and commercial 
interests are second to no other place in the county. Hor- 
nellsville is distant from New York three hundred and 
thirty-five miles, from Dunkirk one hundred and twenty- 
eight miles, from Buffalo ninety-one miles, and from 
Corning forty-one miles. The population of the village 
has rapidly increased during the past decade, and is at 
present estimated at between 7000 and 8000. 

The history of the growth of this village from a rural 
hamlet presents a long period of prosperity and general 
improvement. But the period of its rapid growth began 
with the construction of the New York and Erie Railway. 
In 1832 the Legislature passed an act chartering this com- 
pany to build a railroad from some point on the Hudson 
River, through the southern tier of counties by way of 
Owego, to some point on Lake Erie. The route through 
this county was left undetermined. There was no clause 
in the bill compelling the company to construct the road by 
the way of Hornellsville, and the only sure thing was that 
it would go through the county somewhere, and perhaps up 
the valley of the Canisteo. Great anxiety prevailed, and 
when, at last, through the exertions of influential citizens, 
prominent among whom may be mentioned Hugh Magee, 
the late Judge Hawley, James McBurney, Charles N. Hart, 
Martin Adsit and others, the engineer decided to locate 
the road through this village, the joy of its citizens was 
unbounded. 

In 1841 the pile-driver, a steam-machine combining pile- 
driver, locomotive, and saw-mill, made its appearance upon 
the route. It moved upon wheels, driving two piles at a 
time, and sawing them off at a level as it passed along. In 
this section it commenced operations at the lower edge of a 
pine woods, which stood back of the present depot, and 



* To fill vacancy. 



moved eastward, constructing the original but long since 
obsolete road-bed of the great Erie Railwa}'. The traveler 
through the valley sees at this day the relics of this early 
work, and perhaps wonders for what purpose and at what 
period so many piles were driven into the ground. 

The company running out of funds, the construction of 
the road was for some time suspended, which was not only 
a serious blow to the hopes of Hornellsville, but for some 
time a great detriment to her business interests. The pros- 
pect of the road being speedily finished had stimulated un- 
wonted activity ; speculation had run high ; real estate had 
risen rapidly ; people had begun to look for " good loca- 
tions" and " corner lots ;" and land which had remained in 
one ownership since the early settlement had suddenly 
begun to change hands, and to be " staked out" or fenced 
into lots. All this was brought to a sudden stand, and, it 
was feared by many, to a hopeless reversion, by the suspen- 
sion of the building of the road. The work, however, was 
again resumed, and the road built through from Piermont, 
on the Hudson, to Dunkirk, N. Y. On Sunday, the first 
day of September, 1850, the first locomotive came up the 
valley, and stopped at this village. We need not speak of 
the rejoicing of the citizens, nor of their gratitude to the 
railway company, to whom more than to all other advan- 
tages the village owes its rapid growth and its present and 
prospective prosperity. The entrance of the road gave the 
place that impulse which it has ever since held, changing 
it from a small inland village to a prominent position 
among the thriving and posperous business centres of the 
State. 

The progress of the place rapidly followed. On the 19th 
of November, 1851, Edwin Hough published the first 
number of the Hornellsville Tribune, the first newspaper 
published in the town. The village was incorporated June 
28, 1852. The branch road to Buffalo was opened the 
same summer. 

This and the following year were marked by a whirl and 
excitement, and fortunes were made in corner lots. Large 
and expensive buildings were erected, and the population 
increased so rapidly that buildings could not be erected fast 
enough to accommodate the new-comers. The Tribune of 
that date states that there was not a single house to let in 
the village. 

The first locomotive in Hornellsville was the "Orange, No. 
4," built by the Norris Locomotive-Works at Philadelphia. 
She was also the first that ran to Attica, and in fact the 
pioneer of the entire road. Engine No. 90 was the next, 
and the first to sound the steam-whistle between Buffalo 
and Cleveland. She was taken from Boston to Piermont 
by N. G. Brooks and C. W. Tafts, on a schooner, then put 
on a scow and towed to Buffalo by the way of the Erie 
Canal, then located on a ship and taken to Dunkirk, and 
ran the first train at that end of the road. 

In February, 1851, C. W. Tafts was ordered to Hornells- 
ville from Dunkirk, to run engine No. 73, between Hor- 
nellsville and Andover as a construction-train. He came 
by stage, which took four days (instead of four hours, as at 
present). Jamestown, EUicottville, Little Valley, and An- 
gelica were stopping-places. Fare and hotel charges, $10. 
At that time Hornellsville contained about one hundred 




Walter G. Rose was born in Coventry, Conn., Oct. 2, 
1814. He was second son in a family of three sons and 
three daughters of Horace and Marcia (Edgerton) Rose, 
the former a native of Coventry, and the latter a native of 
Lebanon, Conn. His parents removed from Connecticut 
and settled in the town of Hartwick, Otsego Co., N. ¥., in 
1827, where they followed the occupation of farming, and 
for awhile his father was a merchant. There they re- 
mained until the year 1846, when the fomily came to 
Hornellsville (except one daughter, Mary Ripley Rose, who 
died in Otsego County), where the parents lived until their 
decease, the father dying in the year 18G2, at the age of 
seventy-four ; the mother died at the age of eighty-six, in 
the year 1875. 

Of the children, all are living except Ashley and Horace 
J., leaving those who survive at the time of writing this 
sketch, Walter G., Mrs. J. X. Brands, and Mrs. Jonathan 
Wyatt, of Wisconsin. 

Mr. Rose, after receiving a fair education at the common 
school, at the age of seventeen was apprenticed to learn the 
tinner's trade, with term of service of three and one-half 
years, followed with three years as a journeyman. His 
industry and integrity exemplified during this time won 
the confidence of his employer, and he was taken in as a 
partner in the business, which was continued for some six 
years at Hartwick, Otsego Co., when Mr. Rose started a 
general merchandise store for himself, which he carried on 
until 1845, and disposed of it. The same year he came to 
Hornellsville and purchased the property he now occupies, 
in connection with his father, which they took possession 
of in the spring of 1846. 

At this time Hornellsville was a small village of some 
two hundred and fifty inhabitants. Mr. Rose at once 
established a general hardware business and the manufac- 
ture of tinware, which was the first established in Hor- 



nellsville and the Canisteo Valley. This business he has 
increased as the growth of the village and country around 
demanded, until instead of a few hundred a year it now 
reaches as many thousand annually, and is the oldest house 
of the kind in the Canisteo Valley. 

Mr. Rose has not only been intimately connected with 
the growth of the village in all its improvements and enter- 
prises, but as well the town beside, being chosea to occupy 
many positions of trust and responsibility, both within the 
corporation and town : as trustee of the village for some 
three years, assessor for nine years, and supervisor for two 
years, all of which positions have been filled with fidelity 
to the citizens and credit to liim.self 

Upon the organization of the Bank of Hornellsville, 
Mr. Rose was chosen vice-president (with Mr. F. G. Bab- 
cock as president), which connection he still retains. 

He has been unswervingly identified with the Democratic 
party since he cast his first vote for Martin Van Buren for 
President of the United States, and in his party has been 
somewhat active and a conservative counselor. 

In the year 1839 he married Glovina, third daughter of 
Peter and Cornelia (Murray) Olendorf, of Otsego Co., N. Y. 
She was born March 18, 1816. 

Her paternal grandfather, Daniel Olendorf, was a native 
of Germany ; was in the Revolutionary war ; was taken 
prisoner with his wife by the Indians at Cherry Valley, and 
were prisoners some two years. 

Her maternal grandfather, William Murray, was a native 
of Bristol, England ; came to America at the age of eighteen ; 
was private secretary for General Washington during the 
war for independence. 

Their children are John R. and Charles, partners with 
their father in business. Gilbert G. died young, and Annie 
was drowned in the Canisteo River at the age of eighteen, 
in the year 1869. 





roo^-iy^^ CyOC 




James Alley was born in Moravia, Cayuga Co., N. Y., 
March 25, 1810. He is a lineal descendant of the third 

generation from his ancestor, Alley, who was of 

French birth, and settled in Dutchess Co., N. Y., where 
his father, William Alley, was born in 1763, and was 
married to Phebe Dusenbury, and in the year 1798 re- 
moved to Cayuga County, and during his life followed 
farming and worked some at his trade as a mason. He 
died in Moravia at the age of eighty-seven. His wife 
died at the age of sixty-seven. 

The family consisted of eight sons and two daughters, of 
whom Mr. James Alley was sixth son. 

Until he was eighteen he spent his time on the farm of his 
father and attending the common school, followed by five 
years as a clerk in a general merchandise store at ]\loravia, 
where he laid the foundation for his subsequent career as a 
merchant and business man. 

In the year 1833 he settled in the town of Howard, 
this county, and started mercantile business for himself, 
carting his goods from Hammondsport. During these days 
staging it to Albany was the quickest mode of transit. 

Mr. Alley remained as a merchant in Howard until 1849, 
and during that time, in the year 1836, was married to 
Julia, daughter of Charles Graves, of that town. 



By this union were born (that now are living") two chil- 
dren, Charles G., a lumber merchant of Whitehall, Mich., 
and Mrs. George M. Smith, of the same place. 

Upon the close of his mercantile business in Howard he 
removed to Hornellsville, and for twenty-one years was a 
dry-goods merchant of this place. Mr. Alley was also en- 
gaged in other enterprises while in the mercantile business 
here. 

In the year 1870 he commenced operations in the lumber 
business at Whitehall, Mich., purchasing at that time and 
since some five thousand acres of land. In this business 
now, which has become largely successful, he has associated 
his son and also his son-in-law. 

While a resident of the town of Howard, Mr. Alley 
was honored with the ofiices of clerk and supervisor several 
terms each, and in 1850 represented his Assembly district 
in the State Legislature. He was formerly identified with 
the Whig party, and upon the formation of the Republican 
party became a supporter of its principles. 

In the year 1877 his wife died, and in the year 1878 
he married Mrs. Amanda Sweetland, of Hornellsville. Mr. 
Alley still retains his residence at Hornellsville, although 
he .spends much time in connection with his lumber business 
in Michigan. 



TOWN OF HORNELLSVILLE. 



325 



houses, two churches, and two school-houses. Cobb's Hotel, 
corner of Main and Canisteo Streets, opposite Mr. Adsit's 
store, was the resort of the weary traveler. 

One week previous to the grand opening day of the 
road, engine No. 73, on a gravel-train, sank in the quick- 
sand at Tip-Top Summit, just west of the water-tank, and 
it took over a week to Ret her out. She has been of great 



service since. 



THE ERIE SHOPS. 



The first Erie shop (or shed) was built in 1849. It was 
enlarged in 1850 to accommodate three engines, and ma- 
chinery for repairing the same. It was burned in 1856. 
The ground was broken for new shops and engine-house, 
and the foundation laid in 1854, the old shops being too 
small. The building was completed in 1856, and was dedi- 
cated by a grand ball, September 4, 1856. H. E. Bur- 
ringer, ticket-agent for the company at that time, sold 
tickets for the ball. He has remained in the company's 
service ever since, holding positions of responsibility and 
trust. 

The Erie shops, at Horneilsville, cover six acres of 
ground, including two round-houses. The latter will 
accommodate 42 engines. The car-.shops employ 50 men ; 
the machine-shops and round-houses employ 172 men ; be- 
sides, there are 120 engineers and firemen on the Western 
Division of the Erie Road, and 300 engineers and firemen 
on the Buffalo Division. W. H. Van Deusen is chief clerk 
of the shops. A. M. Rollins had charge, as general fore- 
man, previous to 1851 ; in that year he was succeeded by 
Stephen Hobbs, but was returned by Mr. Martin in 1854. 
John Latham served as general foreman from 1859 to 
1869 ; W. E. Cooper, from 1869 to Feb. 14, 1874 ; J. W. 
Chapman, from Feb. 14, 1874, to June, 1878. G. H. 
Griggs, present master mechanic, took charge of the shops 
June 15, 1878. There are four yard-masters: A. A. 
Dudley, William Branzen, George H. Bullock, and Ami 
Osgood. Thomas Stoddard, baggageman ; Louis Hienderf, 
railway police ; J. E. Neff, night police ; A. E. Brow, chief 
telegraph operator. 75 men are employed in the yard, 
freight-hou.se, ticket-office, and around the station, under 
the control of the station-agent, D. K. Belknap. 

The railroads add about 2500 to the population of Hor- 
neilsville. The average monthly pay-roll of men living in 
the village is, for the Western Division, $23,000, and for 
all three divisions, $40,000. There are about 30 miles of 
switching in the Horneilsville yard, and from 500 to 800 
cars pass through the town cacii way every day. 

DANIEL K. BELKNAP 

was born in Bethany, Wayne Co., Pa., iMar. 17, 1828. His 
ancestor, Samuel Belknap, emigrated from Wales, and 
settled in the town of Windsor, Conn., about the latter part 
of the seventeenth century. 

His great-grandfather, Abel Belknap, born in 1739, 
married Elizabeth Stevens, and moved to Stillwater, Sara- 
toga Co., N. Y., where he followed farming, and on his farm 
was fought the ever-memorable battle between Gates and 
Burgoyne, "The Battle of Saratoga." He was a .soldier 
of the Revolution, first ranking as ensign, and at the close 
of the war as lieutenant of artillery. 



His grandfather, Abel Belknap, Jr., was also a soldier of 
the Revolution, and after the close of the war moved to 
Cherry Valley, Otsego Co., where he became one of the 
early settlers. His children were five sons and three daugh- 
ters, of whom Horace Belknap, father of the subject of this 
sketch, was second, and was born at Cherry Valley, in the 





year 1792 ; married Susan, daughter of Joseph Skinner, of 
Damascus, Wayne Co., Pa. The Skinner family were de- 
scendants of Admiral Skinner, who was one of the first set- 
tlers on the Dealware River, west of Port Jervis ; was 
driven away by the Indians and Tories, and returned after 
the close of the war. Horace Belknap followed farming 
and lumbering; was in the war of 1812 as a musician (a 
fifer), lived the most of his life in Wayne Co., Pa., and 
died in Tioga Co., Pa., at the age of sixty-one. Of their 
five sons and three daughters, Daniel K. was third child. 

He received only a limited early education. At the age 
of eighteen he went into the busy world for himself, re- 
solved to do whatever would bring an honest livelihood. 
For five years he was with a company of civil engineers on 
the Pennsylvania coal roads, and his experience in this new 
business led him to desire more of a railroad life. Upon 
the completion of the Erie Railway he at once obtained a 
position, and for twenty-seven years has been connected 
with that great highway, in various positions of trust and 
responsibility. There are very few, if any, in the employ 
of the Erie Company who can trace their business relations 
with the road through all its administrations, as can Mr. 
Belknap. And it is said, that during its entire length, no 
man is better or more favorably known by all the employees 
of the road. For eleven years he was stationed at Deposit, 
N. Y., as agent, and for the past six years he has been lo- 
cated at Horneilsville. With all the changes in connection 



326 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



with this great thoroughfare, few have retained to so full 
an extent the confidence of the several administrations of 
this road as has Mr. Belknap. In all matters of local in- 
terests Mr. Belknap has not shrunk from responsibility, and 
supports with a liberal hand and willing mind churcii and 
kindred interests. Since the organization of the Bank of 
Hornellsville he has been one of its directors. He has led 
a strictly business life, seeking no political preferment or 
official notoriety. 

In the year 1857, Oct. 14, he married Elvira Blizzard, 
of Sullivan Co., N. Y. Their children are Walter and 
Laura. 

The following is a list of station-agents at Hornellsville 
from the opening of the Erie Road, in September, 1850, to 
date: J. A. Redfield, Sept. 1850, to Feb. 1852; II. B. 
Smith, Feb. 1852, to Oct. 1854; J. S. Spellman, Oct. 
1854, to March, 1855 ; J. S. Sheaffer, March, 1855, to 
Jan. 185G; H. B.Smith, Jan. 185G, to Sept. 1858; T. 
P. Stowell, Sept. 1858, to May, 1863; W. C. Taylor, 
May, 18G3, to March, 1864 ; E. Van Tuyle, March, 1864, 
to Nov. 1866 ; E. M. Canfield, Nov. 1866, to Nov. 1868 ; 
S. C. Jillson, Nov. 1868, to Feb. 1873; D. K. Belknap, 
Feb. 1873, to present time. 

The following are the master mechanics and superintend- 
ents of the Hornellsville shops and the Western Division 
of the Erie Road : 

Master Mechanics. — KXhevt Griswold, 1851-53; Jas. 
Gilraore, 1853-54; Will, Hart, 1854-56; F. P. Martin, 
1856-57; H. G. Brook.s, 1857-61 ; John Durrell, 1861- 
64; M. E. Cooper, J. W. Chapman, G. H. Griggs, present 
master mechanic. 

Siiperintendents.~\N . C. Taylor, 1851-53; R. N. 
Brown, 1853-54; J. A. Hart, 1854-56; B. Smith, 1856 
-57; Charles P. Robinson, 1857-61; H. G. Brooks, 
1861-64; J. S. Beggs, 1864, to present time. 

INCORPORATION OP THE VILLAGE. 

The village was incorporated, under the general law, at 
a court of sessions held in Bath, on the 28th day of June, 
1852. The first election of ofiieers was held August 30 
of the same year, at which John H. Lillie, Thomas Snell, 
J. T. Wilbur, Richard Durbin, and Wm. C. McCormick 
were chosen Trustees; George Alley, Hiram Bennett, and 
llufus E. Holmes, Assessors; Horace Bemis, Clerk; Mar- 
tin Adsit, Treasurer ; and James Fogle, Poundmaster. At 
the meeting of the board, John II. Lillie was chosen Presi- 
dent. 

1853.— Col. L. D. Benton, R. Durbin, D. S. Reyno, 
James Alley, John J. Ely, Trustees; D. S. Reyno, Presi- 
dent ; H. A. Patterson, Clerk ; N. Chadwick, Treasurer. 

1854.— P. C. Ward, William M. Hawley, R. L. Brun- 
dage, H. Bennett, J. M. Osborne, Trustees; Col. P. C. 
Ward, President ; Ezra Bowen, Clerk ; Martin Adsit, 
Treasurer. 

1855.— T. J. Reynolds, J. M. Wisewell, W. R. McCor- 
mick, J. H. Lillie, C. E. W. Baldwin, Trustees; Maj. T. 
J. Reynold.s, President; M. C. Prindle, Clerk; M. E. 
Brown, Treasurer. 

1856.— W. G. Rose, R. Pardee, William Bennett, S. 



Taylor, Martin Adsit, Trustees ; Martin Adsit, President ; 
J. R. Sheldon, Clerk ; I. E. Sharp, Treasurer. 

1857. — N. M. Crane, Mark Ball, L E. Bowen, James 
Kinshern, Stephen Taylor, Trustees ; Col. N. M. Crane, 
President ; Miles W. Hawley, Clerk ; I. E. Sharp, Treas- 
urer. 

1858. — M. E. Brown, Martin Adsit, J. P. Martin, 
Morris Smith, Philip Van Scoter, Trustees ; M. E. Brown, 
President; Miles W. Hawley, Clerk; H. Holliday, Treas- 
urer. 

1859. — Morris Smith, Mark Ball, Philip Van Scoter, 
J. T. Glazier, Martin Adsit, Trustees; Morris Smith, Presi- 
dent; Miles W. Hawley, Clerk; R. Pardee, Treasurer. 

I860.— Mark Ball, Noah D. Ogden, David Conderman, 
James T. Glazier, Nathan Nichols, Trustees; Mark Ball, 
President ; Miles W. Hawley, Clerk ; I. E. Sharp, Treas- 
urer. 

1862.— Alonzo Trumbull, Walter G. Rose, W. H. Coy- 
kendall, George H. Kellinger, Mark Ball, Trustees ; 
Alonzo Trumbull, President ; Ziba B. Guilds, Clerk ; James 
W. Burnhani, Treasurer. 

1863. — Hiram Bennett, N. D. Ogdeu, A. Trumbull, C. 
L. Prindle, Trustees; Hiram Bennett, President; E. R. 
Reynolds, Clerk. 

1864.— L. D. Pratt, Charles F. Smith, James M. Cook, 
Horace Bemis, E. H. Badger, Trustees ; L. D. Pratt, Presi- 
dent; V. B. Wetmore, Clerk. 

1865.— Martin Adsit, Charles F. Smith, Mark Ball, 
Walter G. Rose, John R. Sbeldon, Trustees ; Martin Ad- 
sit, President ; John Culbert, Clerk ; Augustus McHenry, 
Treasurer. 

Since the adoption of the new charter, the following have 
been presidents and clerks of the village: 

Presidents. Clerks. 

1S67 1. W. Near. J. M. Popple. 

ISGS R. M. Tuttle A. S. Charles. 

ISfiiJ Rodney Dennis. (i. W. Brigdcn. 

1S70 John R. Rose. Miles W. Hawley. 

1S71 .S. E. Shattuck. W. H. Van Dusen. 

1872 II. E. Biivinger. 

187u Horace IJeniis. A. S. Charles. 

1874 James H. Stephens. A. G. Howard. 

1875 Samuel Arnott. D. G. Moriarty. 

1876 R. D. Jillson. M. G. Graham. 

1877 Charles Adsit. G. W. Brigden. 

1878 G. S. Humphrey. F. P. Rathbun. 

ALDERMEN. — 1878. 
First Ward. — Richard Stellman, J. H. Shaut. 
Second Ward.- — George Hollands, G. L. Boynton. 
Third Ward — E. I. Gilbert, J. I. Bentley. 
Fourth Ward. — John Sauter, David Adams. 
Fifth Ward.— J. W. Chapman, Thomas Kelley. 
Sixth Ward.— B. F. Collins, J. W. Burns. 
Police Justice. — George W. Brigden. 
Treasurer. — Charles Maguire. 
Collector. — Stephen Hollands. 

Assessors. — Edward Connoiy, Thomas Burris, Harvey 
Prentis. 

EARLY MERCHANTS AND BUSINESS MEN. 
Col. Ira Davenport was the first merchant in the village. 
He came here iu 1815 with a single wagon-load of goods, 
driving three hundred miles, from Harpersfield, Delaware 






NATHANIEL B. HASKELL 



was bom in the town of Wayne, Kennebec Co., Me., Dec. 3, 
1811. The ancestors of the Haskell family emigrated from Eng- 
land, and settled in New England, in 1G26. His grandfather, 
Eliphalet, and his father, Jacob, were both natives of New 
Gloucester, Cumberland Co., Me. ; the latter was a lumber- 
man and farmer' by occupation ; was a captain of a company of 
militia in the war of 1812, and in the beginning of the present 
century moved to Wayne, Kennebec Co., Me. He was married 
to Charlotte Bennett, of which union were born four sons and 
three daughters, of whom Nathaniel B. Haskell was third child. 
Five of the children are now living. The father died at the 
age of sixty -five, in the year 1848. The mother died in 1831, 
at the age of about forty-five. 

Mr. Haskell remained with his father engaged in lumbering, 
farming, and carrying on a grist-mill until he was twenty years 
of age. In the year 1831 he went to New Brunswick and en- 
gaged as a millwright. There he remained for three years and 
went to Bangor, Me., where he remained for some two years, 
and a short time afterwards accompanied Hiram A. Pitts, the 
inventor of the Pitts' Separator, through New Jersey and Penn- 
sylvania in its sale. After one year he traveled alone, selling 
this machine, and it is said that Mr. Haskell bought the first 
machine that was sold. 

In 1843 he went to Penobscot Co., Me., and engaged in 
lumbering, which he continued until 1857. His first purchase 
of timber land was some seven thousand acres in that county. 



and his operations were somewhat extensive. Tn 1847 he mar- 
ried Hannah, daughter of Nathaniel Shorey, of Burlington, Me. 
Her grandfather lived to the advanced age of ninety-five, and 
died in Lowell, Me. Her father, during the latter part of 
his life, moved to Wisconsin, where he died in 1875. Mrs. 
Haskell was born Dec. 2, 1827. 

In 1857, Mr. Haskell moved to the village of Hornellsville, 
and one year and a half latsr moved on to the place where he 
now resides, then a woodland tract, but now by his untiring 
industry and enterprise a pleasant farm residence. His first 
purchase was some three hundred and sixty-five acres, most of 
which he has cleared of its original forest and erected commo- 
dious buildings thereon. 

Mr. Haskell's has been a life of active business, rewarded with 
merited success. For several years since he came to Hornells- 
ville he has been also engaged in the lumber interest in Michi- 
gan, and a part of the time his family has resided there. In this 
latter interest he was associated with William Bennett, and James 
and George Alley, which interest he disposed of in 1870. In 
1868 he bought an interest in the lumber business in Huron Co., 
Mich., with Henry C. Spaulding, of Elmira, which he still retains. 

He was formerly a WTiig, was a delegate to the first State 
convention in Maine, and assisted in the organization of the 
Republican party, since which time he has been identified with 
that party. His children are Moses, Bennett, Edward M. 
Albert, Lizzie A., Henry Beecher (deceased), and Bell M. 




ALANSON STEPHENS, 



the subject of this sketch, was born in the town of Hornellsville, 
this county, Dec. 8, 1820. 

The Stephens family in this county is descended from Elijah 
Stephens, his grandfather, who settled in the town of Canisteo in 
the year 1789 ; he, with some six others, coming from the Wyoming 
Valley after the great massacre there, by the way of the Susque- 
hanna, Chemung, and Canisteo Rivers in boats, stopping awhile at 
Newtown (now Elmira), being the first white inhabitants in the 
Canisteo Valley. Elijah Stephens became a large land owner, 
owning several tiers of lots through the town. He met the trials 
of a wilderness life and of early settlement with that resolution 
which overcame difficulties, and paved the way for the prosperity 
of his progeny, which became quite numerous. He died at the 
age of about eighty, in the year 1840, leaving three sons and six 
daughters. 

His father, Benjamin Stephens, was second child of this family, 
was a farmer by occupation and in his day figured in the early 
settlement of the town ; he was married to Arthusa Hamilton, of the 
town of Howard. Her father, Alexander Hamilton, was a Revo 
lutionary soldier, was a pensioner, and lived to a very advanced 
age. Of this union were born five sons and two daughters, of whom 
the subject of this notice was the oldest. His father died in 1835, 
having been born in 1800. His mother died about 1840, at the 
age of forty. 

Mr. Stephens spent his early life as a carpenter and joiner, and 
as early as at the age of fifteen engaged in rafting lumber down the 
Su.squehanna River to Baltimore, Philadelphia, and Port Deposit, 
which he carried on quite extensively, sometimes reaching as high 
a figure as one million feet in a year. His entire .stock of lumber 
was cut and sawed in the town of Hornellsville, and for some ten 



years and until the beginning of the war he operated on a large 
scale in this business ; since which time he has continued the same, 
but not so extensively. A part of the time he was in partnership 
with Mr. Barnard, of Albany, who owned some seventeen hundred 
acres of timber land in the town of Hornellsville. Mr. Stephens' 
principal occupation now is farming. 

In early life he was, through necessity, denied the opportunities 
of an education from books (as in those times a pecuniary value 
was often set upon the time of children), and hence during his subse- 
quent life be, feeling the need of the same, has done very much to 
confer upon others this great gift. In the Fifth Ward may be seen 
a fine school edifice built by him, and afterwards accepted by the 
people of that ward : and it may be said that nearly all of the school 
edifices of the village of Hornellsville bear the imprint of his 
hand in their construction. In this work Mr. Stephens always 
felt well repaid that such opportunities might be given the rising 
generation for an education, and never consented to receive any 
remuneration for his services. Valuing Mr. Stephens' experience, 
and knowing his warm interest in school work, for the past twelve 
years he has been elected President of the Board of Education of 
Hornellsville, and for some twelve years prior was connected with 
the Fifth Ward school as trustee. 

In his early years Mr. Stephens was a Democrat, but subse- 
quently has regarded principles above party, and independently 
favors the man who represents the principles of sound doctrine and 
reform. For two years he has represented bis town as supervisor. 
In the year 1842 he married Catherine, daughter of Christopher 
Doty, of Hornellsville. His wife died in 1866, leaving four sons, — 
Christopher B., Thaddeus A., Walter, and William B., and one 
daughter, Mrs. Paul Lord. 



TOWN OF HORNELLSVILLE. 



327 



Co., where he had for several years previous been clerk in a 
store in which his father had an interest. His first store, 
which he built with his own hands, was a frame building, 
about 18 by 20, and stood just opposite the present foundry 
of Messrs. Rawson & Tliacher. It was afterwards removed 
and converted into a kitchen of the " Black Horse" tavern, 
opposite. He built his next store just east of Main Street, 
being part of his residence, now standing, as a tenement- 
house, opposite Mr. Charles Hartshorn's. This hou.se was 
long after known as the " Eagle Tavern," kept for many 
years by Hugh Magee. 

Mr. Davenport's next store was the first brick hou.sc 
erected in Hornellsville, — residence and store combined, — 
and is now occupied by Martin Adsit, Esq. He used to 
haul his goods by team from Catskill, on the Hudson. 
Col. Davenport had stores in many other parts of tlie coun- 
try, and made a large fortune in mercantile business. In 
1847 he removed to Bath, and there resided till his death. 
May 2, 1868. 

His nephew, Martin Adsit, Esq., succeeded him in busi- 
ness, and had also a bank in the same store for many years. 
Present locality. No. 127 Main Street. 

Andy L. Smith, father of Andy L. Smith, the present 
merchant, was the pioneer in the tanning and shoemaking 
business, on the site of the present tannery of Mr. William 
O'Connor. He commenced about 1816, and after carrying 
on tanning for many years, closed that business and en- 
gaged in mercantile pursuits. 

Dugald Cameron, son of the agent of the Pulteney estate 
at Bath, settled in Hornellsville about 1814. He occupied 
lands owned by his father, and carried on lumbering as his 
chief occupation. He was also a fanner, and at one time 
held the office of justice of the peace. 

POSTMASTERS. 

The first postmaster in the town was Judge. Hornell. 
There is an impression that he was succeeded by one of his 
sons, but it is uncertain. Col. Ira Davenport was the next 
incumbent of the office, and held it many years. He was 
succeeded by Dr. Manning Kelly, who resigned in 1832. 
John R. Morris was then appointed, and held the office 
nine years, when he was superseded, under Tyler's adminis- 
tration, by John K. Hale, who held the office during the 
balance of the presidential term. Under Mr. Polk, in 1845, 
Maj. Thomas J. Reynolds received the appointment. The 
election of Gen. Taylor, in 1848, changed the order of 
things, and upon his incoming administration Martin Adsit 
became the incumbent, and held the office till the adminis- 
tration of President Pierce, when Andy L. Smith received 
the appointment, and held the office for a short time, when 
he was succeeded by Dr. Luman A. Ward, who held the 
office under Buchanan's administration. He was succeeded, 
under Mr. Lincoln, by E. G. Durfey, who was followed by 
J. W. Shelly. S. M. Thacher was his successor, and re- 
mained in office till the appointment of the present incum- 
bent, F. M. Cronkrite. 

SCHOOLS. 

The first school in Hornellsville of which we have any 
account, was established under the patronage of Judge Hor- 



nell about the year 1810. It was taught by Miss Sarah 
Thacher, in a block-house which was then standing near 
the residence of Deacon Mowry Thacher, a brother of the 
lady. The first school-house built in the village was of 
hewed logs, and stood on the site of the pre.sent cabinet- 
factory of Messrs. Deutsch, Tschachtli & Co. It was built 
about 1813. Mr. Thacher remembers being at school in it 
when peace was declared with Great Britain, and one of the 
large scholars, to celebrate that event, wrote the word 
" Peace" in large letters, and attached the slip to his hat- 
band. This was the first district school, now District No. 
7. The first teacher was a man by the name of Dudley 
Miller, who is described as a " tall and lean specimen of 
humanity, with military boots and little tassels hanging 
from the tops." It is said that he was a great gallant, but 
met with about as much success among the fair Katrinas 
of the Canisteo as his ancient counterpart, the hero of Sleepy 
Hollow. This building was burned down, and a small frame 
school-house was built on the site of what is now the Can- 
isteo Block, corner of Main and Church Streets. It was 
moved off at the time the Presbyterian church was built. 
Among the teachers in this building were George Hornell, 
Jr , Uriah Stephens, and James Osborne. Solomon Head, 
irreverently called " Old Head," by the boys, was also a 
teacher about this time, and was followed by John Hunt- 
ington, a brother of ex-senator Huntington, of Bath. He 
was succeeded by Rev. Samuel White, Mary Morris, Par- 
melia Stephens, and others. Deacon Mowry Thacher taught 
three winters, and was followed by John S. Livermore, Dr. 
Thomas, and Orange McCay. 

In 1833" the district purcha.sed the land for a school lot 
on the point between Canisteo and Church Streets for $40, 
and the " Old Red School-House " was built at a cost of 
about $200. The dimensions of the building were 22 by 
28 feet. Ira Davenport was the architect. The first teachers 
who taught in it were Washington Cruger, Samuel Porter, 
H. V. R. Lord, and Samuel Street. The latter taught for 
a considerable length of time, and is better remembered 
than any of the early teachers by many now living, who 
during that period attended the district school. Many 
farmers' sons came in and boarded in the village, and at- 
tended school during the winter months. Mr. Street was 
somewhat severe in his government, but he possessed a 
kindly. Christian heart, and always commanded the respect 
of his pupils. He was followed by Hiram Bennett, Esq., 
and afterwards, Hiram Hood, John McAlmant, Orson B. 
Clark and others taught the school. 

In the summer of 1844 the new school-house, west of the 
park, was built. Mr. Clark finished his term in this build- 
ing, and was succeeded by Mr. Street, who was again em- 
ployed as teacher. After him came the following : E. B. 
Coon, A. E. Crane, Prof D. Ford, of Alfred, Myron Hurl- 
but, of Arkport, N. S. Scott, Horace Bemis, Mr. Merriman, 
Redmond D. Stephens, R. R. Rork, Mr. Rogers, Mr. Baker, 
Erastus Williams, J. H. Strong, Benton C. Rude, Elizabeth 
Bartholomew, Rev. S. D. Booram, H. J. Danforth, A. G. 
Harrington, Mr. Murphy, W. T. Dunmore, and D. L. Free- 
born. 

James Taggart, Asa Upson, and Stephen Coon were 
the first school commissioners of the town of [lornellsville. 



328 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



elected in 1821. From that time till 18-44 there were 44 
different persons elected to the office, and during the same 
period there were elected 27 inspectors ; the first of whom 
were A. Kennedy, Christopher Hurlbut, and George Hor- 
nell, Jr., and the last were J. K. Hale, Hiram Bennett, 
and William M. Hawley. In 1843 the Legislature abol- 
ished the offices of commissioners and inspectors, and created 
that of town superintendents. At the town-meeting of 1844, 
Mowry Thacher was elected to the office, being the first 
superintendent of common schools in the town of Hornells- 
ville. He had previously served ten years as inspector. 
The following year Samuel Olin was elected ; then Comfort 
E. Baldwin (1846), Samuel Olin (1847), Dr. Baldwin 
(1848-51), Daniel McCay (1851-54), H. A. Patterson 
(1854), Elon G. Durfey (1855), the last. 

In 1856 the Legislature abolished the office of town 
superintendent and county superintendent, and provided 
for the election of school commissioners in each Assembly 
district. The first for this district under the act was Wil- 
liam S. Hall. He was succeeded by Rev. Horatio Patten- 
gill, whose successors, in the order named, have been R. 
Dennis, A. T. Parkhill, Edwin Whiting, W. P. Todd, H. 
R. Williams. 

PUBLIC SCHOOL SYSTEM. 

The public schools of the village of Hornellsville, by a 
special act of the Legislature, are organized as a graded 
school and placed under the control of three trustees as a 
board of education, who hold office for three years, one 
trustee being elected each year. To the graded school an 
academic department, subject to the visitation of the re- 
gents, was added, and the first regents' examination was 
held in November, 1872. 

The buildings now occupied by the schools are as follows: 

No. (1) one (Park School), which contains the academic 
department, is on Union Street, opposite the park. 

The building is a substantial brick structure, two storie.s 
high, with no basement, and will comfortably accommodate 
750 pupils. 

No. 1 (Fifth Ward School) is on South Canisteo Street, 
on the south bank of Crosby Creek. It is also a substan- 
tial brick structure, two stories high. The building stands 
upon a rise of ground, with its main entrance to the east. 
It is decidedly the finest school building in the village. It 
will comfortably accommodate 1500 pupils. 

No. 3 (Sixth Ward School) is situated on East Main 
Street. It is also a two-story building, and is the only one 
of the ward schools built of wood. 

The aggregate value of school property is as follows : 

Buildings nnd lots $25,000 

Reference library 500 

Apparatus 700 

Total $26,200 

Teachers. — D. L. Freeborn, Superintendent. 

Park or Acade.mic School. — D. L. Freeborn, Princi- 
pal; Miss W. E. Bray ton, /"/ece/j^ress; Miss Maggie T. 
Welch, First Assistant; Miss Laura La Croix, Second 
Assistant; No. 6, Miss Mary Reilly ; No. 5, Miss Fannie 
Norton ; No. 4, Miss Belle Bronk ; No. 3, Miss Belle Sim- 
mons; No. 2, Miss Belle Shelley; No. 1, Miss Nellie Spicer, 
Miss Susie Dunavon. 



Fifth Ward School. — D. H. Hendershott, Principal ; 
Miss Lizzie Graves, Assistant in No. 4 ; No. 3, Miss Alfa 
Gays; No. 2, Mi.ss Mary Welch ; No. 1, Miss Vandalia 
Varnum, Miss Ada Rockwell. 

Sixth Ward School. — Miss Elizabeth Bartholomew, 
Principal; No. 3, Miss Eva San tee ; No. 2, Miss Alice 
Aldrich; No. 1, Miss Eva C. Stillman. 

Broad Street School. — Miss Eugenia Morris. 

Board of Education. — Alanson Stephens, Esq., Presi- 
dent ; Hiram Bennett, Esq., Secretary ; Dr. J. W. Robin- 
son, P. P. Houck. 

physicians.* 

John S. Jameson, J. W. Robinson, S. E. Shattuck, M. 
J. Baker, C. S. Parkhill, S. F. Cridler, C. G. Hubbard, 
Samuel Mitchell, H. C. Orcutt, W. E. Hathaway. 

lawyers. t 
The present lawyers of Hornellsville are Harlo Hakes, 
Horace Bemis, James H. Stephens, Jr., William E. Bon- 
ham, I. W. Near, C. W. Stephens, H. Holliday, Wm. C. 
Bingham, D. L. Benton, Wesley Brown, R. L. Brundage, 
John M. Finch, Rodney Dennis. J. E. B. Santee, D. M. 
Page, C. F. Beard. Fay P. Rathbun, J. F. Wetmore, W. 
W. Oxx, Henry N. Piatt. 

the hornell library. 

This institution, as well as the building which it occupies, 
is a credit to the growing and prosperous village of Hor- 
nellsville. It occupies a capacious room in the Shattuck 
Opera House, a building which would be an ornament to a 
city of 20,000 population. Part of this fine building is 
owned by the as.sociation, and affords ample and first-cla.ss 
accommodations for the completion of the plan, as to cabi- 
nets and collections of art, which the enterprising managers 
have in view. The history of this library furnishes an 
example of what may be accomplished in the interest of 
literature and home culture by the united, energetic action 
of a few earnest spirits. In the spring of 1868 seven 
young men incorporated the Hornell Library Association. 
They had neither money nor books, but they proposed to 
get both, and to this end they procured and sustained a 
course of lectures, a masquerade or two was indulged in, 
festivals were held, and some money thus procured ; more 
was secured by the issuing of life certificates. The first 
books were bought June 1, 1868. Now Hornell Library 
has on its shelves 6000 volumes. 

This library was the first village library established in 
Western New York, and its remarkable success induced 
other villages to follow the example thus set. It has main- 
tained since its organization a successful lecture course, and 
we find upon its records the names of many of the ablest 
lecturers in the country, who have from time to time in- 
structed and delighted large and appreciative audiences 
under its auspices. During the first four years the average 
increase of books was 1000 volumes a year. 

The association is composed of 34 persons who own life 
certificates. They annually elect nine managers, a president, 
vice-president, secretary, and treasurer. The first board of 

* See Medical Societies, in general history. 

t See Bench and Bar of this county, in general history. 




-^^^s^-^^^ 




Du, John S. Jamison was born in the town of Canisteo, Steuben 
Co., N. Y., July 25, 1S22. His grandfather, John Jamison, born Dec. 
3, 1753, in Durham, Bucks Co., Pa., was of Irish and Scotch descent. 
Served through the war for independence as a captain, and while in 
command of the garrison at Fort Washington was taken prisoner, 
and kept in an old hulk in New York harbor eighteen months. He 
settled in Canisteo in the spring of 1790. He was a farmer by occu- 
pation, and died March 23, 1826. 

His father, John D. Jamison, born in Canisteo, Aug. 10, 1797, was 
second in a family of nine children ; was married to Elizabeth Stearns, 
July, 1S21, of which union were born four sons and one daughter, of 
whom Dr. Jamison is eldest. His father enlisted in the war of 1812; 
served only a few days when peace was declared. He was a farmer: 
was a member of the Democratic party, and for many years served 
the people of his town as magistrate. He died in Canisteo, Dec. 14, 
185(1. 

Dr. Jamison received his early education at the cumnion school, at 
the Clyde Academy, and the academy at Nunda. His health failing 
while at the latter school, he was compelled to give up his much- 
coveted idea of a graduating course at Union College, and for one 
year was a teacher in the common school, and some three years an 
instructor in penmanship. By the latter means he paid his way not 
only at school, but in his subseq^uent medical studies. 

In the year 1847 he began the study of medicine with Dr. D. D. 
Davis, of Canisteo ; attended lectures at Buffalo Medical College and 
Michigan University, and was graduated M.D. from the latter insti- 
tution in April, 1852, and has since been a member of its Alumni 
Society. He at once began the practice of medicine in Canisteo, but 
after one year came to Hornellsville, where he has remained until the 
present time, and during the twenty-five years he has followed his 
profession in Hornellsville he has retained the confidence of a large 
circle of the citizens of this and adjoining counties. 

May 4, 1861, Dr. Jamison entered the service of the array as as- 
sistant surgeon at the rendezvous at Elmira, and was subsequently 
placed in charge as examining surgeon of the vulunteer force organ- 



izing and quartered at that place. In the fall of the same year he 
accompanied the 86th New York Volunteers to Washington, as sur- 
geon of the regiment, with commission dated Oct. 12, 1861, remaining 
there until his regiment was called into active service at the battle 
of second Bull Run, where he was a prisoner in the Rebel lines for 
eleven days, and under a flag of truce released. Dr. Jamison re- 
mained with his regiment during his terra of service of three years, 
being often detached as division surgeon, spending nearly two years 
of his term of service as such. For his skill and medical ability, by 
special order? of S. Williams, A.-^sistflnt Adjutnnt-General, by com- 
mand of Major-General Meade, he was appointed on the Board of 
Examiners for the purpose of examining medical officers of the army. 
For these services he was complimented very highly by the medlciil 
director, and especially for the detailed report given of everything 
occurring in ihe division which in a remote degree affected the medi- 
cal department. Dr. Jamison, by virtue of the order of Major-Gen- 
eral Hancock, of April 2, 1804, as Surgeon-in-Chief of Division, was 
made a member of the Medical Board for the purpose of examining 
all applicants for leave of absence, discharge, or transfer to the Vet- 
eran Reserve Corps, by reason of physical disability. 

On account of bis large operative experience and skillful treatment 
of cases as surgeon-in-chief of a division of the 3d Army Corj)S 
Dr. Jamison, in June, 1806, was requested by George A. Otis, Surgeon 
and Brevet Lieutenant-Colonel United States Volunteers, to contribute 
to bis office reports of his operations and interesting cases during 
the war. 

Upon the expiration of his term of service he returned home and 
resumed the practice of his profession, which he still continues. In 
1873 he was appointed United States Pension Examiner at Hornells- 
ville, which position he still retains. 

Dr. Jamison has never taken an active part in politics, but has 
always been interested in the questions affecting any change in our 
nation's history. In the year 1845, May 26, he married Lavinia, 
daughter of Abijah Newman, of Schuyler Co., N. Y. They have an 
only son, Luman Catlin Jamison. 




Dr. S. E. Shattuck was born in'the village of 
Branchport, Yates Co., N. Y., May 27, 1829. He 
was second in a family of four children, the others' 
names being Darwin and Sarah (Mrs. John Town- 
send), of Sewell, and Rebecca (Up Degraff ) Shattuck, 
the former a native of Massachusetts, the latter a 
native of Philadelphia, Pa. 

His father M'as a farmer the greater part of his life, 
and died at the age of seventy-eight. His mother 
died at the age of seventy-six. 

Dr. Shattuck received his preliminary education 
at the common schools at home, and at the Franklin 
Academy at Prattsburgh, followed by a few terms 
in teaching. At the age of twenty he began the study 
of medicine with Dr. D. N. Newton, of Towanda, 
Pa., with whom he continued one year, followed by 
a course of study of some three years with Dr. E. 
Doubleday, of Yates Co., N. Y. He was for three 
terms a student at the Geneva Medical College and 
Buffalo University, and was graduated M.D. from 
the former institution in June, 1851. 

The same year (October), he came to Hornellsville, 
and began the practice of medicine, at which place he 
has since remained continuously in the practice of his 



profession.^ He is now a physician of some twenty- 
seven years' standing, a greater number than any 
other now a resident of the village of Hornellsville. 

Unassisted pecuniarily in early life. Dr. Shattuck 
has, by self-exertion, and that integrity of purpose 
characteristic of his professional and business career, 
received not only the confidence of the citizens as a 
practitioner, but has, by sagacity in ])usiness relations, 
accumulated a fine property. As a result of his in- 
dustry, may be seen on Broad Street, Hornellsville, 
one of the finest blocks in Steuben County. 

He has not been actively connected in political 
circles, but ever interested in the questions affecting 
local and national good. He was first identified with 
the Whig party, and upon the formation of the Re- 
publican party became a supporter of its principles. 
He has never sought political emolument or the pub- 
licity that office brings, yet in local matters has been 
once chosen as jjresident of the village of Hornells- 
ville, and in the spring of 1878 was elected super- 
visor of the town on the Greenback ticket. 

In July, 1851, he married Harriet, daughter 
of John B. Hinman, of Bradford Co., Pa. They 
have living an only daughter, Hattie. 




Ja.TYoM, 



Dr. Luman a. Ward was born in the town of Scipio, 
Cayuga Co., N. Y., July 18, 1809. He was eldest son of 
James Ward, who was a fiirmer by occupation ; resided 
most of his life in Cayuga and Allegany Counties, and died 
in the latter county, town of Almond, at about the age of 
fifty. 

Dr. Ward had limited opportunities for an education 
from books, and spent his minority with his father on the 
farm. At the age of twenty-four, in the year 1833, he 
married Hannah Maria, daughter of Peter Earll, of Lysan- 
der, Onondaga Co., N. Y., a lady of culture and rare excel- 
lence, and descended from one of the old flimilies of this 
State. 

At the age of twenty-five, Mr. Ward began tlic study of 
medicine with Dr. Davis, of Dansville, Livingston Co., 
N. Y., and after the regular course of study entered the 
Eclectic Medical College at Cincinnati, Ohio, from which 
he was graduated M.D., Feb. 27, 1839. 

Previous to settling in Hornellsville in 1840, Dr. Ward 
had practiced medicine at Dansville with his tutor, Dr. 
Davis, and for some nine years previous to entering college 
had begun practice in Hornellsville, where he met strong 
opposition by the profession of the old school. His new 
theory of medicine soon won its way into favor with the 
citizens of the village and vicinity, and by his undaunted 
perseverance and I'esolution be demonstrated, many years 
prior to his death, its efficiency and merited place in the 



records of medical history. For twenty-eight years he was 
a practicing physician in the village and this section of the 
country, and was really the pioneer of that theory of med- 
icine, which has come to be regarded of great value by 
the community at large, and by many of the learned of the 
present day. 

Dr. Ward was very much interested in questions of local 
and national importance, and was associated with the leaders 
of the Democratic party of the State. He identified him- 
self with the Democratic party during the days of Andrew 
Jackson, for whom he cast his first vote for President of the 
United States, and ever remained an unswerving supporter 
of that party's principles. He was for seven years post- 
master at Hornellsville by appointment of President Pierce, 
and although always assisting others, and a strong advocate 
of what he conceived to be right, he never seemed solicitous 
of any political emolument for himself 

Characteristic of Dr. Ward were his attachment to friends 
and support of conceded principles, his unqualified disap- 
proval of dishonesty, his strong opposition to those who 
differed with him in action or theory, his integrity in all 
bis business relations, and especially for his social and genial 
qualities at home. He died Aug. 3, 1872, having spent a 
life of most active labor and untiring efibrt. 

His children were throe sons and two daughters, of whom 
only one daughter, Sarah A. (Mrs. Ebenezer Ellis\ of 
Hornellsville, survives. 





^./z^ 



KuFUS TuTTLE Was born at Woodbur}', Conn., April 2, 
1806. He was a lineal descendant of Nathaniel Tattle, who 
(according to Cothran's History of Woodbury, Conn.) settled 
in that town in 1G80, and died August, 1721. The emigrant was 
William Tattle, who came from England, landed at Boston, 
1C35, and moved to New Haven, Conn., 1639. He was the 
eldest of two sons and three daughters of Thaddeus and 
Susannah (Booth) Tuttle, both natives of the same place as 
himself. 

His father was a farmer by occupation, and died in the year 
1815. The mother and children, left without much means of 
support, met their lot with a will that succeeds, "the boys" 
doing all they could for the support of the family. The 
children, by necessity, had no opportunity for education from 
books, yet through the kindness of their minister, an Episco- 
palian clergyman, learned the rudiments of an English edu- 
cation. 

At the age of twenty ho started into basine.ss for himself 
without capital, except willing hands to do whatever would 
turn an honest penny. 

On borrowed capital he started as a peddler, which he 
continued for a few years, when upon going into the State of 
Pennsylvania the lumbering business opened to his view, and 
he began rafting lumber down the Delaware to Philadelphia 
and other markets. After about eight years in this business, 
by a very heavy freshet he unfortunately lost his entire stock 
of lumber, valued at several thousand dollars, and was again 
financially where he began years before, except he had gained 
much experience. 

With undaunted perseverance, and fixed resolve to succeed 
(not uncommon with young men of his day), he then started 
as a drj'-goods peddler along the southern tier counties of New 
York, where, by strict attention to business, he accumulated 
sufficient means, so that at the end of two years he was enabled 
to start business for himself, which he did in 1837 as a drj'- 
goods merchant at Almond, Allegany Co., N. Y. There he 
remained for three years, when, on account of the death of 



his brother in Harford, Pa., he disposed of his business in 
Almond, and took charge of and settled the quite extensive 
mercantile business of his deceased brother. In October, 1842, 
he came to Hornellsville, where he purchased some real estate, 
and for several years gave his attention to its improvement, 
and erected several substantial residences thereon. In this 
business, and as a private broker, he was engaged until his 
death, Oct. 28, 1874. 

Mr. Tuttle was a man of correct habits, plain and un- 
assuming, temperate, industrious, and possessed of strict in- 
tegrity in all his business relations. In his earlier life he was 
a member of the Democratic party, but soon after the fornui- 
tion of the Republican party became a supporter of its princi- 
ples, and was strongly attached to the Union cause during the 
war of the Rebellion. 

He was married Dec. 1, 1831, to Ann Lester, of Mount 
Pleasant, Wayne Co., Pa. His wife only survived her mar- 
riage one year, leaving a son, Rufus W., who died at the age of 
twenty-eight, at Shoals, Martin Co., Ind., where he had been 
engaged in civil engineering on the line of the Ohio and 
Mississippi Railroad. 

For his second wife he married, Jan. 23, 1837, Millinda, 
daughter of Col. Harry Mumford, of Mount Pleasant, Pa 
She was born March 18, 1815. Their children are Russell M. 
and Carrie, who both reside at Hornellsville. The son, Uussell 
M. Tuttle, received a collegiate education, graduating from the 
University of Rochester in 18C2. A few weeks subsequently 
(Aug. 13), he enlisted in the 107th Regiment New York Vol- 
unteers. He was appointed 1st sergeant, and promoted (Janu- 
ary, 1863) to 2d lieutenant, and (July, 1864) to 1st lieutenant. 
He was brevetted captain United States Volunteers March 13, 
1865. He served as Assistant Adjutant-General on staff of 
Gen. T. H. Ruger, and as Topographical Engineer on staff of 
Gen. W. T. Ward, in 20th Army Corps. Mr. Tuttle com- 
menced the publication of the Canisteo Valley Times at Hor- 
nellsville, N. v., in 1867, of which he is still one of the editors 
and publishers. 




^ ..i 



/! 



/ 




-^L<1^^U:>^ 



TOWN OF HORNELLSVILLE. 



329 



managers consisted of the following-named persons : I. W. 
Near, S. M. Thacher, N. P. T. Finch, Miles W. Hawley, 
J. W. Shelley, Stephen F. Gilbert, E. J. Johnson ; Charles 
Adsit, President ; John M. Finch, Vice-Fi-esideat ; N. M. 
Crane, Treasurer. 

By a special act passed in 1869 all the moneys received 
from licenses and fines for the violation of the excise laws 
were devoted to the purchase of books for the library. 
These amounted at first to a sum of from $1000 to $1500 
a year. The income from this source, however, was by a 
subsequent amendment limited to a sum not to exceed 
$500 per annum, and this has since been applied to the 
purchase of books. 

The following are the officers of the association for 1878 : 
Cass Richardson, President; J. E. B. Santee, Vice-Presi- 
dent ; L. T. Charles, Secretary; C. H. Young, Treasurer. 

Managers. — II. M. Tuttlo, Chairman ; Cass Richard- 
son, C. G. Hubbard, F. M. Sheldon, F. M. Kreidler, F. F. 
Finch, H. E. Buvinger, F. M. Cronkrite, W. H. Johnson. 

BANK.S. 
FIRST N.4^TI0NAL BANK OF HORNELLSVILLE. 

The association of this bank was organized in November, 
1863, by Martin Adsit, of Hornellsville, Ira Davenport, 
Constant Cook, Ira Davenport, Jr., and Henry H. Cook, 
of Bath, N. Y., who were the first board of directors, and 
held all of the stock. The bank commenced business May 
1, 1864, in a small wooden building on the corner of Main 
and Canisteo Streets, with a paid-up capital of $50,000, 
and with liberty to increase it to $200,000. The first 
officers were 

Ira Davenport, President. 

Martin Adsit, Cashier. 

First Board of Directors. — Ira Davenport, Constant 
Cook, Martin Adsit, Henry H. Cook, and Ira Davenport, Jr. 

On the 26th of June, 1865, Ira Davenport resigned the 
presidency, and Martin Ad.sit was appointed in his place, 
and Charles Adsit was appointed cashier. On the death 
of Ira Davenport, in 1869, John Davenport became a 
stockholder and director, and the same relation was assumed 
by Charles Adsit on the death of Constant Cook. In May, 
1875, the capital stock was increased to $100,000, and all 
paid in. In 1870 the bank erected a new and substantial 
brick banking-house, No. 117 Main Street, and removed to 
the elegant quarters which they now occupy Jan. 1, 1871. 
The banking-room is well and conveniently arranged, with 
first-class vault, time-lock, etc. 

The present officers are as follows : 

Martin Adsit, President. 
Charles Adsit, Cashier. 



Martin Adsit. 
John Davenport. 



directors. 

Charles Adsit. 
Ira Davenport, Jr. 
Henry H. Cook. 



Martin Adsit, the president of this bank, was born in 
Columbia Co., N. Y., in December, 1812, and removed to 
Hornellsville at the age of fourteen, in December, 1826. 
42 



The village at that time consisted of twenty-five houses and 
a grist- and saw-mill. Mr. Adsit entered the store of his 
uncle, the late Colonel Ira Davenport, of Bath, then the 
only merchant in Hornellsville, as clerk, and remained in 
that situation until he commenced mercantile business for 
himself in Hornellsville, in the year 1833. He has ever 
since continued in the business, in addition to his banking 
interest. The mercantile firm is at present Martin Adsit 
& Son, the latter being John 0. Adsit. 

bank of hornellsville. 
Capital, $50,000. 
President. — F. G. Babcock. 
Vice-President. — W. G. Rose. 
Cashier. — -W. H. Johnson. 
Assistant Cashier. — F. H. Furman. 

directors. 
F. G. Babcock, W. G. Rose, Chas. S. Clark, D. D. 
Babcock, W. H. Johnson, A. Hubbard, D. K. Belknap. 

N. M. crane & CO.'S BANK. 

President. — N. M. Crane. 
Cashier. — S. H. Crane. 
Teller.— Charha Crandall. 

BANDS. 

Hornellsville has two excellent brass bands, — the P. G. 
Babcock Hook-and-Ladder, No. 4, William Snow, leader, 
and the Ilornell Union Cornet Band, Prof R B. Perkins, 
leader. 

CHURCHES. 
THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF HORNELLSVILLE, 

consisting of 28 original members, was organized on the 
10th of July, 1832. Chauncey B. Smith and Mowry 
Thacher were ordained elders, and have continued to 
officiate in that capacity till the present time. Of the 
original members these two elders, Mrs. Harriet Bostwick 
and Mrs. Hannah Thacher, are the only ones who survive. 
The first church edifice was erected in 1834, and was a 
building 39 by 49 feet in dimensions. In 1862 it was 
enlarged, the side galleries being removed and the audi- 
ence-room extended 20 feet ; at the same time its lecture- 
room and parlors were built. In 1871 its central tower 
was removed, a new front erected, and an organ pur- 
chased. In 1875 a third enlargement was made whereby 
45 additional seats were secured, so that the church is now 
capable of seating 650 persons comfortably. The present 
membership is 329. 

A union Sunday-school was organized by George Hor- 
nell, Jr., in 1820, and was maintained during the summer 
months only until Elder C. B. Smith became superintend- 
ent, in 1829, after which it continued both summer and 
winter. On the erection of churches of different denom- 
inations, the school was divided. Elder Smith continuing 
to have charge of the Presbyterian division till 1841. He 
has since that time remained in the school as teacher. The 
present Sunday-school has an enrolled membership of more 
than 500 officers, teachers, and scholars. 

Clergymen. — The following have served the church for 



330 



HISTOllY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



the years set opposite their names: George P. King, 1832- 
33; Moses Hunter, 1834-35; Benjamin Russel, 1837-38; 
J. W. Hopkins (first pastor), 1839-41; C. B. Smyth, 
1841-42; E. S. Pecii, 1842-43; F. M. Hodgman, 1843- 
45 ; Foster Lilly, 1845-48; H. Pattengill (second pastor), 
1849-57 ; F. W. Graves, 1857-58; Ira O. Belong, 1859- 
60; Milton Waldo, 1861-71; W. A. Niles (third pastor), 
1872, and still continues. 

Elders. — C. B. Smith, Mowry Thacher, N. C. Lockwood, 
Nathan Piatt, T. Scott Thacher. 

The annual meeting of the Young People's Christian 
Association occure on the evening of the first Sunday of 
September. The Free Reading-Room, in the Babcock 
Building, is open daily, except Sundays, from eight o'clock 
A.M. to ten o'clock p.m. 

THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH OP HORNELLSVILLE 

was organized in 1830. Their meetings were at first held 
in private residences, and then in the school-house till their 
church edifice was erected. 

The ministers who have served this church are as follows : 
Rev. Asa Story, 1830 ; W. D. Gage, 1835 ; Robert Par- 
ker, Nelson Hoag, 1837 ; Ira Bronson, Nelson Hoag, 1838 ; 
Samuel Church, 1839; D. B. Lawton, 1840; V. Brow- 
nell, 1841 ; Philo Tower, 1842 ; W. E. Prindar, 1843 ; 
Sheldon Doolittle, 1844-45 ; W. E. Prindar, 1846 ; John 
Knapp, John Spink, 1847-48 ; Carlos Gould, 1849 ; S. B. 
Roouey, 1850; James W. Wilson, 1851; A. S. Baker, 
1852 ; James Asthworth, 1853 ; N. A. De Puy, 1854-55 ; 
H. N. Seaver, 1856; W. C. Huntington, 1857-58; J. R. 
Jacques, 1859-60 ; J. Walters, J. B. Knott, 1861 ; E. P. 
Huntington, 1862-63; Chas. M. Gardner, 1863-66; C. 
P. Hart, 1867 ; Thomas Stacy, 1868-70 ; W. C. Mattison, 
1870-71 ; E. Wildman, 1872; C. C. Wilburn, 1872-73; 
K. P Jervis, 1874-76 ; L. A. Stevens, 1877. 

The Y. P. C. A. meets on the first Thursday evening in 
each month. 

Christ's eplscopal church of hornellsville 

was organized into a regular parish on the 6th of March, 
1854. Rev. James Robinson was the first rector. The war- 
dens and vestrymen were as follows : Aaron Morris, Charles 
L. Prindle, wardens ; Martin Adsit, William H. Chandler, 
Peter C. Ward, Charles Strawn, George Hackett, T. J. Mc- 
Gee, Thomas Snell, N. M. Crane, vestrymen. 

Rev. Mr. Robinson resigned, and on the 1st of January, 

1859, Rev. Floyd Windsor became the rector. Services 
were held in Washington Hall till the winter or early 
spring of 1860, when the building was destroyed by fire. 
The corner-stone of the church edifice was laid in May, 

1860, and was opened for public service on Christmas-day 
of that year. Services have been held in it ever since by 
Mr. Windsor, who has been rector for twenty years. At 
the laying of the corner-stone the rector was assisted in the 
ceremonies by Rev. Lewis Thebon and Rev. Robert Har- 
wood, of Angelica, and Rev. Horatio Pattingill, D.D., then 
pastor of the Presbyterian Church of Hornellsville. Hon. 
William M. Hawley also delivered an address. The mem- 
bership has increased from 38 to 170, who are now in com- 
munion with the church. The Sunday-school, which for 



many years was under the superintendency of James W. 
Burnham, numbers 140 scholars, 16 teachers, 2 librarians. 

Dow L. Sharp, Stipermte.ndent. 

L. T. Charles, Secretary. 

M'ardens. — John Badger, Martin Adsit. 

Vestrymen. — J. W. Burnham, Harlow Hakes, F. M. 
Sheldon, James Burns, Charles Strawn, E. T. Young, E. 
H. Badger. 

J. S. Jamison, Clerk. 

The Ladies' Parish Aid Society holds weekly meetings 
in the rectory. 

THE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF HORNELLSVILLE 

was organized on the 17th of October, 1852. The mem- 
bership at that time consisted of 15 persons, — 8 gentlemen 
and 7 ladies. Rev. Thomas S. Sheardown was pastor. 
During his pastorate of one year thirty were added by 
letter, baptism, etc. Their place of meeting was in Union 
hall, the third story of a brick block, opposite the Presby- 
terian church. Nov. 12, 1854, William Luke was called, 
and was ordained in December following. He closed his 
labors April 29, 1855, and the church was without a pas- 
tor till Jan. 7, 1856, when Rev. Henry A. Rose was 
called and remained till March 22, 1859. During his pas- 
torate the first meeting-house was built, — a substantial brick 
structure. From Aug. 2, 1859, to July 1, 1861, Rev. John 
B. Pittman was pastor. His successors were Rev. Jacob 
Gray, 1861-63 ; Rev. A. G. Bowles, 1863 ; Rev. Isaac C. 
Seeley, 1864-67 ; Rev. Joel Hendrick, 1867-72. On the 
1st of November, 1872, Rev. D. Van Alstin, D.D., suc- 
ceeded Mr. Hendrick, and is the present pastor. 

The early membership of this church was made up 
almost wholly of new-comers to the place, — persons who 
had not made their fortunes, but were in search of them. 
They were thoroughly, united, willing to work, and they 
accomplished much. The money for the purcha.se of the 
lot was furnished on liberal terms by members of the Bap- 
tist Church of Elmira. The largest number added to the 
church by baptism during any one pastorate was when Mr. 
Hendrick was pastor, — 73 being baptized and 140 added 
by letter, experience, and baptism. 

The following who were pastors are now dead : T. S. 
Sheardown, William Luke, A. G. Bowles, I. C. Seeley. 

During the year 1873 the church edifice was rebuilt and 
enlarged at an expense of about $8000. It is now a com- 
modious and substantial house of worship. 

The church has enjoyed repeated revivals of religion, 
and the present membership is 234. Present oflScers : 
Rev. D. Van Alstine, D.D., Pastor. 

Deacons. — J. S. Haskins, A. Brown, D. B. Merriman 
George Lewis. 

Clerk.— 0. S. Palmer. 

Superintendent of Sunday-School. — A. S. Van Winkle. 

Trustees. — C. Hartshorn, J. S. Haskins, A. Brown, J. 
Lanphear, 0. S. Palmer, S. H. Merriman, J. W. Nichol- 
son, E. M. Le Munyan. 

ST. Ann's (catholic) church, hornellsville. 

In 1843, Father Benedict Bayer came here from Roches- 
ter, and said mass at Thomas Doorley's, at Webb's Crossing. 



I 




Chas. N.Hart. 



CHARLES N. HART, ESQ., 



was born in Stillwater, Saratoga County, N. Y., Nov. 18, 1803. In 
the year 1826 he came with his wife, Eliza Allen, to whom he had 
been married May 1, 1824, and settled in that part of Hornellsville 
known as Hartsville, and purchased the farm which still remains 
in the hands of the family. At an early day he gave his attention 
to lumbering, and was the first to send lumber from this place direct 
to the Albany market. Soon after his settlement a new town was 
formed, which by petition of the citizens to the county board was 
named Hartsville, in honor of their much respected citizen. Mr. 
Hart was the first supervisor of that town, and served the commu- 
nity for years as postmaster and magistrate. He was one of a few 
of his day who succeeded in the manufacturing and purchasing of 
lumber. It was then so thoroughly impressed upon the minds of 
the people that no one could succeed in this busine.ss, that at one 
time when Mr. Hart had not the money to purchase a few articles 
that he wanted, he asked the late Ira Davenport to give him a few 
days' credit, when Mr. Davenport immediately replied, " No sir I 
No man can succeed who runs a saw-mill." In the year 1847 he 
removed to this village, having purchased the fine property now 
occupied by his sons on Main Street, and for the last few years 
prior to his death was engaged with his sons in the care of his 
farm, and in the purchase and sale of cattle for the market. His 
finest property was a farm of some five hundred acres, situated 
about two miles south of the village, which he used for raising 
stock and hay, often cutting from three to five hundred tons, most 
of which he sold here to go to an eastern or southern market. 



It may here be mentioned that Mr. Hart brought into the Can- 
isteo Valley the first mowing machine in use here. He was a man 
of remarkable business abilities, characterized especially for per- 
sistent industry, energy, and sagacity. He met with a full measure 
of success. He enjoyed always the fullest confidence of his neigh- 
bors, the broadest trust of all with whom he had business relations, 
the esteem of the public, and the warmest love of his more imme- 
diate relatives. He was a man of strong convictions, impatient of 
sham, despising pretension, and always sternly resisted whatever 
he considered a public wrong, or an individual imposition. He 
was a friend of temperance, a liberal supporter of religion, and 
kind and helpful to the deserving. Mr. Hart was not much given 
to office seeking, was identified originally with the old Whig party, 
and a member of the Republican party since its formation. He 
died Nov. 7, 1873. Mrs. Hart died Aug. 24, 1877. She was a 
native of Springfield, Otsego Co., N. Y. United with the Pres- 
byterian Church in 1850, of which she remained a most active and 
consistent member. During the war she was one of the most active 
who took a part in procuring and forwarding supplies to our sick 
and disabled soldiers, and in cases of distress was never appealed 
to in vain. In her last days she took a deep interest in the temper- 
ance movement. Their children are two sons, Reuben and Henry, 
business men of Hornellsville ; Mrs. Charles Hartshorn, Mrs. 
Martin A. Tuttle, and Mrs. Sfcott Thatcher, of Hornellsville; Mrs. 
Daniel Reed, of Hartsville ; and Mrs. W. H. Bloomingdale, of 
Albany. 






■^ 0m m. 



George W. Terry was born in the town of Pulteney, 
this county, Sept. 24, 1824. His father, Remus Terry, 
was a native of Dutcliess Co., N. Y. ; was married to 
Temperance Sherwood, a native of Orange County. Her 
parents were natives of and resided many years on 
Long Island. 

In 1816 his father settled in the town of Pulteney, and 
in 1828 removed to the town of Italy, Yates Co., where 
the family remained for four years, and the father re- 
moved to the State of Indiana, where he died, in 1875, at 
the age of seventy-eight. His mother for many years 
resided with and was cared for by her son, and died at 
his residence in Hornellsville, May, 1876, aged seventy- 
six. 

His maternal grandfather, James Sherwood, was a 
soldier of the war for independence, and also of the war 
of 1812; having entered the war of 1776 at the age of 
fourteen to take the place of his father, and with his 
brother who was killed. 

Mr. Terry had a brother Remus and a sister Louisa. 
At the age of four years he went to live with his Grand- 
father Sherwood in Pulteney, where he remained until 
the age of fourteen, when he went into the busy world 
for himself, and unassisted, pecuniarily, during the re- 
mainder of his minority laid the foundation for a suc- 



cessful business career. From that age until he was 
twenty he followed the business of a butcher and dealer 
in stock. In 1844 he married Henrietta Trenchard, of 
the town of Wheeler, who was born August, 1823. For 
nine years he was a farmer in the towns of Prattsburgli 
and Wheeler. In lsr);j he removed to Hornellsville, 
where he purchased .litogether some six hundred acres 
of land adjoining the village, thirty acres of which now 
forms a part of the village of Hornellsville, lying on 
both the east and west side of the Canisteo River. 

Mr. Terry has spent the most of his life as a farmer; 
but during the last six years, besides his farming and 
real estate interests, has carried on milling and lumber 
business. He is ranked among the thrifty, enterprising 
men of Steuben County, possessed of a business ability 
often found among men who carve out their own 
fortune. 

He has been somewhat actively identified with the 
Democratic party, and for three years was one of the 
assessors of the town. His wife died in 1870, leaving 
four children, — George, in business with his father, Mrs. 
Albert E. Hicks, Delia, and Jessie. 

For his second wife he married Mrs. Luciuda Tren- 
chard, daughter of James I. Maxfield, of Wheeler. She 
was born in 1838. Their children are Henry and Cora. 



TOWN OF HORN ELLS VILLE. 



331 



On that day he baptized 14 children. Three months later 
he came again, and said mass in Judge Thurher's old brick 
building. In three months he officiated again in the old 
school-house, where the brick school-house now stands. 
In 1844, Father McAvoy came and paid a visit once in 
three months, and continued his labors about five years. 
In 1849, Rev. Michael O'Brien came, and built a little 
brick church, 30 by 40, on Cross Street, by the railroad. 
The brick work was done by Adam Hill, and the carpenter 
work by William Mahar. Father O'Brien remained about 
two years, and was followed by Rev. Father McCabe, for 
sis months, and he by Rev. Daniel Moor, about two years, 
and after him Father McGlew, about two years. The 
next was Father Keenan, who remained eight years and 
doubled the size of the church by an addition. Then 
came Fathers Lawton and Gregg, remaining one year, and 
was followed by Father Story, one year. Father Creedan 
built the new church, situated on the corner of Elm Street 
and Erie Avenue, and the convent and school-house on the 
opposite corner. The church is a brick building, 110 by 
t)0 feet, with priests' residence attached. There are 13 
Sisters of St. Joseph, who are teachers in the school. They 
were brought here by Rev. William J. McNab, who en- 
larged the school-house to twice its original .size. The 
school prior to that had been supported by the town as part 
of the common-school system. 

When the first priest came, in 1843, his parish extended 
from Friendship to Corning, and from Rochester to the 
Pennsylvania line. Cornelius Carroll, now living in Hor- 
nellsville, before there was any visiting priest here, went to 
Rochester to get his three children baptized. He went by 
wagon to Danville, and down to Rochester by canal, and 
was over a week in performing the journey.* 

MASONIC. 
EVENING STAR LODGE, NO. 44. 

From partial records, and the recollection of old mem- 
bers, we gather the following items respecting this old 
lodge : 

The lodge was organized in Canisteo some time before 
1814. The first entry in the record (which has evidently 
lost some of its preceding leaves) is dated Jan. 17, 1814, 
at which time " Evening Star Lodge met for installation, 
and installed by brethren of Ageteen Lodge, Joel Redfield, 
Wonshipful Master ; William Higgins, Past Master ; John 
Ayers, Past Senior Warden. Brethren present, Andrew 
Simpson, W. M., Timothy Perry, S. W., John Stephens, 
J. W., James Jones, Nathaniel Thacher, William MulhoUen. 
Visiting brethren, Andrew Morris, Uriah Stephens, Wil- 
liam Hyde, Samuel 0. Thacher, Elias Perry, Samuel Lenox, 
and Samuel Darby. Extra lodge called, William Stephens' 
petition, and deposit paid ; John R. Stephen.s' petition, and 
deposit paid ; William B. Jones' petition, and deposit paid ; 
Timothy Russell's petition, and deposit paid. William 
Stephens balloted for and accepted. John Stephens bal- 
loted for and accepted. William Stephens initiated, John 
R. Stephens initiated, William B. Jones initiated. The 
lodge closed in harmony." 

* Items furnished by Johq Cameroq, Hgrnellsville. 



At the next monthly meeting a committee was appointed 
" to form a code and by-laws," and were instructed " to re- 
port of the lodge on the next regular lodge night." 

The lodge appears to have been financially prosperous. 
In the minutes of the September meeting, 1814, "one 
hundred dollars and fifty cents " are reported in the treasury, 
and the yearly dues twelve shillings. The usual fee accom- 
panying application for admission seems to have been $4, 
but we find this minute, " Samuel Head paid $8 for first 
degree." Also, " George Hornell's petition and deposit 
received." '• Voted that Brother Barnard have $10 from 

the funds of this lodge for the use of Brother and 

family." And that "all the money paid into the lodge be 
kept for the use of the lodge." " Voted that a box be pre- 
pared, and all the money put into the same, and the treas- 
urer keep the key." 

Dec. 23, 1814, Andrew Simpson was again chosen Master; 
John Stephens, S. W. ; John Stephens (No. 2), J. W. ; 
Uriah Stephens, S. D. ; Elijah Stephens, J. D. Twenty- 
four members present at this election. " Voted that the 
next stated lodge be held at the house of W. MulhoUen." 
" Voted that the steward furnish the lodge with the neces- 
sary refreshments." 

The records then skip to " Feb., 1817," when the lodge 
is duly chartered by Dc Witt Clinton, Grand Master. Rev. 
Andrew Simpson is still Master; William MulhoUen Sec- 
retary. Dec. 18, 1817, William Stephens was elected 
Master. The following year Elijah Andrew was engaged 
" to instruct twice a week for three months for $18, and a 
committee was appointed " to procure a suitable room in 
Upper Canisteo, near Hornell's, to hold Evening Star 
Lodge." 

November, 1848. — " Resolved that Evening Star Lodge ' 
be removed to the house of Peter Reynolds, a few rods from 
Davenport's." We have it from some of the old Masons at 
Canisteo that Evening Star Lodge was moved to Almond 
before it went to Hornellsville, to make room for the 
chartering of another lodge, and that Morning Star Lodge, 
No. 421 (now Morning Star Lodge, No. 65, of Canisteo), 
was soon after chartered. Of the old Evening Star Lodge, 
Andrew Simpson was the first Master, and traversed the 
forest twelve miles from his home in Jasper, for about four 
years, to be present at every meeting of the lodge. 

The lodges in Hornellsville and Canisteo were the only 
ones in the country which maintained their charter during 
the Morgan excitement. The anti-Masonic spirit was par- 
ticularly virulent in Hornellsville at that time, and some 
anti-Masons threw the archives out of the window of the 
lodge. Col. John R. Stephens, a prominent Mason at that 
time, happening to be passing along the street, picked them 
up and preserved them. Col. Stephens, Maj. Thomas Ben- 
nett, and Bazy Baker met under Maj. Bennett's sign-post in 
Hornellsville for several years, and made their returns to 
the Grand Lodge, thus preserving their charter intact. 

After meeting at Peter Reynolds' as above stated, the 
lodge made several other removes, each time for the better. 
Once, while occupying a building where Harry Johnson's 
house now stands, they were burned out, losing everything 
but the books, which were saved with risk by the late Hon. 
Miles W. Hawley, who was then secretary. 



332 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



This lodge at one time bore the number 259, but was 
changed to No. 44 upon the reorganization of Masonry in 
the State, about 1840. Througli all its vicis.situdes and 
changes it has maintained an existence, and now numbers 
100 members. 

W. W. Howell, M. ; W. Brigden, Sec. 

There are in Hornellsville other Masonic lodges, as 
follows : 

DE MOLAT COMMANDERY, NO. 22. 

Meets every first and third Thursday in each month. 
A. G. Howard, Sec. ; H. D. Leach, E. C. 

STEUBEN CHAPTER, 101. 

Second and fourth Thursday in each month. 

A.CG. Howard, Sec. ; L. S. Boardman, M. E. H. P. 

HORNELLSVILLE LODGE, 331. 

First and third Tuesdays in each month. 
A. G. Howard, Sec. ; G. W. Griswold, M. 

ETENING STAR LODGE, 44. 

Second and fourth Tuesday in each month. 
W. Brigden, Sec. ; W. W. Howell, M. 

INDEPENDENT ORDER OF ODD-FELLOWS. 
OASIS LODGE, 251. 

Meets every Monday evening at Odd-Fellows' Hall, 
corner Main and Church Streets. 

MANUFACTURES. 

Hornellsville Tannery, William O'Connor, proprie- 
tor. — The large steam tannery of Mr. O'Conner was estab- 
lished in 1864. It is exclusively employed in the manu- 
fiicture of rough leather, of which 50,000 sides a year are 
tanned, giving employment to about 20 hands. The orig- 
inal part of the building was the old tannery built by Andy 
L. Smith, which has been enlarged, thoroughly repaired, 
and adapted to the extensive business carried on by the 
present proprietor. 

Mr. O'Conner, from early boyhood, resided in Hartsville. 
He learned his trade in Le Roy, Genesee Co., and since his 
residence in Hornellsville has been closely identified with 
the business interests of the place. 

The Furniture-Manufactory of Messrs. Deutsch, 
Tschachtli & Co. constitutes one of the leading manufac- 
turing interests of the village. In 1871 this firm pur- 
chased the building at the foot of Main Street, erected for 
a sash- and blind-factory by Mr. James Barclay, and con- 
verted it into a large steam cabinet- and furniture-factory, 
putting in a new 80 horse-power engine in 1873. They 
liave two stores and a varnishing-room near the factory, but 
their principal warehouse is in the Canisteo Block, half of 
which is owned by the firm. They make all varieties of 
plain and the best upholstered furniture, their upholster- 
ing being all done at home in their own shops. They 
do a large business, and give employment to about 50 
workmen. 

The Boot- and Shoe-Manufactory of William Rich- 
ardson & Co. was established Jan. 1, 1872, the fine brick 



building occupied by the firm having been erected by them 
in the fall of 1871. This building is four stories besides 
basement, and constructed with special reference to con- 
venience for the large manufacture of boots and shoes 
carried on by the firm. 

Mr. Richardson belongs to a family noted for their enter- 
prise in this business, his brother having one of the largest 
shoe-factories in the State, at Elmira. Previous to locating 
their business in this village, the Messrs. Richardson had 
been engaged in the manufacture of boots and shoes at Al- 
mond, Allegany Co., where their father had established the 
business in 1845. The members of this enterprising firm 
are William and Cass Richardson (half-brothersj. They 
have another factory at Andover, Allegany Co., and a tan- 
nery connected with it. The business of their factory in 
this village amounts to 150 cases of boots and 15 to 20 
cases of shoes per week, and they employ 150 hands. 

McCoNNELL & Co., Planing-Mills, Dealers in Lumber, 
and Manufacturers of Doors, Sash, Blinds, Mouldings, 
Pickets, etc. — This is a steam-power establishment, employ- 
ing some 50 to 60 hands, and doing a large and successful 
business. It was first established by Morris Smith about 
1855. In the spring of 1867, Asa McConnell purchased 
the premises, which have since been enlarged more than 
four times their original capacity, and improved by the ad- 
dition of all kinds of modern machinery adapted to the 
business carried on. They dress and manufacture into 
their various products about 4,000,000 feet of lumber per 
annum. The interest of Mr. Asa McConnell was purchased 
by his son, Floyd T. McConnell, in 1877, who has now 
associated with him his brothers, Benton and Philo F. 
McConnell, under the firm-name of McConnell & Co. 

Mr. Asa McConnell is one of the oldest settlers now liv- 
ing in Steuben County. 

George W. Terry's Flouring-Mill was built in 185G by 
George and James Alley and William Bennett. In 1872, 
Mr. Terry bought the property. This mill has a capacity 
of 200 barrels per day, merchant and custom flour. 

Rawson & Thacher are the proprietors of a large Foun- 
dry and Machine-Shops. 

HOM(EOPATHY IN HORNELLSVILLE. 

Homoeopathy met with strong opposition in the western 
part of the county during the early years of its history, 
and consequently its earlier advocates met with indifferent 
success. The first employment of homoeopathic remedies 
in the treatment of the sick in Hornellsville was by Mrs. 
0. Sheldon, who came from Madison County in the year 
1851, where she had been in active practice for some time, 
and to her belongs the honor of the introduction of homoe- 
opathy in this vicinity. 

By her clear perception of disease and successful admin- 
istration of remedies she secured a large circle of patrons 
and friends, doing much to overcome the prejudice existing 
against the system, and paving the way for its future suc- 
cess. For more than twenty years, and until homoeopathy 
was well established, she held a good practice, and retired 
only by reason of declining years. 

The next pioneer was Dr. Gray, who settled here about 
the year 1852, but remained only a short time. He was 




r^*^, "^ ' ' 



el/ }^ci^2i7t 



'tenfLy 



CHAELES HARTSHORN 



was born in Lebanon, Madison Co., N. Y., Dec. 6, 1815. His 
father, Jacob Hartaborn, was a native of Litchfield, Conn., bom 
Oct. 27, 1777, and removed to Madison County while a young 
man, about 1803, in which year, August 28, he married Jeru- 
sha Ransom, a native of Colchester, Conn., who was born July 
15, 1779. 

He resided on the farm, where he was one of the pioneer 
settlers of the town, until his death in 1850. His main occu- 
pation was farming, although, through his interest in the great 
political questions of his time, he was promiaentiy identified in 
politics, and gained cousiderable distinction as an advocate in 
justices' courts under the name of " Pettifogger." 

His children were Philander (deceased), Mary (Mrs. David 
Madale, deceased), Jane (Mrs. Orson Shelden, of Hornellsville), 
Dr. John R. (deceased), Charles, Minerva (Mrs. Bigelow 
Packer, deceased), Adelia (Mrs. Luke G. Maxson, Hornells- 
ville), and Ira D. (of Friendship, Allegany Co., N. Y.). The 
mother of these children died in 1855. 

Mr. Charles Hartshorn spent his minority on the farm of his 
father, and received the advantages only of the common schools 
of his day for obtaining education from books, but his subse- 
quent history has ftdly developed his early business ability and 
sagacity. 

His time from thirteen to fifteen years he spent with 
his eldest brother, who was then a merchant at Hornellsville, 
and at the age of twenty-three he came to the then small village 
of about seventy houses and three hundred and fifty inhabitants 
to take up his residence, and purchased a one-third interest in 



his brother's farm of two hundred and forty-four acres (including 
a portion of the present site of Hornellsville), a grist-mill, and 
saw-mill. Aft«r two years he became the sole owaer of the 
property, which he managed until 1850, the date of the com- 
pletion of the Brie Railway, when the growth of the village 
required that he should lay out a large part of his farm into 
village lots, which he did, and has since been largely interested 
in real estate transactions and building, both within the village" 
and in the adjoining country. 

In the year 1845, March 2, Mr. Hartshorn married -Cordelia, 
eldest daughter of Charles N. and Eliza (Allen) Hart, of Harts- 
ville, this county, but formerly of Saratoga County. Her father 
became a resident of this county in 1826. Mrs. Hartshorn was 
bom in 1825. 

They have an only son, Charles Hart Hartshorn. Mr. 
Hartshorn has led a strictly business life, although somewhat 
active formerly as a Whig, but now as a Republican, he has 
ever been interested in the matters of vital importance to the 
country. He has never been solicitous of public preferment, 
and has only been connected publicly as an excise commissioner 
under the old law, and for two terms trastee of the village. 

About 1852 was the first organization of the Baptist Church 
and Society. Mr. Hartshom, as a member of the latter, in 1856 
was chairman of the building committee in the erection of the 
fine brick stracture of that denominatioo in the village, and 
foremost in support for its construction, and has since not only 
contributed liberally for that, but all enterprises of a kindred 
nature in the village. 



TOWN OF HORNELLSVILLE. 



333 



followed by Dr. Noble, duiin;;; the 3'ear 1856, who remained 
about two years, doiiij; more, but it seems an unsatisfactory 
business, for he left for more promising fields. 

Dr. Morj^an came here in 18(30, and secured quite a pat- 
ronage, which he held for several years, riding from Hor- 
Dellsville into the adjoining towns. His wife was an ear- 
nest advocate of the advantages of homoeopathy, and be- 
came .something of an adept in administering to the sick 
in the absence of her husband. 

J. E. Seeley, M.D., located in Hornellsville in 1866. 
Having graduated at Philadelphia and .spent a year or more 
in the service of the United States navy, he was well posted 
in his profession, and although young in practice, he did 
much to satisfy the public that homceopathy was more 
than a myth ; that it was in fiict founded in nature, 
scientific in character, successful in apjilication, and entitled 
to the candid consideration of an enlightened public. Dr. 
Seeley made many warm friends during the four years of 
his practice here. In 1871 he removed to Scottsville, N. Y. 




^a^^ ^ (^^sS^ 



Dr. H. C. Orcutt succeeded Dr. Seeley. He came from 
Vermont, where he had been practicing honiocnpathy for 
the previous eighteen years. He was born in Moretown, 
Vermont, April 16, 1822, his father removing to Mont- 
pelier soon after, where he spent his boyhood days. He 
studied with Asa George, M.D., of East Calais, and grad- 
uated in medicine in October, 1845, at Dartmouth College, 
an allopathic institution. 

In June, 1846, he married Helen M. George, daughter 
of his former preceptor. 

On graduating he immediately began the practice of 
medicine in Troy, N. Y., following the system which he 
had been taught for the six succeeding years, during which 
time his observations of the success of a homoeopathic com- 
petitor led him to believe that there was real merit in the 



new system of medicine, and a more thorough investigation 
convinced him of its decided superiority, when he aban- 
doned the old system and, removing to Orleans County, in 
1852, began the practice of homoeopathy, which he followed 
successfully up to the time of his removal to Hornellsville, 
in 1878. The marriage of his only daughter to Dr. Z. G. 
Bullock, of Allegany, N. Y., induced him to make this 
change, — that the family might not be so widely separated. 

During the nine years of his residence in Hornellsville 
Dr. Orcutt has had a full practice. 

In 1873 ho a.ssociated with him Dr. C. \V. Brown, a 
graduate of the Homoeopathic Medical College of Chicago. 
This partner.ship existed about a year, when Dr. Brown 
withdrew, continuing practice a year or more, when he re- 
moved to Hammondsport, N. Y., and subsequently to 
Dansville. 

Dr. Orcutt continued alone in practice until the spring 
of 1878, when he became associated with Dr. W. E. Hath- 
away, which partnership still continues. 

Dr. Hathaway is a graduate of the Hahnemann Medical 
College of Philadelphia. He came to HornelLsville the 
latter part of 1877, from Elkland, Pa., where he had been 
in active practice several years. 

Dr. J. L. Gage, formerly of Scottsville, N. Y., came to 
Hornellsville some time during the year 1877, remained 
about a year, and removed to Baltimore, Md. He was 
succeeded by Dr. McPlierson, a recent graduate of the 
Homoeopathic College of Philadelphia. 

During the whole period covered by the foregoing history 
there has been no honucopathic physician, other than those 
mentioned, located within a radius of twenty miles. Ho- 
moeopathy rapidly gained favor during the past few years, 
has now its proportionate share of adherents, and its future 
prosperity is certain. 

MILITARY RECORD OF HORNELLSVILLE. 

Arnold, Stephen, 23d Regt. 

Armstrong, James, 141st Uegt.; taken pris. at Lookont Valley in Oct. 1863; 

exchanged ; distliarged. 
Armstrong, Jonathan, Itllst Regt. ; discharged. 
Arwin, Charles M-, record not known. 
Arghsinger, Moses, IGlst Uegt. ; discharged. 
Aiken, Edwin, 179th Ke^it.; discharged. 
Aiken, Alex. O. M., ITDlhltogt.; died in Feh. 1SC6. 
Arnold, Gnstavus, l.'itli Tav. ; discharged. 

Aelson, Wm. H., Adams, James D., Adams, Ed. L. ; discharged. 
Balton, Will. II., lIlTtli Regt. ; wonnded at Dalton. 
Baljcock, Enoch H., luVth Regt.; pro. to Corp. ; discharged, 
liatharick, Cluarles, l()7tli licgl.; iliscliarged. 
Barton, John, entered Hist Regt. as let lient,, Sept. 10, 1862; resigned Miiy, 

18C3; re-entered as capt'. in IT'.'th Regt. in April, 1864; pro. to niiy. ; killed 

at mine explosion before retersburg. 
Bowen, Joseph H., 141st Regt. ; discharged. 
Bishop, George, 141st Regt.; died in 1864. 
Bnrt'is, Tommy, 141st Regt. ; pro. to orderly sergt.; discharged. 
Brown, J. W., Hist Regt. ; disch. Nov. 1S62. 
Brown, Chauncey, 23d Regt. ; disch. for disability. 
Bennett, Jolin, 179th Regt.; discharged. 
Bennett, Ira K., SGth Regt. ; pro. to. Corp. ; discharged. 
Bowen, David, 14l8t Regt. ; disciiarged. 
Bush, Alfred W., 14Ist Regt. ; disciiarged. 
Bradford, David D., — Vol. Cav. ; disciiarged. 
Biicklin, George, — Vol. Cav.; discharged. 
Barber, Perry S., 2d Cav.; discharged. 
Bates, Geo. T., 8Cth Regt. ; discharged. 
Brown, James, 16th Heavy Art. ; discharged. 
Benedict, Franklin, 86th Regt. ; discharged. 
Babcoek, George B., sergt., 23d Regiment. 
Baker, Arthur S., pro. to 1st lient., 86tli Regt.; assist, acting provost-marshal 

general. 
Baker, Junior C, 5th Heavy Art.; discharged. 



334 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Burr, Phineaa, 50th Engineers; diacliarged. 

Bingham, Poi ter, 16th Heavy Art.; discharged. 

Brownell, David S., 107th Rpgt.; discharged. 

Babcuck, David A., 6th Cav.; discharged. 

Beei-8, llermon S., 6th Cav.; discharged. 

Brooks, Thoma.s S., 6th Cav. ; discharged. 

Benjamin, Addison P., 107th Regt. ; discharged. 

Patrick, John B., pro. to qni.-aergt; discharged. 

Brown, Thoa. J., 179tti Regt. ; discharged. 

Bodee, George W., 179lh Regt. ; discharged. 

Brannan, Patrick, 17Uth Regt.; discharged. 

Brown, Julin, 179th Regt. ; discharged. 

Bemus, Fianklin, 9th Cav.; discharged. 

Brown, Will., 4th Cav.; discharged. 

Baker, Solomon, 189th Regt.; discharged. 

Baker, Morgan, 189th Regt.; discharged. 

Bickford, George W., 50th Regt.; discharged. 

Baker, Olin, 15th Cav.; discharged. 

Burns, David, 15th Engineers ; discharged. 

Bnice, Philip II., 5Utli Engineers; discharged. 

Boston, John, 10th Cav,; discharged. 

Bradley, Wni. ; discharged. 

Brown, Marcus E., lat lieut., IGlst Regt.; discharged. 

Brooks, Wm. R., 161st Regt. ; died at Port Hudson, 

Baker, Wra. H., '^M Regiment. 

Bunn, John, 179th Regiment. 

Bellis, John H., 2:id Regt. ; wounded at Antietam, 

Brigdon, John T., 23d Regt. ; served two years. 

Burnett, James H.,2;id Regt.; detached, June 25, 1862, in the 10-lth Pa. Battery. 

Bennett, Olin L., 23d Regt. ; killed at Antietam, Sept. 17, 1862. 

Brenner, Dennis, 23d Regt. ; wounded at Antietam. 

Bowman, Jesse J., 23d Regiment. 

Colony, Edwin, 23d Regt.; disch. Jan. 26, 1862. 

CliUbbuck, John, 2"tii Regt.; discharged. 

Clark, W. H., 23d Regt. ; wounded at Antietam ; discharged. 

Clark, Benah C, 23d Regt. ; disch. Jan. 16, 1863. 

Grossman, A Ion zo M,, 23d Regt,; taken prisoner at Bull Run, Aug. 30, 1862; 
discharged, 

Chilson, Stephen, 23d Regt, ; discharged. 

Cranmer, Alfred S., 23d Regt.; wounded at Antietam; disch. Jan. 16, 1863. 

Collins, Brower H., coi-p., 10th Cav.; taken prisoner at Bull Run ; discharged. 

Crane, Kiram M., lieut.-col , 23d Regt.; discharged. 

Chidsey, Lucien B., q.-m. sergt., 307th Regt.; disch. for disability, Nov. 1862. 

Coe, Ephraim, U)7ih Regt.; discharged. 

Cone, George S., I07th Regt,; died at Hope Landing, Feb. 1863, 

Collins, W'ni. L , 179th Regt. ; resigned on account ol" ill health in Nov. 1862. 

Case, Heram, 14lst Regt.; discharged. 

Crane, Frank D., 141st Regt. ; disch. for disability, March, 1863. 

Corbit, Juhu, 14lst Regt. ; died at Shellmound, Tenn. 

Clark, Stephen, 141st Regt.; discharged. 

Colieru, George T., 14lst Regt.; discharged. 

Cilley, D. Henry, Ist III. Cav.; discharged. 

Cole, Sidney, 1st Dragoons ; discliarged. 

Cornish, David, 16th H. Art. ; discharged. 

Cowles, Heniy W., 50Lh Eng. ; discharged. 

Cummings, Geo. W., 86th Regt.; discharged. 

Card, Truman P., discharged. 

Cone, Ira, 1st lieut., 23d Regt. 

Carney, John B., 6th Cav. 

Ciirr, Charles, 179th Regt.; pro. to lieut.; discharged. 

Chandler, Senior, 50th Eng.; discharged. 

Cattens, Julius F.. 179th Regt.; discharged. 

Cliapman, Martin H., 6th Cav. ; discharged. 

Collins, Eustus, 179th Regt.; discharged. 

Campbell, Ebin,25th Cav.; discharged. 

Corcoran, Michael, 4th Cav.; discharged. 

Curtis, Setli, 5i)th Eng.; discharged. 

Campbell, H. G., 189th Regt.; discharged. 

Cook, Franklin, 10th Cav.; discharged. 

Collins, Madison M., IGlst Regt. ; pro. to Corp., Oct, 12, 1863; discharged. 

Dunlap, Jolir. R., 86th Regt. ; re-enlisted. 

Dewitt, Benjamin C, 6th Cav. ; pro. to sergt. ; wounded at Brandy Station. 

Doorly, Edward, 6th Cav. 

Doty, Levi, 14l8t Regt. ; pro. to corp. and sergt ; discharged. 

Derby, Jamea A., 2:Jd Regt. N. Y. S. Vols. ; wounded at Bull Run ; taken pris- 
oner at Curtinsville ; exchanged. 

Doty, Franklin B., 23d Regt. ; pro. to capt. of Co. G, 23d Regt., May 9, 1861 ; re- 
enl. May, 1864, in 179th Regt.; pro. to lieut.-col. ; killed before Peters- 
burg, Va., April 2, 186J. 

Doty, Martin Van Buren, 23d Regt.; discharged; re-enl. in April, 1864, as 
hospital steward 179th Regt. ; was pro. to capt. in 179th Regt. 

Duel, Lester L., 86th Regt. ; discharged. 

Davis, George W., 86th Regt. ; re-enlisted. 

Dennis, Geo. W., l6lst Regt. ; discharged. 

Duffy, Michael, 10th Ciiv. ; discharged. 

Doon, Alfred, 85th Regt.; discharged. 

Daerly, Alfred, 6th Cav.; re enlisted; discharged. 



Di.x, Thnmas, 14th H. Art.; discharged. 

Duffey, John, 6th H. Art. ; discharged. 

Donnivon, Thomas, 15th U. S. Inf.; discharged. 

Drew, John, loth U. S. Inf.; discharged. 

Derby, Stephen C, 15th U. S. Inf.; discharged. 

Daily, Amos, 1st U. S. Inf.; discharged . 

Edwards, Alonzo, 1st Vol. Cav.; discharged, 

Ellsworth, David S., capt., 86th Regt.; killed at Chancellorsvillo. 

Ellsworth, Liraa A., lt>t Vol. Cav.; discharged. 

Eakin, Samuel D., 179th Regt.; discharged. 

Ellis, B. F., 4th Regt.; discharged. 

Emery, Joseph \V., 141st Regt.; discharged. 

Evans, J. W., 189tli Regt. ; discharged. 

Emory, Charles, 187th Regt.; discharged. 

Evarts, Orrin, 15lh V. S. Inf.; discharged. 

Edminister, Wm. H., 2id Regt. ; wounded at Antietam ; discharged. 

Elliott, Geo., 23d Regt.; discharged. 

Edwards, Ethan A., 2'Jd Regt.; discharged. 

French, John F., 23d Regt.; dischirged. 

Fleet, David, 23d Regt. 

Force, Levi, 179tli Regt.; pro. to corp.. sergt., and captain; re-enlisted; dis- 
charged. 

Flinn, John. 

Farr, James E., 179th Regt.; pro. to lieut. 

Freeman, B. S., 1st Dragoons; discharged. 

Finch, N. P. Tal., 1st lieut., 179th Regt.; pro. to q.-m.; discharged. 

Farly, James, 1st Dragoons; discharged. 

Faster, W. H., 23d Ri-gt.; discharged. 

Fanton, Joseph, 179th Regt.; pro. to hospital steward ; discharged. 

Foreman, Henry, 189th Regt.; discharged. 

Fairbanks, Gardiner, oOth Eng. ; discharged. 

Franklin, Martin H. ,189th Regt.; discharged. 

Folsuser, Isaac, 50th Eng. 

Fander, Mirah T,, 23d Regt.; died at Fredericksburg, Aug. 7, 1862. 

Fulkeraoii, Joseph, Jr., Kith H. Art. 

Fander, Samuel G., 23d Uegt. ; discliarged. 

Flint, Will L., 141st Regt. 

Foster, Parker, 23d Regt. 

Fristen, George W. 

Foster, Henry, disch. fur disability. May, 1863 ; re-enl. March, 1864 ; discharged, 

Goodrich, John M., 1st lieut. ; res. Jan. 13, 1863. 

Gunn, Wyron, lOTtli Regt.; discharged. 

Granger, John M., Ulst Regt. ; discharged. 

Gilbert, Stephen F,, 14Nt Regt. ; discharged. 

Green, Sylvestei- S., 15th Cav. ; discharged. 

Green, Jason, Jr., 107th Regt.; discharged. 

Gardner, John B., 109th Regt. ; discharged. 

Grover, Abe, 4tli H. Art.; re-enl.; discharged. 

Grow, Hiram, 85tli Regt. ; discharged. 

Gregory, Livingston, 179th Regt,; discharged. 

Gregory, Daniel, 189th Regt. ; discharged. 

Goodno, Hiram, 189th Regt. ; discharged. 

Good, John, 188th Regt. ; discharged. 

Gillow, Hugh, 188th Regt. ; discharged, 

Greeno, Volney H., 12th Cav. ; discharged. 

Hathoway, L. D., 161st Regt. ; pro. to lieut. and capt. ; discharged. 

Head, Hubbard W. R., 189th Regt.; discharged. 

Higgins, Russell, 189tli Regt.; discharged. 

Higgins, Walter B., 189th Regt.; discharged. 

Hill, Nathan R., ISOth Regt.; discharged. 

Helmer, Michael, 189th Regt.; discharged. 

Hizer, I., lUth Rogt. ; discharged. 

Hadley, Henry, 179th Regt.; discharged. 

Haage, John, 3d Cav, ; discharged. 

Hizer, Cassius M., 179th Regt,; discharged. 

Hogarty, Michael J., wounded at Resaca, Ga. ; discharged. * 

Hagadorn, James B. ; discharged. 

Hagadorn, Tliomas R., 179th Regt.; discharged, 

Hickey, George H., wounded before Petersburg, Va. ; disch.; died soon after 
of his wounds. 

Hill, Austin, 179th Regt. ; wounded at Petersburg, April 2, 1861 ; discharged. 

Hill, Chester, wounded at Petersburg, April 2, 1861 ; discharged. 

Hazleton, Eugene A., 23d R.-gt. 

Higgins, Walter, 23d Regt.; disch. for disability. 

Hallett, Elijah, 23d Regt. ; corp. ; wounded at Bull Run, Aug. 3, 1863. 

Hallett, Theodore, 23d Regt. 

Hallett, Marshal, 23d Regt. 

Hopkins, Enoch, Jr., 10th Cav.; discharged. 

Haugli, Joseph, 63d Regt.; discharged. 

Hazleton, Leon, 86th Regt.; killed in 1864. 

Hough, Augustus A., 23d Regt. ; disch. for disability. 

Hovey, Jerome B., 50th Eng. ; discliarged. 

Hutchins, Wm. H., 14th H. Art.; killed in the Wilderness. 

Hodge, Jacob E., Jr., 16th H. Art. ; discharged. 

Harrison, Charles, Ist Vol. Cav. ; discharged. 

Howard, Alonzo B., 23d Regt. ; pro. to 1st lieut. and q.-m. ; discharged. 

Hunt, Charles M., 141st Regt. ; discharged. 




MICHAEL CROTTY. 



Michael Crotty was born in Gourhas, County Clare, 
Ireland, in 1829. His father, Michael, senior, was a 
well-to-do farmer of the same place, and was there born 
and died, being about sixty years of age. Of his three 
sons and three daughters, only the subject of this narra- 
tive came to America. 

In the year 1848 he emigrated to this country, stop- 
ping first at Elmira for a while. He then moved to 
Canisteo, and from there to Alfred, finding employment 
with Professor Kenyon, of Alfred University, where he 
acquired a good common-school education. In 1853 he 
settled in Hornellsville, and after a few years in the em- 
ploy of Mr. Osborne, he became the confidential clerk 
of Maurice Fitzgerald, by wiiom he was intrusted im- 
plicitly with the financial part of his business. In 1863 
he j)urchased the location on Broad Street which he oc- 
cupied as a place of business until his death. It was in 
this place that he first went into business for himself, 
and where by judicious management he accumulated a 
comfortable fortune, tlie larger jjortion of which was 
made by operations in real-estate. 

Mr. Crotty was connected with the best interests of 
the village during his residence here, and showed that 
characteristic industry and integrity worthy the emu- 
lation of others, and by his own exertion, from strug- 
gling witii poverty, became one of the best financiers 
of Hornellsville. He is thus spoken of by the papers 



of the village at the time of his death, which occurred 
Sept. 9, 1877 : 

" When a man of wealth or influence passes away it is 
very easy to say good words for him in public, but all 
who were acquainted with Mr. Crotty well know that 
we speak only the truth when we say the highest praise 
that can be given to any one — that he was an honest man. 
And more than that, while he probably had more inti- 
mate dealings with more poor jjeoplc than any other man 
in town, no one can truthfully say that he ever in any 
way took advantage of that fact to advance his own 
interest by distressing them in any manner. Nay, more 
than that. When he knew a man to Ije worthy, but 
unfortunate, he did not even enforce his own just dues, 
but tided him over his difficulties by not merely passive, 
but active sympathy and aid. He was a man whose 
word was believed to have been as good as his bond. 
His people trusted him implicitly. The last act of his 
life was to make a will, bequeathing everything he owned 
to his wife, unreservedly and without restrictions of any 
kind, remarking that, as they had begun life together 
poor, and had toiled together in early days to gain their 
possessions, everything should go to her at his death." 

He wa-s married July 3, 1856, to Margaret O'Brien, 
a native of Ireland, and who came to America at the age 
of seventeen, settling first at Hornellsville. Their chil- 
dren living are Maggie and Nellie. 



TOWN OF HORNELLSVILLE. 



335 



Hatljoway, Charles, 2nd Regl. ; died of wounds received at AntietHin. 

Hnrtman, Michael, Hist Regt. ; diacliarged, 

Hough, Charlis F,, 2;id Regt.; wounded in Wildeincfa. 

Harrison, William H., 141st Regt. ; discharged. 

Hough, Lcroy S., 23d Regt. ; re-enl. in Oct. 1864; discharged. 

HaiTison, John D.,Hl3t Regt.; discharged. 

Hollie, Henry, 6th Cav. ; discharged 

Howley, Lester D., 2;id Regt ; served two years ; discharged. 

Howley, M. W., 141st Regt.; pro. to q.m.-sergt, Oct. 1862; pro. to let lieut. 
Jan. 18. 1864 ; discharged. 

Howe, Eugene E., UiTth Regt.; discliargi-d. 

Hamill, Oeo. W., 107th Regt. ; discharged. 

Jamison, John S., asst. hosp. eurg, in the State service at Elniira, from May 4, 
1861 ; surg. for the 86Hi Rpgt. from Oct. 12, 1861 ; detailed surg. of Gen. 
Tratl's brig , in Oct. 1862 ; d'-tailed by Maj.-Gen. Stonenian surg. of tlie 
•M] Div. of 3d Army Corjw, Dec. 5, 1862 ; detailed by Maj.-Gen. French to 
the same position July 13, 1863 ; tJetailed by Maj.-Gen. Meade t«i he one 
of a board of three for nied, and surg. examinations of the Artny of the 
Potomac, Aug. 19, 1863 ; detaileri by Maj.-Gen. Ilirney to lie surg, of the 
3d Div. of the 2d Army CVups, Ai)ril 29, 18C4. 

Johnson, Charles L., lOTth Regt. ; died in March, 1861. 

Jones, Wm. D., 179th Regt. 

Jndd, Henry J., 179th Regt. 

Jt-huFSton, Samuel, 50tli Eng. 

Jolinsston, Ed. T., 50th Eng. 

Jones, Elias'J., 15tli Cav. 

Jones, Levi J, 179th Regt. 

Kellison, Samuel O., 107th Regt; disch. for disability, Dec. 1863. 

Kemp, William, Gth Cav.; pro. to 2d lieut ; dismissed; re-enl. in 1st Conn. 
Cav. ; taken pris. in Wilderness ; discharged. 

Kelly, John, 179th Regt. ; discharged. 

Kizer, Cassins M., 189th Regt.; discharged. 

King, Charles, Ist Cav.; discharged. 

Kilburg, Andrew, 189th Regt.; discharged. 

Kennedy, Juiiies ; discharged. 

Lamphere, W*m. ,107th Regt; died at Wilmington, N.C. 

Long, Jitmes, 141st Regt.; taken pris.; exchanged; dischaiged. 

Lorow, David R. P., 14l8t Regt ; discharged. 

Lynch, John, 188th Regt ; disch. 

Lippincotl, Juan. 

Leonard, Thomas, 8th Cav. 

Lockwood, Bradley. 

Lorow, John P. 

Litts, David. 

Leader, Jesse, 23d Kegt. 

Loper, Henry, Gth Cav. 

Love, Martin M., IGih H. Art. ; discharged. 

Maxon, Luke G, 23d Regt. ; disch. for disability. 

Marra, Morgan, Ifilst Regt. ; discharged. 

Miner, Henry, 16l8t Ri-gt ; discharged. 

Mason, Reuben J., 1st Vet. Cav.; discharged. 

McCay, Medad, 12th U. S. Inf ; wnunded; discharged, 

Morse, Will A.; discharged. 

Miller, George W., 2.3d Regt ; pro. tosergt, Nov. 1, 1862. 

Millard, George, lS7th Regt.; discharged. 

McOmber, Walter, 189th Regt.; discharged. 

Mooney, Michael, 132d Regt.; discharged. 

Morutz, George, 2.3d Regt; discharged. 

Moore, George, 9th Art.; discharged. 

Mayliew, Philetus J., 189tli Rogt; discharged. 

Madison, Charles S., 160th Regt. ; discharged. 

McKenmi, Thomas, 25lh Cav.; discharged. 

McLarso, Bingham. 

Monroe, Will T., fifer, 23d Regt 

March, James, 179tb Regt 

Marvin, George H., 23d Regt. ; diBcharged. 

Morgan, Ed., 23d Regt.; dischargnd. 

Mouerhart, Wm. H., 23d Regt. ; discharged. 

McAmbler, Charles H., 2.3d Regt; disch. for disability. 

McKinney, Charles H., corp., 23d Regt. ; wounded at Autietam, Sept. 16, 1862 ; 
died Sept. 18, 1862, from the wounds. 

Morgan, Reviben C; pro. to curp., Aug. 1,1861; wounded at Bull Run, Aug. 
1861 ; disch. Dec. 30, 1862. 

Martin, Julius. 

Martin, Francis. 

Morristm, William, 

Maynard, James. 

Maynaul, William. 

McCarthy, Michael. 

Miller, Frank, 179tli Regt.; discharged. 

MulhoUen, William, 16th H. Art; discharged. 

Monroe, Millroy, 11th Cav. 

Mason, Thomas J., 10th Cav. ; discharged. 

McKenmar, James, 5Uth Eng. 

McFall, Henry, 86tb Regt. ; discharged. 

McCow, Henry, 86th Kegt.; discharged. 

McDonald, John, Ulst Regt; discharged. 



McMohan, Timothy, Ulst Regt ; discharged. 

Morrisaey, John, 141st Regt.; discharged. 

Mayuord, Alexander, lllst Regt. ; discharged. 

Murphy, John, Hist Regt.; di.scharged. 

Mason, Amos D., 141st Regt ; died in Chattanooga, in 1864. 

Morris, Theodore F., I07rh Regt; killed at Chancellorsville, May 3, 1863. 

Marks, Patrick, Gth H. Art 

Kelson, Wm.H. 

O'Connor, Henry, 5th H. Art. ; discharged. 

Osborne, Peter, 86th Regt; died. 

O'Day, Daniel, 141st Regt ; died at Weaversville, Aug. 1863. 

Ploof, Morris H., 14l8t Regt. 

Popple, John Jones, 86lli Regt. ; killed at Gettysburg. 

Partridge, Leander, Hist Regt; died in 1864. 

Parker, William. 

Patrick, Charles, lOTth Regt. 

Prentiss, John, 86th Regt.; discharged; re-enl. as capt. in the 179th Regt.; 

res. on account of ill health. 
Patterson, Israel, 187th Regt 
Prentiss, Anson, 23d Regt. 
Phillips, Alfred W., Ulst Regt 
Pettigrew, Rubert L., 179tli Regt 
Pettigrew, Almond, Ulst Regt. 
Pettigrew, John E., 179th Regt. 
Perrouz, Louis, loth Cav. 

Plimpton, Albert M., 107th Kegt. ; disch. for diisability. 
Peterson, Wm., 189tli Regt.; dischaiged. 
Pinch, James W., lo7th Regt.; pro. to sergt. ; wounded in battle; taken pris. ; 

exchanged; discharged. 
Pinch, Win. E.,50ih Eng. 
Pinch, Thomas H., 179tli Regt 
Peacock, David, Ist Dragoons. 
Patrick, John B , I70th Regt.; pro. to q.-ui. sergt. 
Prangin, John H., 179th Regt. 
Ploof, Franklin P.,4ib H. Art 
Poole, Cyrus, 160ih Art 
Preston, Horatio G., 179th Kegt. 
Pauling, John, 23d Regt ; disch. for disability. 
Renslow, Freeman. 23d Regt. 

Robinson, Robert R., 23d Regt. ; wounded July 23, 1861 ; died at home. 
Ready, Philander, 2d Cav. 

Ryan, John W., 107th Regt ; died at Harper's Ferry, Oct. 2, la62. 
Richardson, Joshua. 
Rackfellow. John, 10th Cav. 
Rich, Frank, 65th Regt 
Ryan, John, 40th Regt. 
Riley, John. 
Rick, 132d Regt. 
Rinea, Henry, 89th Regt. 
Rulison, Josiah, 12th Cav. 
Reynolds, Franklin M., lS7th Regt. 
Reynolds, Willson, 187th Regt. 
Reynolds, Andrew Jackson, Ulst Regt 
Reynolds, Henry A., 187tli Regt. 

Reynolds, David E., 14l8t Regt; disch. for disability. 
Reynolds, William H., 187rh Regt 
Raymond, Charles H., 111th Regt 
Reimas, Constantine, 50th Eng. 
Rowe, Edward, 50lh Eng. 
Richards, Elias F., 179th Regt 
Raymond, Spencer G., 179th Regt. 
Kascoe, Andrew F., 5th H. Art 
Reily, John, 161st Regt. 
Reed, William L., 50th Eng. 
Ready, Philander, 2d Cav.; disch. for disability. 
Randall, Clark, Ist Dragoons. 
Raas, Will. Ulst Regt 
Robinson. Joseph W., 179th Regt. ; entered as asst. surg. of 82d Regt, March, 

1862; pro. to surg. of 141st Regt., Aug. 1862; resigned June. 1863; taken 

prisoner in the seven days' battles un<ler McClellan ; re-enl. as surg. of 

179th Regt ; div. surg. part of the time. 
Russel, Andrew Jackson, 14l8t Rogt.; detailed ae-arttst 
Sylvester, Peter, 15th Cav. 
Sands, James, 188tb Regt. 
Stuodan, Albert, 65th Regt 
Sherwood, Micajab v., Ulst Rfgt.; pro. to Ist lieut., April, 1864; pro. to capt. 

1864 ; discharged. 
Sweet, Jerry, 107th Regt. ; discharged. 
Sill, Allen N., capt, lo7th Regt.; pro. to maj., Aug. 1, 1864; pro. to lieut.-col., 

Oct 1,1864. 
Swartout, Estees A., musician, Ulst Regt.; discharged. 
Strown, Charles, IGlst Regt. 

Shinnebarger, Stewart, 141st Regt ; disch. for disability, 1864. 
Skinner, Parmcrson, unassigned. 

Sawyer, Harris C, Ulst Regt; pro. to hospital steward, 1862. 
Summers, Tiiomas, 14th H. Art 
Simpson, William H., 14l8t Regt. ; discharged. 



336 



HISTORY" OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Stephens, Cliristopher B., 14lBt Regt. ; discharged. 

Smith, Philip, IGth H. .\rt,; discharged. 

Stone, .Tehiah, 8Grh Regt.; discharged. 

Stone, Chauncey, 80th Regt.; discharged. 

Shnniway, Stephen, 86th Regt.; disch. for disability. 

Stephens, Wiljium O., 86th Regt.; discharged. 

Springer, Eli, 161st Regt, ; discharged. 

Sturtevant, Ilirani H., 170th Regt.; discharged, 

Sentcr, Joseph Q., 23d Regt. 

Shanum, John, 10th Cav. ; discharged. 

Sliannni, Andrew, 161st Regt. ; discharged. 

Smith, Lorenzo D., 2.3d Regt. 

Snyder, John, 10th Cav.; discharged. 

Sirddctter, Elihn, lTDth Regt.; discharged. 

Sands, James, IROIh Regt. 

Smith, David C, 179th Regt. ; discliarged. 

Shinnebarger, Samnel, n9th Regt.; discharged. 

Sipp, George, 17'.>tli Regt.; discharged. 

Stephens, Sayles C, 179lh Regt.; discharged. 

Sharp, William, 179(h Regt.; discharged. 

Scinburt, Fiederick, C5th Regt.; discharged. 

Sherman, Juiin, 160th Regt.; discharged. 

Show, Alexander, 50th Eng. ; discharged. 

Shiiltz, Jeremiah, 189th Regt. ; discli.arged. 

Smilh, Charles H., 189th Regt.; discharged. 

Spencer, Jnde, 189th Regt. ; discharged. 

Tultle, Ruasel M., 107th Regt. ; pro. to 1st sergt., Ang.12,1862 ; pro. to2d lieut., 

March 1, 1863; pro. to 1st lient., Ang. 1, 1SG4; pro. to capt, Marcli l;i, 

1865 ; on staff of Bi ig.-Gen. T. H. Ruger. 
Taylor, David S., 23d Regt. ; disch. for disability. 
Taylor, Will H., drnmmer, 23d Regt. 
Thompson, John W., 1st Vet. Cav.; discharged. 



Tibbits, Will. 

Tunis, William J. H. 

Thacher, Eugene, 107th Regt.; killed at Dallas, Ga. 

Watts, John, chaplain, SOth Regt. 

Wright, Gilbert, 107th Regt.; pro. to sergt.; discharged. 

Willor, Frederick C, 141st Regt.; pro. to 2d lieut., Dec. 1862; pro. to Ist lieut. 

and to capt., in 1864. 
Wisner, Pollldore B., Corp., 141st Regt. ; disch. for disability. May, 1S63. 
Washbnrne, Theodore, 1st Dragoons; discharged. 
Witter, Chauncey, 16th H. Art. 
Witter, Silas, 16th H. Art. 
WMlkins, Marcus, IGth H. Art. 
Wonlever, Lewis D., IGth H. Art. 
Whitford, Sylvanus, 5th H. Art. 
White, William H., 85th Regt. 
Walker, Gilbert, 85th Regt. 
Winter, Gustavus, 50th Eng. 
Williams, George, 179th Regt. 
Willis, George. 

Wakefield, Orrin P., 23d Begt.; pro to Corp., Aug. 18G1. 
Welch, Patiick, 179th Regt. 
Wilkinson, John C. 
Wliceler, Governor O., 189th Regt. 
Wells, Ansnn, 65th Regt. 
Wruston, George, 15th U. S. Inf. 
Willson, Charles, lath Cav. 
Williams, Myron, IStli Cav. 

Wheaton, Albert, 23d Regt.; wounded at Anti'-tam. 
Wallace, Andrew, 86tlt Regt.; disch. for di>ialiility ; re-enl. 
Van Scoter, William H,, 23d Regt. 
Van Scoter, Hudson J., 2!d Regt. 
Zimmerman, M. U., 23d Regt. ; pro. to sergt.. May, 186 I. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 




>- ^. 



WILLIAM L. SUTTON 
was born in the town of Reading, Steuben Co., N. Y., Nov. 
6, 1828. He is a descendant of William Smith on the 
paternal side, who was a soldier under Oliver Cromwell, the 
English Protector. 

The Sutton family are of English descent, and some of 
the ancestors were settlers in the Wyoming Valley, and 
escaped the terrible onslaught of the Indians and Tories in 
that massacre. 



His father, John Sutton, is a native of Lodi, Seneca 
Co., N. Y. ; married Catherine Lybolt. By this union 
there were born six children, of whom only three are living, 
the subject of this narrative being the eldest. His father 
is now a resident of Hornellsville. 

At the age of eighteen, Mr. Sutton, desirous of breaking 
the monotony of home-life, went to Nantucket, where he 
embarked on the whaling-ship Culamhia, Capt. Joseph C. 
Chase, and was on the sea for four years before returning, 




11 




Jb^'^YctP^u^^^A^- 



DK. CHARLES D. ROBINSON 



was born in Delaware Co., N. T., March 1, 1809. When only 
three years of age his father died, leaving his mother with her 
three sons (the others' names being William and Watson) in quite 
limited circumstances. The mother, who was a lady of consider- 
able culture, supported the family for a few years by teaching, and 
until the boys grew to be able to care for themselves. When 
about twenty-one years of age, Charles began the study of medi- 
cine wi«h Dr. Ualsey, of that county, and about the same time his 
mother died. At tlie age of twenty-four he was graduated JI.D. 
at Fairfield, N. Y., ami began the practice of his profession in the 
town of Burns, Allegany Co., JJ. Y. During tlie year he re- 
mained in that town ho was nmrried to Minerva, daughter of 
John Welch, of Tompkins C'lunty. She was born in Sci|iio, 
Cayuga Co., in 1813. 

Dr. Robinson was successfully' located in practice at Angelica, 
Almond, and Burns, and enjoyed a large business and the confi- 
dence of a large circle of the citizens of these places. He was not 
only in the foremost rank as a skillful practitioner, but held in 
high esteem by his fellow-citizens; for one term, 18ril-'>2, lie repre- 
sented them in the State Senate. In the year \V-'A lie removed to 
Hornellsville, where In- practiced as a physician until within a few' 
years of his decease, which occurred Jfov. 10, 1873. Dr. Robin- 
son was a man of genial disposition and characteristic kindness of 
heart. His early hook-education was limited by force of circum- 
stances, but in his later years lie was a c-ircful student of choice 
literature, well read in his profession, and conversant with the 
great political questions of his time. His political neord was first 
as a snp]Mirler of Andrew Jackson, subsequently ii member of (he 
old Whig )>arty, and an unswerving adherent of the Republican 
party after its formation 



His children were Helen Augusta, an only daughter, who 
died at the age of five ; and an only son. Dr. Joseph W. 
Robinson, now a practicing physician at Hornellsville, and 
ranked among the first in this part of the State in his profes- 
sion. 

He received his preliminary education at Alfred University, 
Allegany Co., N. T., and at Oberlin College, Ohio. After a 
course of study with his father, he entered BuHalo !Medic»I 
College, from which he was graduated M.D. in IS'IO, aubse- 
(|uently taking a post-graduate course at Bellevue Medical Col- 
lege, jS. \ 

lu March, 1862, he entered the army and was commissioned 
Assistant Surgeon, 82d Ne'.v 'i'ork Vcduuteers (2d Nev.' York 
Militia), of Oormua's brigade, Sedgwick's Division of Sumner's 
Corps. February, 1863, Dr. Robinson was, for meritorious ser- 
vices at the battle of White (.'aks, promoted to Suraeon 141st 
New York Volunteers, and while connected with this regiment 
held the position of brigade and division surgeon, and received 
honoralile mention by the generals commanding in their reports. 
He continued to occupy this |iosition until April, 1864, when on 
account of the failing health of his father he resigned liisconiiuis- 
sion and came home. V^ery soon, however, he returned to the army 
and was commissioned as Surgeon of the IT'-'th Regiment, with 
commission dated May 16, 1864, which position he filled until 
he was mu.stered out at the close of the war, under gencr:il .-irdor, 
June 16, 18iir). 

To write a liistory of Dr. Robinson's connection witli the army 
would bo to sketch an outline narrative of Iho manhe.s, iiri- 
vations, and battles of the regiments whicii he was connected with 
during the entire war. 



TOWN OF HOWARD. 



337 



visiting nearly all the important maritime towns of the 
world and making a circuit around it. For four years 
after his return he engaged as a machinist in Penn Yan. 

In the year 1854, Nov. 17, he married Mary L. Eaton, 
of Yates County. 

In 1857, Mr. Sutton learned the art of photography, and 
opened a gallery in Hornellsville, where, by strict attention 



to business, he has become not only a first-class artist, and 
ranks among the highest of the profession, but has won the 
confidence of a large circle of the best families of the sur- 
rounding country. 

In politics he is a Republican, and is identified with the 
interests of that party. In local matters he has officiated 
as trustee of the village for two terms. 




HOWARD. 



SITUATION AND DESCRIPTION. 

Howard lies in the interior of the county, a little north- 
west of the centre. It was erected from Bath and Dans- 
ville, June 18, 1812. A part of Avoca was taken off in 
1843, and a part of Fremont in 1854. It is bounded north 
by Fremout, Cohocton, and Avoca, east by Bath, south by 
Canisteo, and west by Hornellsville. The surface of this 
town is elevated and rolling, forming part of the dividing 
ridge between the Conhocton and Canisteo Rivers. In the 
northeast part of the town is Ormond's Pond, and also in 
the extreme northeast corner is a pond from which flows a 
stream which connects with creeks near Goff's Mills. The 
soil of this town is a clayey loam ; at Howard Flats, though 
high, it is of great depth. South of the flats is the grist- 
mill of Alonzo Graves, in a deep valley surrounded by hills, 
the declivity of which shows the debris and outcropping of 
shale and slate. The streams are all small, flowing into the 
Conhocton and Canisteo Rivers. 
43 



EARLY SETTLEMENT. 

The first settlement was made in this town by Abraham 
Johnson in the winter of 1806. Mr. Johnson was a young 
married man, and brought his wife with him to his wilder- 
ness home. He settled in that part of Howard known as 
Towlesville, on the place where Eben Towle now resides. 

Chas. McConnell settled on the farm for many years 
known as the Alkali Bennett farm, a short distance from 
Howard village. His family consisted at that time of him- 
self, wife, and one child, Asa McConnell. The latter, when 
his father settled in Howard, was between seven and eight 
years of age, and is still living. He was a resident of How- 
ard, and lived on a farm adjoining the one his father first set- 
tled upon until a few years ago, when he removed to Hornells- 
ville, where he still resides, enjoying good health and ripe 
in years. Asa McConnell represented his district in the 
Legislature in 1843. Aaron McConnell was a member 
of the Board of Supervisors in 1870 and 1871. 



338 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Soon after the settlement of these families, accessions 
were made to their number in the early part of 1809, by 
the arrival of Samuel Baker, who settled where J. Rice now 
or recently lived ; Reuben Smith, Abram Smith, Joel Bul- 
lard, and Abel Bullard, who settled on the road leading 
from Goff's Mills to the turnpike, near the old State road. 
Later the same year, the earliest settlers were cheered by 
the arrival of Daniel N. Bennett, Jacob Bennett, Job B. 
Rathburn, and three brothers. Daniel N. and Jacob Ben- 
nett settled on the beautiful plateau on which the village 
of Howard now stands, and it was called for many years 
thereafter by the name of Bennett's Flats. 

Job B. Rathbun and brothers settled in the northern 
part of Howard, and took up the land now known as the 
Meeks and Parkhill ftirms; also the farm known as the Job 
B. Rathbun farm, at Rathbun Corners, where Job B. made 
his home until his death. The Job B. Rathbun farm is 
still owned by one of his descendants (Brown Rathbun). 
Job B. Rathbun was a man of indomitable will and perse- 
verance; uniting those qualities with industry and a faculty 
to save, he accumulated a large property, which at his death 
his children inherited, leaving them, with industry and 
economy, a competency during their lives. These few 
families did not long have to contend alone with the forest. 

Some time in the winter of 1810, William Allen, John 
Hoagland, and David Smith settled in Howard. William 
Allen settled on the farm just east of the pond now owned 
by John and Lyman Shults. David Smith settled on the 
west side of the pond or little lake, which afterwards was 
called Smith's Pond. John Hoagland settled on the farm 
adjoining the pond, on the premises where Abraham Hoag- 
land lived during a long and well-spent life. The farm is 
now owned by his only son, George H. Hoagland. Israel 
Baldwin arrived in the settlement in the month of February, 
1811, and settled on a farm south of the pond. The other 
lands in that settlement were taken up at a later date. 

Probably no country was ever settled by men of more 
worth and sterling qualities than was this little settlement. 
Their doors were ever open to receive the traveler and 
stranger. They were ever ready to contribute to the wants 
of the needy, and many the one left their doors with thank- 
ful hearts for the bounties bestowed upon them. A little 
before these last settlers arrived, and about the year 1809, 
one Henry Kennedy settled on the creek-road leading from 
Howard to Kanona, about three miles easterly from How- 
ard village. Soon after his arrival he erected the first saw- 
mill in the town, which was a great relief to the then 
sparsely-settled community, it enabling the people to get 
boards and slabs to cover their little log houses, and occasion- 
ally a settler would build a small board .shanty. The set- 
tlers, before the saw-mill was built, covered their cabins with 
slabs of split timber, with a few exceptions William Goff 
moved from Otsego County some time in the fall of 1812, 
and settled on the creek-road leading from Bath to How- 
ard, and about three miles from Howard village. He 
probably was actuated in choosing his location on account 
of the fine water-privilege for milling and other purposes, 
for soon after his arrival and settlement he built the first 
grist-mill that was erected in Howard. (The building was 
then and has ever since been called GoflF's Mills.) It was 



a great epoch in the history of Howard and the surround- 
ing countrj', and was hailed with much delight and pleas- 
ure, the few inhabitants having, before that event, to travel 
long distances with their corn, wheat, and other bread- 
stuffs on their shoulders to have it ground ; for very few of 
the inhabitants had teams with which to go to mill, and 
those who had rarely took them, the roads being only 
paths cut through the forest. The erection of the mill was 
not the only benefit derived by the settlement of William 
Goff in the new county; his and his wife's kindness and 
hospitality to the settlers were proverbial, and from his 
mill thousands of pounds of corn-meal and flour were dis- 
tributed to the poor, without any expectation of a return. 
Not only this, but during the year (as it has always been 
called) of famine, which looked as though the settlement 
of Howard must almost fail, he left his home with what 
means he could command, went East and purchased wheat 
and corn, and on his return distributed it to the almost- 
starving people, with no other promise than that if the 
settlers the next year raised sufiieient to support their 
families, and had a surplus, they could pay it back. By 
the joint efforts of William GofF and his excellent wife, the 
.settlers were supplied, and the year of famine piissed. They 
lived to rear a large and respected family. Most of the 
children still survive their parents, making good citizens in 
the communities in which they live. 

Russell Burlison settled in Howard in 1813, on the 
farm now known as the Van Wie farm, occupied by Alonzo 
and Henry Van Wie, his family at that time consisting of 
himself, wife, and two children. One of his descendants, 
Hiram B. Burlison, who was born in 1816, still resides in 
Howard, and is one of the sterling men of that town. 
Accessions continued to be added to their number, and be- 
tween 1810 and 1820 many new settlers took up lands, 
and made Howard their future home, among whom were 
Seth Rice, Jonas Rice, Jonathan Ketchum, Isaac Bennett, 
Benjamin Bennett, Thomas Bennett, Hamilton Parkhill, 
John Stephenson, David Walker, Andrew Baker, James 
Stewart, George Stewart, Richard Towle, Reuben Ham- 
mond, Joseph C. Lane, Isaac Brasted, Oliver Parkhill, R. 
F. Ferris, Simeon Baker, David Rathbun, Jabez Beebe, 
and a few others whose names the writer has been unable 
to obtain. Jonas Rice took up the farm now owned and 
occupied by Reuben F. Ferris. Seth Rice took up the 
farm now owned by Jacob and Aaron Lyke. Jonathan 
Ketchum erected the first frame hotel that was built in 
Howard. After he erected his hotel he built a small tan- 
nery, which was operated for some time. Although Ketchum 
built the first frame tavern it was not the first tavern built, 
for before that event Isaac Bennett erected a small log 
tavern, on the corner of the street leading to the Baptist 
church, where the residence erected by Barney Alden now 
stands. This hotel consisted of one room below and the 
sleeping-rooms above. About that time another log tavern 
was built by Benjamin Bennett, called the " Double Log 
Tavern." It stood on the farm known as the Philip Ben- 
nett farm, on the opposite side of the street, and a little 
east of the house. These two log hotels were kept some 
time before the frame hotel of Ketchum was built. 

Randall and Calvin Grav&s built the first store, on the 





a-^^-<_ 



Abijah B. Case was born in Westford, Chittenden 
Co., Vt., Oct. 12, 1803. 

Owing to adverse circumstances he never attended school 
a day till he was sixteen years old. He then attended a 
district school for two winter terms, during which time an 
unquenchable thirst for acquiring an education was imbibed. 
He worked out by the month, always employing his spare 
moments with his book, so as to enable himself to have 
the advantages of an education. Thus by rapid strides he 
received a good academical education, and subsequently, 
December, 1827, graduated at the medical college at Cas- 
tleton, Vt. 

Always desirous of obtaining more light, he sought and 
received both theoretical and practical knowledge from the 
Massachusetts General Hospital and the Jefferson IMedical 
College at Philadelphia. This thirst for more knowledge 
in his profession has never deserted him, and subsequently 
we find him attending parts of courses of lectures at 
Geneva and Buffalo, or giving home demonstrations to 
his students. He practiced medicine in Vermont about 
three years, a short time at Belmont, Allegany Co., and then, 
in 1833, located in Steuben County, where he has ever since 
employed his time in study, practice, and teaching of medi- 
cine, and in many cases by home demonstrations. 

Although a resident of Howard, his practice has never 
been circumscribed, being frequently called to remote dis- 
tances, and even now, in his seventy-sixth year, is still 



engaged in active business, and bids fair for years of use- 
fulness. 

He was married at Shrewsbury, Vt., Sept. 14, 1828, to 
Miss Sophrouia Pierce, who was born Nov. 6, 1 805, and 
died Feb. 10, 1873. Miss Pierce was the daughter of 
Caleb Pierce, and cousin to ex-President Pierce. 

He has reared three children : George F., born July 24, 
1830, who became a physician, and practiced in Howard 
and Pulteney till his death, which occurred Sept. 8, 1875, 
leaving a wife and one son. At one time George F. was 
regimental surgeon in the war of the Rebellion. Julia, 
born March 14, 1833, who is the wife of Charles Forrester, 
a wholesale grocer at Scranton, Pa. Dighton L. was born 
May 17, 1838, studied medicine with his father, graduated 
at the Buffalo Medical College, and is practicing in Howard. 
Dr. Ca.se is evidently a man of mark. Without the aid of 
inherited wealth or social prestige he has made his way 
from obscurity to a high position, socially and professionally. 

He is not the possessor of great riches, though he has 
earned more money than most of his contemporaries. He 
is of that confiding turn, honest to a fault himself, that in 
outside business he has been overreached, and, too, he has 
always considered it " more blessed to give than to receive." 
So the poor have always found in him a friend indeed. 
He has been a member of the State Medical Society for 
nearly thirty years, and is perhaps the oldest practitioner in 
the county. 




i^e^ ^^ /^' 



CA^- 



Seth H. Rice was born in Steuben County, Sept. 
9, 1819. He was the son of Jonas Rice, who came 
from Massachusetts in the year 1811, and settled one 
and a half miles north of Howard village, on the 
farm now known as the Ferris farm. In 1825 he 
removed to the farm near Towlesville, where he lived 
until his death, and where the subject of this sketch 
lived fifty-two years until his death, which occurred 
Feb. 20, 1877. 

Mr. Rice was married Feb. 12, 1840, to Miss 
Gracia Wheeler, who was born July 18, 1818. Her 
parents, Jeremiah and Sarah, were among the early 
settlers of Bath, her father being from Vermont, 
and mother from Washington Co., N. Y. 

Their children are Lydia, wife of Wm. Willis, 
who resides in the town of Howard ; S. L. Rice, a 
farmer in Howard; Martin S., who died Nov. 5, 
1869, aged eighteen years ; and Floyd H., who re- 
sides with his mother on the homestead. 



Mr. Rice was a man of much prominence, and a 
citizen of integrity in all matters with which he was 
connected. He was town assessor for six years, 
justice of the peace some eight years, and associate 
judge one year. He was a man of high moral prin- 
ciples, a strong advocate of temperance, and a devout 
Christian. 

During the past forty years, besides acquiring an 
honest living for himself and family, he has accumu- 
lated a fair property. 

His whole life has been an example of indus- 
try, and all who were personally acquainted with 
him recognized in him all that was manly, true, 
and noble. 

He was a liberal contributor to church interests, 
and to as great an extent as any man who ever lived 
in the town of Howard, and for many years was an 
officer of and prominent in the councils of the church 
of his choice. 



TOWN OF HOWARD. 



339 



plat of ground now owned by Aaron McConnell. It shows 
the ravages of time, and before many years it will pass 
awaj- as have done its founders. There was great pleasure 
manifested by the settlers by reason of this enterprise, for 
until that time all the products of the soil that could be 
spared found a market only in Bath, or some other distant 
point ; but when this store was opened they found a ready 
exchange, and could procure the necessaries of life almost 
at their own door, giving in exchange anything they had to 
spare. This was the only store in Howard until 1831, when 
Calvin Whitwood, a man of enterprise, .settled there. He 
at once constructed the store now owned by Abel R. Hig- 
gins. This store for many years was called the Whitwood 
Store. Whitwood continued in the business some years, 
when he took in a partner, James Alley. They continued in 
business some time, when Whitwood transferred his interest 
to James and George Alley ; they enlarging their trade 
accumulated property fast, so that after a few years, by 
good, discreet management, they were enabled to erect a 
grist-mill. They erected the mill about one and a half 
miles east of Howard village. The erection of the mill 
was a much-needed enterprise, and opened up a new source 
of benefit to its projectors. The Alleys did not remain in 
Howard but a few years to enjoy the fruits of their well- 
earned respect and prosperity, but sold their interest in the 
store to Aaron McConnell, the youngest son of Charles 
McConnell, who continued business at the old store for 
many years, accumulating a competence for life. The mill 
property was sold to Alonzo Graves, since which time the 
store has been owned by several different parties, Martin 
V. Strait being the present owner. William Lilly became 
a resident in 1837, and erected the store now owned by the 
Henry Baldwin estate, this making the third store in the 
little village of Howard. 

The first school that was taught in town was in a little 
log school-house, which stood near the present residence of 
Aaron McConnell. This house was used for a number of 
years, when it was supplanted by a frame building. 

About the time the school was commenced in the villaire 
there was also a school opened in Towlesville, these two 
schools being the only schools taught in the town for a 
number of years, although after 1820 there were schools 
organized, and the inhabitants of Howard have always 
manifested a commendable zeal in promoting the cause of 
education. In carrying out that desire an academy was 
built in 1835. The academy building stood on the oppo- 
site side of the highway leading past the Baptist church, 
and a short distance above the church. One Dupark was 
the principal, with a corps of good, competent teachers. 
The school was well attended, and supported by the inhab- 
itants for a number of years, but it has been abandoned as 
a school and the building converted into part of a hotel. 

There are sixteen or seventeen school districts in the 
town, having good schools, well attended. Of the Howard 
village school it may be said that few towns have a more 
commodious school building, and their corps of teachers 
will rank among the first. 

In the early days of Howard the religious sentiment was 
largely composed of the Christian denomination, and their 
ministers were missionaries, holding their meetings in pri- 



vate dwellings, barns, and the little log school-houses. 
Elder Buzzel was one of the first ministers who preached 
in this town. After a few years communicants of other 
denominations began to supplant the Christian persuasion, 
and to-day there are left only a very few believers of that 
order. The leading denominations of Howard are the 
Baptists, Presbyterians, and Methodists, — there being two 
Baptist churches, one in Towlesville and the other in How- 
ard village. There is also a Presbyterian church in the 
village, and a Methodist church in Towlesville, all being 
good, active churches. The Baptist Church in the village 
of Howard was organized Feb. 6, 18"i6. The number of 
members at the time of its organization was nine, — five 
male and four female communicants. The number of 
members added to the church since their organization has 
been 457. Rev. B. B. Brigham was their first pastor, who 
commenced his services soon after the organization, and 
closed his labors Nov. 28, 1829. The church held its 
stated meetings in the different school-houses and private 
dwellings until 1835, when they erected their present 
house of worship, which they repaired during the year of 
1877, making it a convenient, permanent, and beautiful 
edifice in which to worship. 

The following are the names of the pastors who served 
that people from the first organization to the present time: 
Rev. B. B. Brigham, G. Gowdy, Rufus Peet, Chas. Ran- 
dall, Daniel M. Root, M. Rowley, D. Carr, E. G. Spencer, 
C. G. Smith. Rev. E. Mosher settled March 1, 1851, and 
closed his labors Aug. 29, 1858. He truly was a man of 
God. Elder Easterbrook, Rev. Wm. I*]ntwistle, Rev. Jas. 
Andrews, Rev. J. B. Randall, Rev. Wm. P. Omans, Rev. 
A. Tilden, Rev. M. H. Dewitt, Rev. J. French, Rev. L. J. 
Lusk, who commenced his pastoral services April 1, 1875, 
and is their present pastor. The church has been blessed 
under his care, and he is much honored and loved by his 
people. No records were kept of the first officers of the 
church, but Reuben F. Ferris was one of the first dea- 
cons of the church, and he was truly a man in every way 
qualified for the high and sacred trust ; living and prac- 
ticing that which he professed. They sustain a fine Sab- 
bath-school of about 75 teachers and scholars. The church 
is not wanting in benevolence and a missionary spirit. They 
have a good parsonage. The church property is worth 
$6000. 

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 
The Presbyterian Church of Howard was organized a 
short time before the Bapti.st Church, and built their 
church edifice in 1834. The church recently repaired 
their edifice, making it a commodious and beautiful struc- 
ture. This church since its organization has made good 
advancement, and now numbers about 100 communicants. 
They have been fortunate in procuring the services of able 
pastors, and those who have been endued with the Spirit 
of Him whom they sought to honor. They have for many 
years sustained a good Sabbath-school, the fruits of which 
have been visibly manifest by the addition to their church. 
They have a good and comfortable parsonage. The value 
of the church property is about $0000. The churches of 
Towlesville built their edifices many years after the build- 
ing of the church edifice in Howard village. Both 



340 



HISTOKY OF STEUBEN COUiNTY, NEW YORK. 



churches maintain their identity, and are looking forward 
to a more successful future. Sabbath-schools are well sup- 
ported, and the call for charity is met with a zeal and 
spirit that is commendable. The Methodist and Baptist 
church property is worth about $3000 each. The Baptist 
and Methodist Churches predominate quite largely over 
all other denominations of the town. In quite an early 
day there was a colony of people of Irish and Scotch 
descent, but mostly Irish, who settled in the southern part 
of the town. Upon their arrival they took up lands near 
together, and constituted a community by themselves ; the 
vicinity in which they settled was called Dublin, and that 
name is continued to this day. Most of those settlers took 
up wild lands, but they possessed the spirit of enterprise, 
and but a few years had elapsed before the whole aspect of 
that section of the town was changed from a very wild 
and rough state to green fields and fine dwellings. The 
enterprise of that community was not excelled by any 
other community or settlement of the town ; they brought 
with them the customs and religion of their fatherland. 
Soon after their settlement they erected a small Episcopal 
church and a Presbyterian church, but the communicants 
of the Episcopal church were but few, and stated services 
in their little church did not continue long. 

The Presbyterian Church was of the Scotch or old-school 
tenets, and is continued to this day. That little colony, 
like all others, has felt the ravages of time, and most of the 
old settlers have passed away, but their descendants have 
'taken up the work where their fathers laid it down, except 
that they have most, if not all, adopted the customs, usages, 
and language of the adopted country; and to-day the line 
of demarkation of the different nationalities is swept away, 
and they are one people, each vying with the other in pro- 
moting the best interest of the whole. 

Howard, until the projected railways from New York 
City to Dunkirk and Buffalo were completed, was con- 
sidered to be a place of some note, and no place for many 
miles around had brighter prospects; for men of enter- 
prise and good business abilities sought it as the coming 
place, and for quite a number of years it was regarded 
as one of the best business centres of the county, and 
maintained its position as such until the shrill whistle of 
the locomotive echoed and re-echoed through the valley and 
over the hills. Then came a change ; the foresight of keen 
business men saw that Hornellsville, then a little village of 
but a few dwellings, not one-fourth as large as Howard, was 
the coming mart for trade and traffic. The business men 
of Howard saw it ; then came an exodus. Among the first 
were Col. Benton, James Alley, George Alley, Samuel Al- 
ley, and others ; a few years later, Henry Goff, Asa Mc- 
Connell & Sons ; and many others since then have sought 
different points to engage in business. Yet a few remained, 
and others have settled in Howard and accumulated a com- 
petency for themselves and families. Among the most suc- 
cessful in mercantile business since the Alleys left Howard 
are Aaron McConnell, Henry Baldwin, Ira Lane, Abel N. 
Brown, and Abel Higgins. Those in business at present 
are Abel N. Brown, Abel R. Higgins. Ira Lane and Aaron 
McConnell have retired from business, and H. Baldwin is 
now deceased. 



PHYSICIANS. 

Of the medical profession, the pioneer physician of the 
place was Dr. Baker, who settled in Howard some time in 
1817. He was soon after followed by Dr. Levi S. Good- 
rich, who brought Dr. Wixom with him. Dr. Abijah B. 
Case settled in Howard some time in 1832. Dr. Robinson 
and Dr. Runner came in soon after Dr. Case. Dr. Isaac 
Rathburn commenced the practice of medicine in 1843. 
Austin Baker practiced a few years and died in Howard. 
Of the present practicing physicians there are four, — Drs. 
Abijah B. Case, Isaac Rathbun, Reuben F. Parkhill, and 
Dighton Case. The town of Howard has always had an 
able corps of physicians, and ever after Dr. Case settled 
there many students came from far and near to study med- 
icine under his instructions; and of late years the offices of 
A. B. Case and Dr. R. F. Parkhill have been well repre- 
sented by medical students, and those who have studied 
with them have usually made their mark in the world. 

ORGANIZATION. 

The town of Howard was erected from Bath and Dans- 
ville, June IS, 1812, and the first town-meeting held in 
April, 1813, at the residence or hotel of Simeon Bacon, 
who then lived on the Daniel Hamilton farm. Local tra- 
dition asserts that Thomas Bennett was elected the first 
supervisor. It has been impossible to obtain a list of the 
other town officers elected at that time, and indeed of the 
town officers prior to 1823, as the town records before that 
date have been lost or destroyed. We find, however, at 
the county clerk's office, in Bath, a book of records con- 
taining the oaths of office of certain town officers, from 
which we take the following list of supervisors and collectors 
for the years named : 

Supervisors. Collectors. 

IS2:i Israel Baldwin. Rufus Halsey. 

1824 Daniel N. Bennett. 

1825 '• " Alfred Rathbun. 

1826 William Goff. Artemas M. Leigh. 

1827 

1S2S (ireen Hern. John L. Robarda. 

182!) " " " " 

IS.iO Divniel N. Bennett. " " 

18.31 " " Philip Bennett. 

18H2 H. N. Rathbun. Jason Ranger. 

1833 John W. Whiting. " " 

1834 " 

1835 William Goff. Ebenezer Bullock. 

1836 " " " " 

1837 Issachar Goodrich. " " 

1838 C. E. Beldin. John R. Parkhill. 

1839 " 

1840 James Alley. " •' 

1841 *' *' Hiram B. Burleson. 

1842 " " 

1843 Asa iMcConnell. " " 

1844 John Hamilton. A. R. Stephens. 

1845, " " Ira Lane. 

1846 D. N. Bennett. B. S. McConnell. 

1847 " " 

1848 Joseph I. Burnham. *' ** 

1849 Ira Lane. Ale.'cander Jones. 

1850 '■ ■' " " 

1851 Ansel House. Ezekiel Rice, Jr. 

1852 Alkali Bennett. Anson E. Green. 

1853 " " John Preston. 

1854 Ansel House. Warren W. Goff. 

1855 Moses S. Bennett. " '' 

1856 " '' John Martin. 

1857 Alonzo Graves. " " 

1858 " " Lewis Hamilton. 

1859 Ansel House. " " 

1860 Alkali Bennett. Alanson Horton. 

1861 " " David A. Franklin. 

1862 A. T. Parkhill. Webster Sharp. 

1863 " '• " 

1864 John F. Shaver. " " 






'oo^^L^ '^.^ 



C^Z^yT^^^-'-t^ 



^(^^^ 



JOEL RUSSEL. 



Joel Russel was born in Dutchess Co., N. Y., Jan. 
29, 1811, being the son of Ebenezer and Sarah (Mead) 
Russel. When about a year old his parents moved to 
Seneca County ; lived there about five years, and then 
moved to Tyrone, Schuyler Co. Joel being the oldest 
of the family, and in very moderate circumstances, it 
became his lot .to be deprived of many of the advantages 
of acquiring an education which many even in those 
days of poor schools enjoyed. At the age of nineteen 
he commenced life for himself by purchasing his time of 
his father for seventy-five dollars, and working on a 
farm by the month, and when he was twenty-four years 
old had not only paid his father, but had saved enough 
to purchase ninety acres of land in Howard, which is a 
part of his present farm. He has constantly been 
adding to his farm, and now is the owner of two hundred 
and eighty-eight acres of excellent land. Thus by hon- 
esty, integrity of purpose, and untiring perseverance he 
has placed himself in the possession of a competency 



where he is enjoying life as much or more than others 
reared under more favorable circumstances. Mr. Russel 
has been a staunch Republican since the organization of 
the party, and during the Rebellion ever by word and 
action maintained our nation's cause. He cheerfully 
gave his sons to his country. 

He has been twice married. Nov. 2, 1834, to Miss 
Eleanor Dow, who was born in Tompkins Co., N. Y., 
Jan. 23, 1806, and died April 17, 1856. Dec. 6, 1856, 
he married his present wife. Miss Sally Ann Mather, 
who is the daughter of Colton and Anna Mather, of 
Yates Co., N. Y., and was born Oct. 17, 1824. 

By his first marriage he had six children, viz., Lewis P. ; 
Harrison ; Horace, who was a soldier in the 109th Regi- 
ment New York Volunteers, and died at Beltsville, Oct. 
27, 1862; Abrara B.,who served in the41stRegimentNew 
York Volunteers, and died at Indianapolis, Ind., June 
18, 1865 ; Sarah Jane ; and one child who died in infancy. 
By his second marriage one son has been born, J. W. 





cSp^^ /o^J u^idCAn^ ^^^.e^ -^^^^-f^-^^i^^^^P^ 



JOEL BULLARD. 



Joel Bullard was born in the town of Barry, Mass., 
July 2, 1809. He is the son of Joel, and grandson of 
Samuel Bullard, natives of Massachusetts, and of English 
origin. His father was married to Hannah Brown, Jan. 
31, 1 800. Soon after he removed to Vermont and stayed 
a year or two, returning to the town of Barry, where he 
remained till he moved to Howard, Steuben Co., N. Y., 
in 1810, and purchased and settled on the place now 
owned and occupied by the subject of this sketch. 

When Mr. Bullard arrived in Howard it was nearly 
an unbroken wilderness, but he contended successfully 
against all the hardships of a pioneer life, wild beasts 
included. Of his two sons, Abel and Joel, Abel died 
Dec. 21, 1819. 

Mr. Bullard died in the midst of his usefulness, April 
6, 1820, aged forty-eight years. He is remembered as 
being forward in the development of the country, an 
efficient and trustworthy man. His widow resided upon 
the homestead till her death, June 1, 1845, aged seventy- 
six. Thus we find the subject of this narrative father- 
less at the age of eleven, in a sparsely settled wilderness 
country, with very little educational facilities, commenc- 
ing the battle of life. If the youth of to-day would 
but stop and consider how much has been epdured ^nd 



accomplished by these old pioneers, a lesson of frugality 
and temperance might be learned which should avail 
them much. 

He was married May 4, 1831, to Agnes Winnie, 
daughter of Jacob G. and Nellie Winnie, who came here, 
in 1816, from Rensselaer County. She taught district 
school several years previous to her marriage. 

By this union were born five children, via. : Hannah 
Ann, widow of Jacob R. Decker ; Eleanor F., wife of 
Andrew Sharp; Joel Henry (deceasetl); Hester, who mar- 
ried John Henry Gray, both of whom have since died, 
leaving one son, Willie S. Gray, who li\fes with his grand- 
father ; and Judith Maria, wife of John G. White. 

Mr. Bullard is the oldest living male settler in the 
town of Howard. In politics he has always been a 
staunch Democrat, and is a good representative of the 
indomitable perseverance of the pioneers of Steuben 
County. Still hale and hearty, he is one of the few old 
living landmarks, surrounded with kind', children to 
smooth his pathway as his time of release from earth 
draws near, having led a life of .sterling integrity and 
uprightness of character, honored by all who know him, 
and at the writing of this sketch bids fair for more years 
of usefulness. 



TOWN OF HOWARD. 



341 



Supervisors. Collectors. 

1865 Alkali Bennett. Marvin Goff. 

1866 " " " " 

1867 A. M. Cole. B. 0. C. Sharp. 

1868 Alkali Bennett. Lewis Spaulding. 

1869 Aaron McConnell. Hiram (ioff. 

1S70 " " Jolin Briscoe. 

1871 " " Byron Bennett. 

1872 John G. Sharp. John Bri.scoe. 

1873 " " Philip P. Bennett. 

1874 Josiah House. '• " 

1875 " " " " 

1876 J. C. Hoagland. " " 

1877 " •' Wm. H. MeKibbin. 

1878 George Bennett. P. P. Bennett. 

1879 William H. Willis. 

MILITARY RECORD. 

During the great crisis that was pending before the 
breaking out of the Rebellion of 1861, the citizens of 
Howard watched with bated breath the then pending issues. 
They could not believe that these sister States seriously 
meditated on the dissolution and destruction of the nation 
and cradle of liberty, but thought that when the political 
canvass had pa.ssed, reason and justice would prevail, and 
peace sit enthroned, as it had for nearly a century past. 
They, like all others, have seen their mistake ; and when 
the news, wafted, as it were, by the wings of the wind, 
came to their ears, the hardy sons of toil came from the 
farm, the workshop, and in fact from every branch of in- 
dustry, with alacrity, in response to the nation's call ; and 
Howard, unlike most of other towns, filled up her ranks 
with her own hardy and willing sons. Howard was called 
upon under the difierent calls to furnish men, and the fol- 
lowing are the names, as far as the writer has been able to 
procure them : 

First Lieut, l^enjamin N. Bennett, Alonzo Van Wie, Martin Ilif^gins. James 
Van Wie, Valencourt .\Uen, Horace Bennett, David Sharp (died), H. G. 
Preston, Saul A. Alden, Gilbert .\lden, Im Betmott, Byron Bennett, 
Henry Cumiiiings, Daniel Gray, Nelson Higgin?, Joseph Hand, David 
Hecox, Frank Keyser, Itoltort McBeth, Horace M. Meeks, Edgar J. Phil- 
lips, Denzel Phillips, John Quigley (died), Lewis P. Russell, Nathaniel 
Searls, John Vaiicampen, Adolplius Welch, Heniy Willis, Webster W. 
Wagner, Chapin C. Morgan, Edward Morgan, Henry Manhart, George 
Elliott, Samuel Taylor, James A. Derby, Edward Graves, Wm. Patterson, 
Charles Hammus, Samuel Hall, Russell Taylor, Lafayette Taylor, Benja- 
min WiUeon, Asa Wilson, Ilendrick Rathbun, IfiJiac Rathbun, David 
Hamilton, Charles Alden, John Mills, Lyman Westcott, William Edson, 
Durand Dunton, Eugene Dunton, Gilbert Dunton, Asa Keyser, William 
Graves, Warren Keyser, Deloss Goff, Sidney Mesick, Abel N. Brown, 
Henry Palmer, Stephen Peterson, Edwin Preston, Nathan B. Graham, 
Biram Goff, David Wells, David Cole, John Swain, G. Searls, Austin Con- 
nell, Capt. Richard Towie, Dennis Morris, Henry Sprague, Andrew 
Sprague, William Hammond, Euos Allen, Ansel Oxx, James Cooper, Jos. 
Dunn, Nelson Danes, Eugene Danes, George Shearer, Robert Shearer, 
Stewart, William R. \Vlilte, John 0. Hoagland, William H. Marge- 
son, Reuben W. Van Pelt, Cranson Ilagadorn, George Norton, R. W. 
Welch, Patrick Dillen, Timothy Dillen, Michael Hammers, James Baker, 
Alvin N. Baxter, William A. Wales, Henry Johnson, Ansel T. Wilson, 
Patrick W^atson, David Nipher, George R. Deloss, Herman L. Allen, 
David Bennett, Luther Wateis, Daniel W. Sabin, Ira Stephens, Scott Mc- 
Kinney, Herbert M. Horton, Alanson Horton, John Swain, Alexander 
Magill, Sylvester Shearer, James Dempsey, Henry Brasted, James M. 
Willis, Henry W. Stephens, Josiah Hiler, John Cochrane, Henry Groose- 
phend, John Hallett, S. S. MuUiken, William Coats. William Chose, 
Andrew De Graff, James Cochrane, N. B. Grames, D. W. Dart, Webster 
Sharp, James E. Borden, James McChesney, Eraslus Hawloy, George 
Searls, Leroy D. Goff, John W. \Vhite, Joseph Fox, Abraham Russell, 
Albert Pierce, B. Rice, William Dyke, Joseph Hyler, Dennis Morris, 
Luther Stewart. 



The number of killed and mortally wounded, and those 
who died in the service, the writer has been unable to 
ascertain, but they were quite a large number. During the 
Rebellion, quite a number of public meetings were called 
to take measures for the adoption of the best measures to 
fill the different quotas, and make provisions for poor fami- 
lies whose fathers and sons went into the service. A reso- 
lution was passed that a committee be appointed to look 
after the families of the soldiers, and see that they did not 
suiFer for necessaries of life. The committee consisted of 
John R. Parkliill, Alonzo Graves, Alkali Bennett, and 
Andrew Stewart. The ladies of Howard, soon after the 
breaking out of the Rebellion, formed a Ladies' Aid Society, 
for the purpose of co-operating with the the Sanitary Com- 
mission of the nation. Not only did they aid the great 
commission, but they sent box after box of necessaries to 
the front to their fathers, sons, and husbands, to cheer and 
comfort them in their work. There was a War Committer 
appointed by the people, consisting of Aaron McConnell, 
Alonzo Graves, and Albert T. Parkhill, with full powers to 
take such measures as they deemed proper and most ex- 
pedient to raise money and men in the interest of the town, 
and how well they discharged their trust is manifest by the 
result. 

The town of Howard, during the Rebellion, raised the 
following sums of money as a town, by the issuing of town 
bonds, and private subscriptions, as soldier bounties : 

Amount raised in 1861 $10.00 

" 1862 1674.00 

•' 1863 369.86 

" " 1864 650.00 

" " 1865 318.86 

Total amount raised by the town §3022.72 ' 

In addition to what was raised by the town, there was 
raised upon the credit of the town, in Steuben County 
bonds, the sum of $42,450 : 

Amount raised for the year 1864 $13,800 

" " 1865 28,650 

Total amount raised by county bonds $42,450 

The interest raised on account of the Indebtedness for 
the Steuben County bonds was. 

For the Tear 1865 $1127 

" "" 1866 3505 

Total interest up to 1866 $4632 

There was interest paid subsequent to 1866, amounting 
to about $1000. 

During the struggle to maintain the honor and integrity 
of the nation, the town of Howard very early in the con- 
test took a loyal attitude, and maintained it through the 
great struggle, and she will ever be ready to make any 
sacrifice that may be required of her to maintain the 
nation's honor. 



JASPER. 



GENERAL DESCRIPTION. 

The town of Jxsper was erected from that part of Can- 
istco comprised in township number two, in the fifth range 
of the Phelps and Gorham purchase, and a part of Troups- 
burgh, included in the same townsliip, Jan. 24, 1827. The 
name was given in honor of Sergeant Jasper, the hero of 
Fort Moultrie and Savannah Spring, A half a mile was 
annexed to Greenwood from the west side, in 1848. It 
has Canisteo and Cameron on the north, Rathbone on the 
east, Woodhull and Troupsburgh on the south, and Green- 
wood on the west. The surface is very hilly and broken, 
the highest summits being over 2000 feet above tide. The 
streams are small, and for the most part run through deep 
and narrow valleys. Col. Bill's Creek rises near the resi- 
dence of P. Ostrander, and runs north to the Canisteo ; 
the head-waters of Tuscarora Creek rise near the residence 
of J. S. Whiteman, and run south into Woodhull. The 
soil of this town is chiefly a slaty, gravelly, and clayey 
loam. 

EARLY SETTLEMENT. 

In the fall of 1807 a person standing upon the high- 
land in the northern part of Jasper, and looking to the 
south and east, would have been greeted with a sight which, 
once seen, is never to be forgotton. Far off down the val- 
ley, the bright green tops of the tall pines floated lazily in 
the light breeze, their giant trunks revealed in the lowlands 
nearer by, then blending in the distance like the green of 
growing grain, covered the entire valley, extending in groups 
part way up the hill-sides where the yellow of the beech and 
maple fringed the higher land, while dark-blue strips of 
hemlock extended up the narrow valleys on either side and 
became finally lost in the golden glow of autumn, far out 
over the hills. Away ofi' to the south, beyond a fringe of 
pines higher than the rest, rises a thin blue smoke, perhaps 
the camp-fire of some roving hunter. 

Let us descend into the valley in our course towards it. 
On either side of the narrow ridge the ground, covered 
with a soft brown carpet of pine leaves, descends into the 
swampy level of the higher lands where the waters from 
numerous hill-side springs gather to form the little brook 
which flows down through the valley. The woods are 
alive with birds and squirrels. A breaking twig startles a 
herd of deer, and, with a snort of alarm, they rapidly dis- 
appear among the tall pines, their clattering hoofs breaking 
the stillness of the forest with a startling sound. Follow- 
ing the course of the little brook the sound of the wood- 
man's axe breaks the stillness, and leads us over a slight 
hill to the south. As we reach the ascent, light shines 
through the open trees and reveals a short distance ahead 
a small clearing in which a man is busily trimming the 
.342 



limbs from a tall pine upon whose fallen trunk he stands. 
A few rods beyond is the little cabin. The smoke which 
led us here rises in lazy wreaths from a burning log, beside 
which stands the large old-fashioned bake-kettle perched 
high upon its iron legs and its lid covered with smouldering 
ashes. Near by stands a pail with one long stave extend- 
ing upward for a handle, and over the fire swings a black- 
ened copper kettle. ' As we enter the opening the chopper, 
a large muscular man with bare arms and open collar 
thrown away from his breast, descends from his high 
perch, and, bidding us welcome with a strong German 
accent, leads the way to his cabin. This man is Nicholas 
Prutsman,* and the little blackened acre, half filled with 
stumps and surrounded with a rude fence of logs and 
poles, is the firet cleared land in the town of Jasper. 

Nicholas Prutsman, Sr., a native of Germany, left the 
Tioga Valley, with his family and household effects in a 
wagon, in the spring of 1807, and moving down the valley 
and up the Canisteo to Addison, followed the course of the 
Tuscarora Creek, up past the Caleb Smith settlement of the 
year before, in Woodhull, still farther up the north branch 
of that stream, clearing a road with his axe as he progressed. 
At a distance of nine miles above the last settlement he 
turned to the west, and following a small tributary a mile 
towards its source, unhitched his team, turned them loose 
in the woods, and made his camp for the night under a 
giant oak, seven miles from the nearest habitation. Here, 
accompanied by his wife and children, he camped while 
building the little cabin which in after-years was replaced 
by the old homestead near Marlatt's Corners, the public 
highway passing under the old " camp oak," directly in 
front of the house. Mr. Prutsman built the first saw-mill 
near the Toogood place. His daughter, Sally Prutsman, 
who was the wife of the late Orrin Kittle, was the first 
white child born in Jasper, her birth occurring April 28, 
1808. Adam Brotzman, his brother, came the next year 
and located at the " five corners," his place being a mile 
distant, towards the east. 

Andrew Craig, Sr., one of the most prominent men in the 
town daring his life, left Ireland during the great rebellion, 
at the age of eighteen, and in 1810 left his home near 
Philadelphia for the new Western country, and was ap- 
pointed a sub-land-agent for the proprietors in that city. 
The first night after his arrival was spent by Mr. Craig in 
an Indian wigwam, near the present village. His farm 
joined Andrew Simpson's, south, these two farms occupying 
what is now a beautiful village. Mr. Craig made the first 
butter for market, his wife going with him to Philadelphia 

* Nicholas spells his name Prutsman, while his brothers Abr.ain 
and Philip spell theirs Brotzman, their children following their exam- 
ple. 






J^Oy, 



roi 




AMOS F. WOODBURY. 



Ainos F. Woodbury was born in the town of Richfield, 
Otsego Co., N. Y., Feb. 14, 1803. His fother, John 
Woodbury, was a native of Massachusetts, born about 
1779, went to Otsego County when a young man, and mar- 
ried Sophia Densmore, of that county ; settled there on a 
farm in the town of Richfield, where he lived the remain- 
der of his life. He was among the pioneers of that county, 
and lived on the farm where he first settled until his death, 
at the age of eighty-six years. His wife died, leaving four 
children, — Amos F., Mrs. Moses Wheeler, John, and Mrs. 
Moore. He was subsequently married three times : first to 
Rebecca Blake, of which union were born two children, — 
George and William ; second, to Rhoda Hawkes, of which 
union were born four children, — Mrs. Northrop, Lydia and 
Laura, twins, and Daniel, on the old homestead ; third, to 
Mrs. Clark, who survived him some twelve years. 

Mr. Amos F. Woodbury was mostly at home during his 
minority, and like many of the boys of his day had limited 
opportunities for any education from books, but the neces- 
sary economy, and in many instances hardships endured by 
both parents and children, often laid the foundation for suc- 
cessful business lives. 

Nov. 16, 1823, he married Lura, daughter of Elijah and 
Mary (Balcom) Martin, of Richfield. For seventeen 
years following his marriage he resided in Herkimer Co., 
N. Y., and followed farming and stock dealing, and in the 
latter business he was quite .successful. He bought his 
stock mostly in this State, and marketed in New York and 
other eastern markets. 



In 1840 he removed with his family, and settled in the 
town of Jasper, Steuben Co., purchasing some two hundred 
acres of land, where he still resides, although many years 
ago he passed the active duties of life. To his first pur- 
chase he afterwards added some one hundred and eighty 
acres, and of all his land he has caused to be cleared about 
one hundred and fifty acres. On his farm he erected com- 
modious farm buildings, which now show the handiwork 
of a thoroughgoing agriculturist and business man. Their 
children are Amanda, died at the age of eighteen ; Joseph 
B., of Greenwood ; Mrs. Philip Moore, of Jasper ; James 
G., died in Illinois, born in Herkimer County ; and Mrs. 
George Dennis, born in Jasper, and now resident on and 
the owner of the old homestead. 

In politics Mr. Woodbury was formerly a Democrat, but 
now is a Republican, having left the old ranks to vote for 
Henry Clay for President of the United States. He has 
been called upon by the citizens of his town to hold several 
positions of trust and responsibility, and for some nine 
years in succession has officiated as assessor, and for three 
years represented his town in the Board of Supervisors. 
He belongs to that cla.ss of men who, by self-reliance, reso- 
lution, and industry, carve out a fortune for themselves, and 
through their exertions the local improvements of town and 
county are brought to successful completion, law and order 
established, and the country prepared for the enjoyment of 
the rising generations. His wife died Jan. 23, 1868, a 
woman of great kindness of heart, generous, of unsullied 
character, and respected by all who knew her. 








*^^ ,^^*^^^ss^-5 



-^^ 



ja^^ H/u... 



oZ? 'X^'^-^C^.e^ ^,:^^:i^Sz2/2J^^— 



ALLEN DRAKE. 



Peter Drake was a native of New Jersey ; married 
Rhuhaiua llussell, also born in that State. Soon after 
their marriage, in the year 1813, they removed and settled 
in the town of Benton, Yates Co., where they remained 
for sixteen years and carried on farming ; and io the year 
1829 came to the town of Jasper, where they purchased 
one hundred and fifty acres of timbered land in the west 
part of the town, where they lived the remainder of their 
days. He died in 1852, aged sixty-five. She died in 1851, 
aged si.xty. Their children are Allen, born in New Jersey, 
Sidney, Mrs. David Dennis, Mrs. Hiel Savage, Ayres, Mrs. 
Leler Moors, and Charles Peter. The last two were born 
in Steuben County ; the others, except Allen, were born in 
Yates County. 

Mr. Allen Drake received no pecuniary assistance in 
starting out for himself in life. His education from books 
was confined to the common school, but the lessons learned 
while at home, during his minority, of industry, necessary 
economy, and judicious management laid the foundation 
for a successful business career. 

At the age of twenty-four he married Priscilla Benaway, 
of Jasper. The children of this marriage are Siduey, Mrs. 
William H. Wheeler, Mrs. Andrew Murphy, and Mrs. 
Harrison Purdy. 

]Mr. Drake began life in the log house and on fifty acres 
of wild land ; soon after he added fifty acres more ; after six 
years, in 1840, he settled on one hundred acres, where he 
now resides, to which he has made additions of some five 
hundred and sixty acres ; some two hundred acres he 
cleared of the original forest, and all of which he has put 
in a good state of cultivation, having built on the same 
some four dwelling-houses now occupied by his children, 
together with some thirteen framed barns and as many 
framed sheds. His farm is the largest cultivated farm in 
town, and possibly in Steuben County, and shows the work 



of a life-intere.st and care of a careful husbandman and 
agriculturist. Mr. Drake has given his attention mostly 
to dairying, sheep and stock raising, and is ranked among 
the most successful farmers of the county. 

He has ever been interested in all matters of local im- 
provement in town and county ; was a member of the 
Democratic party until the election of Buchanan, when he 
united with the Republican party. While a young man he 
officiated as assessor for several years ; since which time he 
has never consented to accept official honors, although often 
solicited to hold high places in the gift of the people. His 
life has been given strictly to business, yet not so closely 
to his own aflfairs as to neglect what duty required in his 
neighborhood and town. 

Mr. Drake is known as a thrifty, enterprising, candid 
man, possessed of strong resolution, quick perception, and 
force of character to complete whatever he undertakes. 
A man of correct habits and genial dispo.sition, and among 
his associates sociable, and especially in hLs fomily is this 
characteristic particularly exemplified. He is a liberal sup- 
porter of church and kindred interests, a staunch supporter 
of morality and good society. His wife died May 29, 1847. 

For his second wife he married, in 1847, Olive Savage, 
of Jasper. She died Aug. 24, 1848, leaving a daughter 
who lived to the age of seventeen. 

He married for his present wife, Nov. 19, 1848, Lucinda, 
danghterof Abel Andrew, of Orange, formerly in this county. 
The children of this marriage are Luzerne, Mrs. Harmon 
Huntington, Fannie, and Bertha. 

Mr. Drake is now in the sixty-ninth year of his age, having 
been born Nov. 3, 1810. For some two years past failing 
health has compelled him to relinquish largely the active 
duties of life, but he sees arouud him the fruits of his 
labor, and devoted children comfortably enjoying places 
prepared for them by him. 



TOWN OF JASPER. 



343 



to work it over into rolls. Andrew Murphy, Sr., brother- 
in-law of Mr. Craig, father of Andrew Murphy, of Jasper, 
and John and Robert Murphy, of Canisteo, came soon after 
and located a short distance north. 

Occasional settlements were made during the next de- 
cade, including Andrew Moore, who came in 1816, and his 
brother, John Moore, now one of the most prosperous and 
respected farmers of the town, who is still living on the 
place he selected south of Marlatt's Corners. When he 
came there, a young man, with nothing but his vigorous 
manhood to rely upon, his neighbors suggested placing him 
under bonds that he should not become a public charge. 
Many of those neighbors lived to see him achieve that suc- 
cess which commands respect and adds to the reputation 
of his surroundings. 

A few months after the arrival of Mr. Brotzmaii, Andrew 
Simpson, father of Alexander, John, and Herman Simpson, 
came from Scipio, Cayuga Co., and built his cabin where 
the Drake Hotel now stands, in the village of Jasper. Mr. 
Simpson's eldest daughter, Polly, was married to Samuel 
Gregg, of Elmira, soon after, that being the first marriage 
ceremony performed in the town. Two other sisters, Mi- 
nerva and Jane, were subsequently married to Col. JeflFrey 
and Ira Smith, pioneer settlers of WoodhuU. Ebenezer 
Spencer came in 1808, and located a mile and a half north 
of Mr. Simpson, applying himself so vigorously to the task 
of clearing that in 1823 he had the largest improvement in 
the town. 

In 1811, John G. Marlatt settled on the hill between 
Mr. Simpson's and Nicholas Prutsman's, and afterwards the 
place became known as Marlatt's Corners. His brothers, 
Abram, Gideon, and Matthias, came afterwards, and with 
their father, Gideon Marlatt, Sr., who died in August, 1823, 
and two brothers-in-law, Uzal McMinds and Thomas Fen- 
ton. John G. Marlatt occupied the same farm, from his 
purchase in 1811 to his death in 1873, at the age of eighty- 
. seven years. 

Oliver Pease made the first settlement in 1816, where 
WyckofF's tavern became a favorite resort, in the west part 
of the town, near the deep, dark ravine known as the 
" Gully." The old tavern has long since disappeared, and 
near its place rises the tall spire of the Wesleyan church. 

In 1823, Robert Sharp, a soldier of 1812, moved on to 
the farm where he still lives, at the ripe age of ninety-four 
years. At the loggings and rail-splittings of fifty years ago, 
he was known as " the man who could out-chop any man 
in the county." Mrs. Sharp, who is ninety-three years 
old, is also living where, for nearly three-quarters of a cen- 
tury, this aged couple have seen the progress, in rapid 
strides, from the unbroken wilderness to the highest civiliza- 
tion. 

The first settlement in the northwestern part of the town 
was made by Guy Wardwell, in 1822. William F. Gard- 
ner, Henry Whiteman, and Richard Winship came in 1821, 
and with him his brother Sylvester, father of Dr. D. C. 
Winship, a prominent physician of Jasper, located in the 
southern part of the town. Sylvester Winship, grandfather 
of the doctor, accompanied his sons. 

Here, among the pines, were the favorite hunting-grounds 
of a quiet race of Indians, who remained in small numbers 



some years after the white men had begun to clear the val- 
leys. Stone hatchets, arrow-heads, and curiously-wrought 
stones, whose use was unknown, were picked up in great 
numbers by the early settlers. " Nicholas," an old Indian, 
who used to frequent the Craig settlement long after the 
rest were gone, playing for hours with the children, is said 
to have brought lead and run it into bullets and fanciful 
forms for their amusement. It was believed he obtained it 
about the N. Prutsman farm, but he would only say, in an- 
swer to questions, " Plenty; not far off!" 

The settlements were few, and far apart. The first school, 
taught by Amanda Smith, was attended by children whose 
long walk consumed nearly the entire day ; the barefooted, 
tow-clad boys starting early that they might complete their 
tasks and return before nightfall ; their homes were scat- 
tered over a distance farther than the bounds of the present 
town. 

Mills were scarce and distant at first, and the ingeniously 
constructed " dandy rarer " cracked the corn and wheat of 
the early settler, in a hollowed stump. A spring-pole made 
fast at the root-s of a neighboring tree, swung from a fork 
set securely in the ground, from the end of which hung the 
huge pestle, with a pin run through crosswise for handles. 
The operator, pouring in his grain, stood upon the stump, 
and grasping the pin with both hands, brought down the 
pounder with the force of his weight. The unskilled oper- 
ator, who caught the pin under his chin, or in his clothing, 
as it recoiled from the blow, and was hurled from the stump 
in astonishment, still remembers how it worked. 

School moneys were voted each year " to the full extent 
of what the law allowed," and $250 a year voted for high- 
ways and bridges from 1827 to 1839. In the year 1846 a 
special town-meeting held for that purpose voted 108 to 113 
against license to sell liquors. The war of 1861-65 called 
for special town-meetings in rapid succession towards its 
close. Feb. 26, 1864, a special call voted a tax of $300 for 
each recruit, to fill quota, 159 votes being cast for tax, and 
15 against. Aug. 6, 1864, a vote of 102 to 84 increased 
the amount to $500 each. Aug. 26, 1864, a unanimous 
vote of 64 added another hundred dollars. September 23, 
the same year, the fifth special town-meeting, by a vote of 
144 to 84, again declared in favor of a $600 bounty to re- 
cruits for the army. 

The first settlement in that part of Jasper comprising 
most of the northern part of the town, and known as the 
" Hampshire Settlement," was made by Samuel Dennis, a 
surveyor from New Hampshire, in the spring of 1824, 
three miles northeast of the village, on the divide between 
the Tuscarora and Col. Bill's Creek. Here he remained 
alone for nearly two years, clearing four acres of land, raising 
a crop of wheat, and building a house, with, to use his own 
words, " the howling of the wolves for company." In 
1826 he brought his family, and was soon followed by his 
brother, Moses Dennis, several other families coming the 
next season. 

Ephraim Woodward made a settlement in the town two 
miles farther west than Mr. Dennis the same fall. He 
was a man of great muscular power, and an almost con- 
stant hunter, whose recklessness led him into many fierce 
encounters. On one occasion he narrowly escaped death 



3M 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



in a fierce encounter with a black bear, whicb he succeeded 
in killing, after being lacerated in a horrible manner. His 
son, Alden Woodward, occupies with him the old home- 
stead. 

Deacon Joshua Sargent, Thomas Whiting, Enoch 
Ordway, David and Putnam Woodward, Jonathan R. and 
William Prentice, and his father, Henry Prentice, were 
among the earliest settler.s from New Hampshire. 

Deacon Thomas Whiting came to Jasper in 1827, 
bought a farm, and after a year and a half returned to 
New Hampshire, where he married Sarah Cram, and re- 
turned accompanied by Lewis Cram, who settled near him. 
Deacon Whiting, whose Christian worth endeared him to 
the community in which he lived, died in 1878, leaving 
one son, Oliver 51. Whiting. 

Numerous other families from the same State joined 
them during the next ten years. The descendants of these 
hardy New Englanders are prosperous and energetic farm- 
ers. Their settlement includes the best-watered body of 
land in the county, and though somewhat broken, is 
highly productive. The first church in the town was 
built by them, and they have always done their full .share 
in promoting the moral welfare of the town. The first five 
ballots cast in the town of Jasper for the abolition of 
slavery were written and voted by New Hamp.shire men of 
this community, among whom were Alfred Hadley, Thomas 
Whiting, I. K. Robinson, and Jonathan Whiting. A 
cheese-factory established by Samuel Dennis, son of the 
old surveyor, in 1874, is doing a successful business, and 
adds to the prosperity of the settlement. In 1877 the 
Hampshire post-ofiice was established at the cheese-factory, 
with Mr. Dennis, postmaster. Mails are received by the 
Ja.sper and Canisteo stage, Wednesdays and Fridays. 

ORGANIZATION. 

The first town-meeting was held at the house of Andrew 
Simpson, the first Tuesday in March, 1827. Stephen 
Towsley was chosen '• moderator" of the meeting, and the 
following oificers were elected : Andrew Craig, Supervisor ; 
William Hunter, Town Clerk ; Uzal McMinds, Oliver 
Peas, Sr., Samuel Dennis, Assessors ; Jonathan Schanck, 
Collector ; John G. Slarlatt, Elijah Peak, and Benjamin 
Hilliker, Commissioners of Highways ; Stephen Towsley 
and Ira Smith, Overseers of the Poor; Henry Phoenix, 
Enoch Ordway, and Joseph Dutton, Commissioners of 
Schools ; Ira Simpson, Jonathan R. Prentice, and William 
Hunter, Inspectors of Schools ; Lewis Fenton, Philip 
Brotzman, and Jonathan Schanck were chosen Constables, 
by the uplifted hand •, Pathmasters, J. G. Marlatt, Ira 
Smith, Barnabas Kinney, Joseph Dutton, Lsaao Wardvvell, 
Israel S. Osgood, Alvah June, Benjamin Hilliker, Jehial 
Wood, Ebenezer Spencer, Jedediah Talbot, Benjamin 
Woodward ; Fence-Viewers, John G. Marlatt, Stephen 
Towsley, and Philip Failing. Two hundred and fifty dol- 
lars were voted for roads and bridges. In the general 
election held in November, 1827, there were 67 votes cast, 
and Oliver Peas, Stephen Towsley, Ira Smith, and Samuel 
Dennis were elected Justices of the Peace. Samuel Den- 
nis, William Hunter, Andrew Craig, Uzal McMinds, and 
Oliver Pease were Inspectors of Election. 





LIST OP TOWN OFFICERS. 




Supervisors. 


Town Clerks. 




Collectors. 


1827. 


Andrew Craig. 


William Hunter. 


Jonathan Schanck. 


1828. 


tt ti 


It ti 




" " 


1829. 


it n 


ti _ . II 




Hinckley Spencer. 


1830. 


tt t( 


it It 




it a 


1831. 


it it 


ti tt 




Darius Simpson. 


1832. 


tt ii 


H. Spencer (v. 


. 


it it 


1833. 


Stephen Towsley. 


it tt 




Allen Drake. 


1S34. 


it it 


it it 




Jonathan AVhitney. 


1835. 


a it 


tt tt 


, 


a it 


1836. 


" " 


Charles Huntei 


. 


it t( 


1837. 


William Hunter. 


(' " 




ti ii 


1838. 


" 


ti It 




Arnold Phelps. 


1839. 


" " 


J. D. Mandcvi 


le. 


" " 


1840. 


J. R. Prentice. 


John McMinds 




" 


1841. 


John G. Marlatt. 


it a 




Joseph Fenton. 


1842. 


J. R. Prentice. 


ii tt 




" 


1843. 


William Hunter. 


Robert Boyd. 




it tt 


1S44. 


.Andrew Craig. 


" " 




a ti 


1845. 


'• " 


Joseph Fenton 




John McMinds. 


1846. 


William Hunter. 


Peter S.S.McNeal. 


H. C. Simpson. 


1847. 


Alvah June. 


it 


" 


" 


1848. 


U it 


it 


It 


Milo Chilson. 


1849. 


" •• 


it 


•' 


Asa B. Mudge. 


1850. 


•' 


H. C. Simpson 




Jedediah Stephens. 


1851. 


" " 


Darius Simpson. 


AVm. M. AVaight. 


1852. 


Darius Simpson. 


Uri W. Metcalf. 


Lorenzo S. Wolcott. 


1853. 


J. R. Prentice. 


" 




a a 


1854. 


Jesse L. Bartow. 


" 




Elias AVhittemore. 


1S55. 


J. R. Prentice. 


ti a 




(( n 


1856. 


Jonathan Schanck. 


it it 




a it 


1857. 


" 


Ira D. Hotchk 


ss. 


John McMinds. 


1858. 


Ira D. Ilotchkiss. 


Nich. B. Hilbo 


ne. 


" 


1859. 


u 


Milton Timerman. 


AVm. T. AVoodward. 


1860. 


Henry C. Prentice. 


James Outman 




Henry A'an Orsdale. 


1861. 


(( it 


James S. Outman. 


Amos R. Hilbourn. 


1862. 


" 


AV. E. Craig. 




Josiah S. Craig. 


1863. 


AmosT. Woodbury 


James S. Outm 


an. 


Burnham Sargeant. 


1864. 


" 


Henry Van Orsdale. 


it it 


1865. 


It a 


Uri AV. Metcalf. 


C G. Hutchinson. 


1866. 


AVillis E. Craig. 


J. S. Outman. 




Orrin Swan. 


1867. 


Samuel F. Dennis. 


it n 




Andrew Murphy. 


1868. 


(( ti 


tt ti 




C. B. Hilbourn. 


1869. 


ti ti 


tt a 




Andrew Murphy. 


1870. 


Geo. D. Woodward. 


" 




M. E. Timerman. 


1871. 


it it 


" 




H. C. Mulhollen. 


1872. 


Samuel Dennis, Jr. 


" 




M. E. Timerman. 


1873. 


Willis E. Craig. 


" " 




J. B. Sargent. 


1874. 


James S. Outman. 


Henry B. And 


rews. 


Charles AVhiting. 


1875. 


AV. E. Craig. 


" 




Charles B. Hilbourn 


1876. 


a 


a 


• 


Hosea P. Barnard. 


1877. 


Asa Spencer. 


Willard J. Guinipp 


it « 


1878. 


it ti 


" 




Andrew Hardy. 




JUSTICES OF THE PEACE. 




1827. 


Oliver Peas. 




1841. 


Amara Merithew. 




Stephen Towsley. 






John 


More. 




Ira Smith. 




1842. 


Darius Simpson. 




Samuel Dennis. 




1843. 


Richard Sheffield. 


1831. 


Jonathan R. Prentice. 




Herman C. Simpson. 




Joseph Henshaw. 




1844. 


John R. Towsley. 


1832. 


John J. Rowley. 




1845. 


Amara Merithew. 


1833. 


Samuel Hudson. 




1846. 


Har 


fey Andrews. 




Peter Drake. 




1847. 


Dennis Knapp. 


1834. 


Darius Simpson. 




1848. 


Johc 


A. Parker. 


1835. 


Jonas Clark. 




1849. 


Amara Merithew. 


1836. 


Samuel Hudson. 




1850. 


Har 


'ey Andrews. 


1837. 


John AVyckoff. 




1851. 


R. H. Sheffield. 


1838. 


Darius Simpson. 




1852. 


Alvah June. 




Abram Butts. 




1853. 


AVill 


am McLane. 


1839. 


Richard Sheffield. 




1854. 


Morgan M. Benaway. 


1840. 


Henry Andrews. 




1855. 


Joht 


Timerman. 



TOWN OF JASPEK. 



345 



1855. 


John T. Plato.* 


1867. 


Alfred Williams. 


1856. 


Roswcll C. Griffin. 




Augustus Van Orsdale. 


1857. 


Jonathan K. Kctchum. 




J. M. Simpson. 


1858. 


Solomon Countryman. 


1868. 


Moses F. Whittemore. 




Oliver B. Countryman.* 


1869. 


Adam Hardy (2d). 


1859. 


Jona;? Tiraermau. 


1870. 


Solomon Countryman. 




Moses F. Whittmorc. 


1871. 


Andrew Murphy. 


1860. 


Amara Merithcw. 


1872. 


Jerome M. Simpson. 


1861. 


Allen A. Van Orsilale. 


1873. 


Adrian Hardy, Jr. 




Moses F. Whittemore. 


1874. 


Edwin P. Spencer. 


1862. 


Robert Murphy. 


]87.'>. 


Allen A. Van Orsdale. 


1863. 


Jonas Timerman. 


1876. 


J. M. Simpson. 


1864. 


Jonathan K. Ketrfhum. 


1877. 


Peter Drake. 


1865. 


Asa Spencer. 


1878. 


De Witt C. Amey. 


1866. 


S. Countryman. 







VILLAGE OF JASPER. 

The old business portion of Jasper, known as the Five 
Corners, was centered around Adam Brotzman's tavern, 
and had grown to contain besides the tavern a saw-mill, 
two stores, or places where goods were sold, and a post-office, 
the first in the town. William Gardner was postmaster. 
The post-ofiBce became an object of contention between the 
rival corners, and was changed to Marlatt's Corners, where 
John G. Marlatt became postmaster. Previous to this 
Harvey Phoenix came from Painted Post, bought five acres 
of land, and opened the first store between Bath and Knox- 
ville. Pa., near Marlatt's In 1826, Edward Craig began 
clerking for Mr. Phoenix, and in 1834 bought him out, 
and moved the store to the old Craig farm at the Five 
Corners. Nelson Johnson went to Washington, and se- 
cured the appointment of Andrew Craig, Sr., postmaster, 
and the removal of the post-office to the new store. At 
this time there were only the Craig house, the store, and 
two other houses, — one a log house near the creek, where 
Andrew Simpson lived, and a little plank house where his 
son, Carter Simpson, sold candies and notions. 

Nelson Johnson built the first steam flouring-mill, in 
1848, and the only flouring-mill in the town. 

The present village of Jasper contains 260 inhabitants, 
and is a place of some business importance. There are 
nine stores here, the proprietors of which are generally 
descendants of the first settlers. There are also the ordi- 
nary trades-shops, a saw-mill, two hotels, and three churches. 
A beautiful cemetery is located just above the village. The 
buildings are neat and modern in appearance. Mails are 
received daily by stage from Canisteo. A post-office has 
also been established at Talbott's Creek, under the name of 
North Jasper, and the West Jasper post-office closed. 

The abandoned Five Corners is now a little cluster of 
farm-houses surrounding a large hotel recently completed, 
on the site of the old Swan tavern, and just across the creek 
from the pioneer tavern of Abram Brotzman. The old 
cemetery at the Five Corners contains the remains of many 
of the old settlers of the town, among whom are those of 
Barnabas Kinney, David Cook, Stephen Towsley, Uri 
Merriam, and Mrs. Sally Kittle, the first child born in 
Jasper. 

CHURCHES. 

JASPER BAPTIST CHURCH. 
On the 9th of February, 1817, there assembled in what 
was then the town of Troupsburgh, Nathaniel Seelye, Bed- 



* Vacancy. 



ford George, Charles Card, William and John George, 
Rebecca Seelye, Lurena Herrington, and Phoebe Card ; 
Charles Card was appointed clerk. Agreeing upon articles 
of faith, they united in forming the Troupsburgh Baptist 
Church. Such as had not been, were baptized. During 
the month of June, 1817, Rev. Samuel Bigelow baptized 
and received into the church 14 persons. At a meeting 
held at Charles Card's, July 12, 1817, which was presided 
over by Rev. Andrew Sherfarne, of the Massachusetts Mis- 
sionary Society, the name was changed to the Jasper Bap- 
tist Church. In 1823 the order of Freemasons became a 
source of much trouble in the church. The present house 
of worship in Jasper village was raised June 7, 1834, and 
occupied, as soon as inclosed, for meetings, but was not 
finished until 1840. The trustees were Ebenezer Spencer 
and H. C. Simpson. There have belonged to this society 
since its organization 275 members. In August, 1849, the 
membership was 67 ; July, 1856, it was 32. 

Pastor.s, 1818, Rev. David Smith; 1819, Charles Card; 
1826, William Moore; 1832, John B. Chase; 1837, B. 
Murdock; 1839, Thomas W. Colby; 1841, David Smith, 
P. Colgrove; 1842, Asa Griffin; 1844, Warren Rice; 
1846, William Raymond ; 1847, Warren Rice ; 1848, Levi 
Stone; 1854, Calvin Thomas; 1861, G. Crocker; 1863, 
W. Capron ; 1866, Roswell Corbett; 1868, E. T. Mallory; 
1872, A. H. Todd ; 1875, E. L. Garrett, the present pas- 
tor. 

There have been licensed to preach from this church : 
1817, David Smith; 1818, C. Card; 1835, E. Kittell; 
1841, Asa Griffin; Ordained: 1820, David Smith ; 1862, 
Thomas Dunham. 

Deacons : 1820, Jesse Rowley ; 1829, John Kent ; 1830, 
E. Kittell; 1837, Hinckley Spencer, Darius Simp.son ; 
1844, Adrian Hardy; 1859, Benjamin Thomas; 1860, E. 
C. June. Present Clerk, A. J. Spencer. Trustees, A. J. 
Spencer, E. C. June. The present membership is 43. 

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF JASPER. 

During the summer of 1825, Enoch Ordway organized 
the first Sunday-school in Ja.sper. This school met for two 
years in Mr. Ordway's house, then in a vacant building, 
and in 1828, in a log school-house on the present farm of 
S. T. Dennis. In 1828 a Sunday-school society was formed 
for the purpose of organizing Sunday-schools throughout 
the town. Oct. 29, 1829, the First Presbyterian Church 
of Jasper was formed with 25 members. Deacon Joshua 
Sargent, who has taught a cla.ss of men in this Sunday- 
school for forty-two years, was one of the first elders. 
Enoch Ordway was one of the first deacons. Mrs. Thomas 
Whiting and Mrs. S. Fry Dennis are the only original 
members of the church now living. Samuel Dennis and 
wife. Earl Stone and wife, Samuel Butler and wife, Joshua 
Sargent and wife, Jedediah Talbot, Cloe Lawson, Parmelia 
Whittemore, and Putnam AVoodward were of the first 
members. Wm. H. Prentice and wife added their names 
two days afterwards. The first pastor was Rev. Mr. 
Pomeroy. In 1830 meetings were held at Adam Fail- 
ing's house, boards were brought in for seats. The women 
sat in the house, and the men on the piazza and the 
stumps about the yard, while the minister stood in the 



44 



346 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



door. The womeu came with sun-bonnets, while the 
little girls, clad in checked-tow frocks, wore white cotton 
handkerchiefs around their heads, and all carried their 
well-cleaned shoes in their hands until near the meet- 
ing. They generally brought their dinners, and attended 
the forenoon sermon and Sunday-school before dinner, and 
had another meeting after, when they dispersed for their 
homes, following paths through the woods, by marks cut 
upon the trees with an axe. This church received the 100- 
acre gospel lot from the Pulteneys, their organization being 
first in accordance with the incorporate law of the State. 

The first church, 24 by 36 feet in size, was built on the 
State road, near Earl Stone's, by William H. Prentice, 
Karl Stone, and David Ward, committee, who commenced 
their work in 1844, and finished in 1846. Meetings were 
held in it while building. The first Sunday after its com- 
pletion it caught fire in the morning and was burned before 
service. The second building was immediately erected in 
the Hampshire settlement, near the Benin's place, and was 
dedicated in December, 1847, by Rev. G. T. Everest. 
Rev. G. T. Everest, Jonathan Whiting, Earl Stone, 
Thomas Whiting, and Sylvester Lamson were trustees and 
builders. This building was abandoned on the completion 
of a larger church in Jasper village, in 1872, at a cost of 
$6000, exclusive of the site, which was donated by W. E. 
Craig. The church was dedicated Feb. 15, 1872, by Rev. 
W. A. Miles. The trustees were G. D. Woodward, S. F. 
Dennis, 0. M. Whiting. 

Pastors: 1829, Rev. David Higgins ; 1830, Rev. Mr. 
Pomeroy ; 1835, Orrin John.son ; 1837-38, Robert Hub- 
bard; 1839-42, Noah Cressey ; 1843-44, T. W. Duncan ; 
1847-48, G. T. Everest; 1852, Geo. Spaulding; 1854, 
Harvey Hyde; 1856-58, Geo. Van Deurs ; 1858-67, S. 
A. Rawson; 1868, Alexander Gulick ; 1869-73, Samuel 
A. Rawson ; 1874-75, John Beechcr ; 1876, J. H. Brown ; 
1877-78, Arthur Bruen, present pastor. 

Officers : Joshua Sargent, Jonathan R. Prentice, J. L. 
Ordway, J. Sumner Sargent, Deacons ; Samuel Dennis, 
Clerk; Asa Spencer, Burnham Sargent, 0. M. Whiting, 
Trustees. Two members of this church are now laboring 
as foreign missionaries : Rev. Joseph Whiting, in China, 
and Miss Olive Whiting, in Japan. 

THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF JASPER. 

The first meetings of this society, held in the town of 
Jasper, were under the auspices of Mrs. S. A. Grinolds 
and Mrs. Smith, in 1818, who are said to have been the 

only Methodists in the town at that date. Rev. Buel 

was the first preacher. As a result of his labors there was 
a revival, and a class was formed under his preaching, of 
which Uzal McMinds was made class-leader. Mrs. McMinds, 
Louis Hayes and wife, Samuel Cady, who became a local 
preacher ; Mrs. Cady, HoUis Cady and wife, Jonathan 
Cady and wife, Hon. Samuel Griggs, afterwards of Troups- 
burgh, and his wife, a Mr. Marlatt and wife, and some 
others, united in forming the first class. Bleetings were 
held in the school-house at Marlatt's Corners, and as late 
as 1834 were held at the present village, and at the old 
corners below, in the school-houses, until the erection of the 
present church. Revs. James Bronson, ■ 



Magee, . 



Peck, Micah Sager, and Asa Orcutt were early preachers, 
traveling a long circuit and meeting their appointments 
once in four weeks. Rev. Mr. Atchison, who preached 
here in 1830, is well remembered as a man of peculiarly 
regular habits, who allowed nothing to interfere with his 
fixed hours for eating, sleep, or study, no matter what the 
surroundings might be. 

Nicholas Prutsman and Miles Kinney were trustees build- 
ing the church, which was repaired, and a large basement 
constructed beneath. The church is at present a fine build- 
ing, standing upon a hill-side street overlooking the village 
and the valley to the north. The block upon wliich it 
stands belongs to the society, and contains also a fine par- 
sonage. During the pastorate of Rev. G. W. Coolbaugh, a 
splendid new bell, weighing over 2000 pounds, was pur- 
chased, and on New Year's day, 1879, it first rang, in proc- 
lamation of the advent of a Happy New Year. This bell 
is toned to the key of G,and wears the inscription, "Jasper 
Methodist Episcopal Church, Rev. G. J. Du Bois, 1878." 
The total cost of the church has been $7000. The rededica- 
tion, which occurred after the repairs, took place in 1871, 
Rev. B. I. Ives preaching the dedicatory sermon. During 
the pastorate of Rev. G. J. Du Bois, in 1856, Rev. Michael 
Coyle, then a school-teacher at Troupsburgh, was converted. 
He is now a prominent member of the Central New York 
Methodist Episcopal Conference. At that time there were 
upwards of 150 persons added to the church. 

The following pastors have ofBciatcd at this charge, and 
preached before its organization : 1830-35, Revs. Mr. 

Achison, Anderson, Ashworth; 1836, I. J. B. 

McKinney; 1837, Waller and St. John; 

1838-53, Luther Northway, M. Rogers, Huntley, C. 

Gould, M. H. Davis; 1854-55, C. J. Bradbury; 1856, G. 
J. Du Bois ; 1857, Chandler Wheeler, D. Rittenhouse ; 
1858, Carlos Gould; 1859, C. J. Bradbury; 1860-61, 
Merritt M. Davis ; 1864, J. Powell ; 1865-66, J. J. Tur- 
ton; 1867-68, L. T. Hawkins; 1869, C. Dillenbeck ; 
1870-72, Francis M. Smith; 1873-75, C. 6. Curtis; 
1876-77, J. R. Catlin; 1878-79, G. J. Du Bois. 

The present officers of the society are Milton Timerman, 
Class- Leader ; Edwin Whiting, Recording Steward; C. B. 
Hilburn, J. M. Taft, Robert Hilburn, Abram Walrath, 
De Witt C. Amey, Stewards ; Jonathan Whiting, Andrew 
Savage, John N. Duncle, R. Johnson, Trustees. The 
present membership is 190. It is impossible to obtain a 
full history of this church, as all their old books of record 
have been destroyed. 

WESLEYAN METHODIST CHnRCH. 

The First Wesleyan Methodist Church of Jasper was 
organized in March, 1871, at the " Gully school-house," 
in the west part of the town, under the preaching of Rev. 
Mr. Sinsabaugh. Rev. P. D. Rathbone had preached there 
a short time previous. The first members were Geo. W. 
Sibley and wife, Tlmrlow Woodward and wife, William 
Drake and wife, Joseph Banks and wife. Geo. Sibley, who 
afterwards became a minister, was made class-leader, and 
Thurlow Woodward, clerk. A building was immediately 
commenced under the supervision of Geo. W. Sibley, Martin 
Campbell, and Thomas Woodward, trustees, and was dedi- 




Dr. Solomon Deck was born in the town of Minden, 
Montgomery Co., N. Y., Dec. 31, ISK!. 

His father, John Deck, was also a native of that county, 
was a wagon-maker by trade and carried on farming ; was 
married to Elizabeth Banter, of which union were born 
three children, Urial, Nancy, and John. His wife died, 
and for his second wife he married Catharine Failing. 
Their children are Solomon S., Daniel, Betsey, and Mar- 
garet. 

His parents removed and settled in Jasper, then called 
Troupsburgh, in 1822, then an almost entire wilderness, and 
a few scattered inhabitants. His father purchased three 
hundred and fifty acres of land, upon which he settled, and 
cleared some seventy-five acres prior to his death, March, 
1813. His wife survived him several years, and died 
in April, 1861. 

Dr. Deck started for himself in life upon reaching his 
majority, received fair opportunities for an education dur- 
ing his minority, and was a teacher for several terms. In 
1837 he began the study of medicine with Dr. Jones, of 
Bath, and was afterwards a student with Dr. Leaver, of 
Bath. He attended medical lectures at Castleton (Vt.) 
Medical College, from which he was graduated M.D. in 
1841, and the same year settled at Jasper in the practice 
of his profession, where he has continually resided since. 

For the first twelve years he traversed this country, 
attending to his calls on horseback, and in no case during 
his active life did lie ever make a distinction with the rich 
or poor, but gave his services as freely when he did not ex- 
pect remuneration as when he would receive a merited fee. 
For many years Dr. Deck's ride extended distances of 
twenty-five miles around, and night and day he was found 
in the saddle, often denying himself of the rest and sleep 
which his mind and body demanded. Many incidents 



woi'thy of mention connected with his experience, depicting 
the suft'ering of patients and the wants of the needy, might 
be written, in which his .sympathy has shown his promi- 
nent characteristic. 

Dr. Deck has not only been first in his profession, and 
ranked among the leading physicians of the county in 
point of skill and medical knowledge, but as a citizen has 
ever been interested in all matters of a local interest. 

Feb. 23, 1843, he married Frances C, daughter of 
Joseph Wheeler, of Kanona. Her father was one of the 
first settlers of that part of the county, was a farmer, and 
kept public-house. He died in 18G0, aged sixty-one. Her 
mother, Sarah Kennedy, was daughter of Colonel Henry 
Kennedy, who was the first settler of Kanona. She died 
Aug. 13, 1878, aged eighty. Mrs. Deck was born Dec. 
22, 1822. 

Dr. Deck was formerly a member of the Whig party, 
and is now a Republican ; has never been active in politics, 
but has given his whole attention to the practice of his 
profession. He was selected under the old law as school 
inspector, and subsequently was school superintendent of 
the town for two years. 

They have only one daughter, Sarah P., wife of Allen 
A. Van Orsdale, who for one terra was clerk of Steuben 
County, and for several years has ofiiciated as justice of 
the peace for the town of Jasper. Failing health some 
ten years ago caused Dr. Deck to partially relinquish his 
practice, since which time he has only attended calls at 
home and occasionally made visits at short distances, giving 
coun.sel when called upon. He started in life without 
pecuniary assistance ; but with that self-reliance and resolu- 
tion characteristic of him, and a good executive ability, 
he has .secured a fair competence, and is ranked among 
the men of the county who carved out their own fortune. 



.1 



TOWN OF JASPER. 



347 



cated Fob. 14, 1875, by Rev. Adam Crooks, general agent 
of the Wesleyan connection. Pastors: 1872, P. D. Rath- 
bun ; 1872, Rev. Mr. Sinsabaugh, Rev. Mr. Sniffin ; 1873, 
Geo. W. Sibley; 1874-75, S. D. Prentice; 1876-77, G. 
W. Scudder ; 1878, S. W. Jennings. Membership, 27. 

Present officers, William Drake, Clerk ; William Root, 
Class-Leader ; Otis Potter, William Drake, Stewards ; Peter 
Drake, George Wentworth, Trustees. The church build- 
ing, a neat edifice costing $1800, is located on Jasper Hill, 
on the cast side of the deep, dark gorge called " the gully," 
near the highest point of land in the town. 

MILITARY RECORD OP JASPER. 

Coopor, Wm. II. II., private, IClst N. Y. Inf., Co. H; enl. Aug. 19, 18C2, three 

years; clisch. Sept. 20, 1805. 
Baroes, Nelson, private, 161st N. Y. Inf., Co. II ; enl. Sept. 5, 1861, one year; 

nnist, out .\ug. 17, 1865, at Elniira. 
WaigLt, George Wulcott, private, 101st N.Y. Inf., Co. H; enl. Aug. 21, 1864, one 

year; tliscli. for disability .and must, out at PhilaJelpliia, Pa. 
Waigbt, Franklin, Corp., IClst N. Y. Inf., Co. H; enl. Aug. 21, 1802, throe years; 

wounded at the liattle of Cox's Plantation. La.; disch. Sept. 20, 1805. 
De Witt, Lafayette Alonzo, private, SOtli N. Y. Inf., Co. D; enl. Sept. 14, 1861, 

three years ; wounded at the hattle of Chancel lorsville, Va., May .3,1863; 

re-enl. Dec. 20, 1863: in service tlireo years and ten months. 
Doty, Stephen Oliver, private, 161st N. Y. Inf. Co. H ; enl.Jing. 30, 1864, one 

year; disch. Sept. 20, 1865. 
Tiinerman, Montgomery Albert, private, 161st N. Y. Inf., Co. II ; enl. Aug. 26, 

1861, one year. 
Beneway, James Horatio, private, 101st N. Y. Inf., Co. F ; enl. Sept. 3, 1864, one 

year; disch. Sept. 2(1, 1SG5. 
Beneway, George Washington, private, 161st N. Y. Inf., Co. F ; enl. Sept. 3, 1864, 

one year; disch. Sept. 20, 1865. 
Heckman, Sylvester, private, I61st N. Y. Inf., private, Co. II ; enl. Aug. 30, 1804, 

one year; discli. Sept. 20, 1805. 
Williams, Dennis, private, 85th N. Y. Inf; enl. Sept. 5, 1864, one year; disch. 

June 27, 1805. 
Dennis, Moses, 2d sergt., R6th N. Y. Inf., Co. H ; died at Washington, D. C, April 

0,1862, of typhoid fever. 
Johnson, Edgar Wallace, private, 60th N.Y. Eng., Co. F; enl. Jan. 4, 1804, three 

years; died at Washington, May 8, 1804. 
Banks, Ezra (2di, prive.te, 2<l Vet. Cav., Co. G ; enl. Dec. 24, 186 i, three years. 
Countryman, Alfred, private, 14lst N. Y. Inf., Co. D; enl. Aug. 15, 1862, three 

years; died July 14, 1863, at Portsmouth, Va., of remittent fever. 
Countryman, David France, Corp., 86th N. Y. Inf., Co. K ; enl. Aug. 30, 1861, 

three years; wounded at battle of Mine Run, Nov. 27, 1863; pro. to corp., 

Nov. 1863 ; disch. Sept. 9, 1804. 
Owen, William, 2d sergt., 86th N.Y. Inf., Co. K; enl. Aug. 1", 1S61, tliree years; 

pro. to Corp., 1862 ; to 2il sergt., 1863 ; prisoner of war at Andersonville, 

Ga., and Salisbury, N. C, nine motilhs and seventeen days; wounded at 

battle of Gettysburg, July 2, 1863 ; also wounded at Chancelloi-sviUe; re- 
enl. Feb. 20, 1804. 
Owen, Courtland, private, 80th N. Y. Inf., Co. K ; enl. Feb. 20, 1.SG2, three years ; 

wounded at battle of Chancellorsville. May 3, 1803; prisoner of war at 

Richmond ; paroled about May 14, 1863. 
Moore, Therein Vincent, private, 161st N. Y. Inf., Co. II ; enl. Aug. 21, 1862, three 

years; pro. to Corp., 1864; to sergt., April 1, 1804; taken prisoner April 

8, 1804; disch. Sept. 20, 1805. 
Moore, Theodore Van Rensselaer, private, 15th N.Y. Vet. Cav , Co. C; enl. Sept. 

26, 1804, one year. 
Talbot, Dennis, Ist sergt., 86th N.Y. Inf., Co. B; enl. Sept. 7, ISCl, three years; 

pro. to 1st sergt., 1863; re-enl. Dec. 20, 1803; wounded at the battle of the 

Wilderness, May 6, 1804, in left shoulder. 
Talbot, John Dugalil Camercm, private, lS9th N. Y. Inf., Co. A ; enl. Sept. 1, 1S64, 

one year; died Oct. 15, 1864. 
Cook, Abrani, private, IClst N. Y. Inf., Co. H: enl. Aug. 19, 1862, throe years; 

wounded at Port Hudson, June 26, 1863; disch. March 20, 1864. 
Vroman, Isaac Wardwell, private, 76th N. Y. Inf, Co. D ; drafted July 18, 1863, 

for three years; disch. Dec. 29, 1803, for disability. 
Whittemore, Abijah Webster, private, 101st N. Y. Inf, Co. H ; enl. Aug. 19, 1802, 

three years; died Dec. 26, 1862, of typhoid pneumonia. 
Vaughan, Chai les, private, 86th N. Y. Int., three years ; died Feb. 14, 1863. 
Vaughan, James Miron, private, 161st N. Y. Inf, Co. II ; enl. 1862, three yeata ; 

died at New Orleans, La., Feb. Ill, 1863, of typhoid fever. 
Stephens, Edwin B., private, 161st N. Y. Inf, Co. E; enl. Sept. 12, 1864, one year. 
Edwards, Stephen, Corp., 16th N. Y. II. Ait., Co. C; enl. Jan. 1, 1804, throe years; 

onl. in April, 1861, and must, into U. S. service, June 15, 1801 , in the 34th 

N. Y. Regt., Co. E; mnst. out June 30, 1863. 
Winship, Geo. W., Corp., I6th N.Y. H. Art., Co. F; enl. Jan. 4, 1864, three years. 
Whiting, William, private; enl. Jan. 4, 1864, tliree years; detailed as clerk for 

headquarters of rendezvous at Elmira, N. Y. 
Huls, Beuj., Jr., private, 161st N. Y. Inf, Co. A ; enl. Aug. 29, 1864, one year. 



Hayes, Jasper Newton, private, ICth N. Y. H. Art., Co. M; onl. Sept. 29, 1864, 

one year; disch. June 3, 1S65, for disability. 
Waight, Volney, private, 8Gth N. Y. Inf, Co. B; enl. Sept. 10, 1861, three years ; 

must, out Oct. 1804. 
Hardy, Charles Orley, private, 91st N. Y. H. Art., Co. C; drafted July 18, 1863, 

for three years; disch. July 19, 1865. 
Hardy, Simon, private, 91h N.Y. H. Art., Co. E; enl. Feb. 12, 1864, three .years ; 

disch. Sept. 30, 1865. 
Mayhew, John Christopher, Corp., Sl'th N.Y. Inf., Co. K; enl. Sept. 1,1861, threo 

yeai-s; re-enl. Dec. 30, 1803; pro. to Corp., Sept. I, 1864; disch. July 4, '65. 
Timerman, Wm. John, private, IGlst N. Y. Inf., Co. H; enl. Aug. 20, 1804, one 

year; disch. Sept. 2n, 1865. 
Whiting, Ch.arles, private, 161st N. Y. Inf.; enl. Sept. 5 1861, one year ; disch. 

May 9, 1S65. 
Huntington, John, private, llilst N. Y. Inf., Co. H; enl. Feb. 19, 1864, three 

years ; died of chronic diarrhoea at Vicksburg, Miss., July 4, 1804. 
Lamson, Leonard Stockbridge, private, 16th N. Y. II. Art. ; enl. Jan. 4, 1804, 

three years. 
Hatch, Miles Powell, private, 161st N. Y. Inf, Co. H, one year; died at New 

Orleans, La., Jan. 12. 1805, from fracture of skull received Jan. 9, 1805, on 

steamer X H. Dick^y^ which collided with steamer i/o'm Bainf., near Vicks- 
burg, Miss. 
Talbot, John, private, lOlst N. Y. Inf., Co. H ; enl. 1862, three years ; died at Now 

Orleans, La., Jan. 30, 1865, of chronic diarrhoea. 
Cardwill, Lucius Demster, private, IClst N. Y. Inf, Co. E; enl. Sept. 3, 1804, 

one year; wounded Jan. 9, 1865, on the boat Jofm ff. Dicketj^ on the Mis- 
sissippi River; disch. May 29, 1865. 
Murphy, Andrew, sergt., 161st N.Y. Inf, Co. H; enl. Aug. 21, 1862, three years ; 

disch. May 13, 1863, for disability. 
Bartoo, Jesse Kellogg, Corp., 86th N. Y. Inf, Co.H; enl. Oct. 4, 1801, three years; 

pro. to Corp., July, 1862; wounded in left hand in battle of Cliancellors- 

Tillo; disch. Oct. 9, 1864. 
Andrews, Jonas Dodge, private, 161st N. Y. Inf, Co. H; enl. Aug. 1862, three 

years; disch. for disability. May 9, 1863. 
McMindes, Prescott, priviUo, 86th N. Y. Inf, Co. K; enl. Aug. 14, 1861, three 

years; disch. Aug. 30, 1864. 
McMindes, Uzal, private, ICUt N. Y. Inf, Co. H ; enl. Sept. 25, 1864, one year; 

disch. Sept. 20,186.5. 
McMindes, Jasper, private, 101st N. Y. Inf, Co. H ; enl. Aug. 25, 1864, one year; 

disch. Oct. 1805. 
Stewart, Wm. L., private, SOtli N. Y. Inf, Co. K; enl. Aug. 1861, three years; 

died near Gettysburg, July 12, 1863. 
Edwards, Artemus Andrew, lOlst N. Y. Inf., Co. I: enl. March 28, 1864, three 

years. 
Patrick, Sebert, private; onl. Jan.l, 1804, three years. 
Reynolds, John. 
Jacobs, Delos, private, 80th N. Y. Inf, Co. K; enl. Aug. 17, 1861, three years; 

disch. Sept. 2 or 3, 1864. 
Robinson, John, Jr., private, 161st N. Y. Inf, Co. H ; enl. Sept. 5, 1804, one year; 

disch. Sept. 20,1805. 
Robinson, Josiah, private, 161st N. Y. Inf., Co. H; must. Oct. 3, 1804, one year; 

served two yeara in 35th N. Y. Inf.; disch. Sept. 20, 1805. 
Robinson, Samuel, Corp., 101st N. Y. Inf, Co. H ; enl. Aug. 21, 1802, three years; 

pro. to Corp., Feb. 9, 1803; died at Port Hudson, La., July 14, 1863. 
Winship, Wesley, private, 16l3t N. Y. Inf., Co. H ; must. Oct. 3, 1864; died Jan. 

9, 1805, on steamer Jolm U. Dicke'j, on the Mississippi River, which col- 
lided with the steamer John Rdiiit: 
Towsley, Wm. Harrison, 14lst N. Y. Inf ; must. Oct. 3, 1864, one year. 
Hardy, Wm., private, 9th N. Y. H. Art., Co. E; onl. Sept. 3, 1864, one year; 

wounded in battle of Cedar Creek, Va., Oct. 19, 1864, in left thigh ; disch. 

July 6, 1865. 
Hardy, Adrian (2d), private; enl. March 10,1862, throe years; detailed as nurse 

in hospital, serving threo years ; ro-enl. April, 1864, in 33d Co., 2d Bat , 

Vet. Res. Corps, for three years; pro. to sergt. about Sept. 1, 1805. 
Towsley, Charles Alansou, private, lOlst N. Y. Inf, Co. H ; enl. Aug. 22, 1862, 

three years ; disch. for disability, Juno 15, 1865. 
Towsley, Amos Hubbard, private, 16lst N. Y. Inf., Co. U ; enl. Aug. 22, 1862, 

three years ; died July 7, 1S03, at Baton Rouge, La,, of chronic diarrhoea. 
Prentice, Francis, private, 86th N. Y. Inf, Co. B ; enl. Sept. 14, 1861, three yeara ; 

died at Alexandria, Va., Sept. 16, 1862, and buried at that place. 
Barnard, Horace, private, IClst N. Y. Inf, Co. H ; enl. Aug. 27, 1864, one year ; 

disch. Sept. '20,1865. 
Calkins, Charles, private, 161st N. Y. Inf, Co. H; must. Oct. 27, 1862, three 

years; disch. Sept. 20, 1805. 
Wentworth, Augustus Hall, private, 86th N. Y. Inf., Co. K ; enl. Aug. 26, 1861, 

throe years. 
More, Ira, private, 97th N. Y. Regt., Co. G ; drafted for three years ; died Sept. 

24, 1864, near Petersburg, Va. 
Healy, Eleazor, private, 16lst N. Y. Inf, Co. C; onl. Doc. 25, 1803, three years. 
Bosseo, Ransom Philip, private, ICIst N. Y. Inf, Co. H ; enl. Aug. 20, 1862, three 

years ; died at Elmira, N. Y., Dec. 5, 1802. 
Springer, Redmond, private, IClst N.Y. Inf., Co. C ; enl. Jan. 4, 1864, three 

. years ; died Juno 18, 1864, at Vicksbnrg, Miss., of chronic diarrhcea. 
Brown, Frederick D., private, 141st N. Y. Inf; mnst. Oct. 3, 1864, one year. 
Gee, Edward, I41st N. Y. Inf ; must. Oct. 3, 1804, one year. 
Whiteman, Jacob, private, IQlst N. Y. Inf., Co. H; must. Oct. 3, 1864, one year; 

died at Vicksburg, Miss., March 29, 1865, of typhoid fever. 



348 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Fnrgpnt, Snninrr, SCIb N. T. Inf., Co. K; ml. Atlg. 30, IfCl, three jears; disch. 

Fel). 23, 186;j. 
Nevtmjin, Hosea, private, 16l8t N. Y. Inf., Co. II; enl. Aiig.20,lSC2, tlireejeais ; 

(liscli. June 20, 1S05. 
Lilly, Mnnlej', piivate, IClst N. Y. Inf., Co. H ; nuiBt. Oct. 27, 1862, three years; 

(Jisch.Sept. 20, ISM. 
Iladlcy, Wni. Wallace, private, 7Clh N. Y. Inf., Co. K ; drafted July 18, 1803, for 

three years; in battle of the "Wilderness, and taken prisoner, MayC, 1SG4; 

sent to Lynchburg and Danville, Va., Andersonville, Ga., Florence, S.C. ; 

prisoner seven months; disch. Sept. 8, 1865. 
Hilburn,CharlesBratzman,corp., 80th N. Y. Inf, Co.K; enl.Sept. 9, 1861, three 

years; pro. to Corp., Oct. 18^2; wounded at second Bull Run and in the 

"Wilderness, in right leg; taken prisoner June 14, 1804; piisonerat Libby, 

Andersonville, Columbia, aiul Florence; disch. April 27, 1865. 
Hilburn, Wm. Harrison, private, 80th N. Y. Inf , Co. K ; enl. Sept. 6, 1861, three 

years ; died Dec. 12, 1863, at Alexandria, Va., from wound in the head re- 
ceived at Mine'Enn ; buried .tt Jaspei, N. Y. 
Talniadge, Andrew Mur|ihy, private, IClst K. Y. Inf., Co. H ; enl. Aug.21, 1802, 

three years. 
Craig, "William lleniy, sergt.. Hist N. Y. Inf., Co. H ; enl. Aug. 20, 1802, three 

years ; pro. to sergt., July 1, 1803 ; disch. Sept 20, 1805. 
Taylor, Sheldon Goodrich, private, lOlh N. Y. H. Art., Co. C; enl. Jan. 1, 1864, 

three years; died at Wilmington, N. C, March 28,1866; first enl. in 107th 

N. Y. Inf., Co. K, March 7, 1862; disch. March 20, 1863. 
Butler, Israel, private, 86II1 N. Y. Inf., Co. K ; enl. Aug. 17, 1861, three years; 

re-enl. Dec. 30, 1863; disch. July 4, 1865. 
"Walker, Byron, private, 8Ulh M. Y. Inf., Co. B; enl.Sept. 9, 18B1, three years; 

wounded at Gettysburg in left arm, July 2, J863 ; re-enl. March 4, 1804 ; 

taken lirisoner Nov. 1, 1804, in front of Petersburg; prisoner at Eich- 

niond, Ya., four months; disch. June 6, 1865. 
Green, Seeley Delos, private, 22d N. Y. Cav., Co. G ; enl. Feb. 15, 1864, three 

years ; served in 64lh N. Y. Eegt., Co. G, eighteen months ; wounded at 

Antietam ; disch. Aug. 12, 1865. 
"Van Fleet, Gustavus, private, 161st N. Y. Inf, Co. I; enl. March 28, 1864, three 

years; died at Vicksburg, Bliss., Nov. 29, 1804, of chronic diarrhcea. 
Sibley, Samuel Franklin, private, IClst N. Y. Inf., Co. E; enl. Feb. 20,1804, 

three years. 
Barnes, Chester, private, 101st N. Y. Inf, Co. H ; enl. Dec. 25, 1863, three years. 
Ellis, Thomas, private, 101st N. Y. Inf., Co. C ; en!. Jan. 1, 1804, thi ee years ; died 

at St. Louis. Mo., Aug. 15, 1SC4, of quick consumption. 
Kirtland, John D., private, lOlst N. Y. Inf, Co. H ; must. Sept. 12, 1804, one 

year; disch. Sept. 20, 1865. 
Darrow, Daniel Webster, IClbt N. Y. Iiif , Co. H ; enl. Aug. 29, 1862, one year. 
Hutchinson, Albert, 16l8t N. Y. Inf., Co. H ; enl. Aug. 29, 1864, one year; disch. 

Sept. 20, 1805. 
"Woodward, Moses F., private, 161st N. Y'. Inf., Co. A ; must. Sept. 12, 1864, one 

year; disch. Aug. 28, 1865. 
Green, George Myron, private, 22d N. Y. Cav., Co. G ; enl. Dec. 14, 1863, three 

years; taken prisoner June 29, 1864; died at Salisbury, N. C, Dec. 2, '64. 
Meuroe, Andrew Jackson, private, 22d N. Y. Cav., Co. G; enl. Dec. 14,1863, three 

years; died at AndereoTiville, Ga 
Craig, James A., 161st N. Y. Inf, Co. II: enl. Dec. 31, 1863, three years; trans. 

to Battery A, at Tortugas, Oct. 1S05. 
Gosper, William A., private, 101st N. Y. Inf., Co. H; enl. Sept. 5, 1861, one year ; 

disch. Sept. 20, 1865. 
Myers, "William H., must. Oct. 4, 1804. 
Chase, Francis M., must. Sept. 28, 1864. 
York, Charles W., 161st N. Y. luf , Co. H ; must. Oct. 3, 1804. 
Scbanck, Emory, private, 161st N. Y. Inf., Co. H ; enl. Feb. 29, 1804, three years ; 

died Aug. 27 or 28, 1864, on the transpoit Jl/ernnioc, at sea. 
Ketchum, Kobert Morris, private, 86lh N. Y. Inf., Co. B; must. Sept. 9 or 10, 

1805, three years ; disch. Sept. 11, 1864. 
Talmadge, Ira Stephens, private, IClst N. Y. Inf., Co. H ; enl. Aug. 28, 1861, three 

years; disch. Sept. 1863, at Baton Eouge. 
McMindes, Ezra, private, 34th N. Y. Inf, Co. E; enl. May 5, 1861, two years; 

died Oct. 9, 18C2, at Annapolis, Md. 
Jackson, Levi, private, 86th N. Y. Inf, Co. B; enl. Sept. 12, 1861, thi ee years; 

died at Washington, D. C, Aug. 28, 1862, of typhoid fever. 
BroHghton, John, private, 801h N. Y'. Inf, Co. B ; enl. Oct. 10, 1801, three years ; 

died at Washington, D. C, March 19, 1802. 
"Vroman, William, private, 161st N. Y. Inf., Co. H ; enl. Aug. 19, 1862, three years ; 

disch. Sept. 20,1865. 
Barnes, Levi, 161st N. Y. Inf., Co. II ; must. Oct. 27, 1862, three ye.ir8. 
Marlatt, Wm. Henry Martin, Corp., 16lBt N. Y. Inf., Co. H ; enl. Aug. 19, 1862, 

three years; pro. to Corp., Aug. 1, 1804; disch. Sept. 20, 1805. 
Cushman, Lucius Curtis, private, 101st N. Y. Inf, Co. H ; enl. Aug. 20, 1802, 

three years; volunteered to assault Port Hudson, May 27, 18G3, and re- 
ceived a wound in thigh ; died at New Orle.vns, Dec. 13, 1803, of typhoid 

fever, and buried at that place. 
Woodward, Thurlow Houston, private, 136th VI. Y. Inf., Co. C; enl. Aug. 30, 

1SC2, three years ; disch. Nov. 1, 1865. 
Kaner, Jeremiah, private, 86th N. Y. Inf, Co. B; enl. Sept. 7, 1861, three years; 

disch. Sept. 13,1804. 
Woodward, Philo Putnam, private, 86lh N. Y. Inf, Co. B; enl. Oct. 5, 1801, 

three years ; disch. Oct. 17, 1804. 
Wood, Charles, private, 86th N. Y. Inf, Co. K ; enl. Aug. 14, 1862, three years ; 

wounded at battle ot Wilderness, Nov. 27, 1863 ; disch. Juno 28, 1805. 



Wyckoff, Elias, private, lOlst N. Y. Inf., Co. H ; enl. Aug. 19,1862, three years; 

disch. Aug. 1803. 
Freeland, James, private, 101st N. Y. Inf., Co. H ; must. Oct. 27, '62, three years. 
Frceland, Clark, private, 161st N. Y. Inf., Co. H; must. Oct. 27, 1862, three 

years; died at Fort Wood, New York harbor, Dec. 1862. 
Quick, Francis, private, I07th N. Y. Inf, Co. F; enl. July 26, 1862, three years ; 

wounded at Chancellorsvillc, May 3, 1863, and Gettysburg, July 2, 1863; 

taken prisoner; at Libby prison eighteen days; disch. Aug. 23, 1865. 
Alvord, Itufus Lee, private, leist N. Y. Inf., Co. H ; enl. Sept. 6, 1862, three 

years; disch. May 13, 1865. 
Sibley, Ilosea, private, 161st N. Y. Inf., Co. H ; enl. Aug. 22, 1862, three years; 

killed in action at Co-x's Plantation, La., July 14, 18C3. 
Jennings, Samuel Washington, Corp., 161st N. Y. Inf, Co. H ; enl. Ang. 26,1862, 

three years; wounded at Mansfield, La., April 2, 1864; disch. May 20, 1865. 
Mulhollou, Wni., private, Co. E, 34th N. Y. Inf. ; enl. May, 1861, two years; disch. 

June, 1863; re-enl. in 161st N. Y. Inf, Co. I, Jan. 15, 1864, for three years; 

wounded at the explosion of a magazine at Mobile. Ala., May 25, 1865, 

in both shoulders ; disch. Oct. 18, 1865. 
Phelps, Milo, private, 111th N. Y. Inf , Co. G ; enl. Jnly, 1861, three years ; taken 

pi'isoner at Harper's Ferry, Sept. 1802, and paroled ; disch. Feb. 1864. 
Hutchinson. Wm. Edwin, private, 102d N. Y. N. G., Co. B; enl. Sept. 12, 1864, 

one hundred days; disch. at New York City, Nov. 13, 1864. 
Dibble, Calvin, private, 161st N. Y. Inf, Co. U ; enl. Aug. 5, 1862, three years; 

wounded at Donaldsonville, La., July, 1^63 ; disch. March 8, 1864. 
Prentice, William Heed, capt., 161st N. Y. Inf, Co. H ; enl. Aug. 21, 1862, three 

years ; pro. to ser;;!., Oct. 27, 1862 ; to Ist lieut., July 14, 1863 ; to capt., 

Sc-pt. 10, 1803 ; disch. at Tortugas, Sept. 20, 1805. 
Dennis, Christopher, private, 161st N. Y. Inf., Co. H ; enl. Aug. 21, 1802, three 

years ; disch. Sept. 20, 1865. 
Haven, Hiram, private, 33d N. Y. Inf., Co. H ; enl. April, 1801, two years ; died 

at New Orleans, La., of chronic diarrhcea, Sept. 15, 1804. 
Raymond, John, private, 2d Vet. Cav., Co. G; enl. Aug. 1863, three years; disch. 

Juno 3, 1803. 
Eaymond, Frederick,jnivate, 2d Yet. Cav., Co. G ; enl. Aug. 1863, three years. 
Itaymond, Charles, private, 14th U. S. Regulars, Co. E, three years; wounded 

in atikle in battle of Weldon Railroad, Va. 
Raymond, Josiah, private, 2d Vet. Cav., Co. G, three'years; died at New Orleans, 

La., June 17, 1864, of smallpox. 
York, James Arcelius, private, SCth N. Y. Inf., Co. G; enl. Oct. 10, 1861, three 

years ; probably killed at battle of the Wilderness, Va., May 10, 1S64. 
Erskins, Joseph, private, 80th N. Y.Inf, Co. G ; enl. Oct. 10,1861, three years; 

died at Wasliingtoti, D. C, May 24, 1864, of smallpox. 
Lasou, George Washington, sergt., 70th N. Y. luf, Co. B; enl. Sept. 25, 1861, 

three years ; taken prisoner at battle of the Wilderness, May, 1864; pris- 
oner seven months at Andersonville, Ga., and Florence, S. C; wounded 

in the aim in battle of Fredericksburg; re-enl. Jan. 1,1864; trans, to 

147th Eegt., Co. A, March, 1865 ; disch. June 9, 1865. 
Davis, Benjamin Franklin, private, I61st N. Y. Inf, Co. H ; enl. .\ug. 20, 1862, 

three years ; disch. June 14, 1805, at Barrancas, Fla. 
Sanford, Daniel Todd, sergt., 89lli N. Y. Inf, Co. C ; enl. Sept. 7, 1801, three 

years; pro. to sergt., Sept. 17,1862; wounded in groin at Wire Bottom 

Church, May 20, 1804; disch. Dec. 0, 1864. 
Buller,Jonas, private, 26th N. Y.Inf, Co. H ; enl. May, 1801, three years; miss- 
ing after the battle of South Mountain, Sept. 14, 1862. 
Matteson, Gilbert, private, 14l8t N. Y. Inf., Co. H ; enl. Aug. 1862, three years ; 

disch. July, 1866. 
Eves, Philander. 
Matteson, Samuel, private, 161st N. Y. Inf, Co. H ; enl. Aug. 1862, three years ; 

disch. Feb. 1804. 
Starr, Elbert Augustus, private, 141st N. Y. Inf, Co. H ; enl. Aug. 22, 1802, three 

years ; wounded July 20, 1864, Peach-Tree Creek ; disch. March 15, 1865. 
Sherwood, Myron L., must. Sept. 19, 1804, one year. 
Cornelius, Ira, ICist Regt. ; must. Sept. 19, 1804, one year. 
Craig, Willis Edwaid, major, 161st N. Y. Inf ; enl. Sept. 18, 1862, three years; 

pro. to niaj,, Sept. 16, 1863; disch. Oct. 16, 1805. 
Bruner, George, private, 107th N. Y. Inf, Co. K, three years. 
Murey, Charles, 107th N. Y. Inf., Co. K, three years; wounded June 17, 1803. 
Raymond, William, private, 22d N. Y. Cav., Co. G ; must. Feb. 2, 1804, three 

years; died at Andersonville, Ga. 
Alliger, John Matthias, private, 74tb N. Y. Inf., Co. C; enl. May, 1801, three 

years ; died of wounds received in battle of Williamsburg, Va., May 7, 

1862, and buriid at Williamsburg, Va. 

KESIDING IN JASPEE AND WENT FOR OTHER TOWNS. 

Hollcnbeck, David, private, 188th N. Y. Inf, Co. E ; enl. Sept. 13, 1864, one year ; 

uied Feb 6, 1865, of typhoid fever at 5th Corps hospital. City Point, Va. 
Talbot, Jarvis (■2d), private, ISSth N. Y. Inf., Co. A ; enl. Sept. 1 , 18G4, one year ; 

disch. June 20, 1865. 
Dennis, Daniel Walker, private, 9th H. Art., Co. E; enl. Sept. 16, 1864, one year; 

wounded at Cedar Creek, Oct. 19, 1864, in right hand ; disch. July 22, '65. 
Stevens, John, private, 141st N. Y. Inf , Co. H ; enl. Aug. 19, 1862, three years; 

wounded in thigh. May 15, 1864, at Resaca, Ga.; disch. March 4, 1865. 
Matteson, Luther, private, 12th Vet. Ees. Corps, Co. I ; enl. Nov. 7, 1861, three 

years ; first enl. in Co. G, 86th N. Y. Regt. ; disch. March 13, 1864 ; re-enl. 

March 5,1865 ; wounded at Gettysburg in his right arm, also at Spottsyl- 

vania C.-H. in his right arm ; disch. July 14, 1865. 






PMOIOS B> ft. M*ITt *tr WOOOHUtl N 



^^-/^rpt^^^A^ ^:/^!^ 



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<i:''^^€Xf^7-^W^ Z^^2^^^^5-i-2:^ 




HENRY STEARNS. 



Henry Stearns was born in the town of Framingham 
Mass., Aug. 19, 1809. His grandfather Stearns, with two 
brotliers, emigrated from England during the early part of the 
last century ; one settling in New Hampshire, a second in Con- 
necticut, and the direct ancestor of Mr. Stearns in Massa- 
chusetts, where he lived to be upwards of one hundred and 
two years of age. His father, Timothy Stearns, was a native 
of Massachusetts ; married Mary Look, of Framingham ; was 
a shoemaker by trade ; in early life commenced carrying mail 
between Boston and Worcester on horseback, and subsequently 
ran a stage between those two places. He died in middle life, 
and when the subject of this sketch was only three years of 
age, leaving a wife and seven children, viz. : George, Mrs. Alvah 
Curtis, Mrs. Nelson Stowe, Charles, William, Henry, and Tim- 
othy. The mother survived her husband some fourteen years, 
and died in Medford at the age of about sixty. Of these 
children, only Charles, of New Jersey, and Henry are 
living. 

Mr. Stearns spent the time from eleven to sixteen years 
of age with Richard Piske, of Framingham, on a farm, 
receiving the opportunities of the common school and the 
academy at Framingham for an education. Pie served an ap- 
prenticeship in the cabinet and undertaking business with 
Frederick Van Dorn, of Lowell, Mass., for five years, closing 
upon reaching his majority, when he went to New York City 
and worked as a journeyman for one year, and afterwards one 
year in Cincinnati, Ohio, and two years in Newark, N. J. He 
married, in 1833, Cordelia, daughter of Rev. Clark Robinson, 
of Bath, this county. Her father was a native of Vermont, and 



was a grandson of Dr. Robinson, of Williams College, Mass. 
He was a clergyman of the Methodist Episcopal Church, was 
minister for some fifty years, and died at the residence of his 
daughter, in Jasper, Jan. 28, 1877, at the age of eighty- 
five. Her mother, Celinda S., was daughter of Benjamin 
SpragTie, of Rhode Island, and died in Bath, at the age of forty- 
seven. 

Mrs. Stearns was bom in the town of Bath, Sept. 2, 1816. 
Their children are George, Charles, Mrs. Eugene H., Cramer, 
and William H. After their marriage, Mr. Stearns spent a 
short time in the town of Howard, in the cabinet business ; 
was in Boston for ten years, and settled in Buffalo, where he 
established the cabinet business, and with the exception of two 
years, spent in the drug business in Newark, N. J., remained 
in Buffalo for some fourteen years, when by fire he lost his 
entire property. 

In the year 1857 he removed to the town of Jasper, and 
began again in a small way, and after three years, by close at- 
tention to business and strict economy, was enabled to estab- 
lish himself as an undertaker and cabinet-maker, which interests 
have gradually increased until the present time. Mr. Stearns 
since his settlement here has been generally successfiil, y^t often 
called upon to favor the needy, which he does with a liberal 
hand. Both Mr. and Mrs. Stearns are supporters of the church 
and kindred interests ; she being a member of the Second 
Advent Church and Mr. Stearns an attendant of the service 
of the Presbyterian Church. 

Mr. Stearns is identified with the Republican party, and in- 
terested in all matters of local reform and improvement. 



TOWN OF JASPER. 



349 



WilManiB, Alfred, Corp., 188tli N. Y. Inf., Co. E; enl. Sept. 14, 18C4, one year; 

pro. to Corp., Oct. 10, 18C4; discli. Jnly 11, 1866. 
Sanford, Ptier Tlionms, privat<>, 2d Vet. Cav., Co. G; enl. Dec. 21, 1803, three 

years ; ilieJ at Morgaiiziit, La., Oct. 15, 1861, of chronic diarrhuea. 
Yorke, ICIias, 1st Pennsylvania Rifles or Bnck-tail. 
Eves, James. 86th N. Y. Inf., Co. 1! ; enl. 1861. 
Quick, Richard, private, 2d Pennsylvania Cav., Co. L ; enl. July 4, 1862, three 

years; prisoner of war about thirteen mouths at Belle Isle, Andeison- 

ville, and Charleston and Florence, S. *.'. 
Horn, John Carpenter, private, 1st Pennsylvania Rifles, Co. E; enl. 1861, three 

years; disalled by sunstroke, May 7, 1862; disch. Sept. 15, 186:!. 
Bartoo, Eli William, piivate, 85th N. Y. Inf., Co. A ; enl. Sept. 25, 1864, one year ; 

disch. July 17, 186."). 
Bartoo, Sniitli, private, 85th N. Y". Inf., Co. A; enl. Sept. 12, 1864, one year; 

disch. July 17, 1S65. 
Vanskiver, Jonathan Peter, private, IBlst N. Y. Inf., Co. H ; enl. Sept. 8, 1804, 

one year. 
Broughton, Charlns, private, 80th N. Y. Inf , Co. G; enl. Jan. 21, 1804, tliree 

years ; wounded in thigh in the Wilderness, May 6, 1804 ; disch. June 27, 

1865. 
Johnson, Daniel Rnfus, Corp., 141st N. Y. Inf., Co. K ; enl. Sept. 13, 1804, one 

year; si-rved in 34th N. Y. luf about sixteen mouths; trans, to 60th 

N. Y. Regt. ; disch. July, 1865. 
Dennis, George Washington, private, IClst N. Y. Inf., Co. I, thiee years; died 

at New Orleans, La.. Sejit. 4, 1864, of remittent fever. 
Springer, Eli Barnard, piivate, IClst N. Y. Inf, Co. C: enl. Jan. 1.3, 1S64, three 

years; trans, to Battalion A about Sept. 20, 1865, at Fort Jefferson, Fla. 
Van Orsdale, Allen Augustus, 2d sergt., 1st Penn-ylvania Rifles, Co. A ; enl. May 

30, 1801, three years; disch. June 1, 1802. 
McMindes, Charles, private, 86th N. Y. Inf., Co. 11; enl. Oct. 10, ISOl, three 

years ; disch. Oct. 17, 1804. 
Hardy, George Ailrian, private, !)th N. Y. H. Art., Co. E; enl. Sept. 15, 18C4,one 

year; must, nut July 20, 1865. 
Marsh, Edward William, piivate, 161st N. Y. Inf, Co. II; enl. Sept. 15, 1864, one 

year; died Feb. 1, 1865, at New Oilcans, La., of chronic diarrho?a. 
Stewart, Homer, private, 179th N. Y. Inf , three years; disch. for disability, 

Sept. 1864. 
Hamill, George Wa.«hin);ton, private, 107th N. V. Inf, Co. K ; enl. July 19,1862, 

three years; disch. June 14, 1805. 
Spencer, .\8a, Corp., 13Gth Pennsylvania Inf., Co. B; enl. .\ug. 5, 1S62, nine 

months; must, out at Hariisburg, 1 a. 
Phillips, James lliiam, private, 51st N. Y. Inf, Co. A ; enl. Sept. 3, 1,S63, three 

years; first entered the 109lh N. Y. Inf.; trans, to 5lBt N. Y. Inf.; 

wounded in front of Petersburg, June 17, 1864 ; disch. .\ug. 1805. 
Phillip-s, George F., private, 109th N. Y. Inf, Co. B; enl. Aug. 9, 1802, three 

years; disch. June 8, lS6."t. 
Rawson, Andrew Hubbard, private, 2d N. Y. Vet. Cav., Co. G ; enl. July 23,1803, 

three years; pro. to q. m.-scrgt., March 1, 1864. 
Eawson, Edgar Samuel, private, 2d N. Y. Vet. Cav., Co. G ; enl. Aug. 25, 1803, 

three years. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 



DEA. THO.MAS WHITING 
was born in Lyndoboro', N. H., April 30, 1802. He was 
the fifth in a family of eight children of Oliver and Hannah 
Whiting, who arrived at maturity. Thomas was about 
thirteen years of age when his father died. His mother 
remained on the homestead, and carried on the farm until 
her death, at the age of .sixty. Of their children only one 
son is living, — Oliver, now a resident of the town of 
Jasper. 

Mr. Whiting remained at home with his mother until 
he reached his majority, except a year or two, when he 
worked out. In 1826 he came with others to the town of 
Jasper, Steuben Co., looking for a place to settle, and before 
returning purchased one hundred and sixty acres of tim- 
bered land in Jasper, which property he subsequently cleared 
and lived upon until his decease. 

Returning to New Hampshire he married, Oct. 16, 1828, 
Sarah, daughter of Benjamin and Sarah Cram, both 
natives of Lyiideboro', N. H. Sarah Cram's mother died 
when she was only thirteen months old, and she resided 
with lier aunt, Mrs. Elizabeth Woodward, until her mar- 



riage. She was born June 12, 1804. Immediately after 
their marriage they removed to Jasper, traveUng with 
horses and carriage the entire distance and being fourteen 
days on the way, reaching their new home in Steuben 
County late in the fall of 1828. 

At this time there were only a few scattering settlers in 
the town, and no school-houses uor churches. Mr. and 
Mrs. Whiting were closely identified with all the local im- 
provements of the town. Most of his land he cleared and 
prepared for cultivation and erected buildings for farming 
purposes. 





Kiryy^C/'^ y/ d\u.OL^f^^ 



He was a man of reading, and well informed in the 
events of his time. For some three years he was school 
commissioner of the town, and, although often solicited tn 
accept public offices in the town, he preferred the ([uiet of 
business and its independence to political honors. He 
was formerly a member of the Whig party, and an active 
exponent of its principles ; was strongly opposed to human 
bondage, and was one of three in the town who first voted 
the Anti Slavery ticket. After the formation of the 
Republican party he became a supporter of its platform. 
Mr. Whiting and his wife were attendants of the Presby- 
terian Church before leaving New Hampshire, and Mrs. 
Whiting was a member of the same, and she was among 
the organizers of the Presbyterian Church at Jasper, and 
Mr. Whiting became a member of the same in 1832, and 
was ordained one of its ruling elders, Sept. 12, 1847. His 
real worth and close relations with tiic church endeared 
him to all its members. As a friend and neighbor he had 
but few equals; was constant, kind, and a man of correct 
moral habits and strict integrity in all his business relations. 
He died Oct. 31, 1878. His wife still survives. 

They reared a family of six children, three of whom 
are living: Mrs. William Schanck ; Oliver, who married 
Martha A. Prentice, of Jasper ; and Cynthia. 



3$r>. 



L I N D L E Y. 



GENERAL DESCRIPTION. 
The town of Lindley was formed from Erwin, May 12, 
1837. It lies upon the southern border of the county, east 
of the centre, and is bounded by Erwin on the north, Ca- 
ton on the east, the Pennsylvania line on the south, and 
Tuscarora on the west. The east and west parts of Lindley 
are elevated and hilly uplands, divided by the deep valley 
of the Tioga River, which is about one mile wide, and 
bounded by steep hill-sides from 400 to 600 feet high. The 
soil on the hills is a heavy, shaly loam, and in the valleys 
a rich alluvium. A large portion of the surfice of the hills 
is still covered with forests, from which lumbering has been 
extensively carried on. 

EARLY SETTLEMENT. 

The first settlement of this town was made upon the 
Tioga Flats, by Colonel Eleazer Lindsky, in the year 1790. 
Mr. Lindsley was a native of New Jersey, and had been an 
active officer of the " Jersey Blues" during the Revolu- 
tionary war. Previous to 1790 he had ridden through tlie 
Genesee country to find a tract of land where he might es- 
tablish himself and gather his children around him. The 
unhealthiness of the region around Seneca and Canandaigua 
Lakes prevented his settling in that region, and he chose a 
tract less promising for agricultural purposes, but one that 
promised freedom from the diseases to which the more fer- 
tile northern plains were subject. 

His colony consisted of about forty persons, who, with 
their goods, were transported to the Susquehanna. At 
Wilkesbarre these were transferred to boats and poled up 
the river, while the horses and cattle were driven along the 
trails or rude roads upon the banks. They arrived at their 
place of destination June 7, 1790. Plows were made, and 
the river-flats were immediately broken. These flats were 
covered with rank grass, bordered by higher land covered 
with Indian corn-hills, which had been hilled up year after 
year, until so prominent as to be yet seen where undisturbed. 
It was on these corn-lands the first crop of the pioneers was 
raised. The season was too far advanced for corn, but a 
great harvest of buckwheat was secured. Buckwheat, corn, 
milk, and game constituted their food the first winter. " Old 
Pomp," a negro belonging to Col. Lindsley, made himself 
useful by pounding buckwheat in the dug-out top of a 
stump, with pestle hung like an old-fashioned well-sweep, 
from the time the ice closed the river in autumn until 
spring removed the impediment, and allowed the trans- 
portation of grain in canoes to Shepard's mill at Tioga 
Point, fifty-two miles down the river. Old Pomp seems to 
have been something of a hunter as well as a miller, killing 
three bucks at one shot as they were feeding upon the moss 
in the river, and being kicked over a log and into the 
350 



brush and nearly killed himself, from the recoil of the gun, 
which he always loaded with a handful of powder, and the 
entire contents of the old-fashioned brass moulds, — an ounce 
ball and nineteen buckshot of various sizes. 

Colonel and Mrs. Lindsley were members of the Presby- 
terian Church at Morristown, N. J., and in this new settle- 
ment the Sabbath was strictly observed. Traveling mis- 
sionaries were cordially welcomed, and when none of these 
were present to conduct the religious services. Col. Linds- 
ley himself would read a sermon. In 1793 he was elected 
a member of the Legislature. He died at home soon after, 
and his remains were the first to be placed in the plat he 
had himself selected for the cemetery of the colony, his 
death taking place in June, 1794. This cemetery is situ- 
ated on the left bank of the river, and contains the remains 
of many of the early pioneers. It is known as the Linds- 
ley Burying-ground. His was the first death in the new 
colony, which lost in him an energetic and worthy founder. 
Col. Lindsley was accompanied to his new home in the 
Tioga Valley by his two sons, Samuel and Eleazer, and by 
his sons in-law. Dr. Ezekiel Mulford, Ebenezer Bachus, 
and Capt. John Seelye. David Cook and David Payne, 
who, in company with Mr. Bachus, built the first mill at 
Lindley Station, also accompanied the colony. Eliza Mul- 
ford, daughter of Dr. Ezekiel Mulford, was the first child 
born in Lindley, and first white female child born in the 
county of Steuben, her birth occurring Aug. 10, 1792. 
David Cook and Elizabeth Cady were the first couple 
united in marriage. Col. Lindsley, before his death, had 
erected a saw-mill, the irons for which he had brought with 
him from New Jersey, and which was in operation in 1790, 
being one of the first mills on the Phelps and Gorham pur- 
chase, and the first in the Tioga Valley. This mill was 
located at a fall, a short distance up Watson Creek. The 
first grist-mill was built soon after, between this and the 
river. Mrs. Lindsley, after the death of her husband, kept 
the first public-house between Williamsport and Bath, and 
entertained Col. Williamson and his crew on their early 
journey through the wilderness. She died in Lindleytown, 
Nov. 20, 1806. 

Many of the descendants of the Lindsley, Mulford, and 
Seelye families still live in the Tioga and adjoining valleys. 
The principal descendant of the Lindsley family is Bradley 
Lindsley, who occupies the original home of his grand- 
father, much improved and beautified, but still exhibiting 
the old style of liberal hospitality and welcome. Charles 
Ford, only son of the first merchant in the valley, and 
grandson of Col. Lindsley, married the daughter of Gen. 
Cruger, of Bath, and still lives in sight of the little ceme- 
tery where sleep the colonists and many of their children. 
A visit to his home is a rare treat to the antiquarian, the 



TOWN OF LINDLEY. 



351 



house being fillnd with many mementos of early public 
men, as well as of the early settlers of Steuben County. 

Dr. Ezekiel Muiford, the physician of the colony, was a 
direct descendant of John Muiford, of Maidstone, Sussex, 
England, who was one of the first thirty-five English set- 
tlers in the State of New York, he settling on Long Island 
in 1639. Dr. Muiford and his wife both died within a 
few hours of each other during the fever of 1812, leaving 
a family of fifteen children. Lindsley Muiford, who was 
the oldest of the family, became known throughout the 
country as a woodsman and hunter, living a life of adven- 
ture with a young Indian for some years ; finally settling 
down as a prosperous farmer, and dying at the age of 
eighty-seveu years. 

Jeremiah and Eleazer were intimately connected with 
the early development of Lindlcytown, which was built 
upon their farms, and were highly respected by the com- 
munity in which they lived. Eleazer Muiford, the last 
survivor of the Lindsley colony, who came in 1809, died 
in 1871, at the age of eighty-four years. In 1811 he was 
married to Miss Betsey Lillibridge, who had come to the 
settlement to teach school. John C and E. P. Muiford 
are the leading members of the family in the town, and 
prominent citizens. Lee and Uri Muiford, well-known 
journalists and writers in Steuben County, are of this 
family. Castilla was the fiither of Gen. John E. Muiford, 
who acquired a national reputation by his connection with 
the exchange of prisoners during the late war. liliza, the 
first child born in the colony, was the mother of Rodney 
Bachus, the inventor. 

Joseph Miller, the school-teacher of the colony, grand- 
father of Horace Vastbinder, informs us, in a school com- 
missioner's report for 1826, that " the school-books used in 
the four districts of the town are Webster's Spelling-book, 
Murray's English Reader, Murray's Grammar, Walker's 
Dictionary, Daboll's Arithmetic, Flint's Surveying, and 
Moars Geography." 

Charles Seelye, who occupies the old homestead of his 
grandfather, Capt. John Seelye, near the Lawrcnceville 
depot, is a son of Wm. Seelye, long a leading citizen of 
Lindley, and the only one left to bear the name. 

Col. Gabriel T. Harrower, grandson of Rev David FTar- 
rower, and for many years one of the leading lumbermen 
of Tioga Valley, served as colonel of the 161st New York 
Volunteers in the late Rebellion, and represented this dis- 
trict in the State Senate in 1871. 

Of the seven slaves brought by the colony from New 
Jersey some of their descendants are still living in various 
parts of the county. " Old Pomp" fell a victim to the 
epidemic fever after tending the sick during the terrible 
winter of 1813. 

Wm. More, one of the most extensive farmers in the 
southern part of the county. Col. G. T. Harrower, Hiram 
Middlebrook, S. M. Morgan, and Rev. W. H. Hill have 
been leading business men of Lindleytown for many years. 

T. J. Presho and S. Hammond are leading business men 
at Erwia Centre. 

Joseph Miller, one of the colony, who was in later years 
for a long time school commissioner, taught the first school, 
near the Pennsylvania line, in 1793, which shows that the 



first settlers of this wilderness did not remain long without 
the means of education for their children. Dr. Muiford 
located himself near the State line, and devoted himself to 
his profession. Col. Lindsley sold to John P. Ryer.ss a por- 
tion of the northeast corner of the town, and in 1804, Jas. 
Ford came from the East as his clerk, bringing a stock of 
goods and opening the first store in the valley, near the Orr 
place, below Cook's Creek. Amos Halsey came after the 
colony, and was accidentally killed in 1802. 

The first post-otfice was at Judge Lindsley 's house, and 
afterwards, in 1830, at the store of Lyon & Morgan, Albert 
Morgan being postmaster. Rev. David Harrower, a Scotch 
Presbyterian preacher, resided in Lindley, and preached in 
the surrounding country at that date. Joshua Russell 
came to Lindley in 1823, settling on the Calder farm, at 
the mouth of Muiford Creek. Lime was burned at this 
point from marl, in the hills, in 1816. Coal has been found 
also, on the surface among the hills on this creek, in small 
quantities. This was one of the heaviest timbered towns in 
the county, no less than fourteen miles having been located 
along the river within the present town limits. Robert, a 
brother of Ben Patterson the scout and hunter, who par- 
ticipated in the engagement at Freeling's Fort and other 
scenes of the early Indian wars, was one of the early set- 
tlers, removing from the old tavern at Knoxville, and 
locating at the mouth of the creek which bears his name, 
in 1804. Among the later arrivals previous to 1830 are 
found the names of E. F. Tremans, A. F. Lyon, A. C. and 
Julius Morgan, John P. Ryerss, Abner Thurber, Frederick 
Heckart, and Eber Scofield. Elani Watson has been jus- 
tice of the peace almost continuously from 1830. 

The Lindsley colony brought with them several slaves, 
who remained with their masters until years after the legis- 
lation abolishing slavery in New York. Death emancipated 
them from a not burdensome servitude. 

The line of road past the Patterson place was in earlier 
days a well-known racing-ground, and the scene of many a 
rural frolic among the hardy pioneers and their children. 
The river, which is now confined to its narrow bed, covered 
much of the flat with its shallow waters, and fords were 
convenient at each settlement. Oak timber in the flats 
furnished acorns to fatten the half-wild hogs, and butter- 
nuts covered the ground in their season. Every family had 
its dui'-out, and deer were shot at will in the woods or while 
feeding on the rich mosses in the dark shadows of the river. 
Col. Lindsley portioned his lands to his children and fol- 
lowers in long strips across the town, the old partition sur- 
veys still annoying their possessors by their inconvenient 
angles. The now rich river-flats were in many cases aban- 
doned by their owners for hill farms, which, when devel- 
oped, were vastly inferior in value to those they left. 

From the opening of the railroad with its wooden track 
and thin strap rails from Corning up the valley to the 
Blossburg coal-mines in 1840, the real settlement of the 
town outside of the valley may be said to have begun, and 
as the timber was taken ofi" men began to realize the possi- 
bility of clearing away the smaller growth and making 
themselves homes. Their houses were built with an eye 
to comfort and hospitality, having large doors, through 
which, in winter, the heavy logs were drawn by teams 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



and rolled from the rude sled into the huge open fireplace 
at one end of the large living-room. 

The Lawrenceville, Pa., Station, on the Corning, Cowan- 
esque and Antrim Railroad, is in Lindley, Lawrenceville 
being across the Tioga River and just over the State line. 
There are here, beside the depot and round-house, the junc- 
tion of the Elinira and State Line, and Cowanesque branch 
of the Corning, Cowanesque and Antrim Railroads, a large 
saw-mill, and fifteen dwellings. The Valley Enterprise, of 
Lawrenceville, was published here at the depot by Henry C. 
Mills a short time in 1870. 

Lindley Station, two miles farther down the valley, con- 
tains a saw- and planing-mill, two stores, furniture-shop, two 
blacksmith-shops, a wagon-shop, shoe-shop, hay-press, two 
school-houses, three churches, and thirty-four dwellings. 

Lindley is the first post-office established in the town, A. 
C. Morgan having been made postmaster in 1829. A sul- 
phur spring of considerable note exists near the station. 

Cook's, a flag station a mile from Lindley, at the mouth 
of Cook's Creek, consists of the large steam-tannery of Isaac 
H. Bary, store, and 25 dwellings. Just across the river is 
the Sandt Mill settlement. 

Erwin Centre is six miles from Corning, in the town of 
Lindley, on both sides of the river, and takes its name from 
having been the centre of Erwin before Lindley was taken 
off. There is here a flouring-mill, a store, saw- and stave- 
mill, two blacksmith-shops, a shoe-, and cooper-shop ; post- 
office, school-house, and Methodist Episcopal church, and 
about forty dwellings. 

Half a mile up the Clendenna Creek is a mill and settle- 
ment. The hills are thickly covered with farms, and dairy- 
ing is extensively carried on. The three bridges span the 
river at Lawrenceville Depot, Lindleytown, and Erwin 
Centre. 

ORGANIZATION. 

At the first annual town-meeting in the town of Lindsley,* 
held in the school-house at Erwin Centre, on the 6th day 
of February, 1838, the following were " duly elected officers 
of the said town :" Supervisor, Benjamin Harrower ; Town 
Clerk, Chauncey Hoffman ; Justices of the Peace, Silas 
Cook, William Seelye, and Jonah Davis ; Assessors, Ansel 
C. Smith, William Lindsley, Jeremiah Upham ; Commis- 
sioners of Highways, G. A. Ryerss, Thomas Clark, Benj. 
Patterson ; School Commissioner, Michael R. Thorp, A. B. 
Lindsley, James G. Mersereau ; School Inspectors, D. P. 
Harrower, T. L. JMersereau ; Overseers of the Poor, Ben- 
jamin Patterson, Jeremiah Mulford ; Constables, W. A. 
Lindsley, Richard Marks, Abner Collins, Royal Vamillea ; 
Collector, W. A. Lindsley. At this election it was voted 
to elect an officer to protect game, and to double the amount 
of school money. 

LIST OF TOWN OFFICERS. 
Supervisors. Town Clerks. CoUectors. 

1838. Benjamin Harrower. Chauncey Hoffman. William A. Lindsley. 



1839. William Lindsley. 
1840. 



Edward H. Tremans. 

E. H. Tremans. Thomas Clark. 

A. F. Lyon. 



*So spelled in the record in the clerk's office. The t was dropped 
out in recording, making the name Lindley, as now generally spelled. 





Supervisors. 


Toi 


■11 Clerks. C..llector8 


1841 


Silas Cook. 


Julius Morgan. Richard Marks. 


1.S42 


Ansel C. Smith. 


a *i ti ti 


1843 


" " 


Gabriel T. Harrower. Joseph Rorobaugh. 


1844 


G. T. Harrower. 


M. P. Orton. Richard Marks. 


1845 


James G. Mersereau 


. " 


1846 


" 


Eber Scofield. Eli Harris. 


1847 


Henry A.Miller. 


" " James Clark. 


1848 


Samuel J. Mersereau 


.Geo. Thurber (2d). Rich.ard Marks (lie) 
D. P. Harrower. 


1849 




David P. Harrower. " 


1850 


Gabriel T. Harrower 


. Eber Scofield. George McLagan. 


1851 


" 


Samuel Heckart. Robert Patterson. 


1852 


Ansel C. Smith (tie) 


" " Joseph Collins. 


1853. 


Eber Scofield. 


.. 


1854. 


Samuel Heckart. 


D. P. Harrower. A. J. Tillman. 


1855. 


A. B Lindsley. 


M. W. Rose. Eleazer Lindsley. 


1856. 


G. T. Harrower. 


Ira Lyon. Mathcw Riffle. 


1857. 


it ti 


" 


1858. 


Henry G. Harrower 


Charles Mulford. 


1859. 


A. C. Morgan. 


Vincent Hall. 


1860. 


" 


" " George Camp. 


1861. 


Eber Scofield. 


William More. Phineas Burr. 


1862. 


ti a 


" " William C. Brown. 


1863. 


a It 


'* ** Joseph Collins. 


1S64. 


Wiiliam More. 


Henry F. Hill. John C. Mulford. 


1865. 


'• 


Milo W. Rose. 


1S66. 


Eber Scofield. 


" " George L. Hovey. 


1S67. 


S. M. Morgan. 


William More. Mathew Riffle. 


1868. 


Eber Scofield. 


" *' Phineas Burr. 


1869. 


William More. 


Hiram Middlebrook. I. N. Grenell. 


1S70. 


" " 


George Bennett. Samuel Patterson. 


1871. 


Mason Hammond. 


T. J. Presho. Ralph Cook. 


1872. 


William More. 


W. H. Hill. William Cook. 


1873. 


James C. Orr, Jr. 


James A. Rogers. Ira Warner. 


1874. 


G. T. Harrower. 


T. J. Presho. John H. Harrison. 


1875. 


a (. 


Thomas Carey. Asa C. Hill. 


1876. 


William More. 


John C. Mulford. Robert Orr. 


1877. 


T. J. Presho. 


Fred E. Thurber. John Brinnen. 


1878. 


James A. Rogers. 


" " Mathew Riffle. 




JUSTICES OF THE PEACE. 


1838. 


Silas Cook. 




1851. J. S. Stewart. 




William Seelye. 




A. C. Smith. 




Jonah Davis. 




1852. Chauncey J. More. 


18.39. 


Morris Johnson. 




Elam Watson. 




William Seelye. 




G. T. Harrower. 


ISIO. 


James G. Mersereau 




Benjamin Patterson. 




A. C. Smith. 




1853. A. B. Lindsley. 


1841. 


Abram B. Lindsley. 




Charles Stocum. 




James G. Mersereau 




Nelson Cr.awford. 


18-12. 


Jonah Davis. 




1854. B. L. Colwell. 




Eber Scofield. 




Ira Lyon. 


1843. 


Elam Watson. 




Lewis M. Drake. 




William Farraod. 




E. Scofield. 




Chauncey Hoffman. 




1855. Atwood Fales. 


1844. 


Eber Scofield. 




Charles Stocum. 




Julius Morgan. 




William R. Seelye. 


1845. 


William W. Miller. 




Hiram Colder. 




Eber Scofield. 




1856. Ira Lyon. 




Julius Morgan. 




Abner Thurber. 


1846. 


Rufus W. Palmer. 




B. S. Colwell. 




Silas Cook. 




A. J. Daniels. 


1847. 


George Thurbur. 




1857. Eber Scofield. 




Rufus W. Palmer. 




Joseph Collins. 


1848. 


Abram B. Lindsley. 




185S. Elam Watson. 




Eber Scofield. 




Eber Scofield. 




A. C. Smith. 




Thomas Clark. 


1849. 


Stilman Smith. 




1859. Elam Watson. 




Eber Scofield. 




Eber Scofield. 




Austin M. Smith. 




1860. Ira D. Lyon. 




P. A. Wise. 




1861. Chester P. White. 


1850. 


A. C. Smith. 




James Cook. 




Henry A. Miller. 




1862. William Seelye. 




Eber Scofield. 




Charles Stooam. 



TOWN OF LINDLEY. 



353 



1862. 
1S63. 

1S64. 

1865. 

1866. 

1867, 

1868. 
1869. 



Elam Watson. 
Eleazer P. Mulford. 
Henry C. Bull. 
Joseph AV. Gurnsey, 
Eleazer P. Mulford. 
Charles Stocum. 
Elam Watson. 
Joseph W. Gurnsey. 
Elam Watson. 
Sheldon D. Clinton. 
Henry C. Bull. 
H. S. Payne. 
Henry C. Bull. 
Eber Scofield. 
William Burr. 
Mason Hammond. 



1869. 
1870. 



1871. 
1872. 
1873. 



1874. 
1875. 
1876. 
1877. 
1878. 



Charles Stocum. 
Elam Watson. 
William Burr. 
Edwin Temple. 
Isaac Sandt. 
Isaac Sandt. 
Charles Stocum. 
William Burr. 
Alexander Manley. 
Mason Hammond. 
Osceola Gilbert. 
Elam Watson. 
Robert Patterson. 
R. S. Stowell. 
Hamilton McHeury. 



CHURCHES. 



THE FIRST B.\PTIST CHURCH 

was organized in Liudleytown, Saturday, June 13, 1841, 
under the preacliinjr of Rev. Mr. Sheardown, five being 
baptized the next day, Sunday. Albert C. Morgan was 
chosen clerk. 

July 15 the neighboring organizations met in council, 
and the church was organized, with Messrs. Walker and 
Brady, deacons. Preaching was supplied them at the school- 
hou.ses until a union was cflFected with Lawrenceville, Pa., 
in March, 1844, llev. T. W. Colby, Rev. 0. G Stevens, 
and Rev. Ransom Marine oflBciating. The organization 
failed to appear at the annual association after 1846, and 
ceased to exist as such about 1SG4. 

THE FREE METHODIST CHURCH 

was organized under the preaching of Rev. John W. Saw- 
yer, in 1866, and a church built on the Sohofield place, at 
Lindleytown, in 1866 or 1867. 

The first trustees were Eber Scofield, Hiram Middlebrook, 
and John Sawyer, Class-Leader. Pastors : Revs. Welcome 
Smith, George Edwards, Wm. Parry, John Stacy, J. W. 
Sawyer, Levi Kelly, Samuel Perkins, A. W. Paul, Geo. 
Stoner. Rev. J. D. Osmun, the present Pastor ; Present 
Local Preacher, Elisha Hudson ; Class-Leader, A. H. 
Knapp ; Recording Steward, E. Hudson ; Stewards, Fran- 
cis Holbert, Ellen S. Camp. Trustees, E. Hudson, Ed- 
ward Camp, Lewis Wood, Justin Reed, James Harrower. 
The church numbers 14 members. 

THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH. 

This church first organized at Erwin Centre, in 1850, 
with Rev. Clement Young Pastor and Charles Stokum, 
Class-Leader, — Rev. Kasimer P. Jarvis, of Painted Post, 
rendering great assistance by his services. Rev. Amasa 
English and Rev. Francis M. Smith preached afterwards. 

In 1861 the class was changed from the Painted Post to 
the Tuscorora charge until 1866, when it became a separate 
charge. 

Pastors : 1868, Rev. Peter B. Clark ; 1870, Rev. Stephen 
M. Dayton ; 1874, Rev. George Wilkinson ; 1875, Rev. 
Geo. Sherer;. 1877, Rev. Andrew Purdy ; 1878, Rev. Isaac 
Everett. Their church was built under the present Trus- 
tees, — Hamilton McHenry, Luke Gibson, George Pepper, 
Simon Arnold, James Cook, and Nathan Taft, — in 1875, 
at an expense of $3000, and dedicated Jan. 27, 1876. 
45 



James Orr is class-leader. Stewards : George Pepper, 
Ralph Cook, Hamilton McHenry. The church consists of 
35 members. 

Another class was formed at Lindleytown, Dec. 13, 1876, 
and Daniel F. Merritt, David I. Jones, R. S. Stowell, Wm. 
More, William Burr, Thomas E. Gary, and Jas. A. Rogers 
made trustees. Work was iniraediately commenced on a 
building, and, Nov. 15, 1877, the "Centennial Methodist 
Episcopal Church of Lindley" was completed. Besides the 
trustees, the present officers are Class-Leader, Clerk, and 
Treasurer, John C. Mulfoi-d. 

The church has now about 50 members, and is a part of 
the same charge with the Erwin Centre Church. 

THE INDEPENDENT CHURCH OF LINDLEY 

was organized, under the preaching of Rev. L. D. Ayers, 
May 20, 1875, — G. T. Harrower, H. Jliddlebrook, Lorenzo 
D. Ayers, Elam Watson, and Isaac Sandt being the com- 
mittee who drew up the articles of church covenant. 
Forty-five names were placed upon the roll, and Isaac 
Sandt, Elam Watson, and Barney Griswold were made 
deacons. 

Trustees. — Robert Higgins, C. Terwillegar, Oliver Camp. 

Treasurer. — John C. Mulford. 

Secretary. — S. M. Morgan. 

May 22, 1877, the church was changed to The Baptist 
Church of Lindley, and a delegation appointed to repre- 
sent the church at the next session of the Baptist Associa- 
tion ; 51 members were retained, and E. P. Gillett, Oliver 
Camp, James H. Middlebrook, James Walker, and Mathew 
Riffle elected trustees; S. M. Morgan, Clerk; Elam Watson, 
H. Middlebrook, and Ann Rifle, Deacons; and Leroy Wat- 
son, Treasurer and Collector. The pastor, Lorenzo D. Ayers, 
was then regularly oidained, and a church building com- 
menced, which is now nearly completed. 

MILITARY RECORD OF LINDLEY. 

Harrower, G.T.,coI., IClstliif. ; enl. Sept. 0,1862, three years; res. Nov. 25, 1863. 
Harrower, H. C, capt., 86th Inf., Co. F; enl. Sept. 1801, three years; re-enl. 

86th Inf., Dec. 1803, three years; pro. to col., March 3, 1804; disch. Oct. 

12, 18G4. 
Bradley, Elijah B., private, 107th Inf, Co. C, three years. 
Booth, Elijah D., private, Hist Inf., Co. D; enl. An-. 14, 1852, three years; 

served nearly two years; mortally wounded at the battle of Resaca and 

died in field hospital, May 19, 1804. 
Booth, Geo. W., 107th Inf., Co. F, three years. 
Belcher, Nelson, lU7th Inf., Co. F, three years. 
Boyle, Edwin, private, 50th Eng., Co. F ; enl. Aug. 1, 1862, three years ; disch. 

June 28, 1865. 
Clark, James, private, 15th Eng., Co. G; enl. Aug. 22, 1804, one year; pro. to 

4th Corp., Nov. 1S64; disch. June 13, 1805. 
Walker, Gilbert, private, 50th Eng., Co. M; enl. Jan. 4, 1864, three years ; pro. 

to first class ; disch. June, 1865. 
Morgan, S. M., maj., S6th Inf., Co. F; enl. Sept. 1861, three years; pro. to capt ■ 

and ass't adj.-gen., Feb. 28, 1.'<C4; brev. maj., March 18, 1865; taken pris. 

at Colli Harbor, Va. ; sent to Libhy prison, Richmond, Macon, Ga., Charles- 
ton, S. C, Columbia, S. C. ; paroled for exchange, Dec. 20, 1804; res. 

April 1, 1865. 
Merrill, William, capt., 141st Inf, Co. D ; enl. 1802, throe years; pro. to capt., 

Aug. 1, 1863; disch. June 24, 1865. 
Bradley, Oscar, 107th Inf, Co. F; enl. June 21, 1862, three years ; died on Mary- 
land Heights, Oct. 1802. 
Decker, John, private, 50th Bug., Co. P; enl. Aug. 22, 1S62, three years; disch. 

June 13, 1803. 
Elliott, Israel, private, Ulst Inf., Co. D; enl. Aug. 10, 1802, three years ; died 

Sept. 30, 1864, in hospital at Jefferson, Ind. 
Houghton, Chas. A., Corp., 14l8t Inf., Co. D; enl. Aug. 19, 1802, three years; 

disch. June 24, 1805. 
Knapp, Justice, private, Ulst Inf., Co. D ; enl. Aug. 14, 1862, three years ; trans. 

to Inv. Corps; died Mafch 15, 1865, at Nashville, Tenn. 



354 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Knapp, Abrnm, private, 14l9t Inf., Co. P; enl. Aug. 22, 18G2, three years ; trans. 

to Vet. Ues. Corps, March 0, 1SG5 ; disch. July 5, 18&5. 
Lfndtey, George H., private, lilst Int., Co. D; enl. Aug. 21, 1862, three years; 

disch. June 24, 1865. 
LiudJey, \Vn». A., Corp., 14l3t Inf., Co. D; enl. Aug. 21, 1862, three years; 

wounileil in left leg; disch. June 24, 18G5. 
Ladrio, Oscar, private, 141st Inf., Co. D ; enl. Aug. 1862, three years. 
Millard, S. W., private, Ulst Inf., Co. D ; enl. Aug. 21, 1862, tliree years ; died 

in hospital at Elniira, N. Y. 
McGilfiey, Abram, private, 141st Inf., Co. D; enl. Aug. 14, 1862, three years; 

disch. March 24, 1863, on account of disability. 
Madden, Michael, sergt., 107th Inf., Co. F; enl. June 21,1862; pro. to sergt. and 

must, out at end of war. 
Merrill, Edwin, sergt.. 141st Inf., Co. D; eiil. Aug. 21, 18G2; pro. to sergt, Jan. 

1, 18G4 ; mortally wounded at Dallas and died on battle-field ; buried on 

battle-field near Dallas. 
Patterson, Samuel, private, 60th Eng., Co. F; enl. Aug. 1, 1862, Ihree years; 

disch. June 28, 1865. 
Treumain, Gilbert, corp., 141st Inf., Co. D; enl. Aug. 14, 1.SG2, three years; 

wounded May 15, 1864; must, out with regiment. 
Treumain, Lyman, private, 141st Inf., Co. D; enl. Aug. 14, 18C2, three yeara. 
Treumain, Warren, private, 141st Inf., Co. D; enl. Aug. 21, 1862, three years; 

disch. May 20, 18G5. 
Taft, Stephen, 107th Inf., three years. 
Wall, James, private, 50th Eng., Co. F ; enl. Aug. 22, 1862, three years; pro. to 

artificer; disch. June 14, 1865. 
Webster, Isaac, 141st Inf. 
Wales, Nelson Sissou, private, 141st Inf., Co. D ; enl. Aug. 15, 1862, three years ; 

disch. with the regiment, June 9, 1S65. 
Wetty, William, lU7th Inf. 

Wheeler, Isaac, private, 141st Inf., Co. D ; enl. Aug. 16, 1862, three years. 
Webster, Charles, private, 141st Inf., Co. D ; enl. Aug. 22, 1862, three years; 

disch. June 24, 1865. 
Cook, Jonathan, private, 35th Inf., Co. C; enl. July 6, 18C1, two years; disch. 

May, 1863 ; re-enl. Sept. 1864; wounded and died at City Point, April 11, 

1865. 
Harris, M. Albert, private, 161st Inf., Co. E; enl. Sept. 1862, three years; disch. 

Oct. 1S65. 
Buchcr, James, private, 1st Light Art. ; enl. Aug. 30, 1864, one year. 
Paul, John J., private, 15th Eng.; enl. Aug. ;il, 1864, one year; disch. June 13, 

1865. 
Romayne, Stephen, private, 15th Eng.; enl. Aug. 29, 1864, one year : disch. June 

13, 1805. 
Eifle, James, sergt., 15th Eng., Co. G; enl. Aug. 22, 1864, one year; pro. to 

sergt., Dec. 15, 1864; disch. June 13, 18G5. 
Brown, William, private, 5Uih Eng., Co. B; enl. Aug. 29, 18G4, one year. 
Bucher, Isaac, private, 1st Light Art. ; enl. Aug. 30, 1S64, one year. 
Kelley, David, private, 15lh Eng., Co. G; enl. Sept. 1, 1864, one year; disch. 

June 13, 1SG5. 
Rifle, Daniel, private, 15th Eng., Co. G; enl. Aug.27, 1864, one year; disch. May 

12, 1865. 
nahman, Chas , private, loth C;iv.; enl. Oct. 14, 18G4, one year. 
White, Walter H., private, 5Uth Eng.; enl. Jan. 4, 18G4, three years, 
Lyon, Elcazer, 1st Pa. Rifles, Co. A; enl. April, 1S61, three years; re-enl. Dec. 

1863, three years; captured in Aug. or Sept. 1864; taken to Salisbury, 

N. C; paroled or exchanged, and died at Anuapolis, Md., March, 1865. 
Orr, William, private, 50th Eng.; enl. Jan. 2, 18G4, three years. 
Paul, Hiram, private, 107th Inf., Co. C ; enl. Jan. 4, 1SG4, three years. 
Beman, Warren, sergt., 8Gth Inf., Co. F; enl. Dec. 31, 18G3, tliree years; re-enl. 

vet.; disch. July 4, 1865. 
Marsh, Edwin, drummer, 86th Inf., Co. F; enl. Sept. 14, 1861, three years; re- 
enl. Dec. 31, 1863, three years ; disch. June 27, 18G5. 
Warren, Lewis E., private, 86th Inf., Co. F ; enl. Dec. 31, 1863, three years. 
Brown, Lyman, SGth Inf., Co. F; enl. Dec. 20, 1863, three years. 
Beman, Charles, S6th Inf., Co. F; enl. Dec. 20, 1863, three years; re-enl. vet.; 

disch. July 4, 1SG5. 
Tremain,Seth, lieut., 86th Inf., Co. F; enl. Sept. 14, 1861. three years; re-enl. 

Dec. 20, 1863; pro. to 2d lieut., 1865; disch. with regiment, July 4, 1865. 
Scofield, Edward H., private, 86th Inf., Co. F; enl. Sept. 14, 1861, three years; 

re-enl. Dec. 20, 1863; wounded at Petej-sburg, June 18, 1864; trans, to 

Vet. Res. Corps, Jan. 1865; disch. Aug. 3, 1865. 
Wall, Charles B., 2d corp., 86th Inf., Co. F; enl. Sept. 14, 1861, three years; died 

at Camp Goodhope, Md., of typhoid fever; buried at Lindley, N. Y. 
Rifle, Hii-am, private, 86th Inf., Co. F; enI.Sept.l4,lSGl, three years ; wounded 

at Gettysburg; disch. at Elmira, Juue 8, 1864. 
Colder, Hiram, private, 86th Inf,Co.I; enl. Feb.l5,18G4, three years; wounded 

at the battle of Spottsylvania Court-House, May 10, 1864; disch. Kov. 4, 

1864. 
Gaze, Franklin, private, 4th H. Art., Co. I ; enl. June 26, 1862, three years; died 

at Foi t Schuyler, ur Schuyler's Island, Nov. 26, 1864. 
Follonsbee, Isaac, IGlst Inf. 
Pritchard, Morris, private, 141st Inf., Co. D ; enl. Sept. 3, 1862, three years ; trans. 

to Co. E, 17th Kegt., Vet. Res. Corps, Jan. 11, 1865 ; disch. June 30, 1865. 
Amidon, Solomon B., private, 86th Inf., Co. F; enl. Aug. 29,1864, three years; 

re-enl. vet.; disch, with regiment, July 4, 1865. 
Harret, Amos C, 86th Inf., Co. I ; enl. Aug. 29, 18G4, three years; re-enl. vet. • 

disch with regiment, July 4, 1865. 



Hudson, William H., private, 86th Inf., Co. G ; enl. Aug. 29, 1864, three years ; 

re-enl. vet. ; disch. with regiment, July 4, 1865. 
Moran, Thomas, 86th Inf., Co. G; enl. Aug. 29, 1864, three years; re-enl. vet. ; 

disch. witli regiment, July 4, 1865. 
Wigant, Ilai vey M., S6th Inf., Ct*. G ; enl. Aug. 29, 1864, three years; re-enl. Tet.; 

disch. with regiment, July 4, 1865. 
Brown, C. H., sergt., 86th Inf. ; enl. Sept. 14, 1861, three years; disch. Sept. 20, 

1865. 
narrower, John G., 1st lieut., iGlst Inf ; enl. July 14, 1863, three years; disch. 

Sept. 20, 1865. 
Burr, Phineas, private, 50th Eng., Co. H ; enl. Jan. 4, 1864, three years; disch. 

June, 1865. 
Hanley, John, private, 86th Inf., Co. F; enl.Sept. 14,1861, three years ; wounded 

at Beverly Ford, June 9, 1863 ; trans, to Inv. Corps ; disch. Sept. 18(>4. 
Keville, Wm., corp., 86th Inf., Co. F; enl. Sept. 14, 1861, three years; disch. Sept. 

30, 1864. 
Dougherty, John, private, SGth Inf., Co. F ; enl.Sept. 21 , 1861, Ihree years ; trans. 

to Vet. Res. Corps, Aug. 28, 1S63 ; re-enl. April 21, 1864; disch. Nov. 18, 

1865. 
Vastbinder, George, private, 86th Inf., Co. C; enl. Sept. 1861. 
Marsh, Henry, private, 86th Inf.Co. F; enl. Oct. 13, 1861, three years; wounded 

at second Bull Run battle, Aug. 26, I8G2 ; disch. in consequence of wound, 

Nov. 27, 1862. 
Kinney, Henry L., private, 8Cth Inr,Co.F; enl. Oct. 18, 1861, three years ; sick, 

sent to hospital at Washingtim, Feb. 1862, from there to Philadelphia; 

disch. at the latter place, June G, 1862. 
Westcolt, Delos H., corp., 86th Inf., Co. C; enl. Oct. 11, 1861, three years; died 

in Stanton Hospital, Washington, Sept. 17, 1863. 
Thurber, Henry C, Ist lieut. and adjt., SGth Inf, Co. F; enl. Sept. 18, 1861, three 

years; pro. to seryt., Oct. 1, 1861 ; to 2d lieut., July, 1863; to 1st lieut. 

and adjt., Feb. 18G4 ; disch. Oct. 10, 18G4. 
Seelye, Myron M., private, SGth Inf., Co. F; enl. Sept. 27, 1861, three years. 
Matson, William, private, G4th Inf., Co. K; enl. July 16, 1863, three years; 

wounded in shoulder at Weldon Railroad, Aug. 14, 1864; died at Lindley, 

Oct. 14, 1864. 
Muggins, John, private, 68th Inf, Co. H ; drafted July 17, 1863, three years; 

disch. Dec. 1865. 
Cook, Silas, sergt., SGth Inf, Co. F; enl. Sept. 14, 1861, three years. 
Williams, Samuel, private, 3lPt Inf. fcol.),Co. F; enl. July 17, 1863, three years; 

disch. at Brownsville, Te.\., Nov. 7, 1865. 
CowU's, Demetrius, corp., 86tli Inf , Co. F; enl. Oct. 12, 1861, three years ; disch. 

for disability. 
Clark, Samuel, private, Ist Inf, Co. G ; enl. July 13, 1862, three years ; died at 

David's Inland, Oct. 7. 1862. 
Cowles, Henry, 1st Pa. Rifles, Co. A, three years; re-enl. in 50th Eng. 
Marsh, Robert, musician, 86ih Inf., Co. F; enl. Sept. 14, 1861, three years; died 

and buried at Fredericksbui g, Jan. 22, 186:i. 
Gordon, Amasa L., priv;ite, 8Gth Inf, Co. F ; enl. Oct. 25, 1861, three years. 
Miller, Thomas F., private, SGtli Inf., Co. F; enl. Oct. 26, 1861, three years. 
McMahon, Michael, private, SGth Inf., Co. F; enl. Nov. 12, 1861, three years. 
Stewart, Levi, private, S6lh Inf., Co. F; enl. Oct. 6, 1861, three years; disch. June 

7, 1862. 
Thomas, John, private. 86Ih Inf., Co. F; enl. Sept. 14, 1861, three years. 
narrower, John G., 1st lieut, 1st Rifles, Pa. Vet. lies. Corps, Co. A; enl. April 

21, 1801 ; pro. to capt. March 1, 1863; res. June 23, 1863, to accept com- 
mission of 1st lieut. and adjt. in 161st N. Y.Inf. ; disch. Oct. 15, 1865. 
Allington, Edgar, private,8Gth Inf.,Co.F; enl.Feb.3, 1864, three years ; killed 

at buttle of Petersburg, June 18, 1864. 
Campbell, William A., private, 86th Inf., Co. F; enl. Dec. 31, 1863, three years ; 

re-cnl. vet. ; disch. with regiment, July 4, 1865. 
Mathews, Isaac, private, 50lh Eng. ; enl. Aug. 30, 1864, one year; disch. June 

13, 1865. 
Randall, Lyman, private; drafted July 17, 1863, three years. 
Benton, Jared, private ; drafted July 17, 1863, three years. 
Broi^kway, William, private; drafted July 17, 1863, three years. 
Mulford, Charles C, private ; enl. Feb. 1S64, three years. 
Miller, Jacub, private, 89th Inf ; enl. Jan. 10, 18G4, three years ; died in hospital 

at Folly Island, S. C, April 29, 1864. 
Schuyler, Henry S., private, 86th Inf, Co. I ; enl. Feb. 1864, three years; missing 

at battle of Spottsylvania Court-House, May 10, 1864 ; never heard from. 
Rumsay, Isaac, private, 86th Inf. ; enl. Feb. 1864, three years. 
Wheeler, Richard, private, 86th Inf.; enl. Feb. 18G4, three years. 
Fairbanks, Gardner, private, 50th Eng., Co. M; enl. Jan. 1864, three years; 

disch. Juno 26, 1865. 
Hawkins, Charles, private. 
Rupell, Orrin, Jr., private, 72d Ohio Inf, Co. F; enl. Jau. 1, 1862, three years; 

re-enl. Jan. 1, 18GI, three years; disch. June 9, 1865. 
Mulford, Lee, sergt., 107th Inf, Co. F; enl. June 6,1862; pro. to corp. in 1862; 

to sergt., 1863 ; disch. at end of war. 
Rifle, Andrew Jackson, private, 2d Harris L. Cav., Co. K ; enl. Sept. 7, 1864, one 

year ; disch. June 5, 1865. 
Walker, Robert, 89th Inf., three years; re-enl. 
Walker, James, private, 1st Pa. Rifles, Co. A ; enl. June II, 1861, three years; 

wounded through the neck at South Mountain, Va., Sept. 14, 1862; disch. 

March 4, 1863; re-enl. 2d Vet. Cav., Co. G, Sept. 20, 1863, three years; 

taken pris. Oct. 4, 1364 ; confined at Meridian, Ala., until April 26, 1865, 

when he was paroled; disch. April 17, 1865. 



TOWN OF PRATTSBURGH. 



355 



Eobinson, Jamps (sub.), private, 50th Pa. Inf., Co. K ; enl. March 7, 1865, one 

year; discli. July 30, 18C5. 
Robinson, Wra. (sub.), private, 50th Pa, Inf., Co. K ; enl. March 7, 1865, one 

year ; disch. July 3tl, 1865. 
Cook, Arthur, Jr., private, i:Jth 11. Art., Bat. C; disch. June 21, 1805. 
Demenstoy, Walton, private, 50th Eng. 
Carey, Thomas, private, 2d Uatris L. Cav., Co, K ; enl, Sept. 7, 1864, one year ; 

disch. June 5, 1SG5. 
Lindflley, Henry, private, 179th Inf., Co. B; enl. March 25, 1864, three years; 

disch, Juue S, 1SC5. 



Lindsley, Joseph, private, 3d L, Art,, Bat. K ; enl. Sept, 5, 1861, three years ; 

disch. July 1^, 1SG5, 
Beed, Myrun II,, enl. 1801, throe months ; re-enl. in 14th Inf,, Jan. 18C2, three 

years; served full term and disch, with regiment. 
Cowles, A. Dcmetriuj", private, 50th Eng. ; enl. three years. 
Cowles, Henry, 50th Eng,; enl. three yeara. 
Cowles, James, private, 5Uth Eng. ; enl, three years. 
Cook, A. Justice, private, 107th Inf.; onl. Feb. 28, 180 1, three years; dUch. 

Aug. 1865. 
Sawyer, Addison, private, 8Gth Inf., Co. F; enl. Sept. 21, 1861, three years. 



PEATTSBURGH. 



GEOGRAPHICAL SITUATION. 
The town of Prattsburgh is centrally situated upon the 
northern border of the county. It is bounded north by 
Italy and Naples, in Ontario County, east by Pulteney, 
south by Wheeler and Urbana, and west by Cohocton. 

PHl'SICAL FEATURES. 

The eastern part of the town forms the highlands be- 
tween Keuka Lake and Five-Mile Creek ; the central, the 
elevation between Five- and Ten-Mile Creeks ; and the 
extreme western border is Lent Hill, west of Twelve-Mile 
Creek. The hills and valleys range generally from north- 
east to southwest. The hills rise from 300 to 400 feet 
above the valleys. The valley of Five-Mile Creek is 1400 
feet above tide-water. From the hills, which gradually 
rise from this and other valleys of the town, the prospect 
is that of a beautifully-undulating table-land extending in 
all directions, covered originally with hard timber — -hem- 
lock and white pine — but at present presenting a fine rural 
landscape of wooded slopes and cultivated farms. The 
farm-buildings indicate the thrift and prosperity of the 
enterprising agriculturists of this .section. The soil is of 
gravelly and clay loam, adapted to pasturage and to the 
growth of cereals, fruit, and vegetables. The town con- 
tains 35,638 acres, of which 27,410 are improved lands, 
and 7578 acres are timbered lands. The value of farra- 
buildings ranks next to that of Bath, being 8209,610, 
exclusive of dwellings, to the latter $338,775. (See gen- 
eral tables of statistics.) 

EARLY SETTLEMENT. 

[Mrs. Anna Pratt Rice, the only daughter of Capt. Joel Pratt, and 
who was at the time of her death, in 1876, the oldest person and resi- 
dent in Prattsburgh, communicated, a short time before her decease, 
to William B. Pratt, Esq., the following facts concerning the early 
settlement of the town.] 

" Her father, Capt. Joel Pratt, was from Colchester, and 
her mother, Mary Beach Fowler, from Hebron, Conn. The 
children, in the order of age, were Joel, Ira, Harvey, Anna, 
Dan, and Elisha. Capt. Pratt and his son Harvey, with 
four ox-teams, six men, and one hired girl, and needful tools 
and provisions, came to this region in the year 1800, in the 



month of February, and settled on Hemlock Hill, four miles 
west of Pleasant "Valley, and cleared 110 acres of heavy 
forest, and sowed the same with wheat in the fall. They 
got there in the night and found the sleepers of a rude cabin 
torn up by the Indian.s, and were obliged to cut hemlock 
boughs and place them for a temporary floor. The build- 
ing of the cabin had been provided for the year before by 
Capt. Pratt when he visited the country on horseback. 
After the wheat was sown, Capt. Pratt and son returned 
to Columbia County, and the men of the company scattered 
in different directions. In February, 1801, Capt. Pratt 
and Harvey returned, and Joel also came on in time for the 
harvest, which was a prolific one. At this time there had 
not been a single tree felled in what is now the town of 
Prattsburgh. The grain was cut with sickles by men ob- 
tained from Bath and Pleasant Valley, then the only near 
settlements, and stored in a barn built the same season, with 
lumber hauled up the long hard hill from Pleasant Valley. 
It was thrashed the succeeding winter with flails, hauled to 
Bath with ox-teams, a part of it floured, and all of it stored, 
and the whole product floated to Baltimore in the spring of 
1802, on arks, and sold for twenty shillings and fourpence 
a bushel.* 

" In the year 1800, Uriel Cliapin came also from Spencer- 
town with his family, settling on lands now occupied by 
Julius Stickney, in Wheeler. Mr. Jared Pratt also came 
the same year with his family, and was the first actual white 
settler in Prattsburgh. Both Chapin and Pratt had been 
on the year before alone, the latter making the first clearing 
in the town. There were four acres of it lying a little south 
of Mud Lake, on what was long known as the Beach farm. 
In October, 1802, Capt. Joel Pratt removed his fiimily, 
coming with both horse and ox-teams, and was eighteen 
days in making the trip."}" There was then no open road 
on the route they came. After getting a few miles this side 
of Brown's, in what is now the town of Jerusalem, the com- 
pany followed blazed trees a number of miles on the last 



* Capt. Pratt sold his wheat for something over $2.50 a bushel, 
and came back from Baltimore on foot with nearly $8000 in bis 
pocket. 

f From Spencertown, Columbia Co., to his new house. 



356 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



of the journey, rcachinj; finally, after many tribulations, the 
cabin on Hemlock Hill. When within two miles of the 
end of their journey, they were obliged to sojourn for two 
days at one Deacon Bennett's till a road could be cut 
through ; the only open road which they had formerly 
traveled being up the hill from Pleasant Valley on a differ- 
ent route. The Aimily lived on the hill some three years, 
during which time there was friendly intercourse with the 
Chapin and Jared Pratt families, by a road opened through 
the dense forest. Mrs. Rice traveled the same, in one in- 
stance, alone, though wild beasts were numerous. The 
family removed to this place in 1805, into a house built of 
hewed logs, on the knoll occupied now by William B. Pratt. 
The barn had also been built, the trees being cut away to 
make room for it, and some of the stumps remain there- 
under till this day. 

" In the summer of 1804, Mrs. Rice kept house for her 
father for awhile, in a log cabin a few rods west from where 
L. 0. Dunning resides, while he cleared sixty acres of 
forest, a part of the present premises of A. H. Van Housen. 
It was heavy maple timber, and the labor was largely done 
by three men from Sherburne, they using long pikes, and 
throwing the trees into immense windrows. When the fo- 
liage was dry the surrounding forest was lighted with such 
a prodigious fire as is rarely seen, reducing not only leaves 
and limbs, but trunks also, to a large extent, to ashes. 
Where the village now stands was cleared subsequently by 
parties from Middletown, now Naples, under the superin- 
tendence of Uriel Chapin and William Root, of Albany, 
the latter being interested by purchase of lands. Seventy 
acres were cleared at one time, and sowed with wheat, mak- 
ing a luxuriant growth in the fall, which afforded fine 
grazing for deer, then so abundant that Joel Pratt was able, 
with his old flint-lock musket, to capture three in a single 
day. 

" The road to Middletown was opened prior to 1802, — a 
two-rod road which extended to Bath by way of the Hemlock 
Hill, Uriel Chapin being the contractor. At the two ex- 
tremes — Naples and Bath— were the only grist-mills in all 
this region. At this time (1805), settlers were coming in 
considerable numbers. Minister Niles being the first after 
Jared Pratt, unless we except Daniel Buel, a bachelor and 
expert hunter, who located his cabin on grounds now owned 
by W. H. Babcock, and profitably followed his chosen pur- 
suit. Buel subsequently wandered off to Northern Ohio, 
and met his death at the hands of some of the very abor- 
iginal race with whom he had so long fellowshiped. While 
making a fire in his cabin a treacherous savage stealthily 
entered his door, and fiitally buried his tomahawk in his 
back. This was the last of Buel, wFio was well esteemed 
by the early settlers for his simple habits, unobtrusive in- 
dustry, and unflinching integrity. His hold on his mother's 
affections was so strong as to bring her on one occasion all 
the way from Stockbridge, Mass., afoot, some three hundred 
miles to visit him. 

" Mr. Niles vacated the post of principal of the academy 
at Clinton, Oneida Co., to preach the gospel to a few 
scattering settlers in this then howling wilderness. His 
first religious services, and the first public services in the 
town, were held in the house of Jared Pratt, a rude log 



structure where Luther Wheeler's house now stands. The 
congregation consisted of eight persons — Mr. Niles, wife and 
son George, Jared Pratt and wife, Mrs. Rice and her brother 
Harvey, and Daniel Buel. It is to be regretted that the 
particular text used on the occasion is not remembered. 
Mrs. Rice and her mother came over from the Hill on horse- 
back. 

" The first death was that of a child of Wm. P. Curtis, 
where his son, Wm. B., now lives. It was a little girl, and 
she was found with her face in a small and shallow stream 
of water — dead. A tin horn was blown by the family as 
a signal of distress, which was heard by Jared Pratt, more 
than two miles distant, who sped with all haste to the scene 
of affliction. He was the nearest neighbor excepting Pomc- 
roy Hull, who then lived where Benjamin Cook now does. 
The child was buried near the house. Subsequently, Mr. 
Tuttle, father of Joel Tuttle, died, and was buried in the 
present grounds of Elijah Allis. In July, 1806, occurred 
the death of Harvey Pratt, the third in town. What is 
now the old cemetery-ground had been burned off and 
planted with corn. A road was opened through it, and the 
first body lowered, the late Dan Edson assisting. After- 
wards one acre of ground was conveyed by Capt. Pratt to 
the religious society for a public burying-ground, and the 
bodies of the Curtis child and Jlr. Tuttle were placed 
therein. Since then have been gathered there a great con- 
gregation." 

We have quoted the above article in full on account of 
its interest, although not strictly in chronological order. 
From it we learn that Jared Pratt, the first settler of 
Prattsburgh, came on and made a small clearing in 1799, 
and moved his ftimily to the town in the year 1800. He 
had then just set out in his career of life. He brought 
with him a wife to share the vicissitudes of pioneer life, 
and to soften and sweeten its adversities. The farm he 
first selected and continued to occupy as long as he lived is 
that now owned by Mr. Luther Wheeler, and he then 
planted a row of Lombardy poplars, which at this day 
marks the place of the first shelter built for civilized man 
within this township. 

" They constituted the only family in the township for 
about two years and a half; their hardships were many and 
their privations great. No neighbors within seven miles, 
no roads except a mere trail, and dense forests all around 
them. To obtain flour for their bread, Mr. Pratt would 
yoke his oxen, fill his bag with grain, lay it across the 
yoke of his oxen, and drive his team eleven miles to Naples, 
where was the nearest mill to his habitation, the road all 
the way lying in a dense forest without a habitation con- 
tiguous to it."* 

Capt. Joel Pratt first visited the country on horseback in 
1799, and selected Hemlock Hill, where he had a log cabin 
erected that year. In the year 1800 he came on and cleared 
110 acres of land, sowing the same to wheat that fall. The 
following season the wheat was harvested, and in the spring 
of 1802 was conveyed by ark to Baltimore. Capt. Pratt 
returned from Baltimore, and before removing his family 
in October of that year, entered into contract for the 

* Hotchkin's Hist. Western New York, p. 464. 




^ /C S L:i?u^jLo^cL A_ -/O 



Philo K. SronnARD, M.D., was born in the town of Jerusalem, 
Yates Co., Sept. 28, 1825. The ancestor of the Stoddard family was 
of English birth, and settled in Northampton, Mast-. The great- 
grandfather Stoddard removed to Danburj, Conn., where he raised 
seven children, five of whom were sons, and fit for military duty at 
the time of the Revolutionary war, viz., Benjamin, Joel, Mosely, 
Cyrenus, and Darius. 

The grandfather, Cyrenus, enlisted in the war for independence, 
suffered from scurvy, and was for three days and nights at one time on 
a picket-boat on Lake Charaplain without rations, or once relieved 
from duty. After the war he was pensioned. He married Candacc 
Mix, lived in Greene Co., N. Y., and afterwards moved to Cherry 
Valley. Their children are Sabra, Philo, Cyrus, Benjamin, Orra, 
Olive, and Esther. 

Benjamin, father of Br. Stoddard, was born in 1796, in Cherry Val- 
ley, Otsego Co., and was the first settler ou lot 12 of the Green Tract, 
in Jerusalem township, Yates Co., and paid therefor six dollars per 
acre. He was then twenty-one years of age, and had in property, all 
told, an axe, a gun, a watch, and six dollars in money. 

Armed and endowed with youthful courage and a strong constitu- 
tion, he entered upon the work of subduing the wilderness, and 
earning on his land the wherewithal to pay for his title. 

In 181S he married Hannah Kelly, also a native of Otsego County, 
and few women have been a better support to a husband than she in 
the arduous labors of pioneer life and the care of a large family. Mr. 
Stoddard held a captain's commission in the 103d Regiment Infantry, 
granted by Gov. Enos T, Throop, in 1828, and a lieutenant's com- 
mission previously given by Gov. Yates. He also held several town 
offices. He died June 4, 1878. His wife still survives. Their 
children are Chester (deceased), Siirvina, Charles, Philo K., Susan 
Ann, Esther, and Thomas F. 

Dr. Stoddard received his preliminary education at the common 
school and at Franklin Academy. At the age of sixteen he was a 
teacher, by which occupation and by farm labor he acquired sufficient 
means to enable him to prosecute his studies. He was a teacher for 
six terms in the common school and one term in the Franklin 
Academy. 

At the age of twenty he began the study of medicine with Dr. 
Elisha Doubleday, of Italy Hill. After one year he became a student 
with Dr. Andrew D. Vorhees, of Prattsburgh, with whom he remained 
two years in the study of medicine, and also learned dentistry. He at- 
tended lectures at Geneva Medical College in 1845-46; subsequently at 
Buffalo Medical College, from which latter institution he was gradu- 
ated M.D. in June, 1848, and the same year settled in Prattsburgh, 
where ho has remained in the practice of medicine, surgery, and 
dentistry ever since. 



Solicited by the war committee at Elmira, he became a volunteer 
surgeon in the service of the United States immediately after the 
second battle of Bull Run, and was for a short time stationed at the 
Armory Square Hospital, D. C. In September, 1863, he received a 
commission as assistant surgeon in the 161st Regiment, and was with 
this regiment until the close of the war; was in the battles of Mans- 
field, Pleasant Hill, Spanish Fort, and at the capture of Mobile. Sev- 
eral times Dr. Stodtiard was detailed to take charge of hospitals. He 
had charge of Gen. Bailey's brigade hospital at Vicksburg for a short 
time; of smallpox hospital at White River Landing; and received 
several complimentary appointments from Gen. Franklin for his well- 
known faithfulness and sobriety, not less than for his skillful service 
as a surgeon, and was detailed by him to take charge of a boat-load of 
three hundred wounded from Grand Ecore to New Orleans, after the 
battles of Mansfield and Pleasant Hill, and for a short time prior to 
the breaking up of the war he was stationed at the Dry Tortugas 
with his regiment. 

During his two years' service. Dr. Stoddard had for eleven months 
sole charge of the regiment. His faithfulness to ilutj', and his ability 
to discriminate between those able to do duty and those who were not 
was so correct that during the entire time, though he reported nine- 
teen hundred and twenty-nine cases of sickness and wounds, there 
was not a single death. At the close of the war he was honorably 
discharged and resumed his business in Prattsburgh, and has since 
continuously prosecuted not only the practice of medicine and surgery, 
but of dentistry. When necessary. Dr. Stoddard assumes grave re- 
sponsibilities without hesitation, and operates with a skill which 
knowledge and firm courage alone impart. As an obstetrician he has 
few superiors. He was the first in town to administer chloroform 
successfully, and has since used it in all severe operations with highly 
satisfactory results. He counsels freely with all honorable physicians 
of whatever school. Besides his professional duties, he is interested 
in thoroughbred stock, and four years ago introduceil the first into 
Prattsburgh, and now has a fine herd of Alderncy and Jersey cattle. 

In 1850, July 4, he married Sarah Jane, daughter of Sebastian 
Lewis, of Prattsburgh. (if this union was born one sod, Philo L., 
who received his education at the Franklin Academy, and is now in 
the practice of dentistry with his father. Mrs. Stoddard died July 4, 
four years after her marriage, and in September, 1856, Dr. Stoddard 
married Sarah, slaughter of Albert Cowing, of the town of Jerusalem, 
Yates Co. 

Dr. Stoddard has ever been strictly temperate in his habits, and 
never allowed himself to use cither liquor or tobacco. Ho is a member 
of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and a contributor to church and 
kindred interests, antl in his professional life the needy receive the 
same attention as those from whom he expects a fee. 




C^u>i^/if "/^qAu 




O 



^U^ & '^^cU 



CHARLES WALDO 



was eighth cliild and seventli son of Jesse and 
Martha Waldo, born in tlie town of Prattsburgli, 
Nov. 2, 1805, and is said to have been the first white 
male child born in the town. 

He received his education at the common school 
and at Franklin Academy, and until he reached- his 
majority most of his time was spent at home. At 
the age of twenty-one he became a teacher, but only 
followed teaching for two terms. 

At the same time and place as the marriage of his 
brother Lucius, he married Elizabeth Elvira Par- 
melee, daughter of Asa Harmon and Emily Parmelee. 
She was born Aug. 22, 1809. 

For six years subsequent to his marriage he car- 
ried on farming on the old homestead, one-half of 
the time following his marriage. 

In 1831 he settled on one hundred and sixty acres 
of land, mostly timbered, where he has since resided, 
and to which he has made additions, so that at one 
time he had some three hundred acres. 

His main business tlirough life has been farming. 
He has never been actively connected with the po- 
litical circle, but has preferred the quiet of a business 
life; yet he has ever been interested in questions 
affecting local, State, or National legislation, formerly 
being identified with the AVhig party, and now an 
unswerving sujiporter of Republican principles. 

Valuing the intrinsic worth of a good education, he 



has through life taken a deep interest in that subject, 
and done all in his power to promote the progress 
of education in his vicinity and town, and especially, 
as means would afford, has he given his children 
the benefit of the best schools. 

Mr. Waldo has ever been of a studious turn of 
mind, and conversant with the current topics of the 
times. As early as nineteen years of age he became 
a member of the Congregational Cluirch of Pratts- 
burgh, was for many years connected with its manage- 
ment, and for the past twenty-five years has been a 
deacon of that church, ■\\hich office he now tries to 
honor. 

His wife died Jan. 16, 1873. She became a mem- 
ber of the Congregational (now Presbyterian) Church 
at sixteen years of ago ; was a woman possessed of 
rare excellence and Ciiristian virtues, devoted to her 
family, and especially interested in church and Sun- 
day-school work. In the sjjhere she was remarkably 
gifted in adapting herself to the capacities of children 
of tender age. 

The surviving children are Charles Dwight, of 
Lyons, N. Y. ; David Parmelee, of Midland City, 
Mich. ; William Albigense, of Prattsburgh ; Theron 
Linsley, a graduate in the Class of '63 of Hamilton 
College, and a Presbyterian clergyman ; George Har- 
mon, of Pittsburgh, Pa. ; Chloe Elizabeth ; and Mrs. 
A. J. Snoke, of Princeton, Ind. 





(^^tU^^^^oc^ ""Mc/c/^ o^. 



'y(ytytA(0 




-^^^ 



LUCIUS WALDO. 



Lucius Waldo was born in Bridgewater, Oneida Co., N. Y., 
June 25, 1802. His father, Jesse Waldo, was a native of 
Mansfield, Conn., born in 1761 ; married Martha Hovey, also a 
native of Mansfield, Conn., born in 1770. Settled in Oneida 
County, where they lived for several years, and removed to 
Prattsburgh, this county, and settled near the town-line of 
Prattsburgh and Pulteney, in July, 1805 ; took up quite a large 
tract of timbered land, and spent the remainder of his life in 
clearing oflF the forest and preparing the land for cultivation. 
He came into the town nearly simultaneous with Captain Joel 
Pratt, Pixley Curtis, and other families, numbering fourteen. 

For several years he was chosen as justice of the peace, and 
also officiated as assessor for several terms. He belonged to the 
old Federalist party, and consequently opposed the war of 1812. 
He was a deacon of the Congregational Church at Prattsburgh 
for many years prior to his death, which occurred in 1826. His 
wife was an exemplary Christian woman, and proved a helpmeet 
in all the duties of pioneer life, and educated her children in all 
that makes true manhood and womanhood. She died in 1849. 
Their children born in Connecticut were Mrs. Isaac Pardee, 
Jesse, Aaron H., Otis, Albigense ; born in Oneida County, 
Henry H. and Lucias; bom in Prattsburgh, Charles, Abigail 
(died young), and Edmund. Of these only Lucius, Charles, and 
Edmund survive. 

The subject of this sketch was only three years of age when 
the family settled in Prattsburgh. His education from books 



was attended with tfie then common obstacles of a long distance, 
rude school-house, and poor roads. A distance of four miles 
was often traveled to get to school, but his subsequent career 
as a business man has fully demonstrated that education does 
not all come from books. 

In the year 1828, Oct. 15th, he married Rebecca, daughter 
of Obed and Sibyl (Carter) Hervey, of Prattsburgh. She was 
born March 10, 1808. 

After his marriage, Mr. Waldo settled on a farm adjoining 
where he now resides, to which he made additions until he now 
occupies the same premises, as also enough more to make over 
three hundred acres, upon which he and his wife have resided 
over half a century. 

His life has been one of industry, economy, and self-sacilfice ; 
yet through his middle life, and until debarred by age and in- 
firmity, he was ever regarded as one of the thrifty, enterprising, 
and intelligent farmers of the town. 

Mr. Waldo was originally a member of the Whig party, op- 
posed human bondage, and since the organization of the Repub- 
lican party has been a supporter of its principles. 

Mr. and Mrs. Waldo have lived in an unostentatious way ; 
became early in life members cf the Congregational Church of 
Prattsburgh, and arc liberal supporters of all interests tending 
to aid the needy and educate the rising generations. They have 
lived together upwards of fifty years, but passed the day of 
their goWen wedding without public notice. 



d 



TOWN OF PRATTSBURGH. 



357 



purchase of the town of Prattsbur^'h, to which he removed 
from Hemlock Hill in the year 1805. 

ORIGINAL PURCHASE OF THE TOWN. 

On tlie 16th day of June, 1802, Col. Robert Troup, chief 
a<;ent of the Pulteney estate, entered into a contract with 
Capt. Joel Pratt, then of the county of Columbia, and 
William Root, of the county of Albany, whereof the follow- 
ing is the substance : 

I. Messrs. Pratt and Root were to take upon themselves 
the sale and settlement of township No. 6, 3d range of town- 
ships in the county of Steuben. The township thus desig- 
nated was afterwards organized as Prattsburgli, in honor of 
the founder. 

II. The survey was to be made in convenient lots to 
suit purchasers, at the expense of the said Pratt and Root, 
and to be made as soon as practic;ible. We learn from 
other sources of information that the survey was tuade by 
Hon. William Ker.sey. 

III. The third article contains the stipulation for reserv- 
ing 200 acres, to be appropriated forever to the use of a 
clergyman, who shall ultimately reside in said township, to 
minister to them according to the Christian faith and doc- 
trine. 

IV. The fourth article contains a charge to Messrs. 
Pratt and Root to exercise great diligence in the matter of 
effecting sales. 

V. The fifth article relates to the price of land, which in 
no ca.se is to be less than $3 an acre, and as much more as 
possible. An article dated 2d of February, 1803, shows 
that from that time lands might be sold for $2.50 an acre. 

VI. to XIII. The subsequent articles, to the thirteenth, 
contain several provisions relating to the manner of payment 
and the form of security to be taken whenever the lands in 
question were sold upon credit. 

The two remaining articles stipulate that Messrs. Pratt 
and Root should receive as a compensation for their care 
and trouble, and as an incitement to diligence, one moiety 
or half part of so much of the purchase-money as (com- 
puting the number of acres contained in such lots) shall 
exceed the sum of $2 per acre ; but with the provision that 
no portion of this should be paid till said Pratt and Root 
had themselves paid into the land-office of the Pulteney es- 
tate, at Geneva, the sum of $32,000. 

The objects of these two original purchasers were un- 
doubtedly dissimilar. Mr. Pratt had determined to form 
a church as well as a town, and it was his intention to have 
cast in his lot with the hardy pioneers of the new colony. 
Mr. Root, on the contrary, continuing to reside in Albany, 
looked upon the enterprise merely in the light of a hopeful 
speculation. 

Concerning the former, Mr. Hotchkin, in his History of 
Western New York, remarks as follows : " It was his de- 
termination to settle himself and family on this township, 
and to establish a religious society in the order to which he 
had been accustomed. With a view to the accomplishment 
of this object, he required every person to whom he sold 
land to give a note to the amount of $15 on each 100 acres 
of land purchased by him, payable within a given time, 



with legal interest annually, till paid to the trustees of the 
religious society which should be formed."* 

Rev. John Niles came to Prattsburgh, accompanied by 
his family, in the autumn of 1803. He was a licentiate of 
a Congregational Association, and in feeble health, for 
which reason he desired to combine with the ministry the 
invigorating labor of an agriculturist. Capt. Pratt gave 
him a farm of 80 acres as an inducement to settle here. 
It was a portion of the present farm of Israel B. Van 
Housen. 

William P. Curtis, Samuel Tuthill, and Pomeroy Hull 
came in the year 1804, and also, later in the same year, 
Salisbury Burton, who occupied for many years what used 
to be so well known as the Burton farm. 

In 180G we find a goodly array of settlers. In addition 
to those already named, were the following : Enoch Niles, 
Rufus Blodget, Jesse Waldo, Judge Hopkins, John Hop- 
kins, Deacon Ebenezer Rice, Robert Porter, Deacon Ga- 
maliel Loomis, Samuel Hayes, Deacon Abiel Linsley, Moses 
Lyon. Uriel Chapin, Asher Bull, Roban Hillis, Stephen 
Prentiss, and jierhaps others. 

Of the pioneers of this town, Mr. Hotchkin remarks that 
"almost all the heads of families who first came in were 
members of the Congregational Churches, and persons of 
more than ordinary intelligence. They were drawn hither 
by the expectation of enjoying good religion and civil 
society. They were peculiarly a homogeneous popula- 
tion." 

The plan proposed by Capt. Pratt for forming a perma- 
nent fund for the support of the gospel was at first adopted 
with great unanimity, but subsequently it became a source 
of dissatisfiiction, and after a few years was relinquished. 
It was probably continued long enough to produce all the 
beneficial effects its author had in view, and it was certainly 
an important means of drawing to this settlement an unusu- 
ally large number of religious and intelligent fitmilies. 

Capt. Pratt and his partner, Mr. Root, were not of" con- 
genial aims and purposes." To end the differences between 
them it became necessary for the former to buy out the in- 
terest of the latter, which was done in the year 180G by 
the payment to Mr. Root of nearly $8000. In the same 
year the original contract was rescinded between all the 
contractors, and a new one entered into between the agent 
of the Pulteney estate and Capt. Pratt, Joel Pratt, Jr., and 
Ira Pratt for so much of the township as remained at that 
time unsold. This contract, like the former one, was re- 
scinded about 1810 or 1811, in consequence of Capt. 
Pratt's inability to comply with its terms, — an inability 
resulting from a serious pecuniary embarrassment beyond 
the power of human calculation to foresee or of human 
prudence to overcoYiie. 

The first frame building erected in town was a barn built 
by Joel Pratt, in 1804. It stood on the rear of the lot 
now owned by Grandus Lewis, on Chapel Street, and was 
subsetjuently removed by Mr. Pinney to his farm, in the 
ea.st part of the town. At an early time, when families 
were coming in, this barn used to be a common stopping- 
place for them till they could arrange the rude appoint- 



• Hist. Western New York, p. 406. 



358 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



ments of their own cabins. It was also the usual place of 
holding public worship. Mr. Pratt soon added to this barn 
a frame house, which stood on ground now occupied by the 
residence of Martin Pinney, and which, with important 
additions and improvements, is now the residence of Mr. 
Elias Wygant. 

Tiie first merchants of the town were Joel Pratt, Jr., 
and Ira Pratt. Aaron Bull kept the first hotel. It was 
built of logs, and opened in 1806 or 1807. It stood ad- 
joining Dr. Pratt's office, where the store of Martin Pin- 
ney now stands. In the year 1808 three log houses stood 
on the east side of the public square ; one was the resi- 
dence of Henry Allis, and stood on the same site as the 
dwelling now occupied by Elijah Allis; the second was the 
residence of Cyril Ward, and stood near the present resi- 
dence of Mrs. Rice ; the third was owned by Capt. Theo- 
dore Brown, and stood on the .site of the present residence 
of Mr. Thos. Van Tuyl. 

Judge Porter at that time lived in a log house which 
stood upon the same ground or near the present residence 
of John C. Higby. Add to these the first meeting-house, 
and you have the village complete as it was in that early day. 

The first burying-ground was the one on the Bath road, 
just south of the village. It was laid out in 1806. We 
have before alluded to it as receiving first the remains of 
Harvey Pratt, and then of three or four others, who first 
died in the settlement, as the forerunners of the immense 
multitude now resting there. Here sleep most of the pio- 
neers of Prattsburgh, whose names on the simple monu- 
ments recall to the present generation the " forefathers of 
the hamlet." 

ROAD TO BATH. 

The two-rod road to which reference has been made, did 
not continue for a long time to be the principal thorough- 
fare to Bath. The same road, which is usually traveled at 
the present day, leading to the village, was cut through a 
dense forest, in 1805, at the joint expense of Capt. Pratt 
and the Pulteney estate. It intersected the road leading 
to Geneva, near Brown's Hollow, but for several years was 
next to impassable. In 1807, two roads were cut from the 
village of Prattsburgh to Crooked Lake, one opening the 
way to West Hill. Each of these roads nearly correspond 
to the ones now in use. 

Till 1 808, Bath was the nearest post-village. During 
that year a post-route was established from Geneva to Bath, 
passing through the village of Prattsburgh, over which the 
mail was carried on horseback, generally, once a week. 
That year the Prattsburgh Post-office was established, and 
Joel Pratt, Jr., was postmaster. It was nearly twelve 
months before Mr. Pratt was put in possession of a mail- 
bag, the mail matter designed for this office being taken 
from the bag at Geneva and brought here in a separate 
parcel ; so, too, the mail here was made up in a separate 
package and deposited in the bag on reaching Bath. These 
were not the only difficulties. Daniel Cruger, who in those 
days represented this district in Congress, contrived to get 
the stage-route from Geneva to Bath on the east side of 
the lake, thus leaving Prattsburgh unprovided with mail 
focilitics. Mr. Pratt was obliged, under the.se circum- 
stances, to send mail matter to Bath as he had opportunity. 



and receive from thence what was in that office in the same 
precarious manner. On making complaint to the depart- 
ment of the injustice of this arrangement, he was author- 
ized to provide a mail-carrier for a regular weekly mail till 
other arrangements could be made. These were effi;cted 
soon after, and since that time no irregularity has occurred 
in the mails. Since the establishment of the railroads the 
citizens have been favored with a daily delivery. 

H0N0R.4.BLE MENTION. 

The first child born of white parents in this town was 
Marietta, daughter of Jared Pratt. It is recorded of her : 
" She resided here till 1830, and we know not, within the 
whole range of our town's history, that there ever lived 
among us an individual whose life better exemplified the 
Christian walk. She was but a little way removed from 
total blindness, yet, notwithstanding the loss of so impor- 
tant a sense, she was well educated, and lived the life of a 
child of God, and died in the sure and certain hope of a 
glorious resurrection." 

The first marriage celebrated in the town was between 
Isaac Pardee and a daughter of Deacon Waldo. 

The first male child born in Prattsburgh was Charles 
Waldo, who still resides here, and has reared a fiimily of 
five sons, who are all settled elsewhere. 

LIFE IN TIIE EARLY DAYS. 

" The early years of our town's history," say the local 
historians, " were not days of modern refinement. Those 
were days of patient toil and patient endurance. The pio- 
neers of our early history were strangers to the moderately- 
luxuiious appointments of our modern homes. For a few 
years the present residence of John C. Higby was the only 
hou.se which art had embellished or paint adorned, to feast 
the eye of the traveler throughout the whole distance of 
the weary route leading from Geneva to Bath, through 
Prattsburgh. This was called the ' Lily of the Valley.' 
The frugal housewives of those days knew nothing, or at 
least experienced none of the benefits or care of three-ply 
carpets, hair-cloth sofas, or marble-top centre-tables; no 
more did they have the tribulations of a modern party, 
with its knackery of ice-creams and jelly-cakes, five layers 
deep ; pleasure carriages then formed no part of a farmer's 
inventory. 

'■ These early settlers generally came here in the winter, 
and upon ox-sleds, subsisting throughout their journey 
upon their own provisions. Deacon Waldo and Judge 
Hopkins, the morning previous to their arrival, found their 
stores reduced to two loaves of bread, being then at Sher- 
man's Hollow. 

" In 1805, Stephen Prentiss, Warham Parsons, and 
Aaron Cook purchased adjoining farms in that part of the 
town known as West Hill. The same year Mr. Prentiss 
occupied his place. Mr. Parsons, the next year, settled on 
his form, and the year following Deacon Cook became a 
permanent resident, and occupied his place till the day of 
his death. In 1807, Michael Keith purchased and began 
the cultivation of a farm in Rikcr Hollow, where he lived 
in undisturbed .solitude till the advent of Thomas Riker 
and William Draie, in the year 1810. 








MRS. LUTHER GRAVES 



LUTHER GRAVES. 



j* ft/oros BY MA flcES ''sATrsaufTGH ) 



LUTHEK GRAVES 



was born in Whately, Mass., Jan. 16, 1794. He was the 
seventh child in a family of ten children — five sons and five 
daughters — of Israel and Anna (Brown) Graves, both of whom 
were also natives of Whately. 

His father was a farmer by occupation, and both he and his 
wife were members of the Presbyterian (!hurch, and educated 
their children in religion as well as morality, and all that makes 
true manhood and womanhood. The parents died at their 
native place at advanced ages. 

In 1815, Mr. Graves migrated to the then " far West" and 
made his first settlement in the town of Prattsburgh, this 
county. His first purchase was one hundred and fifteen acres 
west of the village, and to get there he was obliged to pass 
through an unbroken wilderness. He has since made additions 
to his first purchase, and now owns the same farm and enough 
more to make one hundred and fifty-five acres in all. 

It may be interesting to the young to read of the privations 
and patience of the early settlers ; hence, the writer will give 
an incident in the pioneer life of Mr. Graves : 

For several years he boarded with Josiah Allis, an early 
settler, the arrangement for his board being that Mr. Graves 
was to work two days of the week for Mr. Allis as compensa- 
tion for his board for the whole week, leaving him four days to 
chop and clear ofi" the timber on his own farm. The first rude 
log cabin, subsequently supplanted by a framed one, and lastly, 
a modern residence took the place of the second one, together 
with the gradual removal of the original forest and the woods, 
teeming with the bear, the wolf, and the deer, are all matters 
of interest in the life of the pioneer. 



In the year 1819, Oct. 20th, he married Hannah Burton, 
of Prattsburgh. Of this union were born two daughters, 
Mrs. Sidney Luce (deceased), of Brighton, Monroe Co., N. Y., 
and Mrs. Francis Briglin, of Prattsburgh. The mother died 
July 2, 1824, aged twenty-two. 

For his second wife he married Charlotte Cooper, of Pratts- 
burgh, Oct. 28, 1824. Of this union were born two sons, 
Martin Luther and Asher Allis (deceased), and one daughter, 
Jemima Elizabeth (died young). The mother died May 17, 
1843. 

For his third wife he married, May 23, 1844, Rebecca Sturte- 
vant, of Prattsburgh, whose portrait may be seen above. She 
died August, 1878, aged seventy-eight. 

For sixty-three years Mr. Graves has owned and managed 
his farm, although for the past fourteen years he has done no 
labor himself on it, but has resided in the village of Prattsburgh. 

Born during the latter part of the eighteenth century, Mr. 
Graves has lived under the administration of every President 
of the United States. 

He was a member of the old Whig party, and is now a 
Republican. 

His life has been one of quiet and labor, self-sacrifice and 
industry. He assisted in the erection of the first school- 
house in - his neighborhood, in making the first roads, and 
in building the first church edifice, and for over half a cen- 
tury has been a member of the Presbyterian Church of 
Prattsburgh. 

A view of his farm-residence may be seen on another page of 
this work, showinsr the result of a life of toil. 




Farm Buildings or LUTHER &RAVt;_ 



Steuben County, n. y 



ii 



TOWN OF PRATTSBURGH. 



359 



"In 1806, Judge Porter erected wliat lias, in later years, 
been known as Higby's Mill, occupyinj; the mill-site at the 
new bridge, across the stream, east, of the present residence 
of C. G. Higby. At that time Mechanic Street was lined 
on both sides with a dense forest. The same year, and 
while Prattsburgh was yet included in Bath, Mr. Porter 
was elected justice of the peace and Esquire Curtis con- 
stable. The assessed taxes for township No. 6, 3d range, 
were $1.25, of which amount Squire Curtis paid five cents." 

RELIGION AND EDUCATION. 

We have already seen that the early settlers of Pratts- 
burgh made it their first care to provide for themselves the 
institutions of religion. When but two families composed 
the community the head of one was a minister of the gos- 
pel. A few years later almost the entire population of the 
town were emigrants from New England. In coming here 
they were influenced by the same motives which inspired 
their predecessors first to settle in the New World, — that is, 
to establish in the wilderness the institutions of religion and 
free government. Among such a people we should natu- 
rally look i'ur the .school as occupying the second place to 
the church. Accordingly, in this community educational 
matters were early thought of, and such provisions made 
as time and circumstances permitted in a new country. 

" In 1812, in advance of the act of the Legislature re- 
specting common schools, there were four .schools, volun- 
tarily established and sustained by the individuals of their 
respective neighborhoods. The principal one of these was 
in the village of Prattsburgh, — a small school-house, stand- 
ing hard by the church, in true New England fashion, and 
probably upon the precise spot of ground now occupied by 
Ezra Bramble's shoe-shop. Near by, and directly in front 
of the old church, was a clear spring of never-failing water, 
where these literary tyros would duck their heads and wash 
down their tough doughnuts. Another school-house was 
near the present residence ol' E. H. Hopkins, in the Waldo 
district, the third in the vicinity of the Bridges farm, and 
the fourth in what is now Wheeler. These school-houses 
were the private property of the inhabitants, and, like all 
the schools of that day, were faulty and insufiicient for 
what were felt to be the wants of even those times. 

"After the passage of the common-school act the town 
was divided into a number of school districts, in accordance 
with its provisions, and a manifest improvement in the 
character and teaching of the schools was the result. Still, 
with this measure of improvement, they were felt to be 
deficient, the great difficulty being to obtain qualified 
teachers. 

" The school-house which stood upon the site of the pres- 
ent residence of Edwin Wilson was built in 1810, and 
contained the village school till 1839." 

FRANKLIN ACADEMY. 

The subject of establishing an academy at Prattsburgh 
began to be seriously discussed as early as 1822. Sub- 
scription-papers were put in circulation, — one to raise the 
necessary means to erect a suitable building, another to 
create a permanent fund for the support, in part at least, 
of the school. In 1823 a sum deemed adequate was found 



to have been subscribed, and that year trustees were ap- 
pointed and arrangements made for the erection of the 
building. Considering the few inhabitants then in Pratts- 
burgh, the amount raised was liberal, being about S2000 
for the erection of the building and between 83000 and 
$4000 for the support of the school. The ground upon 
which the academy stands was purchased of Judge Porter. 
The building as originally erected was 52 by 32 feet and 
two stories in height, surmounted by a cupola or belfry. 

" Who in this beneficial efibrt is entitled to the greatest 
share of praise would prove an invidious task to name. Judge 
Porter was the largest subscriber ; Dr. Niles was a liberal 
contributor and the most active agent; and it is but just 
to say that the money that was raised at that time was 
more the result of his untiring energy and vigilance than 
of any other one cause. The friends of this institution, 
and the community which have experienced so largely its 
benefits, owe to the memory of Dr. Niles a lasting debt of 
gratitude." 

The effort that built the academy was a general and 
united one, and the good resulting therefrom has been like 
the flowing of a gentle stream. 

The regents' charter of Franklin Academy bears date 
Feb. 23, 1821. Kirly in that year the building was so 
nearly conipleteil as to admit of occupancy, and the first 
academic term comnienced under the direction of Wil- 
liam Bjanl.sley. Since th:it time more than half a century 
has passed away. These years have not been years of un- 
interrupted prosperity in the fortunes of Franklin Academy, 
for, like all else, the institution has had its days of darkness. 
These, however, have been cumparatively few : its career 
has been generally prosperous ; and probably from that day 
to this there has not been a moment's regret, or even a dis- 
appointed anticipation, in the minds of any of its founders. 

In 1827 the fortune of this institution was deemed ade- 
quate, and its future success seemed to demand a .separate 
female department. That year witnessed this beneficial 
change. 

Upon the application of Hon. Grattan H. Wheeler, the 
Legislature, in 1828, made an appropriation of $2000 for the 
purpose of founding an academic library, which has been 
of great benefit to the institution and to the community. 

In 1868 the academy was merged in the Franklin Acad- 
emy and Union Free School, and has since been conducted 
under the provisions of the Union Free School law. It 
still maintains a high order of scholarship. 



PRINCIPALS. 

The following are the principals of Franklin Academy 
from the establishment of the institution : 

Election. Exitus. 

1824. — Rev. William Bcardsley, A.M 1S28. 

1828.— Eli Eddy, A.M 1S29. 

1829. — .Seymour Oookins, A.M 1831. 

1831.— Rev. Oliver S. Taylor, A.M., M.D 1834. 

1834.— Rev. Samuel Schaffer, A.M 183o. 

1835. — Rev. ,Iobn Humphrey, A.M 1836. 

1836.- Rev. Horace Woodruff, A.M 1839. 

1839.- Rev. Flavel .S. Oaylord, A.M 1845. 

1846.— Curtis C. Riildwin, A.M 1846. 

1846.— Hon. Scth li. Cole, A.M 1854. 

1854.— Charles L. Porter 1855. 

1855.— AViUiam U. Jackson, A.M March, 1858. 

1858, March.— Wm. S.'Searles, A.M July, 1858. 

1858, July.— Wni. Kreutzer, A.M " 1859. 



360 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Election. Exitus. 

1859, July.— W. D. Taylor, A. B July, 1860. 

1860, " SherrilE. Smith, A.B March, 1866. 

1866, March.— N. W. Ayer, A.M July, 1867. 

1867.— J. C. Whiting : 1868. 

186S.— G. E. McMiister 1869. 

1869, August.— J. Weslev Eddy December, 1869. 

1869, December.- S. F. Bagg 1871. 

1871, July. — E. Wiluiot Cuuimings November, 1871. 

1871, December.- Paul C. Howe March, 1872. 

1872, March.— H. A. Smith July, 1872. 

1872, August.— A. J. O.^born 1874. 

1874.— James A. Christie 1877. 

1877.— W. F. Gelslon 1878. 

1878.— Frank E. Wells» 



ORGANIZATION. 

Prattsburgh was formed from Pulteney, April 12, 1813, 
and contained at that time half of the town of Wheeler. 
Subsequently half of the township adjoining on the west 
wa.s added to it. The half-township taken from this to 
form Wheeler was detached in 1820, and since then the 
boundaries of the town have remained unchanged. The 
first town-meeting was held on the 1st day of March, 1814, 
at which Joel Pratt, Jr., was elected supervisor. 

CIVIL LIST. 

The town records having been destroyed by fire and those 
in Bath being deficient, we have been unable to get a com- 
plete list of the town oflicers from its organization. We 
give below all that we have been able with the utmo.st dili- 
gence to find. The early rolls of those who took oaths of 
office at Bath are for the most part lists of names and 
dates, with no mention of the town attached to them. 

We find that Stephen Prentiss was supervisor, and Isaac 
Ainsworth collector, in 1824. Mr. Ainsworth was also 
collector in 1823. Then there is a blank, so far as Pratts- 
burgh is concerned, till 1827, after which the list is as 
follows : 



Supervisors. 
1827. Robert Porter. 
. 1828. Barrage Kioe. 
1829. " " 

18.30. " " 

18:il. 

1832. " " 

183.3. " " 

1834. 

1835. Daniel Burroughs 
1836. 
1S37. Aaron Pinney. 

1838. " " 

1839. " " 

1840. J. H. Hotchkin, J 

1841. John L. Higby. 

1842. " 

1843. " 

1844. " " 

1845. John F. Williams 

1846. John C. Higby. 
1347. " 

1848. " " 

1849. Aaron Pinney. 

1850. " " 

1851. Joseph Lewis, 

1852. John Anderson. 

1853. John F. AVilliams 

1854. Joseph Lewis. 



Justices. 
(No record.) 



Collectors. 

Sylvester Alderman. 
a it 

Jacob Wilson. 



S. A. Johnson. 
Harry Clark. 
(No record.) 
S. A. Johnson. 
(No record.) 
W.VanValkenburgh 
Thomas W. Bailey. 



Aaron Pinney. 



E. B.Woodworth.Jr. 
Marcus T. C. Higby. 



r. (No record.) 



Ezra Chapin. 
Seth Miner. 
John Smith. 
Abner P. Lyon. 
Isaac Vermilya. 
J. F. Williams. 
(No record.) 



H. B. Eddy. 
J. F. Williams. 



Asa Hopkins. 
Wm. E. S. Noble. 
Orris Briggs. 



Jerry Allis. 



Josiah Allis. 
Jerry AUis. 





Supervisors. 


Justices. 


Collectors. 


1855. 


G. Denniston. 


John Smith. 


Henry Nefif. 


1856. 


" 


' 


J. K. Fenton. 


it a 


1857. 


it 


' 


C. J. Clark. 


David Smith. 


185S. 


John F 


. Williams. 


H. B. Eddy. 


ti it 


1859. 


" 


" 


D. N. Aldrich. 


Hiram Wygant. 


1860. 


" 


" 


J. C. Clark. 


J. W. Williams. 


1861. 


" 


" 


Harvey AVeld. 


Erastus B. Miller. 


1862. 


" 


" 


H. B. Eddy. 


" " 


1863. 


" 


it 


Jasper Partridge. 


it it 


1864. 


William B. Pratt. 


George McLean. 


John W. Williams. 


1865. 


" 




Daniel D. Waldo. 


" 


1866. 


ti 




George McLean. 


ti ,( 


1867. 


it 




Ephraim Kidder. 


E. C. Eddy. 


1868. 


" 




Daniel D. Waldo. 


John W. Williams. 


1869. 


" 




George McLean. 


Bcnj. B. Austin. 


1870. 


H. B. Williams. 


(No record.) 


Edwin Wilson. 


1871. 


D. W. 


Baldwin. 


Ephraim Kidder. 


Charles F. Greoell. 


1872. 


Martin 


Pinney. 


(No record.) 


William Cook. 


1873. 


" 


" 


Diiniel D. AValdo. 


" 


1874. 


a 


it 


(No record.) 


Jas. A. Middleton. 


1875. 


'• 


It 


James Bennett. 


John A. Bonney. 


1876. 


Henry 


A. Hopkins. 


Charles Shults. 


A. E. Green. 


1877. 


" 


" 


Elijah Allis. 


Charles H. Briglin. 


1878. 


Martin 


Pinney. 


Daniel D. Waldo. 
C. J. Clark. 

CHURCHES. 


Garrett Winnie. 



* All the above, with three exceptions, are college graduates ; but we 
are not able to give the proper titles of the last eleven. 



THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF PRATTSBURGH. 

The first religious service ever held in the town was by 
Rev. John Niles, at the house of Jared Pratt, in the year 
1803. Mr. Niies became a resident of the town in the 
autumn of that year, and held his first religious service on 
the Sunday following his arrival. From that day to the 
present the people have never been without the preaching 
of the gospel. The barn erected by Jarcd Pratt in 1804, 
and which was the first frame building in the town, was 
used as a place of public worship until the erection of the 
first meeting-house. 

The following is the record of the organization of the 

first church : 

"Bath, June 26, 1804. 
" On this day and year of our Lord I, Timothy Field, Pastor of the 
First Congregational Church in Canandaigua, organized a Church of 
Christ in the district of Bath, at the house of Mr. John Niles. 

" TiMOTHV Field." 

The conclusion of the articles of organization of the 
church reads : 

" In testimony of our assent to the above Confession of Faith and 
Covenant, we have hereunto subscribed our names, at Bath, this 
twenty-si.xtb day of June, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight 
hundred and four. 

"Joel Pratt, Martha Tuttle, 

John Niles, Dorcas Niles, 

Samuel Tuttle, Mary Hull, 

Pomerov Hull, Han.nah Niles, 

Salisbcky Burton, Sarah Curtiss, 

William P. Curtiss. 
" The following persons not being able to attend when the church 
was constituted, subscribed the Confession of Faith and Covenant a 
few days afterward : 

"LvDiA Beach, Olive Burton, 

Marv Pratt, Almira Tuttle." 

John Niles and Capt. Joel Pratt were chosen to attend 
the Association of Churches of Ontario at Middlesex, June 
10, 1806, and unite with that association. In the years 
1806 and 1807 a large number of settlers came, most of the 








^^t^c-tyt^^ 



Joseph G rover Sturhevant was born at Caldwell, N. J., Feb. 25, 
1807. He was a descendant of John Sturdevant, son of a London 
silversmith, who in colonial times emigrated from England to Con- 
necticut. The line of descent is 1st. John; 2d, James; 3d, John; 
■1th, Joseph G. The great-grandfather and grandfather were both 
fanners. The former died in Connecticut; the latter, in Pennsylvania. 

John, father of Joseph G., was born in Norfolk, Conn., April 12, 
1776. He was the seventh son in his father's family of twelve chil- 
dren. Physically he was more delicate than his brothers, yet possessed 
of patient, quiet industry and perseverance. That, joined with his 
poetical tastes and love for intellectual pursuits, enabled him, despite 
unfavorable circumstances, to obtain a very good education. 

This he turned to successful account as teacher from time to time 
during his varied and eventful life. 

His wife, formerly Mrs. Crane, daughter of Joseph Grover, a Pres- 
byterian clergyman and missionary in Western New York, was born in 
Parsippany, N. J., Jan. 2, 1777. Their three children were also born 
in that State, — Harriet (now Mrs. Eleazer Ililer, of Michigan), in 
1,104; Joseph 6., in 1S07 ; and Miss Abbv Sophia, of Prattsburgh, 
in 1815. 

John Sturdevant served in the war of 1812-14 as a colonel of the 
United States troops quartered at New York, in which city he was 
for several years a merchant, also a marshal, and keeper of a State 
prison. 

He removed to Virginia; afterwards to Bristol, N. Y'. ; and from 
thence, two years later, to Prattsburgh, where he purchased a saw- 
mill and seventeen acres of land. To this himself and son made 
additions from time to time until his death, which occurred Sept. 22, 
1854. His wife died in Ohio, at the residence of her son, Zenas Crane, 
March 22, 1802. 

Joseph 6. Sturdevant failed to receive the more liberal education of 
a college course, which, providentially denied to the lather, the father 
most naturally craved to enjoy in his son. 

The lad of seventeen, when his father settled in the wilderness of 
pines then bordering Prattsburgh Creek, was, like many another son, 
not the exact type of his father's desires, yet none the less a real and 
creditable type, and the headstrong, micbanical genius of a boy who 
slighted college tutors proved himself a ready and apt pupil of life's 
finest masters, — experience, obj-ervation, energy, and conscientious- 
ness. His nature was at home among the hills and jiines and invig- 
orating hardships of a jdoncer life, none of which he feared or shunned. 

Socially fond r»f questions and argument, lie was well kno^\n in all 
the local debating schools of the period, and, as his sister often told 
him, would "always be on the opposite side, anyhow." 

Later he became a constant reader not only ed" the current news of 
the day, but .also of universal history, and njuch of the best literature, 
past and present. Few are blessed with a heller memory, or more 
clear, general intelligence, which he could al will bring to hear with 
much humor and force. 



Possessed of much constructive ability, he enjoyed nothing better 
than a rush of business, with a generous force of men at his command, 
and whose confidence and affection he always won. Most stubborn 
when driven, but gentle when led. He also had a keen relish for, and 
judgment ot most of the tine arts, of which he was an excellent 
critic. 

He was married in Ohio, Aug. 29, 1833, to Rebecca, daughter of 
Robert and Esther (Carlin) Mahan, born in Washington, Pa., Nov. 
15, 1811. For many years they lived on their farm, erecting fine 
buildings, and gradually fitting it for agricultural purposes, though 
his main business was manufacturing lumber from the pines. In 
early times he often obtained but five dedlars per thousand for best 
lumber. This had to be hauled by the wagon load over rough roads, 
mostly to Canandaigua and Geneva; later it was shipped by way of 
Keuka Lake and Erie Canal to Waterloo and Seneca Falls. 

Their children were seven in number: Mrs. W. A. Farris, of Cin- 
cinnati, Ohio; Robert Austin, of Prattsburgh, in jiossession of the 
homestead and mill; John; Harlan P.. of Blufl' Point, who served 
for thiee and a half ycais as a Union siddier in the late Rebellion, 
passed unwounded through many severe battles, and was honorably 
discharged after being a prisoner at Libby and Millan,and having sev- 
eral months of experience with the terrors of Andersonville ; Milton 
G., who died June 11, 1870; Ella 11., wife of Mortimer Blood (de- 
ceased), of Italy ; Miss Samantha, of Prattsburgh ; and Celia D., a 
lovely child, who died at eight years of age. 

In politics Joseph G. Sturdevant was a Democrat, and earnest sup- 
porter of the Union. Though often neiuiinalcd for a leading office in 
his town, he never consented to serve more than one term. He was 
modest and unostentatious in all his ways, and many remain who 
could testify to his high sense of justice, his jicrsistency in what he 
considered right, his strict integrity and unselfishness in all business 
transactions. 

In religion, though nominally n Ba|itist, his simple, yet broad 
Christian faith made him remarkably tre e fre.m all sectarian |ireju- 
dices : he seemed rather possessed with a feeling of brotherhood, 
good-will, and benevolence towards all branches, and every good cn- 
terjirise of the great Christian Church. 

A few months before his death he purehaseel and fitted up a house 
and lot in Prattsburgh village for a home of retirement in declining 
years. This he deeded to his wcll-bcloveei wife who survives him, and 
where', with her daughter and his sifter, she continues to reside. There, 
in the stillness, linked about by long arms of ancient apple-trees, life's 
evening shadows gathered very soein. 

As an old tree cannot always endure transplanting, so to him the 
relief anil removal from life-long see nes of labor anel care filled his 
heart with homesickness, which he was too brave to admit but which, 
doubtless, in part induced the prostrating fever that cneled his life. 
Aug. 25, 1872, his waiting spirit calmly returned to God who gave it 
and the home prepared beyond. 



TOWN OF PRATTSBURGH. 



361 



heads of families being members of the Congregational 
Church, drawn thither by the expectation of a good re- 
ligious and civil society, and forming a homogeneous popu- 
lation. I have but to mention a few of them that you may 
see that they gave shape and tone to the future of the church 
and town : Robert Porter, Abiel Linsley, Jesse Waldo, Sam- 
uel Hayes, Elias Hopkins, John Hopkins, Gamaliel Loomis, 
Elam Bridges, Aaron Cook, James F. Judson, Ebenezer 
Rice. The names of Burton, Hubbard, Prentiss, Johnson, 
and others also now appear in the roll of the church. The 
first of these, Robert Porter, probably did more for the 
church and town than any other man, excepting Capt. 
Pratt. He was a graduate of Yale College in 1795, and 
studied for the ministry, and from 1803 to 1806 was prin- 
cipal of Hamilton Academy (afterwards Hamilton College), 
Clinton, N. Y. His brother was the celebrated Dr. Noah 
Porter, of Farmington, Conn. 

The others were originally from Connecticut, of the best 
Puritan stock. '• There were giants in those days." 

" As might have been expected from such people as the 
pioneers of Prattsburgh, they early set about erecting a 
house for their public worship. So they resolved in 1806. 

" The site selected, and afterwards built upon, was upon 
the public square, and near the southeast corner of it. At 
first they determined that this house should be constructed 
of hewn logs, a plan particularly displeasing to Capt. Pratt. 
At his suggestion the constituents of what was afterwards 
the Prattsburgh Religious Society met to review their pre- 
vious decision, but after interchanging their own views, they 
came to the same conclusion. Mr. Pratt retorted upon this 
embryo society the anathema pronounced against those who 
dwelt in ceiled houses, while the temple of the Lord laid 
waste. Then this people met for a third time, and for the 
third time agreed to build a log church. Capt. Pratt cut 
short the proceedings of this meeting by seating himself at a 
table and drafting a paper, in form as follows : 

"'Bath, Feb. 23, 1807. 
"'We, the subscribers, being desirous of erecting a house for the 
purpose of accommodating the society for public worship, do promise 
to pay unto Capt. Joel Pratt the sum opposite to our names ; to be 
paid on the completion of said house, in case there can be a sufficient 
sum subscribed. Said house to be .32 by 22 feet. 

" To this 416 added his name, and the sum of $20, and 
before twenty-four hours had run round, he presented the 
paper, and had actually obtained a subscription in a greater 
or less sum from the head of every family within the town- 
ship, when the aggregate sum of $220 was found to have 
been subscribed, which was considered adequate, and which 
built the first Congregational church of Prattsburgh. Two 
years later this house was found too small to accommodate 
the congregation assembled each Sabbath ; then it was 
lengthened bj' adding 18 feet to its east end, making its 
proportions 22 feet by 50 feet, with upright timbers possibly 
9 feet in height. 

" This church was never, either in its exterior or interior 
appointments, much of a feast to the lover of fair architec- 
tural proportions. Painting never adorned it. It had an 
entrance at each end, by what was at first centre doors, 
but afterwards they were pu.shed to one side ; entering from 
the west end, one passed about one-third the length of that 
46 



•50 feet aisle, when he would reach the space occupied by 
the pulpit, which was then stuck to the northern wall like 
a bird's nest ; nor was this church ever in one stead for a 
great length of time. In 1820 it was sawn asunder from 
the ridge of the roof, and the one half of the building was 
moved 11 feet north, and the intervening space built up 
anew ; so it remained till 182S, when it was superseded by 
the completion of the present church edifice." 

The religious society was not organized properly till 
Nov. 16, 1807. 

The following is the article of incorporation : 

"To all to whom it may concern, be it known that after legal noti- 
fication had been given for the purpose of forming a religious society 
in the sixth township, third range, in Steuben County and State of 
New York, the inhabitants of said township met at their place of 
public worship on Monday, the 16th day of November, 180.7. 

" By the unanimous voice of the meeting, Deacon Enoch Nilcs and 
Deacon Abiel Linsley were chosen Inspectors. 

" Voted, secondly, that the society be called Prattsburgh, and that 
six trustees be chosen, who are ever after to be known by the name 
of the Trustees of the Prattsburgh Religious Society. And, fourthly, 
that Enoch Niles, \Vm. P. Curtiss, John Hopkins, Jesse Waldo, Josiah 
Allis, and Joel Pratt, Jr., be the trustees of said society. 

" Be it known that we, the inspectors of the election above recited, 
do certify that the above is a true statement of the proceedings of the 
meeting. In testimony whereof we have hereunto set our hands and 
seals. 

"Abirl Linst.ey, 
"Enoch Nii.es." 

Then follows the permission of Judge James Faulkner 
for the recording of the above articles, dated April 18, 
1808, and the certificate of the county clerk. 

The record continues : " The trustees of Prattsburgh 
Religious Society met the 18th day of May, 1808, at Ira 
Pratt's house, and considering it necessary for the welfare 
of the society that a regular system of proceedings be ob- 
served in all affairs relative to the society, have instituted 
the following articles as their guide : Article 1. Whenever 
any person shall make application for uniting with the 
society, he shall be accepted by paying into the society's 
fund a sum that the trustees shall consider proportionate 
to his property and privileges. Articles 2, 3, and 4 refer 
to the fund notes. Article 5 reads, ' The money arising 
from the use of the fund shall be appropriated only for the 
support of the gospel ministry of the Presbyterian or Con- 
gregational order.' " 

It will be seen from this that either of the above forms 
of church government were included in the original plan of 
the founders of the church, the Presbyterian being named 
first. 

The following resolution brings to light the fact that the 
fiithers kept Saturday night : 

" Voted, Oct. 11, 1808, that the members of the church 
will not attend raisings, or other similar associations, on 
Saturday in the afternoon." 

Deacon Loomis was diligent in prosecuting all who 
traveled on Sunday in the township. For many j'ears the 
religious aspect of the town formed its most distinguishing 
feature. 

" Previous to the organization of the church, Mr. Niles led 
in the public worship. After its organization he was elected 
its standing moderator, and more frequently preached. His 



362 



HISTOKY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



health became in a great measure re-established, and he re- 
ceived ordination June 11, 1806, from the Ontario Asso- 
ciation. He was employed as a stated supply for one-half 
of the time at Prat.tsburgh and the other half at Bath, till 
the spring of 1808, when he received a call to settle at 
Bath, and removed there with his family. From this time 
until the next April the church was mostly without preach- 
ing, when Eev. James H. Hotchkin visited them by re- 
quest, and received an unanimous call for settlement, and 
was installed pastor Aug. 16. 1809. The membership of 
the church novr reached 61, — 52 having been received by 
letter and 9 on profession of faith. 

With the installation of Blr. Hotchkin began a new era 
in the church. A pastoral relation which continued thirty 
years and nine months is an uncommon event, and brings 
with it a long train of blessings. I should judge from the 
minutes that Mr. Hotchkin was a very prudent man and an 
organizer as well as an able preacher of the gospel. His 
formative influence may be seen down to the present. time. 

Oct. 2, 1812, " It was voted that in view of the church 
it is expedient that the ministers and churches in this 
county become connected with the Presbyterian Church of 
the United States, provided the churches may be allowed 
to tran.sact discipline in the congregational way ;" and at a 
meeting of the church, April 12, 1813, the delegate to the 
association was authorized to vote for the dissolution of the 
association, with a view to a connection with presbytery, 
and provided this was done, to request Geneva Presbytery 
to take this church under its care. At a meeting of the 
Presbytery of Geneva in April, 1813, the following minute 
was adopted ; 

" The presbytery are of the opinion that a union with 
the ministers and churches of the Ontario Association is 
highly important, as it will combine their influence in pro- 
moting the great interests of the Redeemer's kingdom ; and 
they cordially invite the said ministers and churches to 
unite with the presbytery by adopting the confession of 
faith and form of government of the Presbyterian Church. 
But should any of the said churches find it most for edifi- 
cation to continue the practice of receiving and rejecting 
members by vote of the brethren of church generally, in- 
stead of a session of ruling elders, the presbytery do not 
consider that any bar to the contemplated union, and are 
willing they should continue the practice as long as they 
shall deem it expedient." 

On the 25th of May, 1813, the aissociation met in Pratts- 
burgh and adopted the following resolutions; 

'* Whereas, It appears from Itie Holy Scriptures of imraen.<?e im- 
portance tiiat all who love our Lord Jesus Christ should be united in 
the strictest bonds of Christian fellowship, that they may with one 
heart and voice unite in opposing error and in disseminating the 
knowledge of divine truth, and whereas, in the view of this associa- 
tion there is no reason why these professing Christians, usually called 
Presbyterian and Congregationalist, should not receive each other as 
brethren and be united as one body in the strictest sense, and whereas 
there exists in this country a presbytery connected witli the tjcneral 
Assembly of the Presbyterian Church ; therefore, 

''Refiolved, That it is desirable that this association become united 
with the Presbytery of Geneva. 

'^lieeolvedy That as a means of forming the union this association 
be dissolved." Thus it appears that the famous Aecomiiwdutinij Plan 
which had so much to do with the future ecclesiastical history of 



this land was formed in this place. On the 21st of September, 181.3, 
this church was received into the Presbytery of Geneva. 

The Presbytery of Bath was organized in 1817. When 
Mr. Hotchkin commenced his ministry here there were 
but three ministers and four churches on this territory of 
the above denominations. He says, " The inhabitants were 
comparatively few, scattered in groups distant from each 
other, and experiencing the privations and hardships inci- 
dent to a new settlement. The roads, where they existed, 
were in a most unimproved state, and traveling in any 
form was fatiguing. The inhabitants enjoyed few oppor- 
tunities of attending public worship, and the work of the 
ministry was an arduous employment. The writer has been 
called a distance of forty miles to preach a funeral sermon, 
being the nearest clergyman of the Presbyterian denomina- 
tion to be obtained. He has not unfrequently traveled 
forty or fifty miles to assist in the organization of a new 
church, to afford a Sabbath's preaching, and to administer 
the sacraments to a destitute church." 

This church with its pastor thus engaged in missionary 
work, but never itself received any foreign aid, giving 
liberally always to spread the gospel. Mr. Hotchkin was 
active in the ecclesiastical affairs of the church, and in 
1820, with Judge Porter, represented his Presbytery upon 
the original Board of Commissioners of Auburn Theologi- 
cal Seminary, and was the second president of the board. 
This church gave for the establishment of that seminary 
over $1400, besides subsequent gifts. 

During Mr. Hotchkin's ministry 318 were received into 
the church, — 100 by letter and 218 on profession of their 
faith, — and at its close the church numbered 240 members. 
As the result of the revival in 1825, a new and elegant 
church was erected, 60 feet in length and 45 in breadth, 
and furnished with a bell, and was dedicated Feb. 13, 
1828. The ground was given by Judge Porter, described 
as seven rods east from the academy line and of the same 
depth. He also headed the subscription for pews with the 
sum of $400. The building cost $4000. 

Rev. George R. Rudd immediately succeeded Mr. Hotch- 
kin, beginning his labors with the year 1830, and was 
formally installed pastor on the 24th of March upon a 
salary of $450, and continued as such until dismissed, May 
3, 1836. Three revivals occurred during his ministry ; 
219 were added to the church, 151 at least by profession, 
leaving the church with 365 members. Mr. Rudd was 
lield in very high esteem, as the records show, but was 
obliged to give up this charge on account of failing health, 
and has been obliged to turn aside to secular pursuits, and 
is now living in Lyons, N. Y. During the pastorate of 
Mr. Rudd in 1831, the glebe on West Hill, given by 
Colonel Robert Troup, agent of the Pulteney estate, was 
exchanged for a lot in this village, being a lot which in- 
cluded the present parsonage lot and extending south to 
Chapel Street. The present parsonage was built in 1832- 
33, at an expense of $835. The old cemetery south of the 
village was deeded by Captain Pratt to the Prattsburgh 
Religious Society for the use of a burial-ground. The four 
acres constituting the public square were also deeded to 
this society " for the use of a public square." The open 
square was deeded to the society by Judge Porter, to be 





b ,d. Jt^ ujikvh^ 



<J^^ZMA.i:c ^ °'^^^^W^^<^t^,t?:^ 



E. A. HUBBARD. 



E. A. Hubbard was born in the town of Reading, Schuyler 
Co., N. Y., Oct. 18, 1816. His father, Ezekiel Hubbard, was 
a native of Massachusetts. He was a resident of Bridgewater, 
Oneida Co. ; of Reading, Schuyler Co. ; of the town of Jeru- 
salem, Yates Co., and about the year 1821 settled in the town 
of Prattsburgh, about six miles west of the village. While a 
resident of the town of Bridgewater he was a soldier of the war 
of 1812-14, and went to Sacket's Harbor to defend the frontier 
against the invasion of the British. He married Mary M., 
daughter of Nicholas Rouse, Esq. She was a native also of 
Massachusetts. Their children were Mrs. Truman Strong, of 
Prattsburgh (deceased); Nicholas R., of Livingston County; 
Ezekiel T. (deceased), of Prattsburgh ; Ephraim A. Hubbard, of 
Prattsburgh ; Albert H., of Gralesbury, Mich. ; and Henry M., 
of North Cohooton. 

The father spent the remainder of his life, after settling in 
Prattsburgh, as a farmer, and was connected with many of the 
pioneer interests of the town. He died at about the age of 
seventy. The wife survived her husband only some three years, 
and died also at about the age of seventy. Both Mr. and Mrs. 
Hubbard were early members of the Baptist Church here, and 
were connected as such before there was any church edifice. 

Mr. Hubbard had limited opportunities for an education from 
books. At the age of twenty he purchased the time before 
reaching his majority of his father, and with his brothers, 
Nicholas R. and Ezekiel T., purchased two hundred and twenty- 
eight acres of land. In the year 1838 he married Laura C, 
daughter of Judge Ezra Chapin, a pioneer in the settlement of 
the town. She was born in Prattsburgh, April 15, 1819. 

Soon after his marriage he disposed of his interest in the 
farm to his brothers, and for three years remained somewhat 



unsettled in business, during which time, for two terms, he was 
a teacher in the common school. 

In 1840 he purchased a farm of eighty-eight acres, made 
improvements of fine buildings and orchards on it, and occupied 
it as a farm for sixteen years. In 1856 he disposed of this 
farm and purchased one contiguous to the one he now owns, a 
mile and a half west of the village of Prattsburgh. During 
his career as a farmer he has been known as an intelligent and 
representative agriculturist. 

His life has been one of activity, industry, and prudence, 
preferring the quiet of a business life to oflScial notoriety. lu 
December, 1873, he removed from his farm and settled in the 
village where he now resides. 

Mr. Hubbard has ever been a staunch member of the Demo- 
cratic party ; was for one term commissioner of schools ; served 
also as commissioner of highways, and has been interested in all 
local matters connected with the growth of the town. He and 
his wife have been members of the Baptist Church, — the former 
since two years prior to his marriage, the latter from five years 
after her marriiige until her death, which occurred Dec. 12, 
1878. Mr. Hubbard is a liberal supporter of church and edu- 
cational interests, and a lover of law and order in society. 

In the capacity of a wife and mother Mrs. Hubbard has well 
illustrated the noblest sphere of a woman's work. She was 
careful of her home, and made it the dearest spot on earth for 
those who were there to be protected, and through its conse- 
crated influences guided to a better home above. In her private 
life she was truly a wife and mother — beloved, quiet, patient, 
and gentle. 

Their children are Prances G., Maria M., and Albert A., all 
deceased. 



TOWN OF PRATTSBURGH. 



363 



kept open by the society for that purpose, or to revert to 
his heirs. This gives to the society a certain chartered 
right in these, and the records show that sueli oversight 
has been taken of them by the society in former years. 
Rev. S. Griswold then supplied tlie church for one year 
from July 1, 1836, as nearly as the date can be ascertained. 

Rev. B. Foster Pratt began regularly to preach with the 
year 1838, and was installed over the church January 31, 
and continued until Aug. 31, 1841. During the first year 
of his ministry there were added to the church 121 mem- 
bers, the largest number ever received in any one year. 
During his whole ministry there were added not far from 
175. His pastorate was terminated by an event somewhat 
amusing to read at the present time, but probably serious 
enough at that time. Mr. Pratt was charged with preach- 
ing a sermon of Rev. Mr. Gaylord's, then principal of the 
academy, but Mr. Gaylord testified to having never written 
or preached a sermon on that text. Mr. Pratt died in 
Kalamazoo, 3Iich., Nov. 4, 1870. 

Rev. Aaron Judson then followed as stated supply for 
two years, and a season of special interest occurred during 
his ministry. 

Rev. B. C. Smith began his ministry Jan. 1, 1844, and 
was installed pastor of the church April 9, 1844, upon a 
salary of $500, which was afterwards increased to 8600 ; 
which pastorate continued until April 30, 1859, when he 
resigned from failing health, — a ministry of fifteen years and 
four months. Mr. Smith graduated at Auburn Seminary, 
in 1827, and was for twelve years thereafter chaplain of 
Auburn State Prison. His ministry was also characterized 
by revivals of religion, one in 1849 adding 48 to the church 
on profession at one time; 310 were added to the church 
by letter and on profession. He died Oct. IC, 1861, and 
his widow still abides among us, beloved by all. In 1845 
16 feet were added to the church building, the galleries re- 
moved, and the floor raised, forming a basement story as at 
the present time. 

Nov. 5, 1859, the church, numbering at that time 340 
members, called Rev. David D. Gregory upon a salary of 
$600. He was installed, and his ministry began Jan. 1, 
18G0, continuing until Aug. 1, 1866. During his minis- 
try 100 were added to the church. Mr. Gregory was a 
minister of more than usual ability, and filled several very 
important pastorates. He is remembered with great affec- 
tion by many in this place. 

Rev. D. H. Palmer, now of Penn Yan, became the stated 
supply of the church Jan. 1, 1867, with a salary of $1000. 
He was born at Victor, N. Y., graduated at Rochester 
University in 1860, and at Auburn Seminary in 1863, and 
from his graduation until he became the pastor of this 
church, labored as a home missionary beyond the Rocky 
Mountains. During his pastorate there were two interest- 
ing revivals, and 72 were added to the church on profession 
and 18 by letter. His ministry closed in October, 1871. 

Rev. S. W. Pratt was called as stated supply Jan. 1, 
1872. He was born in Livonia, N. Y., graduated at Wil- 
liams College in 1860, and at Auburn Seminary in 1863. 
He was ordained and installed at Brasher Falls, N. Y., in 
July, 1873, where he preached four years, after which he 
was stated supply at Hammouton, N. J., for four years. 



Two general revivals have occurred thus far during his 
ministry, in 1873 and 1875, the latter continuing through 
eight weeks in the village, and eight weeks in surrounding 
school-houses. A debt of $1000 was paid in 1873. The 
pastor has assisted as superintendent of the Sunday-school, 
and taught a Bible class and the teachers' meeting. 

STATISTICS. 

The whole number of members received into the church 
is 1367, 287 have died, as far as known ; the number re- 
ceived by letter is over 300 ; the number excommunicated 
over 40; 609 have been dismissed to other churolics ; 146 
have removed without taking letters, and may be noted as 
unknown. The average annual loss to the church for the last 
ten years, by death and removal, has been not far from 18. 

Previous to March 6, 1839, this cburcli was governed 
by action taken in open church meeting, when it was re- 
solved that it was expedient to elect a standing committee 
to be chosen by ballot in classes annually, of which the 
pastor should be chairman ex officio. This arrangement re- 
mained till Nov. 18, 1868, when ruling elders were elected 
in place of the standing committee, and the church became 
fully Presbyterian in its organization. 

After the division of the Presbyterian Church, in 1837, 
this church became connected with the New School body. 
Rev. J. H. Hotchkin was vice-president and acting mod- 
erator of the meeting at Auburn, which made the famous 
declaration of principles. 

The following have served as standing committee of the 
church: Theron Linsley, John Hopkins, Gamaliel Loomis, 
David Judson, Edward R. Porter, Chauncey Hayes, Jesse 
Waldo, Gilbert E. Burton, Addi.son Judson, P. B. Sheldon, 
Aaron Waldo, Charles T. Hopkins, Charles G. Higby, J. 
H. Hotchkin, P. C. Howe, U. T. Carpenter, Martin Miner, 
Aaron Cook, Elam Bridges, O. P. Fay, Bacchus E. Stevens, 
William P. Curtis, John C. Denniston, Auren Daboll, Elias 
Wygant, Erastus Skinner, Julius Bartlett, Joseph Lewis, 
D. W. Hotchkin, H. B. Eddy, Charles Waldo, Luther 
Sturdevant, Albigencc Waldo. 

The following have been, or now are, ruling elders in the 
church : U. T. Carpenter, Luther Sturdevant, J. H. Hotch- 
kin, W. S. Foster, Ashman Daboll, P]lias Wygant, John S. 
Parker, Henry J. Pinneo, Charles G. Higby, Martin Miner, 
P. C. Howe, John Hotchkin, Stephen A. Jackson, Dwight 
S. Cook, Z. J. Terry. 

This church has .sent out the following ministers of the 
gospel: Rev. Silas C. Brown, Rev. David Judson, Rev. 
Beriah B. Hotchkin, D.D., Rev. John W. Hopkins, Rev. 
Edmund F. Waldo, Rev. Theron Loomis, Rev. Henry 
Spalding, Rev. William Beardslee, Rev. David Malin, D.D., 
Rev. Robert L. Porter, Rev. Charles W. Gurney, Rev. 
Edward Prentiss, Rev. Levi Waldo, Rev. Cyrus E. Rosen - 
krants, Rev. James M. McLean, Rev. Joel Wakeman, D.D., 
Rev. Silas F. Judson, Rev. George Southworth, Rev. Piatt 
H. Skinner, Rev. Edwin S. Skinner, Rev. David F. Judson, 
Rev. J. Merril Manning, D.D., Rev. Norman Prentiss, 
Rev. James H. Phelps,"" Rev. T. L. Waldo, Rev. T. B. 
Williams. 

Rev. S. M. Campbell, D.D., Rev. John E. Benton, and 
probably others, were members of the Sunday-school. 



364 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



None of tliese, distinguished as many of them have be- 
come, have done such a work as Rev. Henry Spalding, a 
more tlian orplian boy, vphose self-denial in obtaining an 
education at the academy was very groat. He and Dr. 
Marcus Whitman, witli their wives, went out as mission- 
aries to the Indians in 1836, and were the first white set- 
tlers in Oregon. Mrs. Whitman (Miss Narcissa Prentiss) 
was a member of this church, and with her husband was 
massacred by the Indians. This heroic band, by their 
courage and devotion, saved Oregon, and all our present 
possessions beyond the Rocky Mountains, to the United 
States. Mr. Spalding received during his ministry over 
1000 Indians into the church, converted through his labors. 

Not far from a score of ministers' wives have gone out 
from this church. The women of the church have sus- 
tained a Home Missionary Society vigorously for forty 
years. 

SUNDAY-SCHOOL. 

The first Sunday-school in the town was probably organ- 
ized by Judge Porter in 1816. He was its superintendent, 
for the most if not all of the time, until the organization 
of the Pratfsburgh Sunday-School Association, May 5, 
1826, of which Rev. J. H. Hotchkin was President; Wil- 
liam Beardsley, Secretary ; Elam Bridges, Treasurer ; with 
a superintending committee of 14. Ten Sunday-schools 
were then organized in different parts of the town, reaching 
in 1828 a membership of 408. The church school in 1821) 
numbered 163. The exercisesr then consisted in repeating 
texts from the Scriptures, the catechism, and verses of 
hymns. The a.ssociation had a vigorous life till 1844, 
when it was dissolved. Space will not allow us to give 
the list of superintendents of the church Sunday-school ; but 
they have been throughout among the leading men of the 
village. 

TEMPERANCE. 

In the early days of Prattsburgh the drinking of whisky 
was a common thing, and members of the church carried 
on distilleries ; but drunkenness was a subject of discipline. 
Ten gallons of whisky wore once given to Rev. Mr. Hotch- 
kin at a donation. The reading publicly on successive 
Sunday evenings, by Principal Beardsley, about 1825, of 
the celebrated temperance sermons of Dr. Lyman Beecher, 
produced a temperance reform, into which Mr. Hotchkin 
entered with all his might. This gained for him the 
enmity of the distillers, whose craft was in danger, and 
thus began a division whose fruits have troubled the church 
ever since. The descendants of the distillers of those days 
are now among the strongest friends of temperance. 

METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH. 

The first Methodist Society in Prattsburgh was organized 
as early as 1829. At that time a chapel was built, which 
is still standing on Chapel Street, and is owned by John 
Ardell, and used as a tenant-house. The society was or- 
ganized chiefly through the instrumentality of Dr. Noah 
Niles, Aaron Bull, and Bishop Tuttle, who were formerly 
connected with the Congregational or Religious Society of 
Prattsburgh. Dr. Niles was a man of talents and influ- 



ence, and sometimes occupied the pulpit in the absence of 
the circuit or visiting preachers. 

Among the clergymen who oflBciated during this period 
were Rev. Chandler Wheeler, Rev. George Wilkinson, Rev. 
Joseph Pearsoll, and Rev. Curtis Gould. 

The society continued a regular charge till about 1840, 
when their house of worship was sold for debt, and the or- 
ganization disbanded. A class, however, remained here all 
the time, and circuit preachers held service in such places 
as they could get to preach in, prayer- and class-meetings 
being held in private houses and in the school-house. These 
were discouraging days to the band, but they struggled on 
hopefully and prayerfully. In 1847, Rev. James Hall was 
sent here by the Conference, at the solicitation of the few 
brethren. He came and settled in the place and remained 
here about three years. Through his earnest work and 
excellent Christian example, the cause was somewhat re- 
vived and strengthened. A new organization was formed 
under the name of the " First Methodist Episcopal Society 
of the town of Prattsburgh." Elder Knapp, Wm. W. Fos- 
ter, Charles J. Higby, Charles L. Cole, A. C. Montgomery, 
Stephen A. Jackson, Noble Sweet, and others, were among 
the members. They held their meetings for nearly a year 
in the district school-house. During the year 1847—48 the 
society erected a neat church edifice on the south side of 
the Park, at a cost of about 81500. This building was 
burned in the year 1853, and the society again went down, 
so that there was no regular charge from this time on till a 
new organization was eifected in 1869, although preaching 
was had here more or less during all these years by minis- 
ters who traveled upon the circuit. The ministers who offi- 
ciated during this period were Rev. Martin Wheeler, 1851 ; 
Rev. J. Brown, 1852-54 ; Rev. A. G. Layman, 1856-57 ; 
Rev. H. Wisner, 1858; Rev. U. S. Hall, 1862-64; Rev. 
T. Jolly, 1864-65; Rev. Ezra Tinker, 186.5-66; Rev. J. 
AV. Putnam, 1866-67; Rev. A. G. Layman, 1868. 

The present church edifice was erected in 1869, at a cost 
of about $3500. The .society was reorganized and the 
church built under the ministry of Rev. N. N. Beers, who 
remained in charge during the years 1869 and 1870. His 
successors have been the following: Rev. C. Dillenbeck, 
1870-72; Rev. William Wordell, 1872-74; Rev. F. M. 
Smith, 1874-76 ; Rev. J. B. Peck, 1876-78 ; Rev. N. B. 
Randall, 1878, present pastor. 

The present Trustees are Spencer Francis, R. W. Hop- 
kins, John Coward, P. F. Paris, John Frost, Lewis Haight. 
Stewards: P. P. Paris, Recording Steward; John Babcock, 
Charles Graves, Joseph Seeley, George Shults. Class- 
Leaders : Joseph Seeley, A. L. Parker, John Coward, 
William Merrit, Charles D. Graves, George Shults. 

The present church membership is 175 ; Sunday-school 
(teachers and pupils), 140 ; Mrs. N. B. Randall, Superin- 
tendent. 

BAPTIST CHURCH OF PRATTSBURGH. 

This church, at its formation, was compo.sed of several 
fljmilies mostly residing at West Hill, and who had been 
members of a Baptist Church in Wheeler. The church in 
Prattsburgh was probably organized in 1821. Elder Nehe- 
miah Lamb was its first pastor, — a man of humble preten- 
sions, but of most unsullied goodness. Among the earliest 





MRS. HARRY GODFREY. 



/^ARRV GODFREY. 



HARRY GODFREY 



was born in the town of South East, Dutchess Co., N. Y., 
July 8, 1802. He was the eldest son in a family of 
twelve children of Joseph and Polly Godfrey. The 
former was a cooper by trade, and spent most of his life 
as a lumberman and farmer. He died at Itha(!a, N. Y., 
at the age of seventy-five. The latter died at the age of 
seventy, at the residence of her son Joseph, in Detroit, 
Mich. 

The children are Harry, Philo, of Dryden, Tompkins 
Co. ; John (deceased), David (deceased), Ira (deceased), 
G«orge (deceased), Jeremiah, of Detroit, Mich.; Joseph 
(deceased), Mary Ann (deceased), Hannah, Almira 
(deceased), and Ursula (deceased). 

At the age of sixteen Mr. Godfrey went into the busy 
world for himself, worked by the pionth for four years 
tending saw-mill and lumbering, receiving a part of the 
time nine dollars per month. 

At the age of twenty he came to Steuben County, and 
purchased some forty-four acres of timber land in the 
town of Pulteney, of Dugald Cameron, agent of the land- 
office. To this purchase he made additions until he had 
seven hundred acres at one time. He met the obstacles 
of the pioneer, and endured the privations of the early 
settler, in making his beginning in the new country ; but 
his subsequent successful career has shown that he then 
laid the foundation for the remarkable business interest 
which he has lived many years to carry on. 

In 1822 he married Thersa, daughter of Seth and 
Catherine Weed, of Pulteney. She was born in the 



county of West Chester, June 16, 1806, the ever memor- 
able day of the great eclipse of the sun. 

Mr. Godfrey remained a farmer and private broker in 
the town of Pulteney until 1874, when he removed to 
Prattsburgh, where he now resides. He has lived to 
watch the growth of the county for nearly fourscore 
years, to see schools and churches established, business 
interests built up, railroads and telegraphs span the globe, 
and machinery of all kinds lessen manual labor. 

He has led a strictly business life, preferring its quiet 
to the bickerings of political strife. 

He cast his first vote for Daniel D. Tompkins for gov- 
ernor, and has been unswervingly a member of the 
Democratic party. 

While a resident of the town of Pulteney he held the 
office of supervisor for one year, and that of justice of 
the peace for twelve years ; and it is said that, while act- 
ing in the latter capacity, in no instance was his decision 
reversed in a higher court when an appeal was made. 

Unassisted financially, while young, Mr. Grodfrey by 
his own self-exertion, industry, and prudence has, after 
many years of labor, reached rank among the strongest 
financial men of Steuben County, and is known among 
business men as a man whose word is as good as his 
bond. His surviving children are Mrs. George Dean 
and Mi"s. Beach, of the town of Pulteney. 

Very few are spared to live so long together as have 
Mr. and Mrs. Grodfrey, — the time being at the writing of 
this sketch fifty-six years. 



TOWN OF PRATTSBUKGH. 



365 



members of the church appear the names of Robert and 
Ebenezer C. Olds, John De Golia, Jacob Koon, Josiah 
Babcock, and Jolin Smith. 

In the fall of 1822 the congregation built a log meeting- 
house on West Hill, having obtained permission from the 
Pulteney estate to use one half-acre of land for church pur- 
poses. For eleven years this log church, with its huge 
stone fireplace, sheltered a sincere and devoted congrega- 
tion of worshipers till it was destroyed by fire. 

After the burning of the log church, in 1833, a frame 
church was built one mileeastof the old site, in the year 1835, 
at a cost of $1500. In this building the church worshiped 
until 1842, when the membership divided into four parts. 
One part remained in the same place of worship, and was 
known as the " First Baptist Church of Prattsburgh." 
Another part went to Lyon's Hollow, and was known as 
the " Second Baptist Church of Prattsburgh." Another 
part went to West Creek, and were known as " The West 
Creek Baptists." The fourth part went to the village of 
Prattsburgh, and was known as " The Prattsburgh Village 
Baptist Church." Before the division, in 1842, the church 
was quite prosperous, and reached a membership, in 1838, 
of 209. This was a result of the revival effort in 1837, 
under the leadership of Rev. T. S. Sheardown. Over 100 
were added to the church in one year, and ninety-eight of 
them by baptism. After the division, in 1842, each part 
became feeble, and only one survives at the present time. 
The old first church survived but five or six years, and had 
only one pastor, — Rev. C. S. Smith, who served them two 
or three years. They sold their meeting-house, and it was 
removed to the village and became a Methodist Church. 
The few members that went to West Creek were never 
recognized as a church, built no house of worship, sustained 
DO regular pjstor, and kept up meetings only a few years. 
Most of them afterwards helped to build up the church at 
the village of Avoca. Tiie second church, at Lyon's Hol- 
low, built a house of worship, at a cost of about $G00, 
which still stands, but is not used, the church being disor- 
ganized. Its highest membership at any time was about 
60, only 5 or 6 of whom still remain in that vicinity. Its 
pastors were N. B. James, C. S. Smith, T. R. Clark, A. B. 
De Groate, Thomas Dunham. Its deacons were R. Rou.se, 
J. Fenton, S. Foster. Its clerk was E. T. Hubbard. The 
church at the village was recognized July 5, 1842, having 
then 43 members. In 1845 it built its present house of 
worship, at a cost of $2000. Its membership has varied 
considerably at different times. The highest number was 
140, in 1853; the lowest was 64, in 1876. The present 
jnerabership is 77. The pastors in their order of time and 
length of service from the organization in 1823 at the old 
log church down to the present time are as follows: Nelie- 
miah Lamb, from 1823 to 1830 ; Amos Chase, 1831 to 
1836; James H. Stebbins, 1836 to 1838; T. Hendrix, 
1838 to 1840 ; Samuel Adsit, 1841 to 1843 ; A. S. Knee- 
land, 1844 to 1847; W. F. Purington, 1848 to 1855; 
Merrill Forbes, 1856 to 1862; D. W. Litchfield, 1862 to 
1863; W. Dunbar, 1863 to 1867; D. Van Krcolin, 18(i7 
to 1868 ; V. L. Garrett, 1869 to 1870 ; D. Burroughs, 
1870 to 1872; A. B. Greene, 1872 to 1873; R. J. Rey- 
nolds, 1874 to 1876; E. F. Owen, 1877 to 1879, the 



present time. The first trustees in 1823 were Robert 
Olds, John De Golia, Jacob Koon, John Smith, Ebenezer 
Olds. The first trustees at the village in 1843 were Aaron 
Pinney, Joseph S. Babcock, Selah Gillett, Chauncey J. 
Clark, John Smith. The deacons from first to last have 

been as follows : John De Golia, R. Olds, Richards, 

H. Clark, J. S. Babcock, Selah Gillett, A. B. Miner, C. B. 
Gillett, Truman Strong, W. H. Babcock, Isaac Van Vleet, 
J. S. Horton. The society clerks have been Josiah Bab- 
cock, John Smith, John Hoase, J. Niles, Isaac Vcrmilya, 
C. B. Gillett, Peter M. Dingee, J. S. Babcock, Jr., H. G. 
Koon, John Vermilya, A. C. Smith, J. S. Horton. The 
church has licen.?ed the following-named persons to preach 
the gospel ; Caleb Lamb, Reuben P. Lamb, David Oliiey, 
Andrew Wilkins, Riley Clark, Josiah Brace. It has or- 
dained the following ministers : James H. Stebbins and A. 
S. Kneeland. The church from its organization in 1823 
until 1843 was connected with the Steuben Association. 
Since 1843 it has belonged to the Yates Association. 

In 1875 the church bought a pai-sonage, at a cost of 
$1600. The property of the church, including house of 
worship and parsonage, is now valued at $5000. The 
Sunday-school numbers about 100 members. J. S. Horton 
is the Superintendent ; Edward Gillett, Secretary ; W. F. 
Williamson. Chniister. The present officers of the church, 
Feb. 1, 1871), are: Pastor, Rev. E. F. Owen; Deacons, 
Truni.in Strong, C. B Gillett, W. H. Babcock, Isaac Van 
Vleet, and J. S. Horton ; Trustees, \i. T. Watkins, W. H. 
Babcock, C. Pelton ; Clerk, J. S. Horton ; Society Clerk 
and Treasurer, E. A. Hubbard; Collector, A. Pinney; 
Chorister, E. T. Watkins; Sexton, Beccher Howe. 

The Ladies' Missionary Society of the church has the 
following officers: President, Mrs. E. F. Owen; Vice- 
President, Mrs. Ira Horton ; Secretary, Mrs. J. L. McCar- 
rick ; Treasurer, Mrs. C. H. Randall. 

The church sociable has the following officers : Presi- 
dent, Mrs. J L. McCarrick ; Vice-President, Mrs. C. H. 
Randall; Secretary, Miss Kate Pinney; Treasurer, Miss 
Hattie Corey. 

The church is now in a very prosperous condition, and 
bids fair, with the blessing of God, to increase in efficiency 
and usefulness in the future. 

MASONIC. 

iMr. Hotchkin, in his "Early Recollections," says: '-I 
think the lodge was organized about the year 1820. I 
well remember its installation, and some of the member.'? 
who came from Bath, among whom were Moses Lyon, J. 
R. Gansevoort, William Woods, and, I think, Reuben Robie. 
My fiither, although not a Mason, was invited to preach 
the installation sermon for them in the old meeting-house. 
He took for his text. Matt. vii. 20,—' Wherefore by their 
fruits ye shall know them.' His sermon was well received, 
and he was well entertained at the banquet at the hotel, 
and received a further token of their appreciation by a 
purse reasonably well filled. 

" I judge that the order, in its incipient stage, was weak, 
but it soon began to show a living vitality, and accessions 
were made to it from time to time. I think that Scth 
Wheeler, E.sq., was the fii-st Master of the lodge, and at 



366 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



that time were connected with it Bishop Tuttle, Dr. Cor- 
nell, and Owen Reiley, of Pulteney ; two men by the name 
of Frisbie ; two by the name of Wheeler ; and a few others. 

" I remember a celebration of St. John's Day. The 
fraternity on that day were able to make quite a show. 
The growth of their body and delegations from other lodges 
made a fine appearance. Mr. Hotchkin was again called 
upon to preach, which he did to good acceptance, taking 
for his subject the life of St. John, the patron saint, whose 
birth they had convened to celebrate. From this time for- 
ward a goodly number of the prominent men of Pratts- 
burgh became connected with the order. The names of 
Judge Van Valkenburgh, A. P. Lyon, Esq , Samuel A. 
Johnson, Esq., Samuel Hayes, Joel Tuttle, Ira C. Clark, 
and George M. Payne are mentioned as members at this 
time. They changed about several times, but after Mr. 
Lyon became a member he fitted up a lodge-room in a 
large chamber in the upright part of his house, which stood 
on the ground the Park Hotel now occupies. At that time 
all the meetings of the lodge were held in the afternoon, 
instead of the evening." 

We have no means of ascertaining the number of this 
lodge, or following its history further than the facts or 
recollections above presented. We presume that it went 
down during the anti-Masonic excitement, which began 
about the year 1827, and was never again renewed as the 
same lodge. 

PRATTSBURGH LODGE, NO. 583, F. AND A. M., 

was instituted under dispensation, -July 7, 18G5, with the 
following charter members : William Tillotson, George 
McLean, J. M. Hopkins, John Knapp, E. T. Watkins, 
Daniel D. Waldo, E. Wilson, John E. Bramble. 

First Officers,— V^^iWinni Tillotson, W. M. ; Geo. McLean, 
S. W. ; Joseph M. Hopkins, J. W. ; John Knapp, Troas. ; 
E. T. Watkins, Sec. ; Daniel D. Waldo, S. D. ; E. Wilson, 
J. D. ; J. E. Bramble, Tyler. 

The warrant was issued June 14, 1866. At that date 
the membership was 32. All of the original charter mem- 
bers are still living, except George McLean. 

rresent Officers.— D. D. Waldo, W. M.; E. H. Van 
Housen, S. W. ; W. S. Foster, J. W. ; P. F. Paris, Treas. ; 
John Frost, Sec. ; J. H. Greene, S. D. ; John Bonny, J. D. ; 
J. P. Montgomery, Tyler. 

VILLAGE OF PRATTSBURGH. 

The village of Prattsburgh was bounded and incorporated 
as follows, Dec. 7, 1848 : 

"STEUBEN COUNTY COURT.— In the matter of the petition 
of Bishop S>riTH and Jas. H. Hotchkin, Jr. 

"On reading and filing the petition of Bishop Smith and Jas. H. 
Hotchkin, .Jr., residents of the territory hereinafter mentioned and 
described, for the incorporation of saitl territory as a village, by the 
name of the Village of Prattsburgh, which territory is bounded and 
described as follows, viz. : Beginning at the southeast corner of lot 
No. 53, in township No. 6, in the third range of townships, in said 
county of Steuben ; thence west 60 chains; thence north 106 chains and 
66i links; thence east 00 chains; and thence south 106 chains and 66i 
links, to the place of beginning, containing one square mile. And on 
sufficient proof, showing that the act passed by the Legislature of the 
State of New York, on the 7th day of December, 1S47, entitled 'An 
Act to provide for the Incorporation of Villages,' has in all respects 



been duly complied with, so as to entitle the said territory to be incor- 
porated as a village — 

" Ordered, That the said territory be, and the same is, incorporated 
as a village, by the name of the Village of Prattsburgh, if the electors 
thereof shall consent thereto, according to the provisions of the act so 
passed by the Legislature of the State of New York, aforesaid, and 
that Addison Ainsworth, Abram I. Quackenbush, and Whitman Smith, 
three of the Inspectors of election of the town of Prattsburgh, in which 
the said territory is situate, be, and they are hereby appointed In- 
spectors, to hold and preside at an election, which is hereby ordered 
to be held within said territory, for the purpose of obtaining the 
assent of the electors of the said territory for the incorporation 
thereof as a village, by the name of the Village of Prattsburgh, 
according to the provisions of the net aforesaid; and they are ordered 
and directed to perform all the duties required of them by the pro- 
visions of said act. 

"Dated this 8th day of November, 1848. 

*' D. McMaster, Judge. 

" H. L. COMSTOCK, ) r ,. . t' 

*'A. D. Read, J 

"STEirBEN COUNTV, 8S : 

*■ I certify that I have examined the certificate and notice of the 
holding of said election, and the affidavit of the posting of such 
notice, and am satisfied that all the proceedings in respect to notify- 
ing and holding the meeting therein mentioned, canvassing the votes 
given thereat, and making such certificate, are legal. 

'' D. McMaster, Coimti/ Jiu/<je. 

•* Dated Dee. 7, 1848. 

''Steuben' Countv, *« ; 

"Clerk's Office, Bath, Aug. 1, 18o0. 

" I, Paul C. Cook, Clerk of said county, do hereby certify that the 
preceding is a true copy of an original certificate of incorporation 
remaining on record in this office, and having compared the same 
with said original record, I find it to be a correct transcript therefrom, 
and of the whole of said, original. 

*' Given under my hand and seal of said county, the day and year 

first above written. 

"P. C. Cook, Clerk. 

NEW CHARTER. 

"We, the unilersigned, comprising the majority of the persons who 
had previouslj' presided at elections for village officers of the village 
of Prattsburgh, do hereby certify and return, That on the twentieth 
day of February, in the year one thousand eight hundred and seventy- 
seven, a special election was held in and for said village of Pratts- 
burgh, in accordance of the provisions of Section 30 of Title VIII. of 
Chapter 291 of the Laws of the State of New York, passed at the 
ninety-third session of the Legislature, entitled * An Act for the In- 
corporation of Villages,' at which special election the following reso- 
lution was voted on, viz. : 

" Resolved, That the village of Prattsburgh become a corporation 
under the provisions of Chapter 291 of the Laws of the State of New 
Y''ork, passed at the ninety-third session of the Legislature, said chap- 
ter being entitled ' An Act for the Incorporation of Villages,' and that 
said corporation possess all powers given thereto by said act. 

" We further certify and return, that more than ten days previous 
to the holding of such special election notices were posted in at least 
six public places in the village of Prattsburgh aforesaid, stating time, 
and place, and object of election, and cop^'ing the resolution, of which 
said notice the following is a copy, viz. : 

"special election. 

"Notice is hereby given that a special election, in and for the vil- 
lage of Prattsburgh, will be held at the hotel now kept by Daniel B. 
Van Auken, in said village, on the 20th day of February, 1877, at 
which election the following resolution will be submitted to the quali- 
fied electors of said village, to be voted upon by them, the said quali- 
fied electors of said village, viz.: 

"Resolved, That the village of Prattsburgh become a corporation 
under the provisions of Chapter 291 of the Laws of the State of New 
York, passed at the ninety-third session of the Legislature, said chap- 
ter beiug entitled ' An Act for the Incorporation of Villages,' and that 
said corporation possess all powers given thereto by said act. And 





c^iC, 7T^/l^^ JW c 




I ^rcA ^ 



IRA C. WILLIAMS. 



Ira C. Williams was born in the town of Rushville, Yates 
Co., N. Y., May 8, 1809. His father, Joseph H. Williams, was 
a native of Connecticut, settled in Yates County, in 1801, was 
a blacksmith by trade, and followed farming and blacksmithing 
while a resident of that county. He married Margaret Poster, 
a native of Massachusetts, prior to migrating from his native 
place. 

He died at the age of seventy-two, in 1837, at the residence 
of his daughter, in Ohio. His wife died Sept. 15, 1831, at 
Rushville, aged sixty-two. 

Their children were Mrs. Clark Green ; Mrs. Rodolphus 
Morse ; Mrs. James Loomis ; Mrs. James Holden, of Rushville ; 
Mrs. Willard Fay ; Joseph H. ; Mrs. John Van Housen ; 
Colonel John F. ; Ira C, of Prattsburgh ; and Mrs. Theodore 
Baker, of Ohio ; of whom only four survive. The youngest 
was the first to die, but lived to be upwards of fifty years of age. 

Mr. Williams remained at home until he was nineteen years 
of age, when he traveled through many of the western States, 
visiting places of interest, and looking for a place to begin life 
for himself Aft«r about two years he returned, and in the year 
1833, Jan. Ist, married Anna M. Benedict, of Jerusalem, Yates 
Co., N. Y. 

Their children of this marriage are Francis, a lawyer at 



Corning, N. Y. ; Ezra (deceased) ; Mrs. Daniel Sargent, of 
Rochester; Forrest H., of Rochester; Mrs. Edward Van Housen, 
of Prattsburgh ; Theodore B., graduate of Rochester Univer- 
sity and of Auburn Theological Seminary, now a Presbyterian 
clergyman in Michigan ; Ira C, graduate of Long Island College 
Hospital, a doctor in Michigan ; Helen M. (deceased) ; and 
Charles R., a graduate of Princeton College with high honors, 
now principal of the High School at Auburn. 

Mr. Williams settled in Prattsburgh in 1830, purchased a 
saw-mill and cloth dressing establishment, and carried on these 
interests for some twenty years. For a time he was a farmer 
on West Hill, and subsequently purchased a grist-mill at Avoca, 
and ran it for ten years, settling on the farm where he now 
resides, near the village of Prattsburgh, in the year 1876. 

He has devoted his whole time to business operations, and 
has never been active in politics except to cast his vote as a 
member of the Democratic party, of which he has ever re- 
mained a staunch supporter. He has been elected to fill several 
oflSces in the town, and discharged the duties of those offices 
with strict integrity of purpose. His wife died April 30, 1867, 
aged fifty-four. Thanksgiving Day, Nov., 1871, he married 
Mrs. D. C. Neiil, daughter of Jacob G. Shults, of the town of 
Wheeler. 



il 



TOWN OF PRATTSBURGH. 



367 



I'rustees. 



notice is hereby further given that said election will be o]^cned at ten 
o'clock A.M., and closed at sunset, of the said 20th day of February, 
1877, and that said election will be held in pursuance of the statute 
above mentioned, by virtue of a resolution in accordance with said 
statute, duly adopted by the board of trustees of said village, at a 
regular meeting of said board, held Feb. 6, 1877. 
" Dated Feb. 7, 1877. 

(Signed) "E. T. Watkins, 

"Job Arnold, 
" W. S. Foster, 
*' J. A. Bknnett, 
•' Z. J. Terry. 
" Wm. W. Grf.es, Village Cleric. 

" And we do further certify and return, that at such Special 
Election, held as aforesaid, fifty-six ballots were cast, of which said 
number fifty-three were cast with the word 'Yes' Ihcrcon, and three 
were cast with the word ' No' thereon. 

'• In witness whereof we have hereunto set our hands this 20th day of 
February, in the year 1877. 

" E. T. WatkiX.S, 1 Trustees of 
'■ Wm. S. Foster, [ llie ViUtigr. ../ 
"A. J. ArxOLO, J Priillsburrjli. 



" State of Nf.w York, I 
County op Steuben, i 

"On the 27th day of February, in the year 1877, personally ap- 
peared before me Elijah T. Watkins, Wm. S. Foster, and A. Job 
Arnold, to mo personally known to be the same persons who executed 
the foregoing return, and severally acknowledged the execution 

thereof. 

"D. D. Waldo, Ji(«r/i-f nf ilie Peine. 



"State of New York, 1 
County of Steuben, J 

" Elijah T. Watkins, Wm. S. Foster, and A. Job Arnold being duly 
sworn do depose and say, each for himself, that the foregoing relurn 
by him subscribed is true. 

"E. T. Watkins, 
"Wm. S. Foster, 
" A. J. Arnold. 
" Subscribed and sworn to before me this 27th day of February, 
1877. 

" D. D, Waldo. Jitttiee n/ the Peace. 



"State of New York, I 
Steuben Co. Clerk's Office, ) 

*'I, Archie E. Baxter, Clerk of said Count)', and also Clerk of the 
County and Supreme Courts therein, Courts of Record, having a 
common seal, do hereby certify that I have compared the foregoing 
copy of the Incorporation of the \'illage of Prattsburgh with the 
original of the same now rem.aining in my office, .and that it is a cor- 
rect transcript therefrom, and of the whole of said original. 

" In testimony whereof, I have hereunto subscribed my name, and 
affixed my official seal, the seal of said Courts, at Bath, this 



[L. S.] 



31st day of March. 187 



'Geo. H. Parker, Dep. Clerk. 



'' Recorded February 28, 1877. at 1 i'.m. 



•A. E. Baxter, Clerk." 

VILLAGE OFFICERS. 

On account of the loss of the village records by fire, we 
find no ofiicial list previous to 1870. From that date the 
village ofiicers have been as follows : 

Trustees. 

1870.— Wm. B. Boyd, Martin Pinney, Elijah T. Wat- 
kins, Elijah Allis, Andrew K. Smith ; Wm. B. Boyd, 
President ; A. C. Montgomery, Clerk ; Chas. F. Grennell, 
Collector; D. W. Baldwin, Treasurer. 

1871. — Martin Pinney, Elijah Watkins, Elijah AUis, 



Jas. A. Bennett, Uri L. Hurd ; Martin Pinney, President ; 
Wm. W. Greene, Clerk; Wm. II. W. Cox, Collector; Geo. 
McLean, Treasurer. 

1872.— Thomas Van Tuyl, Z. J. Terry, E. T. Watkins, 
James A. Bennett ; Thomas Van Tuyl, President ; Wm. 
W. Greene, Clerk ; Geo. McLean, Treasurer. 

1873.— A. H. Van Housen, Paul C. Howe, Henry A. 
Ackerson, Peter F. Paris, J. L. McCarrick ; A. H. Van 
Housen, President; R. M. Van Tuyl, Clerk; George Mc- 
Lean, Treasurer. 

1874.— Martin Pinney, Paul C. Howe, L. M. Nichols, 
Oliver N. Chapell, Abram H. Van Housen ; Martin Pin- 
ney, President ; Wm. W. Greene, Clerk ; George McLean, 
Treasurer. 

1875.— E. T. Watkins, Spencer Francis, W. S. Foster, 
J. A. Bennett, A. K. Smith ; E. T. Watkins, President ; 
Wm. W. Greene, Clerk; George McLean, Treasurer. 

187G.— E. T. Watkins, J. A. Bennett, Job Arnold, Z. 
J. Terry, W. S. Foster; E. T. Watkins, President; Wm. 
W. Green, Clerk ; A. K. Smith, Treasurer. 

NEW CHARTER. 

1877.— E. T. Watkins, President; Wm. S. Foster, A. 
H. Van Housen, Henry A. Ackerson, Trustees; Wm. W. 
Greene, Clerk; A. K. Smith, Treasurer. 

1878.— Uri L. Hurd, President; H. J. Pineo, W. T. 
McLean, William S. Foster, Trustees; Wm. W. Greene, 
Clerk ; A. K. Smith, Treasurer. 



Prattsburgh is beautifully situated in an upland valley, 
and in one of the healthiest locations in the State. It is 
eleven miles from Kanona, the nearest railroad station on 
the Rochester Division of the Erie Railway, ten miles from 
Naples, in Ontario County, and sixteen miles from Bath. 
It is also accessible from the railroad at Blood's. A daily 
mail-stage runs regularly between this village and Kanona. 
The population of the village is about 2500. It has an 
enterprising weekly newspaper and job printing-ofiice ; four 
churches — Presbyterian, Methodist, Baptist, and Catholic; 
a prosperous Union Free School and Academy ; a fine 
hotel, adjoining the Park, — the Park Hotel, kept by D. B. 
Van Auken ; two private banks ; and a score or more busi- 
ness houses, shops, etc., for the various trades and occupa- 
tions. 

The principal business houses are as follows : Six dry- 
goods and grocery-stores, of which the following-named 
gentleman are the proprietors : T. Van Tuyl, M. Pinney, 
G. R. R. Ainsworth, Baldwin & McCarrick, Watkins & 
Turner, and C. F. Grennell ; two drug-stores, Bennett & 
Warfield, and C. F. Hayes, proprietors; two hardware 
houses, J. H. Hotchkin & Co., and Geo. H. Look ; two 
grocery-stores, C. H. Randall, and J. H. Greene ; two fur- 
niture houses, W. S. Foster, and Z. J. Terry. The bankers 
are A. K. Smith and G. R. R. Ainsworth. Insurance, W. 
F. McLean. Loan-ofiice, Francis & McLean. A public 
hall is kept in the hotel. 



PHYSICIANS. 



The physicians are as follows: P. R. Stoddard, M.D. ; 
B. F. Williamson, M.D. ; J. A. Bennett, M.D.; and 



368 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Drs. W. G. Look, Wm. W. Greene, and P. L. Stoddard, 
dentists. 

CLERGYMEN. 

Presbyterian, Rev. F. D. Seward; Baptist, Rev. E. F. 
Owen ; Methodist, Rev. N. B. Randall. 

LAWYERS. 

D. D. Waldo, J. K. Smith. 

THE PRATTSBURGH NEWS. 

The first number of this paper was issued Dec. 12, 1872, 
by Paul C. Howe,, whose enterprising management has 
made it one of the most successful weeklies in the county. 
It is independent in politics, and devoted to local news and 
general intelligence. In 1876, Mr. Howe took into part- 
nership with himself his son, Wm. L. Howe, since which 
the publishers have been P. C. Howe & Son. In January, 
1878, the paper was enlarged to .seven columns. 

We are indebted to Mr. Howe, and to the columns and 
files of this paper, for much of the valuable information 
embodied in the history of this town. Also to Messrs. W. 
B. Pratt and J. H. Hotchkin. 

MILITARY RECORD OF PRATTSBURGH. 

Austin, Lockwood, Co. K, 107th N. Y. Vols. 

Avery, John. 

Avery, George. 

Avery, Charles. 

Bloomer, .\aron, Co. G, 10th Cav. 

Babcock, Horace, 101st N. Y. Vols. 

Borden, George, 14l8t N. Y. Vols. 

Brockway, Byron, Co. C, 188th N. Y. Vols. 

Brockway, Andrew, Co. G, 107th N. Y. Vols. 

Baker, Jackson, 5th Cav. 

Bilker, Wesley, Co. A,iad N. Y. Vols. 

Bonney, John N., Co. K, 107th N. Y. Vols. 

Bonney, W. L., Co. K, 107th N. Y. Vols. 

Ball, George, Co. C, 188th N. Y. Vols. 

Booth, E., Co. O, 107th, and Co. C, 188th N. Y. Vols. 

Bliss, George. 

Bramble, George, Co. I, 15th Eng. 

Bramble, Charles. 

Berlew, Urian, 4th H. Art. 

Bailey, John, Co. C, 188th N. Y. Vols. 

Boyd, 0. H., Co. K, 188th N. Y. Vols. 

Burch, Delos, Co. U, 189th N. Y. Vols. 

Coleman, E. J., Co. K, 107th N. Y. Vols. 

Cook, W. N , Co. K, lOTtli N. Y. Vols. 

Cornish, A., 12C(h N. Y. Vols. 

Grossman, Evander, Co. I, 15th Eng. 

Covil, John,22d Cav. 

Clark, Mori., 15th Eng. 

Cole, George, Co. H, 180th V. Y. Vols. 

Curtis, Epiiraim. 

Cameron, AVallace, loth Cav. 

Coon, Edward. 

Cook, Harvey, 161st N, Y. Vols. 

Cooper, Ir.a, loih N. Y. Cav. 

Cornish, James, 10th N. Y. Cav. 

Cornish, Albert, 14th N. Y. Vols. 

Clark, D. D. 

Clark, Riley. 

Cliapin, Paschal, 101st N. Y. Vols. 

Chapin, Claude, lOlst N. Y. Vols. 

Cook, Amos, Co. C, 188th N. Y. Vols. 

Dikes, John, 14th Brooklyn Zouaves. 

Denniston, H. G., Co. G, 107th, and Co. C, 188th N. Y. Vols. 

Denniston, Aaron, Co. C, 188th N. Y. Vols. 

Denniston, Abram, Co. G, 107th N. Y. Vols. 

Denniston, Samuel, Cav. 

Dunn, Eb. 

Denniston, Harvey, Co. G, 10th Cav. 

Di.xon, John, 9th Cav. 

Earley, J. F., Co, K, 107th N. Y. Vols. 

Elsworth, D., Co. C, 188th N. Y. Vols. 

Earley, J. S. 



Everitt, John, Co. C, 188th N. Y. Vols. 

Elliott, Nelson. 

Fay, Chiirles, 101st N. Y. Vols. 

Fowler, John, 15th Eng. 

Flynn, Pat, 101st N. Y. Vols. 

Ford, George. 

Foster, Joseph. 

Foster, William. 

Fuller, Smith, Co. A, 126th N. Y. Vols. 

Fisher, Joseph. 

Fisher, Sylvester, 2d Mounted Rifles. 

Frost, J. H., Co. A, 126th N, Y. Vols. 

Finton, Abram. 

Graves, Sidney. 

Greene, Henry. 

Gillett, Theodore, Co. C, 188th N. Y. Vols 

Grenneli, C. F., Co. C, 188tb N. V. Vols. 

Greene, A. E., Co. 1, 15th Eng. 

Greene, W. W., Co. A, 12CtU N. Y. Vols. 

Gelder, Barney, Co. A, 126th N. Y. Vols. 

Galivan, John, Co. A, 126th N. Y. Vols. 

Hoose, Stephen, 2d Mounted Rifles. 

Hartford, James. 

Horr, John, 6th Cav. 

Hore, E. P. 

Hoo-ie, James, 2d Mounted Rifles. 

Hayward, Philip, 148th N. Y. Vols. 

Havens, Thomas, Co. F, 14th N. Y. Vols. 

Hayes, C. F., 161st N. Y. Vols. 

Hatliaway, David, Co. I, 15th Eng. 

Hill, William. 

Hotchkin, Samuel, Co. — , 23d N. Y. Vols. 

Hunt, Richard, 2d Mounted Rifles. 

Hunt, William, 2d Mounted Rifles. 

Hunt, Eugene, 2d Mounted Rifles. 

Hayes, Byron, Co. C, ISSth N. Y. Vols. 

Homes, W. A., Co. K, 14th R. I. H. Art. 

Jones, A. F., Co. K, 107th N. Y. Vols. 

Johnson, Charles. 

Jackson, George. 

Lewis, J. C, Co. C, 188tli N. Y. Vols. 

Look, William G., 161st N. Y. Vols. 

Lewis, William H., 101st N. Y. Vols. 

Lewis. Cliarles, Co. C, 188th N. Y. Vols. 

Lewi-, Wilham, 188th N. Y. Vols. 

Lane, Frank. 

Louclis, Jolin, Cii. B, Hlh R. I. H. Art. 

Miller, John. 

Middleton, John. 

Maxoni, Manley. 

Morrison, George, lOlst N. Y. Vols. 

Bliller, Jon:itliau. 

Moore, Robert. 

Nome, William, Co. K, lolstN. Y. Vols. 

NcIT, Delos, Co. C, 188th N. Y. Vols. 

Nnrtlirup, tlliarles. 

Nortlirii|i, Evander, Co. G, 10th Cav. 

Polmanteer, George. 

Porter, Kd,, Co. C, 188tli N. Y. Vols. 

Paris, Peter, Co. A, 126tli N. Y. Vols. 

Perry, Jolin, 20th N. Y. Colored Troops. 

Perry, William, 14tli R. I. II. Art. 

Potter, John, Co. A, 2:td Inf., and Co. G, 10th Cav. 

Parker, John, Co. G, 107th N. Y. Vols. 

Palmanteer, Frank. 

Parsons, .lames, IStli Eng. 

Parsons. Richard, 50th Eng. 

Partridge, Lewis, Co. A, 26th N. Y. Vols. 

Patch, Frank, Co. C, 188th N, Y. Vols. 

Phillips, Richard. 

Partridge, Stephen. 

Partridge, Lewis. 

Robinson, Sherman. 

Raymond, Samuel, Co. I, loth Cav. 

Riker, ElLas. 

Stryker, Milton, Co. C, 188th N. Y. Vols. 

She,a, Michael, I89th N. Y. Vols. 

Smith, Ira, Co. C, 188th N. Y. Vols. 

Stoddard, P. K., 161st N. Y. Vols. 

Sturdevant, H. P., Co. E, lolst, 137th, and I40th N. Y. Vols. 

Smith, Hector. 4th H. Art. 

Stewart, Edinond. 

Sanderson, Dwight. 

StebWns, Smith, 126th N. Y. Vols. 

Smith, Ed., 10th Eng. 

Scott, James. 

Smith, Gus, 76th N. Y. Vols. 





Benjamin cook. 



(pHoros-BV M E Van //oysEN J 



Mrs. Benjamin Cook. 



BENJAMIN COOK 
was born in Palentine, Montgomery Co., N. Y., July 
30, 1807. His grandfather, Casper Cook, emigrated 
from Germany, was married prior to coming to this 
country, and first settled in Montgomery County. He 
was a merchant, and also carried bn farming. His chil- 
dren were five sons and four daughters, of whom Jasper 
Cook, father of the subject of this narrative, was second 
son, and married Ann Eve Rickard ; removed to Oswego 
County, where he was a farmer, and where he died ; -his 
wife died in Palentine. 

Their children are Barney, of the Black River Country ; 
Mrs. Andrew Getman, of Palentine ; George, of Illinoir, ; 
Benjamin, of Prattsburgh ; Harrison (deceased) ; and 
Mrs. Washington Saddler, of Fulton County. 

After Mr. Cook was five years of age he resided with 
his uncle, Adam Plank, who was a farmer and hotel 
keeper, near Schenectady, N. Y., until the year 1826, 
when he was married to Angeline, daughter of Henry 
Bowman, of Amsterdam, N. Y. She was born May 5, 
1810. After his marriage he was a farmer for five years 
in Johnstown, N. Y., and for one year at Sand Flats ; 
and after one year spent at Geneva, he, in 1833, settled 
in the town of Prattsburgh, on West Hill. He received 



no pecuniary assistance in beginning business for him- 
self, but by economy and well-executed plans has had a 
successful business life. 

For forty-two years he has been a farmer where he 
first settled on coming to this town. In 1875 he pur- 
chased a place near the village, where he now resides. 

Mr. Cook is known as a plain, unassuming man, pos- 
sessed of an unsullied character, correct habits, and 
strict integrity. 

Both he and his wife are members of the Presbyterian 
Church of Prattsburgh, and were united with church 
interests prior to coming to this county. 

He is a man of independent thought and action, and 
has generally voted with the Democratic party. He 
has held offices of trust and responsibility in thg town 
of Prattsburgh, all of which have been filled to his 
credit, and with justice to his fellow-townsmen ; was 
assessor for nine yeai's, poormaster for two years, road 
commissioner for one term, and justice of the peace for 
one term. 

Their children are Adam, of Wheeler; Henry, of 
Avoca; Charles (deceased); Mrs. Seth Strong, William, 
Benjamin, Sarah, and Albert, of Prattsburgh. 



TOWN OF PRATTSBURGH. 



369 



Smith, Samuel, 101st N. T. Vols. 

Smith, Oscar. 

Stedman, Julius, 10th N. Y. Cav. 

Stautoii, Clark, 1st N. Y. Cav. 

Skinner, Arthur, 161st N. Y. Vols. 

Stanton, Stephen. 

Thayer, A. P. 

Terry, Z. J., Co. C, 188th N. Y. Vols. 

Turner, Peter. 

Thayer, Ely. 

Tuthill, t'harlcs, 22(1 N. Y. Cav. 

Thayer, Martin. 

Thayer, Mortimer. 

Upthegrove, Clark. 

Van Tuyl, Benjamin, IClst N. Y. Vols. 

Van Tiiyl, John, loth N. Y. Cav. 

Van Housen, Israel, 101st N. Y. Vols. 

Van Arilen, George. 

Vanderwalker, John. 

Wales, Frank, Co. C, ISSth N. Y. Vols. 

Waldo, G. IL, Co. C, 188th N.Y. Vols. 

Walters, Al., Co. C, lS8th N. Y. Vols. 

Wigden, Benjamin, 14th R. I. H. Art. 

Wigden, William, Hth R. I. II. Art. 

Wigden, Martin, 20th N, Y. Vols. 

Whitehead, Aaron, Co. U, 107th N. Y. Vols. 

Watkins, J. J., Co. C, 188th N. Y. Vols. 

Williams, F., lolst N. Y. Vols. 

Wilcoi, C. H., 161st N. Y. Vols. 

Waldo, Edmund, 189th N. Y. Vols. 

Wheaton, Marvin, Co. B, 176th N. Y. Vols. 

Wheaton, George. 

Wheaton, Alvin S. 

Y'oungs, Martin, 126lh N. Y. Vols, and 10th Cav. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



HON. ROBERT I'ORTKH. 

Hon. Robert Porter wa.s the son of Noah Porter aud 
Mary Lewis, who were married May 11, 1764. He was 
born at Farmington, Conn., Oct. 6, 1773. By means of 
records preserved in the family liis genealogy can be traced 
back, through four generations, to Robert Porter, who was 
" the son of a clergyman in England. He was among the 
first emigration to this country, and one of the eighty-four 
proprietors of the town of Farmington." 

Noah Porter, the father of the subject of this sketch, 
was for many years a deacon of the church of Farmington. 
He was distinguished for his acquaintance with the Scrip- 
tures, gifts in prayer, and disposition to do good, particu- 
larly his zeal for the promotion of missions. After a vig- 
orous and serene old age, greatly endeared to his children 
and respected by all who knew him, he died, Jan. 6, 1818, 
aged eighty-four years. 

Dr. Noah Porter, who was for sixty years pastor of the 
first church of Farmington, Conn., the father of President 
Noah Porter, of Yale College, was a brother of the subject 
of this sketch. 

Hon. Robert Porter graduated at Yale College in 1795. 
He subsequently spent two years in studying theology 
under the tuition of Rev. Dr. Charles Backus, of Somers, 
Conn., and was then licensed to preach. During the suc- 
ceeding four years he preached almost constantly in various 
congregations in the State of Connecticut and performed 
two tours of missionary service under appointments from 
the Missionary Society of Connecticut. On the 28th of 
November, 1799, he was married to Roxanna Root, of 
Litchfield, Conn. 
47 



In 1801 he became Principal of " Hamilton Oneida 
Academy" (now Hamilton College), at Clinton, N. Y., and 
having purchased a cottage and small farm near the acad- 
emy, he removed his family to that place. During his four 
years' residence at Clinton, in addition to his duties as pre- 
ceptor, he preached almost constantly in vacant congrega- 
tions, of which there were a number in the vicinity. His 
example of integrity, of neighborly courtesy, of enterprise, 
and enthusiasm for the higher moral pursuits left an im- 
press on the character of the place which it still retains. 

Prof Edward North, of Hamilton College, says, " While 
a resident of Clinton, Principal Porter made his home in a 
cottage that is now the oldest residence on the college hill- 
side. One of the apple-trees grafted by him, more than 
seventy-five years ago, stands to-day. It measures fifteen 
feet in girth, and is still a vigorous and productive tree." 

In the spring of 1806, Jlr. Porter removed with his fam- 
ily to Prattsburgh. At that time the site of this village 
was almost an unbroken forest. He purchased of Sir 
James Pulteney lots Nos. 44, 54, and 07, upon which a 
large part of the village is now located. He erected the 
first grist-mill in town and many other substantial buildings, 
some of which are yet among the best in the village. He 
planted extensive orchards of choice fruit, and where they 
have not been removed to make way for improvements they 
still continue to be the most productive and valuable in town. 

The records of the town of Prattsburgh show that all the 
most responsible offices within its bounds have from time 
to time been filled by him. For many years he was justice 
of the peace, supervisor, etc., and in 1814 he was placed 
on the bench as associate county judge, a position which 
he filled with credit to himself. 

He was a liberal contributor towards all town improve- 
ments, and was foremost in the origin, building, and sup- 
port of the Franklin Academy and the Presbyterian church, 
and was the largest contributor towards the erection of these 
buildings. The ground upon which the Presbyterian church 
was built was given by him. He also deeded to the reli- 
gious society the open square nearly in front of the church 
to be kept open as a play-ground. He was the first pre- 
siding ofiicer of the board of trustees of the academy, — a 
position he retained fur many years. He lived to see this 
institution in its most flourishing days, — the resort of an 
advanced class of students, who gladly availed themselves 
of its superior advantages for obtaining a thorough prepara- 
tion for college. Some of the students of those days, among 
whom were Dr. S. M. Campbell, of Rochester, and Dr. J. 
M. Manning, of Boston, frequently sought his aid on the 
knotty points of their Latin and Greek, and readily ob- 
tained the a.ssistance they sought. 

He was fond of his family, and mingled much with his 
children in their sports. Ho had an exuberance of fun, 
was fond of good jokes, aud had a store of them constantly 
ready for suitable occasions. He brought with him some 
funds beyond what he invested in lands and mills, which, 
being loaned, was at that day of great value to the commu- 
nity. He was kind to the unfortunate poor, but had no 
patience with men of indolent habits. He was fond of 
society, a man of chaste feelings and habits, and enjoyed 
entertaining his friends at his own house. 



370 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Judge Porter was a successful agriculturist, as were his 
.two sons after hitii. He delivered the addresss before the 
first agricultural society at Bath. He possessed a fine lit- 
erary luind. While in the prime of life, he began to feel 
the efi"ects of a steadily-increasing paralysis, which eventu- 
ally rendered him almost helpless. For many years it af- 
fected only his physical organization, leaving his mental 
faculties apparently as clear and active as before. It would 
seem as if it must have been a crushing blow for one so 
active and buoyant as was Judge Porter to be thus sud- 
denly stricken down, but he received it as a chastisement 
from his heavenly Father and yielded to it with submission. 
He died, Aug. 20, 1847, aged seventy-four years. The 
work of his hands, and the influence of his life, made an 
impression on the village and people of Prattsburgh which 
will long be gr.itefully romemljered. 

Mrs. Roxanna Porter, wife of Judge Porter, was a woman 
of much intelligence and piety, — a fit helpmeet for her hus- 
band. Her labors and strength were most freely given for 
the comfort and good of her family. She died, greatly 
beloved and mourned, Oct. 24, 1835, aged sixty-one years. 

Judge Porter had four sons and two daughters. Belinda, 
born Oct. 15, 18t)2 ; William L. born Feb. 23, 1805; 
Edward R., born Aug. 7, 1806 ; Robert L., born April 8, 
1810; Thomas, born July 5, 1813 (died in infancy), and 
Mary A., born May 20, 1815. 

Belinda attended school for several years at Litchfield, 
Conn. She was a lady of unusual intelligence and culture. 
She was married, Dec. 20, 1824, to Judge Z. A. Leland, of 
Bath. They had six children : Amelia, Robert P., Mary, 
Adeline, Belinda, and Charles. The latter died in his third 
year. Mrs. Leland died at Bath, March 26, 1842. Her 
daughter, Amelia, married Rev. Charles L. Adams, Oct. 
1, 1850. Mr. Adams died at Neenah, Wis., Oct. 23, 1852, 
leaving a son, Charles, who has nearly completed the course 
of study at Hamilton College, and is at present studying 
law at Watertowa, N. Y. Mrs. Amelia Adams was a£;aiu 
married, to Rev. P. Barbour, April 10, 1862, and has four 
children, Harriet, Amelia, Sarah, and Robert P. Barbour. 
Her present residence is at Malta, Saratoga Co., N. Y. 

Robert P. Leland, second child of Mrs. Belinda P. Le- 
land, was married to Caroline Burch, March 5, 1851. He 
was killed by the accidental discharge of his gun while 
hunting, Sept. 1, 1853, aged twenty-five years. He was 
educated as a civil engineer, and was a young man of un- 
usual promise and abilities. He left a daughter, Lue Le- 
land, who was married to Mr. R. F. Bloomer, iu 1876. 

]Mary, third child of Mrs. Belinda Leland, is unmarried 
and living at present at Mechanicsville, N. Y. 

Adeline, fourth child of Mrs. Leland, was married Sept. 
20, 1854, to Frank A. Fitzgerald, of Syracuse, N. Y. She 
has four children, — Amelia, John, Cornelia, and Louise. 
Her son John is now in his third year at Union College, 
in the class of civil engineers. Mrs. Fitzgerald, who is at 
present visiting her son at Schenectady, goes soon to her 
home at Nassau, Bahama Isles. 

Belinda, fifth child of Mrs. Leland, was married Dec. 
26, 1861, to Warren Hunt. They have five children, 
Mary, Ephraim, Warren, Charles, and Adeline. 

Judge Leland died Aug. 26, 1872, aged eighty years. 



William L. and Edward R., second and third children 
of Judge Porter, were both farmers, and the farm of their 
father was divided between them. As members of church 
and society, they both stood in the first rank, and they 
were both fur many years trustees of Franklin Academy. 
William married Olive L. Parmalee, of West Bloomfield, 
N. Y., Nov. 8, 1826. They had five children,— Mary, 
William, Harriet, Robert, and Belinda. Mrs. Olive Porter 
died Feb. 6, 1848, aged forty years. Mr. William L. 
Porter married again, Mary T. Chamberlain, March 6, 
1849. In 1853 he removed from Prattsburgh to Penn 
Yan, where he soon became as widely known and honored 
for his humble and faithful discharge of every duty, as at 
the home of his earlier years. For the last six years of his 
life he acted as deacon and elder in the Presbyterian 
Church of Penn Yan. He died Oct. 19, 1869. 

His oldest child, Mary, graduated at Mount llolyoke 
Female Seminary, in 1853. She afterwards taught for 
several years at Philadelphia, and was married at Penn 
Yan, Oct. 14, 1858, to Rev. James F. Taylor. They have 
three children, — William, Grace, and Mabel. They reside 
at present at Saugatuck, Mich. 

William, second child of William L. and Olive L. Por- 
ter, was drowned while bathing, June 27, 1848. He was 
sixteen years of age. 

Harriet, the third child of William L. Porter, for sev- 
eral years a teacher at Penn Yan and at Milwaukee, Wis., 
was married, June 1, 1869, to Mr. E. W. Mills, of Penn 
Yan, at which place she now resides. 

Robert, the next child, died at Prattsburgh, in 1841, 
aged four years. 

Belinda, the youngest child, was for several years a most 
beloved and acceptable teacher iu Penn Yan. She died at 
the age of thirty-five, July, 1877. She was greatly en- 
deared to all who knew her. 

Edward R., third child of Judge Porter, was married to 
Lydia C. Van Valkenbaugh, of Auburn, Sept. 17, 1828. 
He owned and occupied a portion of the farm of his father 
up to his death. He was for several years deacon in the 
Presbyterian Church of Prattsburgh, and his life and char- 
acter were such that his sudden death was mourned as the 
occasion of a loss to the whole community. He died Aug. 
1, 1857, aged fifty-one years. Mrs. Lydia C. Porter, wife 
of Edward R. Porter, died Aug. 23, 1868. They left three 
children, — Charles, Catherine, and Edward. 

Charles graduated at Amherst College, in 1852, was 
admitted to the bar in the State of Illinois, in 1858, and 
married Nellie V. Penny, of Cape Girardeau, Mo., in 1862. 
Their daughter, Annie, died in 1867, in her second year. 
Mrs. Nellie Porter died in 1871. Charles was married 
again in 1872, to Miss Emma D. Blanchard, of Wheat- 
land, Iowa. 

Catherine, second child of Edward R. Porter, graduated 
at Mount Holyokc Female Seminary, in 1852. She was 
married to Charles R. St. John, Sept. 19, 1860. They have 
four children, — Charles, Edward, Emma, and Robert. Mr. 
and Mrs. St. John reside at the old homestead of Edward 
R. Porter. Her father and she and her children are the 
only descendants of her grandfather. Judge Porter, who 
now reside at Prattsburgh. 



a-EOi?.C3-E Ti.. I?.. -A-hsts'woi^th:. 



George R. R. Aiiisworth was born in tlie town of 
Rnittshiirgh, Steuben Co., N. Y., Jan. 12, 1830. His 
failier, Isaac Ainsworth, was a native of Massachusetts, 
and came to Otisco, Onondaga Co., with his mother (the 
fatlier liaving died in Massachusetts) while quite young, 
and during the latter part of the last century. Wiiile a 
young man he migrated to the town of Prattsburgh, 
about the year 1800, and took up some twelve hundred 
acres of timbered land. This was in the time of Indian 
wigwams, and when the forests in this section teemed 
with wolves and other wild game. 

During his lifetime he cleared over one-half of the 
original forest from this land, as- 
sisted as he was by seven negro 
men whose families lived on his 
place, and he retained his entire 
property until his death, 1840. 

Having received a lii)eral edu- 
cation in his early life, upon 
coming to this new country Mr. 
Ainsworth, senior, spent his time 
for several winters as a teacher, 
ami many of the oldest men now 
living in Prattsburgh owe their 
early education to the efforts of 
this man. While he lived he wasa 
representative man ami a worthy 
citizen, and for some twenty-five 
years held places of trust and 
responsibility in the town. He 
was one of the organizers of the 
Presbyterian Church of the place, 
and contributed liberally to that 

and kindred interests during his life. He was mai'ricd 
to Louisa Burton, after settling here, in the year 181 "2, 
of which union was born one son, Addison, who now 
resides in his native town. 

His wife died April 26, 1816, and he married Sallie 
Towusend, of Prattsburgh, the same year, September 4. 
Of this union were born five sons and one daughter," — 
Willard (deceased), Clinton (deceased), Mrs. Dr. Cheney 
(ileceased), George, Henry C, and Burrage R. The 
mother of these children died in 1841, at the age of 
forty-three. 

George R. R. Ainsworth was only ten years of age 
when his father died. At the age of fifteen he became 
a clerk for James C. Johnson, of Prattsburgh, and after 




one year went to Penn Yan, and was a clerk with Mr. 
E. B. Jones for three years; at the end of which time he 
came to Prattsburgh and established a general merchan- 
dise store with Dr. Chauncey Hayes. After a partner- 
ship of three years, Mr. Ainsworth disposed of his 
interest in the store, and estsiljlished himself alone in 
the same business, which he has enlarged as the growing 
interests of the country demanded, and continued until 
the present time. In 1862 he established a private 
bank, and has since carried on legitimate banking in 
connection with his mercantile business. 

In 1875 he established a bank in Hammondsport, 
this county, which has been 
managed since by his -son, Henry 
C. Ainsworth. 

His father was a firm sup- 
porter of the old Whig party, 
and, carrying out the principles 
of his progenitor, Mr. Ainsworth 
is identified with the Republican 
party. Never solicitous of any 
]K)Iitical preferment, desiring 
rather the quiet of a strictly 
private life, he has given his 
whole attention to business. 

He has grown up with the 
village of Prattsburgh, and ever 
been at^tively interested in its 
prosperity. For some ten years 
he was trustee of the Franklin 
Academy, and since the estab- 
lishment of the Union Free 
School, in connection with the 
Acadcmv, he has held the office of trustee for two 
years. 

Mr. Ainsworth is a member of the Presbyterian 
Church, of which he has been secretary and treasurer for 
many years, and among the first to forward all interests 
tending to educate and elevate the rising generation. 

He is an acceptable business man, and as a neigh- 
bor has no superior in genuine kindness of heart, and 
liberal, unostentatious acts of private charity. 

In the year 1851 he married Mary E., daughter 
of David Smith, of Hammondsport. Their children 
are George R., Henry C, Mary E. (deceased), Edward 
S., Willard S. (deceased), David S., Clara T., and 
Robert L. 



TOWN OF PRATTSBURGH. 



371 



Edward, third child of Edward R. Porter, was married 
to Sarah M. Watkins, June 13, 1867. Mrs. Sarah Porter 
died Sept. 4, 1869, aged twenty-two years. Edward was 
again married, to Sophia A. McLoud, Dec. 13, 1871. He 
resides at Phim Point, on Seneca Lake. 

Robert L., fourth child of Judge Porter, graduated at 
Hamilton College, in 1833. He completed the course of 
study at Auburn Theological Seminary, and became pastor 
of the Presbyterian Clmrch at Branchport, N. Y., where 
he labored for five months, when sickness arrested him in 
his hopeful career, and death terminated his labors at the 
very commencement of his course of usefulness. He died 
May, 1838, aged twenty-nine years. 

Mary A., youngest child of Judge Porter, was married, 
in 1836, to Rev. David Malin (now D.D. of Philadelphia). 
She died May 24, 1842, aged twenty-seven years. She left 
two daughters, — Sophia H. and Elizabeth R. Sophia was 
married to Mr. Sargent, of Philadelphia, October, 1864. 
She died in 1871, leaving two daughters, Mary and Sophia. 

p]lizabeth, second daughter of Mrs. Mary Malin, died 
Jan. 28, 1867. 



HON. CHARLES G. HUiBY 

was born in the town of Brutus, Cayuga Co., N. Y., Sept. 
23, 1812. His grandfather, John Higby, came from Lee, 
Mass., and settled in Ballston, Saratoga Co., prior to the 
Revolutionary war. He married Mindwell Lewis, of which 
union were born four sons and nine daughters, — Lucy, John, 
Mindwell, Sarah, Submit, Ansta, Electa, Lewis, Electard, 
Sampson, Hannah, Jeduthun, and Ruth. The father died 
at Ballston, at over ninety years of age. The mother also 
died at an advanced age at Ballston. Lewis was a soldier m 
the war for Independence ; was captured by the Indians 
and Tories and carried a prisoner to Canada, where he re- 
mained for nearly two years. The mother and smaller chil- 
dren were also captured by the Indians, and rescued. Four 
of the son,s-in-law, Wilcox, Israel Phelps, Ebenezer Phelps, 
and John Parsons were also soldiers of the war. 

Jeduthun Higby, father of the subject of this sketch, 
was born Oct. 15, 1775, at Ballston, N. Y., and married 
Sylvia Strong, Jan. 4, 1801. Their children were Livy S., 
John L., Myron T., Marcus T. C, Charles G., and an 
adopted daughter, Soplironia Kelly. Of this large family 
of children, only Charles G., the youngest son, is living. 

Jeduthun was a soldier in the war of 1812-14, ranking 
as lieutenant, and after the burning of Buffalo held a cap- 
tain's commission in command of a company. Soon after 
his marriage he settled in Brutus, Cayuga Co., where he 
carried on farming, and in the spring of 1818 removed to 
Pratt.sburgh, Steuben Co., and settled about two miles west 
of the village. He was one of the vestrymen upon the 
organization of the First Episcopal Church, at Auburn, 
N. Y., while a resident of Cayuga County, and attended 
the Presbyterian Church, at Prattsburgh, after coming to 
this county. He, with two others, was killed in the town 
of Pulteney, by a tree falling across their wagon, Oct. 11, 
1820. 

His wife died at the age of eighty-two, Nov. 18, 1863, 
at the residence of her sou, Charles G., in Prattsburgh. 



Charles G. Higby was only eight years of age when his 
father died. He received a good English education at the 
common school and at the Franklin Academy, and at the 
age of sixteen became a teacher. He was a teacher for 
some six terms during the winter season, and summers 
worked on a farm of fifty acres, which he had purchased. 




about four miles from the village, and where he "resided with 
his mother. His early life was one of self-exertion, economy, 
and care ; and unassisted pecuniarily he began life. 

At the age of twenty-four he married Phebe Jane, 
daughter of John and Rhoda C. Bramble, of Prattsburgh, 
and settled at once on his farm. To this purchase he had 
also added one hundred and fifty acres of timber land near 
by. In the year 1841 he removed to the place where he now 
resides, near the village, and engaged in milling and lum- 
bering in connection with farming, and the latter interest 
he carries on at the present time. 

Mr. Higby has been a strong supporter of Democratic 
principles, yet supported President Lincoln and the Union 
cause during the war, and was ever opposed to the exten- 
sion of slavery. He has been the representative of the 
school interest of the town for many years as school super- 
intendent under the old law, and has always taken a deep 
interest in the progress of education. 

In 1851 he represented his Assembly district in the State 
Legislature, and advocated the passage of the free-school 
law. 

Mr. Higby and his wife arc members of the Presbyterian 
Church of Prattsburgh, and for many years he has been a 
trustee and elder of the church. 

He was a trustee of Franklin Academy for many years, 
and was a member of the first board of trustees, upon the 
organization of the Union Free School in connection with 



372 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



the Academy. Their children are Jeduthun (wlio died 
in infancy) ; John C, a graduate of Hamilton College in the 
class of '61 ; was a school commissioner, first district, 
Steuben County, for one term, and is now a farmer in the 
town of Prattsburgh ; and Lydia L. 



Tlie Higbys of Prattsburgh have been representatively 
connected with the growth of the town in all its various in- 
terests for over si.xty years, and known as useful members of 
society, and citizens of integrity in all their business rela- 
tions. 





AARON PINNEY. 



MRS. AARON PINNEY. 



AARON riNNEY 

was born in Galway, Saratoga Co., N. Y., Aug. 28, 1801. 
His fiither, Philander Pinney, with his brother Joseph set- 
tled in Saratoga County soon after the close of the Revolu- 
tionary war ; another brother, Alexander, settling in New 
Canaan, Columbia Co. His father was a farmer by occu- 
pation ; was married to Lucy Phelps, a native of Con- 
necticut, of which union were born four sons, — Philander, 
Martin, Calvin, and Aaron, — and five daughters, — Mrs. 
Enoch Cornell, Mrs. John Phelps, Lura, Louisa, and Mary. 
Of these children only the subject of this sketch and Louisa 
are living. 

The father died in 1817 at the age of fifty-seven. The 
mother died April 14, 1849, at the age of eighty-five. 

Mr. Pinney remained at home, working on the farm, 
and attending school a part of the time — winters — until he 
reached his majority, at which time he came to the town 
of Prattsburgh (1822) and purchased some eighty acres of 
land, which he soon sold, and bought one hundred and 
thirteen acres on the county line in the north j)art of the 
town. He was married, January, 1826, to Sophronia, an 
adopted daughter of Jeduthan Higby, of Prattsburgh, and 
settled on his farm. The log house, the monotony of clear- 
ing off the forest, the necessary privation of the early set- 
tler, the economy and prudence required in order to make 
a favorable balance at the end of each year, were all ex- 
periences of Mr. and Mrs. Pinney. 



He resided on this farm for some ten years and then 
purchased one hundred and seventy acres, one and a half 
miles from the village, on which he resided mainly as long 
as he carried on farming. In 1854 he sold this farm and 
moved into the village of Prattsburgh, where he has resided 
nearly all the time since. Besides his farming interest, Mr. 
Pinney had many other transactions in real estate, and has 
given his attention tjuite largely to buying and selling stock. 

He has been a member of the Democratic party since 
his first vote, and for several years represented the town of 
Prattsburgh on the Board of Supervisors. Soon after set- 
tling in the town both Mr. and Mrs. Pinney united with 
the Baptist Church of Prattsburgh, and remained in that 
connection, the latter until her death, Aug. 6, 1872; the 
former is still a supporter of the church and kindred in- 
terests. 

Their children are Martin, a merchant and dealer in real 
estate of Prattsburgh, and who has for several years been 
supervisor of the town ; Mrs. Richard Playsted, of Wayne 
County ; Isabella (deceased) ; Mary (deceased) ; Dwight, 
of Wisconsin ; Mrs. John McCarrick, of Prattsburgh ; 
James (decea,scd) ; Philander, with his brother Martin in 
the mercantile business ; Kate, and Mrs. Wm. Hunt, of 
Erie, Pa. 

Mr. Pinney is a plain, unassuming man ; his life has 
been one of industry and self-exertion, and his integrity in 
all his business operations has won for him the confidence 
and esteem of all who know him. 



TOWN OF PRATTSBURGH. 



373 




WILLIAM B. PRATT. 

The Pratt family of Steuben County trace their descent 
from John Pratt, who, with his brotlier, Lieut. William 
Pratt, emigrated to America, and is supposed to have settled 
at Cambridge, Mass., in 1633. John Pratt was one of the 
members of Thomas Hooker's church, and was evidently 
one of the company who went across the wilderness with 
their pastor and laid the foundations of Uartford, as he drew 
lot No. 31 in the first assignment of lots there in February, 
1639, and the same year represented Hartford in the first 
General Court, and for several years afterwards. 

Capt. Joel Pratt, a lineal descendant of the fifth genera- 
tion from John Pratt, and son of Deacon Klisha Pratt, of 
Colchester, Conn., born Sept. 26, 1745, married Mrs. Mary 
Beach Fowler, daughter of Deacon Benjamin Beach, of 
Hebron, Conn., February, 1779 ; first settled in Columbia 
Co., N. Y., and in the year 1799 visited the wilderness 
about Prattsburgh on horseback, at which time what is now 
Prattsburgh was an unbroken wilderness. He returned 
home, and in the year 1800, with his son Harvey, a four- 
ox team, six men, and one hired girl, with needful tools and 
provisions, after a journey of eighteen days, reached what 
is now Urbana Hill, four miles west of the village of Ham- 
mondsport, and the first year cleared off one hundred and 
ten acres of forest, and made the land ready for wheat. 

In 1802, Capt. Pratt removed his family to the new set- 
tlement. In 1804 he made improvements on the place now 
occupied and owned by William B. Pratt, near the village 
of Prattsburgh, and in 1805 settled there with his family. 
(For further particulars relative to Capt. Pratt's early settle- 



ment, see history of Prattsburgh.) Their children were Joel, 
Ira, Harvey, Anna, Dan, and Elisha. 

Capt. Pratt was identified with and held a controlling 
interest in the early settlement and disposition of lands, gave 
the town its name, assisted in founding the first religious 
societ}', laid out the public park, and secured it to the Pratts- 
burgh Religious Society, together with a plat of ground for 
a cemetery, and lands for the support of church interests. 
He died at Prattsburgh, Sept. 30, 1821. His wife died at 
the age of sixty-three, Jan. 31, 1818. 

Elisha, youngest son of Capt. Joel Pratt, born in Spen- 
certown, Columbia Co., Aug. 21, 1790, was twelve years of 
age when the family settled here. He married Emily, 
daughter of Dr. Bildad Beach, of Marcellus, Onondaga Co., 
N. Y., Feb. 7, 1821 ; lived on the homestead first settled at 
Prattsburgh during his life ; was a farmer by occupation ; 
led a strictly business life, was a man of correct habits and 
sterling integrity in all his business relations, and respected 
by all who knew him. He died April 12, 1849. His wife 
died June 2, 1871, aged .seventy-four. She was a person 
of great vigor of mind, was the last relic of the early set- 
tlers on the road from Prattsburgh towards Bath, and was 
at the head of a fiimily fifty years prior to her death. Their 
children were, Joel (deceased), William B., and Mary B. 
(who died young). 

Mr. William B. Pratt, only surviving child of the fiimily, 
was born Dec. 27, 1822, received a fiiir education at the 
common school and at the Franklin Academy, but spent 
a very large part of his majority at farm labor at home. 

Mr. Pratt is among the representative agriculturists in 



374 



HISTORY OP STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



the town of Prattsburgh, and has ever been interested in 
all matters leading to local improvement and the general 
welfare of the citizens of the town. (A view of his resi- 
dence, built by his grandfather, Capt. Joel Pratt, in 1817, 
with its surroundings, may be seen on another page of this 
work.) Ho was formerly a member of the old Whig party, 
but in 1 859 became a member of the Democratic party, the 
principles of which he still adheres to. From 18G3 to 
1868, inclusive, he represented his town as supervisor, 
and (which is a fact worthy of note here) in 18G-1, while 
acting as supervisor, he did the town very efficient service 
under the call of July, for ninety-two men for the army. 
In this matter, with the support of intelligent citizens, he 
is said to have saved the town some seventy-five thousand 
dollars. 

For some fifteen years he was a member of the board of 
trustees of the Franklin Academy, and has ever been a 
liberal supporter of educational interests, and was largely 
instrumental in making the public park. 

Mr. Pratt has engaged earnestly in the advocacy of the 
" Patrons of Husbandry," giving his time and money for 
its support, believing as he does that the farmer is the 
" golden goose," from which others pluck feathers of profit ; 
that he is largely the unequal tax-payer of the country, and 
hence is entitled to a representation in all matters aifecting 
local, State, or national interests ; and in behalf of this 
movement, and many others, he luis written many articles 
for the press that have claimed the attention of the think- 
ing public. 

Mr. Pratt has been married three times : first, to Mar- 
tha Jane McNair, of West Sparta, Livingston Co., in 
1847 (she died Nov. 14, 1848j ; second, to Mrs. Hester 
A. Carr, daughter of Deacon Babcock, of Prattsburgh 
(she died in 1852, leaving one son, Joel, who also died, at 
the age of 13) ; for his third wife he married Cornelia P., 
daughter of Henry and Mary Ann Brother, of Bath, Sept. 
16, 1852. Of this union have been born eleven children, 
of whom nine survive. 



OTIS WALDO 

was third son and fourth child of Jesse and Martha Waldo, 
pioneer settlers in the town of Prattsburgh ; was born Dec. 
28, 1794, in Connecticut, prior to the removal of the fam- 
ily to this county. The line of descent of the Waldo family 
here is traced back to Cornelius Waldo, the emigrant who 
settled in Ipswich, Mass., in' 1650. The descent is through 
(1) Cornelius; (2) John; (3) Edward; (4) Shubiiel ; (5) 
Jesse; (6) Jesse second, father of the subject of this nar- 
rative. 

About the year 1815, Mr. Waldo, with youthful vigor 
and a resolution to succeed, commenced life for himself, 
settled on some fifty acres of timbered land, built a saw- 
mill, and began lumbering and clearing oif the original 
forest and preparing his laud for tillage. He afterwards 
made additions to his origiual purchase, so that his farm 
comprised two hundred and ninety-four acres, now owned 
and occupied by the only surviving son, James A. Waldo. 

In 1S2U, Sept. 28, he married Fanny, daughter of Dea- 
con Aaron and Miriam Cook, of Prattsburgh. She was 



born Oct. 21, 1798. Their beginning was in a house built 
about 1816, a view of which may be seen in the same pic- 
ture with a view of the second residence erected by Mr. 
Waldo, as shown on another page of this work. For about 
a half-century, Mr. and Mrs. Waldo lived on this home- 
stead, made various improvements, erected commodious 
buildings, and cleared almost the entire farm of its original 
forest ; the result of a life of labor and toil. 

His life was one of activity. Possessed of that force of 
character common to the family of Waldo, yet he was un- 
o.stentatious and plain in his ways, a valuable citizen, and 
known for his integrity of purpose in all his business rela- 
tions, characterized for his consideration, firmness, and 
honesty. 

He took no active part in political matters, further than 
to cast his vote, which he did intelligently, first with the 
Whig and afterwards with the Republican party. 

In early life he became a member of the Congregational 
Church of Prattsburgh, and with his wife, both remained 
consistent to their religious faith until their death. Mr. 
Waldo was very fond of the study of the Scripture, and 
discussed with force and intelligence the various topics 
therein contained. He died July 15, 1870. His wife died 
Feb. 24, 1870. They had the following-named children: 
Otis H. Waldo, received his academic instruction in 
Franklin Academy, and graduated at Union College in 
1843. In 1844 he advocated the interests of Clay 
and the Whig party, and after the election went South 
and studied law with Gen. John A. Quitman, of Natchez, 
Miss. In 1849 he settled in Milwaukee and entered upon 
the practice of the legal profession, soon rising to the front 
rank. He pursued his cherished avocation with vigor, was 
possessed of strong natural endowments, improved by much 
reading and study, an intense worker, and ambitious beyond 
his strength. As a lawyer he was successful, professionally 
and financially. He served as president of an important 
railroad leading from the city of Milwaukee, to whose energy 
that enterprise is said to be largely indebted. He was the 
unsuccessful candidate for the mayoralty of the city and for 
the United States Senate, the city being of adverse politics. 
His death occurred Oct. 30, 1874. Martha Miriam (died 
in infancy) ; Abigail F. (died young) ; and James A. Waldo, 
the youngest and only surviving member of the (limily, re- 
sides on the old homestead. 



JOSEPH M. HOPKINS 

was born in the town of Prattsburgh, on the farm where he 
now resides, April 19, 1815. His grandfather, Capt. Con- 
sider Hopkins, was born in West Hartford, Conn., in June, 
1723, and died in August, 1795. He married Lydia Gil- 
bert, born in the city of Hartford, in 1731, and died in 
September, 1800. Their children were as follows: 

Consider Hopkins, born in New Hartford, July, 1752, 
died 1838; Hannah Hopkins, born in New Hartford, April, 
1754, died February, 1813; Roderick Hopkins, born in 
New Hartford, April, 1756; George Hopkins, born in New 
Hartford, February, 1758; Elias Hopkins, born in New 
Hartford, Jan. 4, 1760; John Hopkins, born in New 





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Residence or J.A.WALOO. prattsburgh, Steuben Co, ny. 



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Residence or J. M. HOPKINS, Frattssurgh. Steuben Co,N,Y 



i 



TOWN OF PRATTSBURGH. 



375 



Hartford, Aug. 31, 17(53; Mark Hopkins, born in New 
Hartford, Oct. 14, 17(U. 

In 16 — two brothers by the name of Hopkins emigrated 
from England and settled in Rhode Island, and the above 
are descendants from one of them. 

Capt. Consider Hopkins was a farmer, and, it is said, was 
very fond of hunting, often braving extreme danger in 
searching out the hiding-places of the panther and wolf 
He died at the age of about forty-six, leaving a wife and six 
sons and one daughter, viz.. Consider, Roderick, George, 
Elias, John, Mark, and Hannah (Jlrs. Ashcr Rull). His 
father, Mark, was the youngest of the sons, and the only 
one who did not reach the advanced age of eighty. When 
a young man, Mark Hopkins and his mother removed to 
Oneida County, where he was married, 6rst to Lydia Mer- 
rill, of which union were born Elisha G. and Lydia. The 
mother of these children died in 1794, aged twenty-six. 
For his second wife he married Sarah Kellogg, Feb. 14, 
1802. Of this union were born in Oneida County Ralph, 
Erastus, and Eliza C. (Mrs. Simeon Hayes, of Pratt,sburgh) ; 
after reaching Steuben County, Emily M. (Mrs. George E. 
Hayes, of Buffalo), Ralph W., Mark, Joseph Mark, and 
Hiram. 

The father first came to Prattsburgh and settled the farm 
now owned by his sou, Joseph M., in the spring of 1800, 
taking up some one hundred and eighty-two acres of timbered 
land. In 1807, March, he moved his family here and began a 
pioneer life in the new country. In 1814 he built the residence 
now standing on the premises and occupied by his son, and 
with the exception of some repairs, is as it was built, sixty- 
four years ago. A view of the same with its surroundings 
may be seen on another page of this work. He and his 
wife were among the early members of the Congregational 
Church, and he was one of the founders of the Franklin 
Academy, and one of its trustees for many years. He 
died in 1843, at the age of nearly seventy-nine. His wife 
died in 1852, at the age of nearly seventy-eight. Of all the 
children, only Joseph M. and Mrs. Hayes have remained 
residents of Steuben County, they being now the only sur- 
viving ones. 

Mr. Hopkins spent his minority on the farm, received a 
fair education at the common school and at Franklin Acad- 
emy, and was a teacher for' one term. For many years 
after reaching his majority, on account of ill health, he 
spent little of iiis time on the farm. He was early identi- 
fied with the society of Odd-Fellows, and was District 
Deputy Grand Master in 1853-54, and visited ofiioially the 
various lodges of the county ; and prior to that time had 
represented the society in the Grand Lodge of Northern 
New York several times. 

In 1854, March 30, he married Laura A., daughter of 
Henry G. and Laura (Hopkins) Linsley, of Prattsburgh. 
She was born Oct. 20, 1831. Since his marriage he has 
given his attention mostly to farming. His children are 
Mark H., Charles E. and Harriet E. (twins). 

July, 1860, Mr. Hopkins became a member of the Ma- 
sonic fraternity, and has been identified with that body in 
Prattsburgh since. 

He has not been actively identified in political matters, 
but ever interested in the questions of State and National 



importance. Was formerly identified with tlie Whig party, 
and upon the formation of the Republican party became a 
supporter of its principles. 

Mr. Hopkins has always been interested in educational 
matters and local improvements, and for some twenty years 
following the death of his father was a trustee of Franklin 
Academy. 

He has been jirominently identified with tlie " Patrons 
of Husbandry" since the organization in 1874, and liber- 
ally supports that interest looking to the welfare of tlie 
agriculturist, and is at present Worthy Master of the 
" Steuben County Council," and has been for three years 
elected Master of the " Prattsburgh Grange." 

At the annual meeting of the Steuben County Agricul- 
tural Society, held in Bath, Wednesday, Jan. 8, 1879, Mr. 
Hopkins was elected president of the society for the ensuing 
year. This is a just recognition of the ability of Mr. Hop- 
kins, as well as of his entire devotion to the business of 
agriculture. 



JOHN VAN IIODSEN 
was born in Montgomery Co., N. Y., Aug. 7, 1802. His 
grandfather, Henry Van Housen, was one of the first settlers 
of Albany County ; resided there until about thirty years 
of age ; removed to Johnstown, Montgomery Co., where 
his six children were born, except the eldest, viz., Henry, 
John, Wynard, Jacob, Mrs. Linkinfelter, and Mrs. Flans- 
bury. The mother of those children died in that county, 
at the age of about forty. The father subsequently resided 
with his son Jacob, in Cato, N. Y., and died there at the 
age of sixty-nine. All of the children are dead. 

His father, Henry Van Housen, was a native of Albany ; 
at the age of sixteen went to Montgomery County ; married 
Betsey Benedict, of the same county, but a native of Dan- 
bury, Conn., and her father, Robert Benedict, was an early 
pioneer of Saratoga County. 

Of this union were born six sons and three daughters, — 
Henry, Robert, John, Sarah, Ann, Rebecca, Susan, Charles, 
and James ; of whom Robert, John, and Sarah are living. 
The father was a farmer, gave his children a fair opportunity 
for an education, and in the latter part of his life lived 
with his son John, in Prattsburgh, where he died, aged 
seventy-four, in the year 1853. The mother survived her 
husband some three years, and died at the residence of her 
daughter, in Boston, Mass., about the year 1856, at the age 
of seventy-six. 

Mr. John Vaii Housen spent his life until he was twenty- 
seven at home on the farm. In 1829, September 24, he 
married Ann, daughter of Cornelius Hoffman, of Mout- 
womery County. She was born Sept. 23, 1805. Her 
father was a cousin of the father of ex-Governor John T. 
Hoffman. 

He began life after marriage without pecuniary assistance 
from his parents, and by self exertion, prudence, and strict 
economy through a business life of over half a century has 
secured a suflBcient competence to place him and his fomily 
beyond the apprehension of want. For five years as a for- 
mer in Montgomery County, and forty-four years as a suc- 
cessful and leading agriculturist of Steuben County, he has 
led an active, industrious life of manual labor. In 1834 



376 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



he settled in the town of Howard with his fiimily of wife 
and two children, — Charles H. and Catharine (deceased). 
In 1846 he settled in the town of Prattsburgh, on what is 
known as the Jared Pratt fiirm of three hundred and ten 
acres, and in 1876 purchased the place where he now resides, 
near the village. Besides his farm interests, he has dealt 
quite largely in real estate in the town of Prattsburgh, as 
also in the town of Howard ; and in all his business transac- 
tions Mr. Van Housen lias acted with that successful saga- 
city and common sense often found among men who carve 
out their own fortune. 

The children born in the town of Howard were Edward 



and is a man of correct habits. In the days of slavery he 
stood strongly intrenched againt human bondage, and during 
the late Rebellion supported the Union cause, and one son, 
Israel A., was for nineteen months a soldier of that war. 

It is a fact worthy of note here, that while a resident of 
the town of Howard, although not worth altogether one 
hundred dollars, Mr. Van Housen borrowed fifty dollars 
and assisted in the erection of the first Presbyterian church 
of that town. To such men churches, schools, society, law 
and order owe their existence, and the sketches of the lives 
of such men may prove lessons of profit to their progeny and 
the rising generation who enjoy the results of their labor. 





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'^ly^L {yutoiJ-^^ 



H. and Israel A. The mother died Oct. 7, 1841. For 
his second wife he married Adeline, daughter of Beriah 
Hotchkin, of Prattsburgh, Aug. 2, 1843. Of this union 
was born, in the town of Howard, also one daughter, Mrs. 
Dr. Warren Stewart, of Savona. 

After moving to Prattsburgli the mother died. May 12, 
1846, and for his third wife he married Mrs. P. W. An- 
drews, daughter of Joseph H. Williams, of Rushville, 
Yates Co. 

She was born May 10, 1805, and is a lady of fine 
intellectual attainments. Blr. Van Housen ha.s ever been 
a strong advocate of temperance principles before the people, 



He has been a member of the Presbyterian Church since he 
was fifteen years of age, and all of his wives have also been 
connected with the same religious body. 

Mr. Van Housen, now in his seventy -seventh year, is 
known as one of the most active men in the community, 
and shows a well-preserved constitution and active mental 
faculties ; and in the interests of the agriculturist, he has 
taken an active part in the spread of the platform adopted 
by the " Patrons of Husbandry ;" was one of the charter 
members of the grange for the town of Prattsburgh, and 
has been prominent in its councils, and liberal in time and 
money to place before the people its principles. 



PULTENEY. 



GEOGRAPHICAL SITUATION. 
This town is situated upon the west shore of Crooked 
Lake, and is the nortlieast corner town of the county. It is 
bounded north by Yates County, east b}' Keuka, or Crooked 
Lake, south by Urbana, and west by Prattsburgh. 

PHYSICAL FEATURES. 

Pulteney contains an area of 20,110 acres, 16,213 of 
which are improved farms, 3897 timbered and other unim- 
proved lands. The surface is a rolling upland, from seven 
to nine hundred feet above the surface of the lake, and 
presents many fine points of observation, from which the 
lake and surrounding country may be seen to advantage. 
The declivities along the lake-shore are broken by many 
narrow ravines, formed by small streams. The soil is chiefly 
a shaly and gravelly loam, but in some places near the 
lake clay predominates. The highlands are well adapted 
to farming, and since the introduction of grape culture, 
those along the declivities of the hills bordering upon the 
lake have been rendered valuable. 

EARLY SETTLEMENT. 

The names of a number of the early settlers, who came i 
to Pulteney previous to 1808, and who took a part in the ' 
organization and civil affairs of the town, are preserved in 
the records, from which we have transcribed largely in an- 
other section of our history of this town. John Van Camp 
and David Thompson appear to have been the first settlers, 
about the year 1797. Among the other early settlers were 
Samuel Miller, G. F. Fitzsiramons, John Black, James and 
George Simms, Henry HoiFman, Abraham Bennett, and 
Shadraoh Norris. Samuel and Nathaniel Wallis, John 
Ellis, William White, James Daily, Erastus Glass, Harmon 
Emmons, and Seth Pierce arrived in 1806, and soon after 
Elias and John Hopkins, Cornelius Lounsbury, and George 
Raymond. 

Shadrach Norris was an old Revolutionary soldier, and 
has many descendants still living in town, among whom are 
his grandsons, Levi, Samuel H., John.son, Shadrach, and 
James Norris, and his granddaughters, Mrs. Esther Clark 
and Mrs. Susannah Halliday. 

Thomas Hyatt, grandfather of Mrs. Celia Alexander 
and Mr. Nelson R. Hyatt, was one of the early settlers. 

Stephen Stratton settled in the south part of the town, 
on the Palmer farm, now occupied by Vaniah Drake, in 
1816. He is now ninety-two years old, and resides in 
Prattsburgh. 

In February, 1808, the town of Pulteney was formed 
from Bath, and comprised what are now Prattsburgh and a 
part of Urbana. Prattsburgh was set off in 1S13, and a 
part of Pulteney was annexed to Urbana in 1848. 
48 



Immediately upon the organization of the town, improve- 
ments began to be made in various directions, road and 
school districts were formed, and roads surveyed and opened. 
At the first town- meeting nineteen overseers of roads were 
elected, to superintend the opening and improvement of an 
equal number of road districts in the town. From 1814 
settlers came in from the eastern part of the State and from 
New England, and took possession of the northern part of 
the town. They were a hardy, industrious, enterprisiTig, 
and moral people. 

Hon. Goldsmith Deniston, a former resident of Pulteney, 
was employed, in 1859, to make the agricultural survey of 
the county, a full report of which, together with a history 
of the title to lands and a brief sketch of the early settle- 
ment, was published in the Transactions of the State Agri. 
cultural Society for 1860. Mr. Deniston has since removed 
to New York. 

ORGANIZATION. 

The first town-meeting for the town of Pulteney was 
held at the house of Jesse Waldo, on the first Tuesday in 
March, 1808. The meeting was legally opened by Robert 
Porter, Esq., Moderator. A ballot then being taken, the 
following persons were chosen town officers : Uriel Chapin, 
Supervisor ; Aaron Bell, Town Clerk ; Aaron Cook, Elias 
Hopkins, Nathan Wallis, Assessors ; William Curtis, Col- 
lector; Salisbury Burton and Daniel Bennett, Overseers of 
the Poor; Samuel Hayes, John Hopkins, Shadrach Norris, 
Commissioners of Roads ; John Ellis, Gamaliel LoomLs, 
George Raymond, Cornelius Lounsbury, Josiah AUis, Fence- 
Viewers ; Hermon Emmons, William P. Curtis, Constables. 

" Voted, to build two pounds at the expense of the town, 
one near the house of Shadrach Norris, the other in the 
centre of Pulteney Society." 

" Voted, that Shadrach Norris and Joel Pratt, Jr., be 
Pound-keepers." 

" Voted, to choose two committees of one person each to 
build the aforesaid pounds, and that Shadrach Norris and 
Joel Pratt, Jr., be said committees." 

" Chosen Overseers of Roads : Cornelius Lounsbury-, Sol- 
omon Daker, John Ellis, Isaac Spalding, Asa Brown, Aaron 
Bordin, James Stone, John Kent, Reuben Hall, John Black, 
Daniel Bennett, Isaac Pardy, Joel Tuttle, Asa Cooper, 
Josiah AUis, Martin Hayes, Stephen Prentiss, George 
Wrenchin, William Rowley." 

At the election for senator held on the last Tuesday in 
April, 1808, the following persons received the votes set 
after their respective names : Samuel S. Forman, 15 votes ; 
Henry McNeil, 14 votes; Rowell Hopkins, 13 votes; Fran- 
cis Henry, 13 votes; Putnam Catlin, 13 votes; Silas 
Halsey, 6 votes ; Francis A. Bloodgood, 6 votes. 

For member of Congress the votes were as follows : 

377 



378 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Vincent Matthews, 76 votes ; Joseph Grover, 45 votes ; 
George Hornell, 2 votes ; Henry A. Townsend, 1 vote. 

For member of Assembly : George Hornell, 68 votes ; 
Henry A. Townsend, 52 votes ; Vincent Matthews, 4 votes. 

Uriel Chapin, Elias Hopkins, Nathaniel Wallis, Inspectors 
of Election. 



LIST OF TOWN OFFICERS. 



1S08. 
1809. 
1810. 
1811. 
1812. 
181.'J. 
18H. 
1815. 
1816. 
1817. 
1818. 
1819. 
1820. 
1821. 
1822. 
1823. 
1824. 
1825. 
1S26. 
1827. 
1828. 
1829. 
1830. 
1831. 
1832. 
1833. 
1834. 
1835. 
1836. 
1837. 
1838. 
1838. 
1840. 
1841. 
1842. 
1843. 
1844. 
1845. 
1846. 
1847. 
1848. 
1849. 
1850. 
1851. 
1852. 
1853. 
1854. 
1855. 
1856. 
1857. 
1858. 
1859. 
1860. 
1861. 
1862. 
1863. 
1864. 
1865. 
1866. 
1867. 
1868. 
1869. 
1870. 
1871. 



Supervisors. 

Uriel Cbapin. 
(( (t 

Robert Porter. 
Uriel Chapin. 
(t if 

Stephen Prentiss. 
John Hathaway. 
John Prentiss. 



Town Clerks. 
Aaron Bull. 
Jesse Walilo. 
Aaron Bull. 
John Hopkins. 



Stephen Norris. 



Daniel Sheldon. 



Collectors. 
William P. Curtis. 

Benjamin Bridges. 
Stephen Norris. 



Josiah Dunlap. 



Johns. N. Reynolds. 



Daniel S. Benton. 



Robert Miller. 



Daniel Sheldon. 



John Gulick. 

Jared T. Benton. 
John Gulick. 
Jared T. Benton. 
li <( 

SiJas G. Smith. 



Jared T. Benton. 
Ira Hyatt. 

John A. Prentiss. 
Jared T. Benton. 
Ira Hyatt. 
Robert Miller. 
Josiah Dunlap. 
Johns. N. Keynolds. 
Ira Hyatt. 

Sam'l Fitzsimmons. 
Josh. W. Eggleston. 
Wm. H. Clark. 
George Coward, 



George Wagstaff. 
Levi Norris. 
Philander Copeland, 
Joseph Stebbins, 
F. W. Carpenter. 



George WagstaflF. 



Harry Godfrey. 
J. J. Reynolds. 



S. L. Ferguson. 
Levi Norris. 

it 41 

41 ii 

F. W. Carpenter. 

(1 a 

Jasper Ree. 
Samuel B. Lyon. 



George Wagstaff. 



George McLean. 



William Chandler. 

ti a 

J. H. St. John. 
Warren Miller. 
Tompkins W. Boyd. 
Levi Norris. 
Tompkins W. Boyd. 



Richard F. Horton. 
Chas. A. Newland. 
Tompkins W. Boyd. 



Richard F. Horton. 
Joseph S. Horton. 
James D. Stone. 
Richard H. Stewart. 



James D. Stone, Jr. 
Joseph S. Horton. 
Judson H. Gibson. 
John Gibson. 
William Allen. 
George S. Prentiss. 
D. McLeod. 
Henry R. Hess. 



Supervisore. 

1872. Odel C. Cross. 

1873. J. J. Reynolds. 

1874. S. B. Lyon. 

1875. John Gilson. 

1876. S. B. Lyon. 

1877. " " 



Town Clerks. Collectors. 

Jared H. Smith. Orrin Stearns. 

" " D. Ward Finch. 

William Brush. N. R. Hyatt. 
Thomas J. Wagstaff. P. 0. Horton. 

Henry R. Hess."=^ John Sanderson. 

George A. Wagner. Egbert G. Shwart. 



1878. A. H. Denniston. Thomas J. Wagstaff. Oscar L. Fox. 
JUSTICES OF THE PEACE. 

Among the early justices of the peace were James Bent- 
ley, Josiah Dunlap, Johnson N. Reynolds, Lovitt H. Edget, 
Anson Cog.swell, John Hathaway, and John Prentiss. 



** ' 




.U-STICKS ELECTEE 


BY THE PEOfLE. 


'* (• 


1830. 


Nathaniel Ball. 


1854. 


Nelson Ball. 


John Lay. 


1831. 


Lovitt H. Edget. 


1855. 


Eli Pickett. 


*' '' 


1832. 


John Hathaway. 


1856. 


John M. Clark. 


Thomas Perkins. 


1833. 


Daniel Northrop. 


1857. 


Owen Riley. 


'* 


1834. 


John Gload. 


1858. 


Harry Godfrey. 


Stephen Horton. 


1835. 


A. S. Bennett. 


1859. 


Franklin N. Carpenter 


Thomas Perkins. 


1836. 


John Gulick. 


1860. 


James Fitzsimmons. 


(( n 


1837. 


Harry Godfrey. 


1861. 


Owen Riley. 


Elijah Kent. 


1839. 


Daniel F. Drew. 


1862. 


James J. Reynolds. 


Seth Weed. 


1840. 


John Gulick. 


1863. 


Robert Miller. 


It It 


1841. 


Jared T. Benton. 


1864. 


M. D. Covell. 


David Hobart. 


1842. 


Robert Miller. 


1865. 


Owen Riley. 


" " 


1843. 


Joel Tomer. 


1866. 


Levi Norris. 


Corn. M. Haight. 


1844. 


Charles Brown. 


1867. 


Hiram D. Tomer. 


Lovet H. Edget. 




Joseph R. Lee. 


1868. 


M. D. Covell. 


Anson Cogswell. 


1845. 


Jared T. Benton. 


1869. 


Hulls McConnell. 


II II 


1846. 


Robert Miller. 


1870. 


Levi Norris. 


Thomas Horton. 


1847. 


James Fitzsimmons. 


1871. 


Bela Bonny. 


Jacob Lee. 




Charles Brown. 


1872. 


Joseph E. Covell. 


Jared T. Benton. 


1848. 


Harry Godfrey. 


1873. 


Joseph S. Horton. 




1849. 


Jared T. Benton. 


1874. 


Goldsmith Deniston. 


John M. Ciark. 


1850. 


Nelson Ball. 


1875. 


Henry Wagstaff. 


Amos Tanner. 


1851. 


James Fitzsimmons. 


1876. 


Edward M. Foster. 


" " 


1852. 


William Cavill. 


1877. 


Orlando F. Elliott. 




1853. 


Benjamin F. Welles. 


1878. 


Philip Paddock. 



PULTENEY VILLAGE. 

The village or hamlet of Pulteney is situated in the 
northeast part of the town. It has two churches, three 
general stores, two steam-mills and box-factories, three 
blacksmith-shops, a post-office, and a district school. It is 
on the main road leading from Hammondsport to Branch- 
port, and within a short mile of the steamboat landing on 
Keuka Lake. The steam-mills are owned respectively by 
Carpenter & Wintermute, and the Prentiss Brothers. 

T. J. & C. W. Wagstaff are dealers in dry goods, gro- 
ceries, hardware, and medicines. L. M. Nichols, drugs and 
groceries. D. H. Green, boots, shoes, and groceries. L. 
M. Nichols is a physician, and also postmaster. 

South Pulteney Po.st-Offiee is a hamlet in the southern 
part of the town. It has a Baptist church. Rev. C. W. 
Town.send, pastor ; a steam-mill and box-factory, C. C. 
Hill, proprietor; and a district school, No. 8. The post- 
masters who have held the office here since its first estab- 
lishment, are Lebeus Drew, Rufus Talmage, Levi Norris, 
Hiram L. Clark, Allen W. Brasted, and Joshua W. 
Eggleston. 

GRAPE CULTURE. 

The following extract from a communication published 
in the Naples Record in 1861, gives something of the 

* Appointed. 




JOHN CORYELL. 



John Coryell was bom in New Jersey, April 27, 1796. 
He was son of David and Charity Coryell, who were 
natives of the same place. The name Coryell is of 
French origin. His mother's ancestors came from Hol- 
land. 

His father removed with his family to Seneca Co., 
N. Y., 1802, where they resided until 1812, and settled 
in the town of Pulteney, Steuben Co. 

John is third son of a family of ten children, and 
he and Andrew, who resides in Michigan, are the only 
surviving ones. 

He was reared on a farm, and early learned habits 
of industry and economy, having limited opportunities 
for an education. 

Oct. 18, 1816, he manied Mary, daughter of John 
and Margaret Ellis, who settled on the farm where Mr. 
Coryell now resides, in 1806. 

Soon after his marriage he purchased a [wrtion of the 
land that his father had bought of the Pulteney estate, 
and continued to reside on this farm until 1843, when he 
removed to hLs present residence. 

Their children are William ; Andrew ; John ; Mrs. John 



Garner, of White Lake, Mich. ; David ; Mrs. Josiah 
Nevyns, of Pulteney; Josiah; Greorge; Joseph, killed in 
the army, near Fredericksburg, during the late Rebellion ; 
Mrs. Andrew Dunlap (deceased), of Clinton Co., Mich. 

The mother died Nov. 10, 1837. Mr. Coryell married 
for his second wife Mrs. Waddell, daughter of John and 
Isabell McAnally. Her father was a soldier in the war 
of 1812, and died while in service. 

By her first husband Mrs. Coryell had seven children, 
six of whom are living. Of this union were born James 
H. and Chattie. 

Mr. Coryell has ever been a member of the Whig and 
Republican parties, and although not active as such, an 
unswerving member of those parties ; and a noteworthy 
fact is, that all of his sons and stepsons are of the same 
political principles. 

He has been a member of the Presbyterian Church of 
Pulteney for nearly sixty years, and an elder of the same 
for some fifty years, and both his wives were also mem- 
bers of the same church. 

He has always been ready to contribute to church and 
kindred interests, and a supporter of good society. 



TOWN OF PULTENEY. 



379 



history of grape culture in this town, and the first attempt 
to ship grapes from this locality to the Now York market. 
The writer, passing over the hills from Prattsburgh, is par- 
ticularly interested in the prospect of the grape-growng sec- 
tion of Pulteney. He says : 

" Nearing the village of Harmonyville (South Pulteney) 
the puffing of steam was distinctly heard, which upon a 
near approach was found to be connected with an extensive 
grape-box factory belonging to the Prentiss Brothers, of that 
place. 

" During a sojourn of a few weeks in that village, I 
became acquainted with a Mr. J. W. Prentiss, a man of 
varied intelligence, and, withal, an artist of no mean order 
in land.scape and portrait painting. Being at that time a 
sort of traveling artist myself, this acquaintance with Mr. 
Prentiss was to me both agreeable and interesting. After 
a pressing invitation, I visited him at his house where I 
could feast my eyes on some of his skill with the brush, as 
well as to satisfy my appetite on some of his fine Catawba 
grapes. I was at the time very much surprised that Mr. 
Prentiss, with all his cultivated tastes, should have chosen 
to live where he did, one mile below the village on the 
lake-.shore, far removed from the outside world, especially 
during the winter months, but he .seemed to enjoy his 
solitude. 

" It appears from a little history I remember his giving 
me at the time, that an eccentric New Yorker, with plenty 
of money, during a hunting and fishing excursion, selected 
this place for a residence, and there erected a comparatively 
splendid house ; but his first impressions didn't keep pace 
with his after-experience, and to relieve him of his unpleas- 
ant incumbrance, Mr. Prentiss bought him out. Previous 
to this, Mr. Prentiss lived back from the lake, towards 
Prattsburgh, about two miles, where he first commenced 
the cultivation of the grape. Since his sons have com- 
menced the making of grape-boxes in the village he spends 
part of his time there printing labels, and whatever else he 
can do to help the business along. 

"According to an article in The Wine Reporter, published 
by the Pleasant Valley Grape Growers' Association, he ob- 
tained in the year 1836 two Isabella, one Catawba, and one 
Sweet Water grape-vines of the Rev. W. W. Bostwick, of 
Hammondsport, and planted them on an elevation of 800 
feet above Crooked Lake, and two miles from its west 
shore. Prom these he continued year after year to in- 
crease his stock until he had a vineyard of three acres. 

"Allow me to quote from the same paper a description of 
his first regular shipment, which, as a matter of history of 
the grape interest in this country, will be interesting to 
those who are familiar with Mr. McKay's first efibrt in the 
same direction : 

" ' In 1856 he gathered and secured with care, in half- 
barrel tubs, a portion of his choicest grapes, a Ion, shipped 
them to Bath for New York, where they arrived iu due 
time, and were stored in No. 5 Erie Buildings, in care of 
M. D. Stairin, Esq., commission dealer in farm produce. 
Mr. Prentiss came on to New York soon after the arrival 
of his ion of grapes, — mark the quantity. Stairin not 
being strictly a fruit dealer, nor very well acquainted with 
the trade, directed Prentiss to a party in Broadway, who 



reluctantly came to see the thirty tubs of grapes to be sold 
in the city of New York. He was not a little surprised at 
viewing the array of tubs and the quantity of grapes. The 
grapes were fine, and the season of the year favorable, it 
was admitted, but the quantity — a ton, or it might be 2200 
lbs. — to be thrown on this market at once ! No one had 
the courage to undertake it, at least this dealer had not It 
was, however, agreed that the task should be undertaken 
upou condition that three tubs only be offered daily, lest 
depression suddenly should come, and the market finally be 
broken. The stipulations were carried out, and in a few 
days the whole thirty tubs of grapes, of about 75 lbs. each, 
were disposed of, — sold.' 

" It will probably not be until several generations have 
passed away that the claims of these men for the herculean 
efforts in starting into being a va.st interest will be properly 
recognized. Mr. Prentiss is a man about sixty-five years 
old, of a cheerful and companionable nature, and from 
appearances is destined to live many years, as we trust he 
will. 

" In passing through Harmonyville, I could only spare a 
few minutes to converse with Mr. Prentiss, and requested 
him to write me by the first mail, with some items of his 
history that would be interesting to grape growers. True 
to his promise, the following letter was received by Satur- 
day's mail : 

"'Friend Sagau, — It is now eleven o'clock and a neighbor has 
just left mo, and it's little I can do for you this night. I send you 
the chips from the UVue Htqutrtcr, — the contrast then and now. When 
I commenced the grape business there were none grown in this county 
except in gardens. Tbe Vevay vineyards commenced in Indiana had 
been abandoned. Tbere was the energetic Vermonter, Underbill, of 
Cro'on Point, North River, and Longworth, of Ohio, were the only 
ones I knew of that had grape on the brain. 

'" The warm side-hills on Crooked Lake were not worth the ta.\es 
for anything then discovered, and grapes seemed to be just the thing. 
We had an eccentric neighbor, a* very excellent man, Josiab Dun- 
lap* by name, who had set out his door-yard, barn-yard, farm, and 
both sides of the road to apple, pear, peach, plum, and all kinds of 
fruit th;it would grow but grapes, so I took the grape, and soon had 
three acres growing. People laughed at me for putting out so many ; 
but I thought I had got to supply the town to get any myself, so I 
went ill. Well, when I had more than was needed at home, I began 
to reach out for market, and Bath was the outlet ; but soon McKay, 
of N.aples, came down with his fancy boxes, and raised the price to 
ten cents a pound,— six was all I thought of asking for them. Mc- 
Kay must have begun about the time I did, or soon after, and the 
N.aples people know how ho " piithed Ihlni/K," or rather how his wife 
did. Then it was small business; now there are at least 400 tons of 
grapes within one mile of me, and in the same radius there are 500,- 
000 grape boxes made for the shipping trade. The Prentiss Brothers 
will turn out this year from 150 to 200,000 bo.xes ; this, with plan- 
ing, matching, and re-sawing machines, turning-lathes, and supply- 
ing builders and joiners, etc., makes only one of four est;iblishmcnts 
of like kind in this town. Two other box-factories have steam saw- 
mills attached. 

'•' But time fails; at another time will perhaps extend these remarks 
and perhaps say something on the good or ciiV of the business. 

'* * Yours ever, 

" ' J. W. Prentiss.' " 

Some years after Mr. Prentiss had made a successful 
attempt at raising grapes, a German vine-dresser, hearing 
that there was a vineyard in Pulteney, came to see the won- 

* Judge Dunlap was a man of extensive reading and intelligence, 
and an influential citizen. Ho was a supervisor of the town, and 
also a member of .Assembly. 



380 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



der. This was in 1852. After satisfying himself that if 
vines and fruit would grow in such an unscientific manner 
it would be safe to undertake the business, Mr. Reisenger 
selected a place on the Wagner farm, near the lake, and in 
1853 commenced business. Three acres were planted for 
the purpose of growing grapes for wine and brandy. In 
1857 this experiment proved so successful that Judge Lar- 
rowe, of Pleasant Valley, employed Mr. Reisenger to plant an 
acre, about a mile from the lake, up the valley. The roots 
set out were of Mr. Reisenger's own growing, not, as errone- 
ously stated, obtained from Avon, Livingston Co. From 
those small beginnings the fever spread, until nearly every- 
body that had land or could buy within a mile of the lake, 
had a vineyard. Land that was nearly valueless after the 
wood was oflF, soon became a little fortune in imagination. 
An acre when set out to vines was worth $500, and when 
in bearing, §1000 at least. But this was soon found to be 
only a speculative value. Pleasant Valley Wine-Cellar sprang 
up, Urbana followed, and soon Pulteney Wine Company was 
formed. Other individual wine-cellars blossomed into suc- 
cassful operation. 

With all the grapes used in wine-making, but a small 
part was used as fruit, and an outlet was found in New 
York City fii'st, and soon spread from Boston to Washing- 
ton, D. C. 

CHURCHES. 

Of the religious denominations in town, it is claimed that 
the Close-Communion Baptists were on the ground first. Al- 
though the Methodists had some " forerunners in the wil- 
derness," yet the Baptists had the first organization. There 
have been two Close-Communion Baptist societies, with re- 
spectable church buildings for public worship ; one Free-Will 
Baptist society, with house of worship. Then there is a 
class calling themselves Seventh-Day Baptists, with house, 
where stated meetings arc held. Then there is a class 
calling themselves " Christians." These have no churches, 
but hold meetings with other churches. We come next to 
the Methodists. They have two societies, one Methodist 
Episcopal, iJie other Wesleyan. There are also a Presby- 
terian church and society. There has formerly been a Con- 
gregational church and society, but they were in rather close 
proximity to the Baptist society, and have died out. 

All these societies are well attended on the Sabbath, and 
when taking into consideration the fact that the town is 
only three miles wide and eight long, with nearly half the 
people going to other towns where meetings are nearer, no 
one can deny that we have a go-to-meeting people. " I make 
no pretensions to give their religious temperature, but if zeal 
is a criterion, we shall certainly measure at least with the 
average ; and if much preaching has its influence, we should 
be a godly people."* 

MILITARY RECORD OF PULTENEY. 

Atwooil, Alfred J., Ist lieut., 34th Begt., Co. I; eiil. May 22, 1801, two years; 

pro. to capt. and a. q.-m., U. S. V., Nov. 2G, 18G2. 
Lyon, Henry Clinton, 1st sergt., 34th Rcgt., Co. I; enl. May 22, ISGl, two years; 

pro. to 2d lieut. ; wounded at Anlietam and died at Frederick City, Oct. 

5, 1802. 
Piatt, Oscar, private, ISOth Eegt., Co. H ; enl. Sept. 3, 1864, one year; died at 

Pulteney, March 3, 1865. 

* Furnished by J. W. Prentiss. 



Pelton, Wesley Sliller, private, 34th Inf., Co. I ; enl. May 22, 1861, two years ; 

died July 22, 1802. 
Loder, William Cliauncey, private, IClst Regt., Co. A. 
Hutton, Henry, private, 341h Eegt., Co. I ; enl. May 22, 1861 ; wounded at An- 

tietani; discli. Oct. 1862. 
Gibson, Edward Lacy, private, 161st Regt., Co. A ; enl. Sept. 3, 1864, one year ; 

discli. May 22,186.5. 
Goodrich, Charles Henry, private, 34th Regt., Co. I; enl. May 22, 1861, two 

years ; disch. June 15, 1803. 
Gibson, Warren, Corp., 16l6t Regt., Co. A ; must. Aug. 27, 1862, three years ; died 

Feb. 13, 1863, in hospital at Baton Rouge. 
Gibson, Judson Hewitt, Corp., 34th Regt., Co. I ; enl. May 22, 1861, two years ; 

pro. April, 1862 ; disch. June 15, 1863. 
Jones, Lester J. S., private : must. Feb. 6, 1864, two years. 
Wilmoth, John R., private ; enl. Feb. 11, 1864, three years. 
Moons, Charles C, private ; enl. Jan. 19, 1864, three years. 
Martin, Joseph W., private ; enl. Jan. 22, 1864, three years. 
Covell, John D., coip., 22d Cav.; enl. Nov. 21, 1863, three years. 
Carmer, John H., private ; enl. Jan. 25, 1864, three years; died at Elmira before 

joining his regiment. 
Stickler, Henry, private ; enl. Jan. 23, 1864, three years. 
Agor, George L., private ; enl. Jan. 21, 1864. three years. 
Stone, James Wesbley,itrivate,4lli H. Art., Co. G; enl. Jan. 21, 1864, three years; 

died Sept. 4, 1S64, at David's Island, N. Y., and buried there; remains af- 

terwai ds removed to Pulteuey. 
Horton, Martin, private, 4tb H. Art., Co. G; enl. Jan. 21, 1864, three years; 

disch. Oct. 5, 1865. 
Hess, W^illiani Asa, pi ivate, IGlst Regt., Co. A ; enl. June 2.'), 1864, three years. 
Brown, William A., l>rivate ; enl. Jan. 20, 18G4, three years. 
Brown, Albert C, private; enl. Jan. 20, 1864, three years. 
Galagan, Francis, private ; elil. Jan. 23, 1804, three years. 
Ballard, Cyrus, private, S6th Regt. ; enl. Jan. 19, 1804, three years. 
Tlinmpson, Isaac, private: enl. Jan. 19, 1864, three years. 
Kinsman, William J., private, SGth Regt.; must. Jan. 19, 1864, three years. 
Dreniard, John C, private; enl. Feb. 11, 1864, three years. 
Austin, Charles C, private; enl. Jan. 19,1864, three years. 
McCain, William, private; enl. Jan. 23, 1804. 
Liirins, John, private ; eid. Jan. 19, 1864, three years. 
Vaughn, Dallas, private; enl. Feb. 1, 1804. 
Guy. Benjamin, private, SGtli Regt., Co. I; etil. March 6, 1864, three years; killed 

at the battle of Plymouth and buried on the field. 
Conner, Andrew R., private, 85th Regt., Co. I ; enl. March 6, 1864, three years. 
Waldo, William Alby, private, lS9lh Regt., Co. H ; enl. Sept. 10, 1864, one year. 
Chase, Jefferson J., private ; enl. Sept. 10, 1864, one year. 
Adams, Isaac, private; enl. Sept. 10, 1864, one year. 

Lines, Reuben R., private, 189th Regt., Co. II ; enl. Sept. 5, 1864, one year. 
Price, Blathew H., private, 161st Regt., Co. A ; enl. Sept. 3, 1804, one year. 
Retan, Nelson, private, 161nt Regt., Co. A; enl. Sept. 5, 1864, one year; disch. 

Aug. 28, 1865. 
Morrow, Robert D., private, 189th Regt., Co. H; enl. Sept. 10, 1804, one year. 
Cole, George B., private, ISOth Regt., Co. H; enl. Sept. 10, 1SG4, one year. 
Spears, J.acob, private, 34th Regt., Co. I; enl. May 22, 1861, two years; re-enl. 

189th Regt., Co. H, Sept. 3, 1864, one year: disch. for disiibility. 
Taylor, Isaac A., private, 189th Regt., Co. H ; enl. Sept. 3, 1864, one year. 
Guy, James Alva, private, 34th Regt., Co. I; enl. May 22, 1861, two years; re-enl. 

I89th Regt., Co. U, Sept. 3, 1804, one year. 
Prentiss, John, private, 101st Regt., Co. A; enl. Sept. 3, 1S64, one year; disch. 

(by general order of May 20, 1805) at Tallahassee, Aug. 28, 1865. 
Moon, Owen G., 189tli Regt., Co. H ; enl. Sept. 3, 1804, one year. 
Dunn, Jephtha, private, ISOIh Regt , Co. H ; enl. Sept. 3, 1864, one year; died 

in Stanton hosp., AVashington, D. C, of disease. 
Prentiss, E. Angelo, private, lOlst Regt., Co. A ; enl. Sept. 3, 1804, one year. 
Brush, William H., private, lS9lh Regt., Co. H ; enl. Sept. 3, 18G4, one year. 
Mahan, William J., private, 161st Regt., Co. A ; enl. Sept. 3, 1804, one year. 
McCorncIl, James H., private, 161st Regt., Co. A ; enl. Sept. 3, 1804. one year. 
Roberts, Thomas S., privale, 189th Rigt., Co. II; enl. Sept. 3, 1864, one year; 

disch. before leaving the barracks at Elmira. 
Burch, Delos H., ISOth Eegt. ; enl. Sept. 3, 1804, one year. 
Lee, Erastus David, private, 101st Eegt., Co. A ; enl. Sept. 3, 1864, one year; 

disch. Aug. 28, 1865, at the e-\piration of enlistment. 
Green, Daniel H., ISOth Regt., Co. H ; enl. Sept. 3, 1804, one year. 
Willit, Almerou, private, ISOth Regt., Co. H ; enl. Sept. 3, 1864, one year. 
Knapp, Lewis, enl. Sept. 24, 1864, one year. 

Barron, James, enl. Aug. 24, 1864, three years; sub. for Mathias Bedell. 
McCullun, John, enl. Sept. 1, 1864, three years ; sub. for Delos R. Bedell. 
Hess, Heiiiy Reuben, private, 16!st Regt., Co. A ; enl. August, 1863, three year.". 
Tripp, George, private, 161st Regt., Co. A; enl. Aug. 23,1862, three years; died 

at Elmira, Nov. 23, 1862. 
McConnell, Joel Aiusley, private, 161st Regt., Co. A; enl. Sept. 1,1862, three 

years. 
Brady, James Robert, private, 23d Regt., Co. A ; enl. Apiil, 1861, two years. 
Gibson, John, 1st lieut., leUt Regt., Co. A; enl. Sept. 1862, three years; severely 

wounded at Sabine Cross-Roads, La.; must, out at expinition of term. 
Dart, Henry, private, 34th Regt., Co. I ; enl. May 8, 1861, two years; slightly 

wounded at Gaines' Hill ; diich. May 8, 1863. 
Smith, Henry, private, 161st Regt., Co. A ; enl. Aug. 25, 1862, three years ; disch. 

for permanent illness, Feb. 1864. 



TOWN OF RATHBONE. 



381 



Simerson, Bariiet, private, 189tli Inf., Co. H; enl. Nov. 3, 18C4, one year; diecli. 

June 9, ISGo. 
Hill, Peter AiMlorson, priv;tte, IGl^t Inf., Co. A ; enl. Aug. 1802, three years; died 

Sept. G, ItsGi, in liosp., :thd whs buried nt Baton Itouge, La. 
Retnn, Sylvester L.. privute, 161st InC, Co. A ; oiil. Aug. '^2, 1SG2, Iliree ye.ire. 
Ketao, Anson, private, 161st Inf., Co. A; enl. Aug. 28, 18G2, three yearns; shot 

through the heart at the siege of Port Hudson, May 29, 18G3; buried in 

the woods near Port Hudson. 
Shuart, Bradley King, private, 161st Inf., Co. A ; enl. Aug. 21,1862, three years; 

died in general hosp., May 31, 18G4, and buried in the hospital biirying- 

gi-ound at Baton Rouge. 
Dunn, George Cam, private, 161st Inf., Co. A ; enl. Aug. 30, 18G2, three years; 

disch. Sept. 21, 18G5. 
Finegan, David, private, 34th Inf., Co. I ; enl. April 19, 1861, two years; disch. 

June 30. 1SG3; re-eni. sergt., 2ath Cav., Co. M, July 1, 1863, three years. 
Finegan, John, sergt., 34th Inf.; enl. April 21, 18G1, two years; wounded at 

Antietam and Fredericksburg; pro. to sergt , Oct. 1S02; disch. April 18, 

1863, by reason of wounds. 
Harris, Nathan, private, IGlst Inf. ; enl Aug. 22, 1862, three years; disch. June 

6, 1863, protracted illness the cause. 
Lee, James E., private, lUlst Inf., Co. A ; enl. Aug. 22,1862, threo years; died in 

New York City, Dec. 3, 18G2; buried in Pultenoy. 
Clark, Lewis, private, 161st Inf., Co. A; enl. Aug. 22, 1862, three years; died 

at Baton Rouge, in general hosp., Jan. 13, 1863; and buried in hospital 

buiying-ground at Baton Rouge. 
McCarrick, James R., private, 34th Inf.; Co. I ; enL May 3, ISGl, two years; 

disch. from service on account of protracted illness, April 27,1863. 
Lamphear, John Armstrong, private, IGlst Inf., Co. A; enl. Aug. 1862, three 

years. 
Russel, William, private, 161st Inf ,Co. A; enL Aug. 30, 18G2, three years; trans. 

to Washington, D. C, June 6, 1SG4. 
Babcock, John, private, 161st Inf., Co. A ; enl. Aug. 22, 1862, throe years; died 

of sniallitux. Den.2S, 18G2; buried in Pultenoy. 
Godfrey, Charles Dwight, curp., IGlst Inf., Co. A ; enl. Aug. 22, 18G2, three years ; 

died of tvphoid fever, Nov. 28, 1862. 
Whitehead, Aaron, Jr., private, 1st Art., Co. E; enl. Sept. 22, 1861, three years ; 

disch. Oct. 11, 18G2, at Lniory Hospit.il, Washington, I). C, by reason of 

disability. 
Sinsebox, James W., private, IGlst Inf., ('o. A ; enl. Aug. 25, 18G2, threo years. 
Brown, Charles W., private, IGlst Inf., Co. A; enl. Aug. 30, 1862, three years; 

died of typhoid fever, Dec. 3, 18G2. 
Spears, -Alonzo, private, 148th Regt, Co. I ; must. Sept. 5, 1862, three years. 
Spears, Andrew, private. 



Pierce, Oluey, private, l^jth Regt., Co. I ; must. Sept. 15, 18G4, one year ; disch. 

July 1,1865. 
Drumm, Esbon, private, 188th Regt., Co. B; enl. Sept. 23, 18G4; disch. July, 

1865. 
Gload, James Deles, private, ISSth Regt., one year; disch. July 1, 1864. 
Pierce, Jesse B., private, 15th Eng., Co. I ; cnL Aug. 29, 1864, one year; disch. 

June 29, 1865. 
Pierce, Charles Ithiel, private, 50lh Eng., Co. A ; enl. Feb. 22, 1864, three years ; 

died- Aug. 15, 1S04, in hosp. at Washington. 
Pierce, Peter Cashing, private, 50tli Eng., Co. A; enl. Jan. 1864, three years; 

disch. June 28, 1865. 
Pierce, Albert, private, 141st Regt., Co. H; enl. Aug. 1862; wounded at battle 

of Peach-Tree Creek ; died July 21, 1864. 
Ellis, Robert (alias Robert Dunn), private, 21st Cav., Co. E ; enl. threo years, 
Lounsberry, William, jirivate. 

Davis, William Edward, private, IClst Regt , Co. A ; enl. Aug. 25, 1862. 
Eggelston, William, private, 34lh Regt., Co. I; enl. April 21, 1861, two years ; 

re-eol. sergt. 161st Inf., Co. A; Aug. 25, 1SG2, three years; severely 

wounded in the neck at Sabine Cross-Roads. 
Wagstaff, George Henry, sergt., IGlst Inf., Co. A; enl. Aug. 21, 1SG2. threo 

yeai-8 ; died at Baton Rouge, Feb. 26, 18G3. 
Seeley, Benjamin Franklin, private, 161st Inf., Co. A; enl. Aug. 25, 18G3, three 

years; disch. Aug. G, 1SG3; died Aug. 20, 1863. 
Ho rton, Joseph Robert, private, IGlst Inf., Co. A ; enl. Aug. 22, 1SC2, three years ; 

trans, to Washington, D. C, into thi Vet. Res. Corps. 
Pinneo, Charles Adelbert, private, 2d Mounted Rifles; enl. Jan. 18G3, three 

years. 
Rarick, Abel, private, 161st Inf., Co. A; onl. Aug. 21.1862, three years; disch. 

on surg. certificate of permanent tlis:ibility, Jan. 23, 18G3. 
Prentiss, William Augustin, private, IGlst Inf., Co. A ; enl. Aug. 22, 1862, three 

years; wounded at Spanish Fort ; disch. at Elmira, Sept. 8, 18C5. 
Prentiss, George Stanly, corporal, IGlst Inf.; enl. Aug. 22, 1862, three years; 

pro. to sergt.; to 2d lieut., Jan. 1,1865 ; wounded severely at Saldno Cro.'is- 

Roads; also wounded in b-ft hand by collision on the Mis>issippi; disch. 

at Marine U. S. A. general huspital, March 28, 18G5,by surgeon's certifi- 
cate of disability. 
Neagns, Wilson, private, IGlst Inf.; enl. Aug. 22, 1862, three years; must, out 

Sept. 20; disch. Oct. 16, 1865. 
Fay, James, private, 34th Regt., Co. I; euL April 22, 18GI, two years; disch. 

by must, out, June 15, 1863. 
Lounsberry, Jolin, private. ( 
Ransom, Peter, private, 161st Regt., Co. A ; enl. Aug. 22, 18G2, three years ; disch. 

Oct. 17, ISGo, at Tallahassee, Fla. 



EATHBONE. 



GENERAL DESCRIPTION. 

The town of Rathbone was formed from Addison, Cam- 
eron, and Woodhull, Mar. 28, 1856. It lies in the interior 
of the county, south of the centre ; its surface consisting 
of high, rolling upland, broken by the valleys of the Can- 
isteo River and a branch of Tuscarora Creek. The upland 
is from three to four hundred feet above the valleys. In 
some places, naked and precipitous ledges of rock crop out 
on the sides of the declivities, but the soil is chiefly a 
clayey and shaly loam, with alluvium in the valleys. 

SETTLEMENT. 
The first settlement in the town of Rathbone was made 
by William Benham, a mile above the ea.st line of the 
present town, on the left bank of the Canisteo River, in 
1793. James Hadley is also said to have settled farther 
up the valley, near the west side of the town, about the 
same time. Samuel Benham entertained travelers on the 
Benham place as early as 1804. Abel White, who was for 
many years known as the most successful trapper and hunter 



in the town, settled on the flat, a mile above the village of 
Rathbone, on the right bank of the river, in 1804, and on 
the 24th of June his son, Luther White, the first white 
child born in the town, and now a leading citizen of Cam- 
eron, was born there. Far from neighbor.-*, the early set- 
tlers were subjected to hardships which made an encounter 
with wild beasts an affair of little importance, if victory 
was gained by the hardy pioneer. The river was alive with 
fish, which gathered in shoals at the riffles, and were easily 
caught. Shad ascended the river annually in large num- 
bers. At night, two men, one with a torch and the other 
with a rude spear, would take in a short time as many fish 
as they could carry away. It was easy enough to live, but 
bread had to be earned. For this purpose small clearings 
were made, while the remaining land was left for years 
covered with the original growth of the forest, affording 
protection to wild beasts, who gathered nightly around the 
little clearings and made the night hideous with their calls. 
In 1806, Solomon, brother of Isaac Tracy, and Benjamin 
Rin-ira made the first improvement in Rathboneville, by 



382 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



building a double log house in what is now the east end of 
the village, where they lived together while clearing the 
upper portion of the flat, near the bridge. Across the 
river, Lsaac and Jonathan Tracy built the first saw-mill in 
the town, a few rods from the mouth of the stream which 
bears the name of Traey Creek. In 1816, Mr. Tracy 
added what was then a grist-mill, but is spoken of by the 
old men of to-daj* as a corn-cracker of doubtful capacity. 
Mrs. Tracy was a sister of Jeremiah Baker, of Canisteo. 
The earliest marriage recorded is that of Peleg Cole to 
Polly, daughter of Isaac Tracy. Martin Young, a native 
of Germany, was an early settler in the Canisteo Valley, 
joining the Addison line. In 1814 his son, Peter Young, 
located a mile below Rathboneville. At that time his 
grandson, Martin B. Young, who is still living, was ten 
years of age. Moses Powers settled two miles above 
Tracy's, on the left bank of the river, and, in 1815, taught 
the first school in the town. Jacob Cook lived near the 
present flouring-mill of Rathboneville in 1810. Zephaniah 
Townsend and Thomas Maybary were early settlers in the 
west part of the valley, near the bluff" known as " The 
Narrows," where he kept " entertainment," as did nearly 
ail the early settlers along the river-valley. 

Abner Chase, the pioneer preacher, who visited the valley, 
for the first time, in 1812, relates that in making his first trip 
up the Canisteo, through an almost unbroken forest of pine 
and hemlock, intermingled with oak, he inquired at a little log 
cabin if he could be kept for the night, and was answered that 
they were in the habit of entertaining travelers. They pro- 
ceeded to turn his horse upon the grass down by the bank of 
the river. A few minutes after a peddler, who was passing 
through the country exchanging his goods for furs and deer- 
skins, drove up, and also stopped for the night. Before they 
lay down for the night the family informed them that they 
might hear the howling of wolves or screech of a panther 
during the night, but not to be alarmed, as they could not 
break in. They also informed them that rattlesnakes some- 
times crept up from under the floor, but they might sleep 
upon the crossbeams, upon which was laid a piece of rude 
flooring overhead, supporting a pallet of straw, upon which 
they were to sleep, out of reach of the snakes. 

Zeno Sellick occupied the valley farm joining the west 
line of Rathbone, in 1825. His son, John Selleek, was an 
early .settler in the Northrup Settlement. 

John Helmer, who was the first settler above the May- 
bery place, gave the name of Helmer Creek, which flowed 
through his farm and emptied into the Canisteo River from 
the north. Just out of sight from the river, on Helmer 
Creek, is the only cheese-factory ever erected in Rathbone, 
under the management of the proprietor, John Adamson, 
whose father settled on the river below, in 1845. This fac- 
tory was first opened in 1875, and has been steadily increas- 
ing its business since its erection. A short distance above 
the cheese-factory may be seen the foundation of a large 
shingle-niill long since burned. 

Cameron Mills, five miles above Rathboneville, was so 
named by the post-oflBce department when a portion of the 
old town of Cameron, and when transferred to the new town 
of Rathbone still retained its old name, although causing 
much confusion in the mails thereby. This place was first 



known as Hubbardville, Daniel Hubbard, an enterprising 
man from Broome County, having erected and operated the 
first flouring-mill in the town, near the present mill, and 
also opened a store. This place has received many additions, 
and is at present a beautiful little hamlet, containing, besides 
the mill, two blacksmith- and wagon-shops, a store, saw-mill, 
a fine hotel near the neat little depot, a school-house, located 
in a fine grove of oak and pine, which has been reserved 
and fitted for a park and picnic ground, and seventeen fine 
residences. Wm. Crawford, whose residence, just opposite 
the depot, overlooking the river, is the most prominent, is 
the son of an early settler, and the merchant of the place. 
John Toles is a prominent business man of the place. Below, 
towards Helmer Creek, Jonathan Rowley was an early settler. 

Among the early settlers was also Benjamin Northrup, 
located on the high, rolling land in the west part of the town 
north of the Colo school-house, in what is now popularly 
known as the Northrup Settlement, previous to 1829. His 
sons, George, Mo.ses, James, Peter, and Norman, and their 
descendants, are leading citizens in that part of the town. 

Thomas Allen, from New Jersey, a man of remarkable 
mathematical capacity, but without education, at an early 
day lived on the town line of Cameron and WoodhuU, and 
moved out of town, into another room, when displeased 
with the action of the assessors. 

Col. Franklin B., and his brother, Chauncey P. Hubbard, 
built a water-mill in the heavy, unbroken forest, on the north 
branch of Tuscarora Creek, and opened roads in 1829. 
Their near neighbors to the north were Isaac Merrill and 
Benjamin Norttirup. 

The Cole school-house was built on the land of Jacob 
Cole, who settled early on the hill, four miles south of 
Rathboneville. The first schonl-house, built of logs, was 
replaced by the present red school-house, about 1852. Re- 
ligious meetings were held on this ground as early as the 
first school, and have been continuous. When Jacob E. 
Cole, who still occupies the old homestead, came, in 1847, 
there were but few paths, and' much of the original forest 
was still untouched. Stephen Gloyd, who had recently 
came from Massachusetts, settled near the Cole school- 
house, where his .son, Delos Gloyd, lives, in 1846. He 
was one of the first elected justices of the town of Rath- 
bone. Harvey Fultz was an early settler between the 
school-house and Woodhull village. 

Most of these hill lands arc covered with hard timber, 
while the ravines and lower lands back from the river were 
large bodies of hemlock, much of which is still standing. 
The higher bluffs along the river were the home of the 
whortleberry, which lay in rich blue clusters under tha 
straggling chestnut pines, where resorted the dangerous 
rattlesnake, both snakes and berries disappearing together 
as the land became more generally cleared. 

The hardy lumberman, living in his temporary hut with 
his companions, working in midwinter with bared arms, 
and the collar of his red flannel shirt turned back from his 
muscular neck, clambering over logs and through the knee- 
deep snow, cutting logs for thirty or thirty-five cents per 
thousand feet, and spending his money with a recklessness 
e(iual to that with which he dares the falling trees or flying 
limbs, has given place to the quiet farmer, perhaps his son, 



TOWN OF RATHBONE. 



383 



and in his old age sits quietly by the fireside, or attends to 
feeding the stock of the farm during the long, idle winter 
months. Rail-making is almost entirely abandoned ; the 
broad zigzag lines of fence, which have since the early set- 
tlement furnished the growing-place for raspberries and 
blackberries, are fast rotting down, and being replaced by 
more modern fences of wire or boards. 

There are four saw-mills in that part of the town south 
of the river, one of which contains a planing-, lath- 
and shingle-mill. Seth Cook, the proprietor of this mill, 
is one of the earliest settlers, and one of the oldest lumber- 
men in the town. The gospel lot of one hundred acres, 
donated by the Pulteney estate to the first religious organ- 
ization in the original town of Woodhull, is in Rathbone, 
joining the Woodhull line, and is farmed by the society, 
thirty acres of wheat having been grown on the newly- 
cleared portion in 1878. 

The early elections were held on Bonny Hill, at the May- 
bery tavern, which was a prominent place of gathering 
for years, and at Addison. The first bridge was built on 
the old county road, but after being carried off by a flood, 
the crossing was changed to Baker's, in Cameron. This 
made it inconvenient for teams in liigh-water, but a man on 
horseback could still follow the old way of crossing (with 
knees in the saddle), or lead the horse behind a canoe. 
There are four river-bridges in the town. 

EATHBONEVILLE. 

As seen from the east, towards the cemetery, the village 
of Rathboneville, the principal settlement of the town, 
presents an individuality of appearance characteristic of the 
enterprise of its citizens. From the church on the right, 
which stands out in bold relief against the only cleared 
slope in sight, a succession of large business houses extend 
across the narrow valley to the river's bank. First, just 
beyond the church is seen the little brown depot, beside 
which rise the tall wooden structures comprising Burgett's 
Hotel and Burgett's business block, extending across the 
west end of the public square, each three stories in height, 
and hiding completely the street on which are the remainder 
of the buildings comprising the village. To the left of this 
street, near the river, rises the first brick block in the vil- 
lage, and one of the finest in the county. Tiiis block, built 
in 1876, is occupied.by Whitmore Brothers & Co., of whom 
Orman S. and Keyes Whitmore, who commenced business 
here in 1845, were the original members. A few rods 
farther down the river the large flouring-mill built by Henry 
Rathbone, in 1855, occupies, with its out-buildings, the 
south side of the square. On the bluff acro.ss tlie river, 
and nearly 500 feet above, the farm-buildings of Kitchell 
Lyon are visible over the mill. Upon the street beyond 
the square are located the remainder of the business houses, 
and beyond, the few fine residences comprising the remain- 
der of the village, shaded by closely set maples 40 feet in 
height, and extending to the bridge, a quarter of a mile 
distant, which leads to the saw-mill and farm houses whore 
once stood the Tracy mill of 1806. Surrounding the vil- 
lage is a circle of hills, too steep to be cleared, and covered 
to their tops with a growth of young pine and bare walls 
of rock. Upon their summits are fi,ne faiming lands, well 



tilled, and occupied by an industrious and hardy people, 
who have for the second time removed the pines from some 
of their lands, where lumbering first began fifty years ago. 

A road was opened up the valley at an early day, and its 
few citizens led an idle life, or worked hard for pleasure 
rather than profit, until about 1828, when it began to be 
learned that some gain might be had in rafting the logs cut 
from trees near the banks of the river to the nearest mills 
down stream, or selling them to some speculator as they lay 
upon the banks. The work of cutting logs was hard, but 
when they lay upon the skidways it required but little ready 
cash to buy them. 

The first real business of the town began with the advent 
of Gen. Ransom Rathbone, who came in 1842 and engaged 
in lumbering, opening the first store in the town on the 
ground now occupied by Burgett's Hotel. He also opened 
the first hotel in the place, which was kept byCjohn R. 
Jones. } A post-office was opened, and received the name 
of Rathboneville. Business activity began to be manifest 
on every hand. Lumbermen came into the valley, and 
joined those who already resided there in the ta.sk of re- 
moving the forests of pine, felling the tall trees in almost 
inaccessible positions upon the face of the bluffs, where 
(when once fallen and cut into logs) it required strong 
hands and brave hearts to unloose them and send them 
thundering into the valleys below. High upon the hill-tops, 
too, were cut thousands of logs, which had to be placed in 
the valley. Bare, smooth roads, descending in straight 
lines and bordered by thick young pines, mark the path 
followed by these logs as they were rolled off at the top, 
and hurled with terrific force down the steep hill-side, wear- 
ing away the solid rock to a depth of several feet, and 
striking with such force as to split logs two or three feet in 
diameter, or send them spinning across the frozen river in 
a manner as dangerous as startling to the beholder. Among 
the prominent men of those days were Martin B. and Capt. 
James Young, James H., Isaac, and John Mills, Joseph 
Loughry, A. H. Kinney, a merchant of the town, and first 
station-agent, Whitmore Brothers, Henry Rathbone, and 
F Goff, farmer and lumberman. It was Maj. Rathbone, a 
citizen of this town, who received the assassin's knife, while 
intercepting the murderer of President Lincoln. 

The people of the surrounding country came into the 
Canisteo Valley to buy and to .sell, and in this valley were 
collected the popular gatherings of the day. The boisterous 
revelry of travel up and down the valley added to the 
tumult, and furnished the groundwork for a name of law- 
lessness which attaches to new settlements. Yet this valley 
was remarkably free from crime. The earliest meetings 
were held here ; and in Rathbone, Cameron, and all the 
valley towns from Corning to Arkport and Dansville, relig- 
ious services were held as early as settlement was made. Of 
the early .settlers, men of hardihood, whose physical natures 
were developed by the surroundings with which they battled, 
many were early recorded as members of Christian churches, 
and those still living are respected members of society. The 
only destructive fire which has visited the village burned 
the store of H. W. Rathbone and the Good Templars' Hall. 
in 1853. But little shipment of butter was made at this 
station previous to 1860, since which date it has been a 



384 



HISTORy OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



constantly-increasing product of the surrounding farms. 
Much of the products of Jasper and WoodhuU find an out- 
let through this village, which contains a fine church, about 
120 inhabitants, and seven stores, besides the usual trades. 
In 1874 a fine cemetery was laid out, half a mile below 
the village. These grounds were donated to the Methodist 
Episcopal society by Stephen Mead, and were dedicated by 
the burial of Ella C, daughter of John H. Hasten, — a 
leading member of the Methodist Church and business man 
of the village. 

ORGANIZATION. 

The town of Rathbone was formed March 28, 1850, and 
on the 6th day of May a special election was held at the 
house of David A. Fulnier.«, for the election of town officers. 
The town was named in honor of General Ransom Rath- 
bone, father of the first supervisor, and the ofiicers elected 
were William R. Rathbone, Supervisor; George W. Young, 
Town Clerk; Israel Horton, Stephen Gloyd, Justices of the 
Peace; Edmond L. Peckham, Superintendent of Common 
Schools; Lucius Parker, Commissioner of Highways; Geo. 
Northrup, Jonathan Bromley, Uri Scofield, Assessors ; Geo. 
Barber, George Harrington, George B. Davis, Charles Rey- 
nolds, Timothy T. Brooks, Constables; Abram Rodgers, 
James Northrup, Overseers of the Poor ; Seth Whitmore, 
Ira Boyer, William P. Barron, Inspectors of Election ; 
Samuel Edmonds, Collector ; Samuel Mitchel, Town Sealer. 
There were 243 votes cast at this election. William C. 
Cummins was appointed assessor to fill vacancy of Uri Sco- 
field, who declined to serve. 

The town board at this election were C. H. Cool, George 
C. Lloyd, George W. Young, and Seth Whitmore, Jr. 

LIST OF TOWN OFFICERS. 





Supervisors. 


Town Clerks. 


Collectors. 


1856. 


Wm. R. R,athbone. 


George W. Young. 


Samuel EJmonds. 


1857. 


Curimander H. Cole 


tt tt 


William Young. 


1858. 


AVm. R. Rathbone. 


tt It 


James Crawford. 


1859. 


George Northrup. 


James B. Y'oung. 


" 


1860. 


it tt 


George W. Y'oung. 


Samuel Pha?nix. 


1861. 


A. H. Kinney. 


tt tt 


•' 


1862. 


George C. LloyJ. 


tt tt 


tt tt 


1863. 


" 


tt tt 


tt t. 


1864. 


(( u 


tt It 


tt 


1865. 


John Miles. 


tt tt 


Israel Horton. 


1866. 


George W. Young. 


Aug. F. Timernmn. 


William Y'oung. 


1867. 


" " 


" 


Dan'l J. Chittenden 


1868. 


" " 


James B. Y'oung. 


Charles H. Wattles. 


1869. 


t* n 


Aug. F. Timerman. 


Franklin Harder. 


1870. 


tt It 


Northrup V. Young. 


William H. Warner 


1871. 


" " 


(t tt 


ii tt 


1872. 


1. <l 


tt 


.. 


1873. 


<t tt 


tt tt 


Charles \V. Rumsej 


1874. 


James Northrup. 


W. H. McChesney. 


D. M. Rutherford. 


1875. 


John Kenally. 


tt tt 


Lewis D. Crawford. 


1876. 


" " 


N. P. Y'oung. 


John Adainson. 


1877. 


" 


tt tt 


u 


1878. 


Moses Northrup. 


Warner Checsman. 


Curtis Youug. 



JUSTICES OF THE PEACE 

1856. Israel Horton. 
Stephen Gloyd. 

1857. George C. Lloyd. 
Stephen Gloyd. 

1853. C. Barnum Torrence. 
1859. George B. Young. 
1S60. George C. Lloyd. 



1861. Stephen Gloyd. 
Nathan Y'oung. 

1862. C. Barnum Torrence. 

1863. Nathan T. Y'oung. 

1864. Alfred Northrup. 

1865. John Toles. 
Ilarvev Fultz. 



1866. Frederick D. Brown. 
C. Barnum Torrence. 

1867. C. H. Cole. 
Seth Whitmore. 

1868. John Kenally. 
Israel Horton. 

1809. Frederick D. Brown. 

1870. C. H. Cole. 
John Toles. 

1871. John Kenally. 



1872. John Kenally. 
John Toles. 

1873. Frederick D. Brown. 

1874. John F. Bowyer. 

1875. Alvah H. Kinney. 

1876. Gilbert L. Wilbur. 
Charles E. Severance. 

1877. Charles P. Cole. 
John Toles. 

1878. John F. Bowyer. 



CHURCHES. 
THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH. 

Before religious meetings were held in Rathbone, the 
few settlers living along the river-valley attended those in 
what is now Cameron, farther up the river, where Rev. 
Abner Chase preached as early as 1812, and was afterwards 
joined in his long circuit by Revs. Ebenezer White and 
Charles Giles. In 1831 a class was formed at the Town- 
Line school-house, and Jacob Cole was made class-leader. 
Samuel Miles was also a class-leader before the church was 
built. James H. Miles, a leader in moral enterprises, and 
a genial, vigorous speaker, was an early class-leader, — his 
leadership commencing from the date of his marriage, in 
1831, when a young man. Among the early members of 
the Methodist Church were James Miles and wife, Stephen 
Willard and wife, Jacob Cole and wife, RoUand Sanders, 
Jonathan Herrington and wife, James Reynolds and wife, 
Eleazer Geer and wife, Isaac McDufFey and wife. During 
the pastorates of Revs. Carlos Gould and Samuel Nichols, 
in 1844-45, a church was built in the town of Cameron, 
joining the Addison line, and became known as the Town- 
Line church. This church, costing §1100, was built by 
James H. Miles, Stephen Willard, and Rolland Sanders, 
trustees, and dedicated by Rev. Mr. Powers, of Painted 
Post. 

The subsequent formation of the town of Rathbone 
placed this church in the centre of the new town. The 
present officers of the Town-line church are Adam Wilson, 
Cla.ss-Leader ; Adam Wilson, Finley Goff, Luther Sever- 
ance, Stewards ; Luther Severance, Isaac Sanders, and Dr. 
Samuel Mitchell, Trustees. E. D. Peckham was for many 
years a prominent member and a class-leader of this society, 
until his removal from the town, in 1878. 

Among the pastors who have officiated in this town may 
be mentioned, 1812-20, Revs. Abner Chase, Andrew 
Peck, Robert Parker, Ebenezer White, and Charles Giles; 

1821, Leeds Allen; 1824, Micah Seager, C. V. Adgate ; 

1822, Solon Stocking, Eiisha Bibbins ; 1827, Levi B. 
Castle, John Arnold ; 1835, Theodore McElheney, Thomas 
Wheat; 1838, Charles Wheeler ; 1840, Philo P. Tower ; 
1841, R. T. Hancock; 1842, John Bowman; 1844, Carlos 
Gould; 1845, Samuel Nichols; 1847, William Potter, 
Ebenezer Colson ; 1848—19, Joseph Ashworth ; 1859, 

J. Knapp; 1860, E. D. Rosa, Buell, I. J. B. 

McKinney, Wm. Sharp, A. A. Van Allen, C. G. Lowell, 
M. Jackson, F. M. Smith ; 1876, W. Bartle, H. Peck, J. 
H. Blades. 

A class was formed at the Cole school-house, in the south 
part of the town, by Rev. William Potter, during his pas- 
torate in 1847, with Jacob Cole, Class-Leader, and Jacob 



TOWN OF RATHBONE. 



385 



E. Cole, Steward. Among the early members of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church in the town of Rathbone, 
besides those mentioned above, were Martin B. Young and 
wife, Mrs. James Young, John H. Soper, Mrs. Israel Per- 
sons, Lewis H. Bridgeman, and others, who in 1850 joined 
in building a large edifice in the village of Rathboneville, 
where the population and business of the town then cen- 
tred. James H. Miles, Lewis H. Bridgeman, Ira Martin, 
Lewis Crawford, Martin B. Young, J. H. Soper, and Wil- 
liam D. Smith were the trustees. The ground was donated 
by Gen. Ransom Rathbone. The usual difficulty of col- 
lecting subscriptions and paying for material was avoided 
by giving John Toles the subscription for building the 
church complete. At its dedication, in 1850, this was one 
of the finest churches in the charge, and its meetings were 
well sustained by the inhabitants of the surrounding coun- 
try. This church is finely situated on an elevation over- 
looking the town, and is joined by a hand.some parsonage. 
In 1874 the Rathboneville charge was formed from parts 
of Woodhull and Rathbone, and includes the Cole school- 
house, Hedgesville, and Rathboneville. The class-leaders 
have been James H. Miles, George W. Young, Lewis 
Gokey, A. F. Timerman, and the present leader, Joseph 
Burlingame; Rev. William Bartle is pastor; John H. Mas- 
ten, Recording Steward ; Northrup P. Young and John 
Dewel, Stewards; Osman S. Whitmore, N. P. Young, and 
John H. Masten, Trustees. The present membership is 
67, including 20 at the Cole school-house. Rev. William 
Bartle is pastor of the Rathboneville Church, and Rev. J. 
H. Blades is pastor of the Town-Line Church ; both of 
which organizations are well sustained. 

MILITARY RECORD OF RATHBONE. 

David C. Chase, Corp., Co. B, 86th Eegt. ; enl. Aug. 30, 1861. 
Alanson Fancher, Co. B, 80th Kegt.; enl. Aug. 30, 1861. 
Matthew Phoenix, Co. B, 8Cth Regt. ; enl. Ang. 30, 1861. 
Lyman K. Root, Co. B, 861h Regt.; enl, Aug. 30, 1801. 
Wolcott C. Torrence, Co. B, 86th Regt. ; enl. Aug. 3D, 1861. 
Peter D. Titus, Co. B, 86th Regt.; enl. Oct. 2, 1861. 
Silvestus S. Bailey, Co. I, 80th Regt. ; enl. Oct. 24, 1801. 
Edward Dickinson, Co. I, 86th Regt.; enl. Oct. 24, 1861. 
Lester C. Disbrow, Co. I, 86th Regt. ; enl. Nov. 8, 1801. 
Samuel Dickinson, Jr., Co. 1, 86th Regt.; enl. Nov. 12, 1861. 
William M. Wood, Co. I, 86th Regt.; enl. Oct. 24, 1861. 

49 



Charles H. Young, Co. K, 86th Regt.; onl. Aug. 30, 1861. 
John Phinney, Co. K, SOtli K^gt. ; enl. Aug. 30, 1801. 
Charles H. Reynolds, Corp., Co. F, 107th Regt. ; enl. Aug. 5, 1862. 
William S. McCrca, 1st sergt., Co. G, 141st Eegt.; enl. Sept. 11, 1802. 
Isaac Hiiriington, Corp., Co. G, 14l3t Regt. ; enl. Sept. 11, 1802. 
George Day, musician, Co. G, lllst Regt. ; enl. Sept. U, 1862. 
Samuel S. Brink, Co. G, Ulst Regt.; enl. Sept. II, 1802. 
Edson L. Burr, Co. G, 141st Regt.; enl. Sept. 11, 1862. 
Jacob H. Cole, Co. G, 141st Regt. ; enl. Sept. II, 1862. 
Jacob Conins, Co. G, 141st Uegl. ; enl. Sept. II, 1862. 
John P. Crans, Co. G, 141st Regt.; enl. Sept. 11, 1862. 
Franklin E. De Groat, Co. G, 14l8t Regt. ; enl. Sept. II, 1862. 
William Houghtailing, Co. 0, 14Ist Regt. ; onl. Sept. 11, 1862. 
Reuben Jacobs, Co. G, I41st Regt.; eid. Sept. II, 1862. 
John Jacobs, Co. G, lllst Regt. ; enl. Sept. II, 1862. 
George W. Kimble, Co. G, lllst Regt ; enl. Sept. 11, 1862. 
Edwin R. Nolton, Co. G, 14Ist Regt.; enl. Sept. II, 1862. 
Amos C. Stewart, Co. G, lllst Regt. ; enl. Sept. 11, 1862. 
Henry Stewart, Co. G, 141ist Regl.j enl. Sept, 11, 1802. 
Lewis Woodsworth, Co. G, lllst Regt.; enl. Sept. II, 1862. 
William C. Chamberlain, Co. B, S6th Regt.; enl. Aug. 30, 1801. 
Samuel Merring, 86th Regt.; killed at Wilderness. 
Martin Sherman, Co, H, 179th Regt; onl. Aug. 18, 1804. 
Michael Spelling, Co. E, lllst N. Y. Inf. 
Horner Stevens, Co. A, 107th N. Y. Inf. 
George F. Cole, Co. G, 50th N. Y. Kng. 
David Calkins, Co. H, 101st N. T. Inf. 
Orson Burlingame, Co. G, 2d Vet. Cav. 
William F. Hawley, Co. D, 1st Mtd. Rifles. 
Vinson De Groat, Co. B, 107th N. Y. Inf. 
Charles H. Young, Co, F, 107th Inf. 
George E, Merring, Co. K, 80th N, Y. Inf. 
Julius Lattin, Co. H, 04th N. Y. Inf. 
Fred. D. Brown, Co. — , lllst N. Y. Inf. 
tliarles Smith, Co. F, 17th Vet. Res. Corps. 
James B. Y'oung, lOtli Co., 2d Bat. Vet. Res. Corps. 
John W. Sanders, Co. A, lOth N. Y. Cav, 
Uriah P, Blain, 53d Co,, 2d Bat, Res, Corps, 
Reuben Jacobs, 101st Co., Vet, Res, Corps. 
William H, Case, Co, K, Olth N. Y, Inf, 
Amander G. Cole, Co. G, 2d Vet. Cav. 
Samuel J. Phoenix, Co. F, 107th N. Y. Inf. 
Frederick D. Cooper, 1st N. Y. Vet. Cav. 
Jacob W. Myers, Co. G, Olth N, Y, Inf, 
Curtis F, Young, Co, F, 107th N. Y, Inf. 
Thomas J. Young, 1st sergt., Co. F, 107th N. Y, Inf 
Charles W, Titus, Co, F, 107th N, Y, Inf, 
Henry A, Smith, Co. G, lllst N. Y. Inf. 
Frederick W. Young, Co. F, 107th N. Y. Inf, 
Henry Young, 
, Austin Root, Co, F, 107tli N. Y, Inf. \ 
James B. Jones, Co, F, 107th N. Y. Vi> 
Ira Stevens, Alanson Planchard, Darwin A. Cole. 
Edson Ripley, 23d N. Y. Inf ; died in service. 
Israel Washburn, 23d N. Y. Inf 
John Boothe, 23d N. Y, Inf 
Eugene Martin, 23d N, Y, Inf, 
Elijah Monroe, 23d N, Y, Inf 
"William H. Warner. 



THURSTON. 



GENERAL DESCRIPTION. 

Thitrston, formed from Cameron, Feb. 28, 1844, is an 
interior town, sitnated sonthcast of the centre of the county. 
Its surface consists of high, rolling upland, chiefly, forming 
the dividing ridge between the Conhotton and Canisteo 
Eivers. The streams are Stockton Creek, in the northwest 
part of the town, and Michigan Creek, in the south, flowing 
in deep, narrow ravines, bordered by steep hill-sides. The 
soil is chiefly a shaly and gravelly loam. 

EARLT SETTLEMENT. 

In the northwest corner of the town of Thurston rises a 
high ridge of hills, north of Stocking Creek, and occupying 
a portion of the town, comprising sis square miles, separated 
from the remainder of the town by a deep, narrow ravine, 
known as the Gulf This gulf is impassable, except at a 
single point at the south, where is a flat of some six acres, 
occupied by the steam saw-mill of A. E, Tost, and the 
usual accompanying residences. The Gulf above is narrow 
and dark, from 300 to 400 feet deep, and filled with the 
original growth of hemlock and hard timber. The hill is 
high and quite broken. It was on this high land that 
Luke Bonny and William Smith made the first settlement 
in the town, in 1813, Mr, Bonny received much encour- 
agement from the land-ofiBce, and was awarded the job of 
cutting a road from Bath south, through the town, crossing 
Otter Creek at Eisingville, 

The hill on which he settled still bears his name. In 
1823 his widow was living in the valley below, where ho 
bad previously died. 

Anderson Carpenter, brother of Timothy Carpenter, 
settled near the Methodist Episcopal church, in the north- 
west corner of the town, in 1S13, and he, too, died almost 
alone in the wilderness. He was killed by the fall of a 
tree, in 1817. 

Amos Dickinson, whose sons, David, Samuel, and Amos 
Dickinson, are well-known residents of the town, settled 
near Anderson Carpenter, in 1S14, moving from Bath to 
that place. Joseph Fluent joined them in 1S17, and the 
next year (1818) was married to Fanny Dickinson. These 
were the first persons married in Thurston. 

David Smith, brother of William, and father of Mrs. 
Gay, came in 1S22. 

In 1826, Harvey Haliiday, Jacob Parker, John and 
Boanerges Fluent, and John Stocking had joined the 
settlement on Bonny Hill. 

The first school was taught by Caroline Vinan, in 1818, 
near the present school-house. A school-meeting was 
called in 1S2S, and SlOO were appropriated to build a frame 
school-house, 20 by 24 feet in size. In December, at a 
special meeting which was called to buy a stove, it was 
386 



" voted that all hardness and quarreling in this district 
shall cease from this date, and we shall live in peace, as 
neighbors ought to do," This frame school-house was the 
old red school-house, still standing near the church, in 
which the early meetings were held, and which was re- 
paired and painted red in 1848, 

Harlow Smith, for many years a prominent and highly- 
respected citizen of Thurston, came from Hector in 1826 
and settled on Bonny Hill, His son, Pitt M, Smith, the 
only remaining member of the family, still lives in the 
town, near the old Bonny place. 

Moses D. Depue, father of John S, Depue and A, R, 
Depue, now of Bath, but for many years leading citizens 
of Thurston, fettled on Bonny Hill in 1830. 

Stephen Aldrich, with his sons. Warner M., Thomas S,, 
Stephen, and George, — one of whom, Warner, was mar- 
ried, — came from Rhode Island and located in the south 
part of the town in 1822, Thomas Aldrich still occupies 
the old homestead between Risingville and the little sheet 
of water known as Friends' Pond, so called from the fact 
that these early settlers were of the Society of Friends, 
Rev. Mr. Tripp used to come from the East to preach with 
them at the settlement The older members of the family 
are still respected members of the Society of Friends and 
leading citizens. Leonard Aldrich, who was elected asso- 
ciate judge in 1S7-, is a son of Warner M. Aldrich. 

Stephenson Pugsley settled half a mile southwest of Ste- 
phen Aldrich. From this high rolling land may be seen 
the cleared hills beyond Merthautville and Risingville, and 
the still higher lands of Bonny Hill, to the northwest. 

William and James Jack, from Cecil Co., Md., were also 
early settlers near the Friends. AVilliam Jack still lives on 
the farm where he first cleared an acre of land in 1822, 
and returned to Maryland for his family, moving with slow- 
going oxen and camping at Campbelltown while he cut a 
road to his form. James >«', Jack, the veteran school- 
teacher of the town, and Christie A, Jack, who occupies 
the old homestead, are his sons. 

Samuel Fisk, who came in the same year, occupied the 
joining lot towards the east. Amos, Ethias, and Boralis 
Fisk lived at Merehantville, Ethiiis building his house 
where Deacon Wm. Merchant lives, next to the old store, 
and the two others below. 

There was no one living south between the Friends' Set- 
tlement and the river, Seth Cook and Arnold Payne, both 
natives of Rhode Island, were early settlers near Thomas 
Aldrich, 

The Goodhue Pond, near this settlement, — which was 
called New Michigan, — is a deep body of pure water, 
1200 yards in length and half as wide, and lying in the 
southern part of Thurston, northeast coruer of Cameron, 



TOWN OF THURSTON. 



387 



and northwest corner of Addison, and is well stocked with 
a variety of fish. It has alwaj's been a favorite resort. 
Early settlers came from the north of the town to catch 
fi.sh in this pond, and pickerel weighing upwards of 100 
pounds have been taken from it. It is fed by a subterra- 
nean spring, and is surrounded by steep hills, upon which 
are fine farming-lands. This lake was stocked with bass 
by the fish commission in 187.3. 

The Cranberry or Friends' Pond, to the west, near the 
south line of the town, is a bottomless spring, half a mile 
across. It is located on the top of the dividing ridge, a 
mile or more from the Canisteo Kiver and five hundred and 
fifty feet above the river-valley, and is surrounded by rolling 
lands, which are now well-improved farms. It is filled with 
pickerel and perch — which are the natural fish of the pond 
— and is remarkable for the coolucss of its waters. The 
early settlers resorted here to gather cranberries, which 
grew in great abundance upon the soft, boggy lands sur- 
rounding it. 

M. 0. Keith, who came from Massachusetts in 1834 and 
settled a mile south of Risingville, near Mr. Jack, was the 
father of Albert W. Keith, the proprietor of the Merchant- 
ville mill and a prominent citizen of the town. 

John Vanderwarker and Henry Forburg made a clearing 
between Risingville and Merchanlville in 1820, and planted 
an orchard, which was abandoned, and, growing up to pines, 
was forgotten. In 1876 lumbermen, cutting this second 
growth of heavy timber, discovered a part of the apple- 
trees standing at regular distances from each other. 

William Hawley settled on the Phillips place, near Mer- 
chantville, in 1820. 

Fenner Eddy came from Rhode Island, and in 1832 
opened a custom-tannery a short distance below, on the 
place now occupied by his son, Jeremiah F. Eddy. In 
1836, Stephen Aldrich and Fenner Eddy were mentioned 
often on the town clerk's books as receiving wolf-bounty 
certificates. 

The first saw-mill was built by Paris Wheelock, on Otter 
Creek, near the east line. 

Lifus Fish was an early settler in the northeast, on a 
branch of the Conhocton. John Corbett settled on North 
Hill, near him, and was for years well known throughout 
the town. 

Many marshes, or bodies of level, wet land, were found 
upon the hill-tops in the southern part of the town, some 
of which still exist, while most of those cleared have been 
drained, and are rich bodies of land, though small in 
extent. The lands furnished a variety of timber. The 
early settlers chose that covered with hemlock, beech, and 
maple, avoiding the pine lands until lumbermen came in 
and bought the lands they had rejected, because of the 
stumps, which never rotted. When these lands were found 
to be valuable, they were already taken up. 

Going to Bath to buy goods, or make payments and con- 
tracts with the land-office ; to Erwin's mill to trade, and to 
Cameron Corners to attend election and town business; or 
training at Troupsburgh, were the only pleasure excursions 
of fifty years ago ; but a variety of occupation was to be 
had at home, — hunting, fishing, and clearing new land, or 
searching the deep woods for stray cattle. 



Edwin Merchant came from Herkimer County, in 1841, 
and purchasing at the land-office the site of the present 
village, opened a blacksmith- and wagon-shop in the woods 
between Wni. Hawley's farm and Fenner Paddy's tannery. 
In 1845 he built the saw-mill. The opening of the lum- 
bering settlement at Risingville increased the business of 
this place, and in 18.54, Alvah Carpenter and 0. P. Alder- 
man purchased the store of Harley Sears, who moved from 
Risingville the year before. 

From that time Merchantville has been a trading-point 
and business centre. A daily mail is received from Camp- 
bell, continuing through to Ri.singville, three miles above, 
on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. There arc here 
four stores, a saw- and shingle-mill, two blacksmith-shops, 
a wagon- and a paint-shop ; Methodist Episcopal church 
and parsonage, Christian church, school-house, and twenty- 
six dwellings. It is located along the north bank of Otter 
Creek, and is an old-looking village, though neat in appear- 
ance. To the south, a quarter of a mile distant, a steep 
hill, extending past the village, rises to the height of one 
hundred and fifty feet, covered with the debris of fallen 
timber from which the valuable portion has long since 
been removed. The surrounding country, though rough 
and broken, affords a liberal support to the business of the 
place. 

In the year 1852, Josephus Turbell, of Goshen, Orange 
Co., and Charles Osborne, of Corning, bought a large tract 
of heavy pine timber in the eastern part of the town, and 
erected a large mill in the valley of Risingville. At this 
time there was a clearing of some 15 acres in the valley, 
upon which were two houses, one of which was occupied 
by Noble H. Rising, and an old seedling apple-orchard, 
which for the inferiority of its fruit was unrivaled. 
Campbell — a store, tavern, and platform beside the Buffalo 
and Corning Railway, seven miles distant — was the outlet. 
Three miles towards Campbell, in the eastern part of Thurs- 
ton, was Merchantville, where was a saw-mill, the Eddy 
tannery, Mr. Merchant's wagon-shop, half a dozen houses, 
and a school-house, in which meetings were held. The 
Risingville mill was a leading institution of its kind. Two 
40-horse power engines furnished the power. An old- 
fashioned gate, with a single saw, cut all dimensions of lum- 
ber to order ; a second cut the sides of the log into boards, 
leaving the flat body to be fumed down and run through 
the 30 saws of the " gang," which left it a pile of finished 
boards, ready to be .stored in the mill-yard, or hauled on 
wagons to Campbelltown for shipment. A shingle-mill, a 
picket-saw, a wood-saw, and an " edger" completed the 
equipment. Some thirty hands were required in and about 
the mill. A blacksmith-shop was a necessary adjunct. A 
large boarding-house was built near the mill for the single 
hands, and dwellings were erected along the road for the 
families of the married ones. 

The old Rising House was turned into a boarding-house 
for the teamsters and choppers in the woods, and large 
barns were built for the accommodation of their teams. A 
store, the first in the town, was opened near the mill by 
Harley Sears. Nineteen houses were erected in the settle- 
ment, and men began to buy forms and improve them in 
the immediate surrounding country. A school was estab- 



388 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Hshed, and meetings were regularly held by the ministers 
of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and occasionally by 
Rev. 0. P. Alderman. A Sunday-school was also opened 
with a large attendance. A Masonic lodge was established, 
E. P. Mulford being the first Worshipful Master. Good 
Templars held their sessions in the same hall, which was in 
the upper story of the boarding-house, and the " Know 
Nothings," who were traced to the bushes under the large 
apple-tree in the front yard, were said to have also held 
their meetings there. A post-office was opened in 1853, 
and Noble H. Rising was made postmaster. 

The white-pine edgings, which accumulated rapidly at 
the mill, were run out on an elevated railway and thrown 
upon the ground, until the pile was high enough to extend 
the temporary track upon its top. When a mound had 
been formed some 40 feet in diameter, the railway was 
removed and the pile was fired, to destroy the encumbrance 
of so much wood. While it was building, the whole settle- 
ment supplied their fires with fuel from this pile. 

The business of the town centred at Risingville for 
several years, through the influence of lumbering, and the 
yellow paper money of the Bank of Goshen, familiarly 
called " butter money," with which the hands were paid, 
became well known throughout the town. 

Turbell & Co. had some 2000 acres of heavy pine lands, 
which were gradually made into small farms after the lum- 
bering ceased. The settlement was finally abandoned, and 
the old buildings have been removed or fallen into decay. 
The old mill was destroyed by fire, and has since been 
replaced by a small grist-mill, the first in the town, which 
was erected by Eber Fi.sk, in 1874. 

The principal occupant and present owner of the valley 
which comprised this settlement is James Jerry, a native 
of Berthier, Montreal, Canada, who came to the settlement 
as a sawyer in the mill, but is now one of the most influ- 
ential citizens and a leading dairy farmer of the town. 
His residence, on the site of the old house where the log 
teamsters boarded and held their boisterous carnivals, is 
one of the finest in Thurston. The family of Thomas 
Spencer, who came from Springwater in 1853, occupies the 
Noble Rising place, and a neat little church has been added 
to the settlement, which also contains a school-house, two 
stores, and five other residences. Mr. Carty Wright, a 
farmer, a short distance below the grist-mill, and William 
and James Hanrihan, who settled in the southwest corner 
of the town, first came to work in the Turbell mill. 

John Richtnjyer settled a mile north of Risingville, in 
1848. His son, William Richtmyer, is a prominent farmer, 
and has been supervisor of the town. H. G. Willard was 
one of the earliest settlers on the hill to the east. 

There are two cheese-factories in the town, one on Bonny 
Hill, and another opened in 1875, by John Adamson, in 
the southwest. 

Leonard Aldrich and Lyman H. Phillips, residents of 
Merchantville, have both filled the office of justice of ses- 
sions. 

ORGANIZATION. 

This town was named in honor of William B. Thurston, 
a member of the Society of Friends or " Quakers," and one 
of the principal land-owners of the town. 



At the first annual election of the town of Thurston, held 
in the house of Joseph Cross, on the present Beaton place, 
on North Hill, April 2, 1844, the following officers were 
elected : Joseph Cross, Supervisor ; Noble H. Rising, Town 
Clerk; John S. De Pue, Henry Briggs, Peter D. Edsell, 
Arnold Payne, Justices of the Peace ; Henry Rising, James 
L. Ostrander, Fenner Eddy, Assessors ; William Jack, 
Amos Fluent, Jared Goodsell, Commissioners of Highways ; 
Stephen Wakeman, Abijah Youmans, Overseers of the 
Poor ; John S. Eddy, Collector ; Oliver Stewart, Oliver 
Baker, James A. Booth, Jefierson Moore, Nathan Stephens, 
Constables ; Warner A. Aldrich, Samuel R. Creveling, 
Aaron R. De Pue, Inspectors of Election. 

LIST OP TOWN OFFICERS. 





Supervisors. 




Town Clerks. 


Collectors. 


1844. 


Joseph Cross. 


Noble H. Rising. 


John S. Eddy. 


1845. 


Fenner Eddy. 


" 


" 




Bliph.as Fish. 


1846. 


" " 


Sam 


'1 R. Crev 


eling. 


Stephen Wakeman. 


1847. 


" 


" 


" 




tt it 


1848. 


" 


tt 


' 




Oliver Stewart. 


1849. 


John S. De Pue. 


Noble H. Rising. 


tt It 


1850. 


" 


" 


,i 




.lohn Roj'ce. 


1851. 


Noble H. Rising. 


Thomas P. Aldrich. 


" " 


1862. 


Cornelius Bouton. 


' 




•' 


.( it 


1853. 


<• it 


Sam 


1 R. Crev 


eling. 


Lewis Sears. 


1854. 


John Rojce. 


Sch- 


yl'rD. Jo 


anson 


John A. Stocking. 


1855. 


" 


Edwin Merchant. 


" 


1856. 


John S. De Pue. 


(( 


" 




Clark Babcoek. 


1857. 


H li 


William Merchant. 


" " 


1858. 


it li 


' 


tt 




it it 


1859. 


" " 


Edwin Merchant. 


it it 


1860. 


it tt 


" 


" 




tt tt 


1861. 


ti u 


tt 


It 




tt it 


1862. 


It tt 


" 


tt 




tt tt 


1863. 


tt tt 


It 


tt 




tt it 


1864. 


tt tt 


" 


" 




tt tt 


1865. 


tt It 


It 


tt 




Andrew Shauger. 


1866. 


Oliver P. Alderman 


" 


" 




" 


1867. 


Alva Carpenter. 


Harmon Stevens. 


James Medowell. 


1868. 


James Jerry ."■^■" 


Edwin Merchant. 


Andrew Shauger. 


1869. 


Alva Carpenter. 


0. F 


. Corwin. 




" 


1870. 


tt tt 


Smy 


r A. Whitcomb. 


•' " 


1871. 


tt tt 


." 




" 


Seward Aldrich. 


1872. 


Lewis Masters. 


It 




" 


Hen. Knickerbocker 


1873. 


it tt 


tt 




(( 


it it 


1874. 


Lyman H. Phillips. 


tt 




tt 


it it 


1875. 


James Jerry. 


Orlando F. Corwin. 


" " 


1876. 


" 


Kzrn 


iM. Royee. 


it it 


1877. 


William Richtmyer 


tt 


tt 




John A. Filkins. 


1878. 


•' " 


Orlando F. Co 


rwin. 


Josiah R. J. Johnson 












B. F. Stamp. 




JUSTICES 


OF THE PEACE. 




1844. 


John S. De Pue. 






1851. 


B. B 


Bancroft. 




Henry Briggs. 






1852. 


J. S. 


De Pue. 




Peter D. Edsell. 






185.3. 


Eleazer P. Mulford. 




Arnold Paj'ne. 






1854. 


H. P 


Clark. 


1845. 


Edwin Merchant. 






1855. 


B. B 


Bancroft. 




Warner M. Aldrich. 






1856. 


Jcrrad H. Goodsell. 


1846. 


Joseph Cross. 






1857. 


Schuyler D. Johnson. 




Abijah Youmans. 








John 


Conner. 




Peter D. Edsell. 








Henry Briggs- 


1847. 


Benjamin B. Bancroft. 






John 


S. De Pue. 


1848. 


John S. Do Pue. 
Henry Briggs. 






1858. 


H. P 

J. S. 


. Clark. 
De Pue. 


IS49. 


Henry Briggs. 






1859. 


Henry Briggs. 


1850. 


Warner M. Aldrich. 








Jamea N. Jack. 



* At the regular election Alva Carpenter and Leonard Aldrich, can- 
didates for supervisor, received a tie votej and James Jerry was 
elected at a special election. 



TOWN OF THURSTON. 



389 



I860. 


John S. De Piie. 


1868. 


1861. 


John Kichtmyer. 


1869. 


1862. 


Leonard Aldrich. 


1870. 


1863. 


Orson D. Davis. 


1871. 


1864. 


John S. De Puo. 


1872. 




Orson D. Davis. 


1873. 


1865. 


Andrew Shauger. 


1874. 


1866. 


Ljman Phillips. 


1875. 




Leonard Aldrich. 


1876. 


1867. 


Orson D. Davis. 


1877. 




Hervey Halliday. 


1878. 




CHUR 


OHES. 



Charles E. Richtinyer. 
Lyman Philli|)S. 
Leonard Aldrich. 
Z. S. Helm. 
Charles E. Richtmyer. 
Lyman H. Phillips. 
Leonard Aldrich. 
Zachariah S. Helm. 
Charles E. Riolitmyer. 
Lyman II. Phillips. 
Henry Morrison. 



METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH. 

Rev. Buel Parker is said to have preached in Tliurston 
in 1814. Meetings were held on Bonn)! Hill in the old 
log school-house, and in the school-house which stands near 
the church, soon after its erection in 1S2G. Harlow Smith, 
Amos Dickinson, and their families, were among the early 
members. Joseph Marrow was the first class-leader. Mrs. 
Gay, daughter of David Smith, one of the first settlers on the 
hill, is the only original member living. The organization 
was a partof that of Bath for many years. Rev. Charles Brun- 
dage came from Allegany County in 1842, and through his 
exertions the church was erected, and made a free church 
for all Christian denominations. This church was built by 
Moses Dudley and Harlow Smith, trustees, on land donated 
by Rev. Mr. Brundage, and dedicated by Rev. ■ Bab- 
cock, presiding elder, in February, 1843. Rev. Mr. Brun- 
dage delivered an anti-slavery lecture in the church soon 
after its erection, making himself .somewhat unpopular 
thereby, and causing much local confusion and discussion, 
which extended to the meeting of the next annual con- 
ference. 

The present officers of the church are Pitt M. Smith, 
Recording Steward ; Joseph Marr, Fred. Keyser, Benja- 
min Van Gelder, Stewards ; F. Keyser, P. M. Smith, 
Henry Sprague, John Adams, D. H. Dickinson, Trustees. 
Revs. Buel Parker, Wm. Henry, Asa Story, Cyrus Story, 
McElheny, Hoag, Parker, and Ev- 
erett were early preachers in this part of the town. 
Present pastor, Rev. M. Davison. 

METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH OP RISINGVILLE. 

Meetings were held on the hill near Risingville in the 
old red school-house, previous to 1841, the pastor supply- 
ing the congregation alternately with that at some other 
school-house. There are no reords of a class having been 
regularly organized previous to 1850. A three days' quar- 
terly-meeting was held in the Turbell mill, in the summer 
of 1855, and was largely attended. Services were held in 
the old Sears store, and in the Aldrich school-house, a 
mile south, until the mill settlement was partially aban- 
doned. Afterwards, as the country around became more 
improved, a permanent organization was effected by the 
farming community, and in 18G4 a fine church building 
was erected by Alex. Sutton, Thomas Spencer, McCarty 
Wright, James A. Booth, A. Shauger, C. W. Martin, and 
Wm. R. Richtmyer, trustees. Rev. D. W. T. Huntington 
preached the dedicatory sermon. 

The following pastors have preached to this class : Wm. 
Arnold, Cyrus Story, 1852, Wm. E. Pindar; 1853, 



Day; 1854, A. F. Morey ; 1855, C. Gould; 1856, Sey- 
mour G. Ryenvault; 1865, W. Woalgemath ; 1866, L. S. 
Grandon; 1868, D. W. Gates; 1878, J. Knapp ; 1879, 
John Stevens. 

Class- Leaders : 1850, John Richtmyer; 1858, Thomas 
Spencer, and McCarty Wright, present leader. Stewards : 
1853, E. P. Mulford, John Richtmyer; 1878, Charles H. 
Martin, who is also clerk. The present Tru.stees are Au- 
gustus Tompkins, David Wright, Robert Heckman, Isaac 
Warrick, Wm. White, McCarty Wright, and Oscar W. 
Sutton. 

METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH OP MERCHANTVILLE. 

A Methodist Episcopal class was organized at Merchant- 
ville, previous to 1850, by Rev. Wm. Arnold, and consisted 
of 11 members, among whom were Anthony Collson and 
wife, John W. Collson, Emma Collson, Clark Babcock and 
wife, William Merchant and wife, and Annette Terry. A 
church was built in 1801, during the pastorate of Rev. J. 
W. Brown, and dedicated by Rev. Mr. Congdon, Presiding 
Elder. The first Trustees were John Brock, Anthony 
Collson, H. G. Willard, Eber Fisk, and John W. Collson. 
Anthony Collson was first class-leader and steward. 

The pa.stors have been Revs. Wm. Arnold, Charles Bush, 

3Ierritt, Countryman, John Knapp, W. W. 

Mandeville, L. L Grandon, Bronson Covey, Cook, 

John Knapp, John Stevens. 

The present officers of the church are Albert W. Keith, 
Recording Steward ; Lewis Curtis, Class-Leader ; J. W. 
Collson. N. Sterling, L. H. Curti.s, A. W. Keith, Trustees. 
There are 20 members in good standing on the church 
roll. 

THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH OF THURSTON. 

This church was first organized at Smith's school-house, 
in the town of Bath, March 26, 1836, by Rev. G. A. Hen- 
drick. Afterwards the increase of membership from the 
south caused a change from Bath to West Hill, in the cen- 
tral part of Thurston, which occurred March 20, 1842, 
during the pastorate of Elder E. Fleming. Among the 
first members were Robert Colyer and wife, Jared Goodsell 
and wife, Fanny Folsoni, Mahetibal Havens, Adaline Gris- 
wold, Lydia J. Goodsell, and Harlcy Sears and wife. 
While Elder Hendrick labored with this church, 44 were 
baptized and 50 admitted to membership. During this re- 
vival, Chester D. Kinney and William D. Rutherford were 
converted. Afterwards they were ordained and became 
eminent ministers of the Christian Church. Attempts 
were made to have the place of worship at Bath, on the 
division of the school district in 1844, which deprived 
them of a place of worship. In that year Rev. Oliver P. 
Alderman, who had become a resident of Merchantville, 
awakened a new interest in the church, making many addi- 
tions to its membership. The fellowship meetings were 
then changed to the Aldrich Settlement, then known as 
'■ New Michigan." In the winter of 1846-47, Elders 
Kinney and Rutherford held meetings at Merchantville, 
then called Otter Creek, converting large numbers, and 
making that the centre of the church in Tliurston. 

The Merchantville church was commenced in April, and 



390 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



was dedicatod June 27, 1852. After the dedication ser- 
vices were coDcludud, Mr. Oliver Burley aud Miss Jane 
Hall stood up in the crowded assembly and were united in 
marriage. 

The church was built at an expense of $600, by Edwin 
Merchant, Marias O. Keith, and John Royce, Trustees ; 
Edwin Merchant donating the grounds. The building was 
made free for all denominations when not in use by the 
society. Among the early members here were also Deacon 
John Rutherford and wife, Levi Peters, Isaac Dewitt, Levi 
Peters and wife. B. Simmons and PI Merchant were early 
deacons. The church now comprises 92 members. The 
present officers are Edwin Merchant, Treasurer and Deacon ; 
0. P. Corwin, Cleric ; John F. Keith, Edmond Jones, 
p]dwin Merchant, Trustees. 

The following-named pastors liave preached in the church 
of Thurston, Rev. Oliver P. Alderman, a prominent mis- 
sionary preacher of the Tioga River Christian Conference, 
supplying the pulpits of Thurston and Cameron when 
vacant, since 184-1: : 1836, Gideon A. Hendrick ; 1842, 
E. Fleming, James M. Westeott; 1844, Jabez Chadwick ; 
1846, Chester D. Kinney; 1847, William D. Rutherford; 
1848-55, Oliver P. Alderman; 1856, W. D. Rutherford, 
A. Burlingame ; 1857-64, 0. P. Alderman ; 1865, Bryant 
R. Kurd ; 1866, Abner J. Welton ; 1867, B. II. Kurd ; 
1869--70, Henry C. Wilber; 1871, Wm. K. Stamp ; 1872, 
Henry Leonardson ; 1873, John H. Carr; 1874, Lewis 
C. Palmeteer; 1875-77, A. J. Hammond; 1878, Oliver 
P. Alderman, the present pastor. 

MILITARY RECORD OP THURSTON. 

Colconl, Albert, private, 78th Rogt., Co. K; enl. July 9, 1863, threp years. 
Dickinson, David Harrison, private, 2M Regt., Co. A; enl. May IG, 1861, two 

years; re-enl. 22d Regt., Co. G, Jan. IG, 1864, three years; disch, Aug. 9, 

1865. 
Dickinson, Francis Asbury, private, 23d Regt., Co. A; enl. Blay IG, 1863, two 

years; re-enl. 16lh Regt., Co.'C, Dec. 2.S, 18G4; discli. Aug. 25, lS6,i. 
Stockings, Alva Joliu, private, 161st Regt., Co. F; enl. Aug. 25, 1863, three 

years. 
Sliauger, Andrew, 3d sergt., 80th Regt., Co. B; enl. Aug. 18, 1861, three years. 
Wright, Robert, private, Ist Regt., Co. E; enl. Aug. 22, 1864, one year. 
Speusl)e, Frank, private, 9Stli Regt., Co. A; enl. Aug. 10, 1864, three months. 
Booth, Frank, private, 8Gth Regt., Co. B; enl. Aug. 14, 1861, three yeara; disch. 

by vvonnil. 
Croas, Mitcliel Fitch, private, 189lh Regt., Co. H ; enl. Sept. 19, 1864, one year. 
Stevens, Ilarinun, private, 107tli Regt., Co. F; enl. Aug. 3, 18G2, three years. 
Bailey, Alexander, Corp., 111st Refit., Co. E; enl. Aug. 21, 1862, th-ee yeara. 
Downing, TlionuLs William, 2d sergt., 86tli Regt ,Co. B; enl. Aug. 14, 1861, three 

J'eai-s. 
Piatt, Willis, priv:it6, 189th Regt., Co. A ; enl. Dec. 1, 1864, one year. 
Piatt, George, private, 2 id Regt , Co. D ; enl. May 16, 1861. 
Piatt, Legrand, private, S6lh Regt., Co. C; enl. Aug. 14, 1861; killed at Gettys- 
burg, July 2,1863. 
Phillips, Ljman, Corp., 141st Regl., Co. E; enl. Aug. 21, 1862. 
Gleason, Ezra, 2d lient., 107th Regt., Co. G; enl. Aug. 6, 1862, three years; 

wouniled at Ant.etani, Sept. 17, 18C2; disch. Nov. 2, 1862. 
Taylor, William, private, 189th Regt., Co. H; enl. Sept. 1, 1864, one year. 
Edsell, Peter Harmon, private, 50th Regt., Co. E; enl. Sept. 2, 1861, three years; 

re-enl. Dee. 26, 1S61; pro. to sergt., 7th of April; disch. June 13, 1865. 
Tillett, Richard Thomas, private, 86th Regt., Co. C; enl. Oct. 19,1861, three 

years; re-enl. Dec. ;;l, 18 i3; pro. to com. -sergt., Oct. 6, 1864; disch. June 

27, 1865. 
Youngs, Blakesley Rufus, private, 23d Regt., Co. D; enl. Sept. 23, 1861, twenty 

months. 
Johnson, AlonziJ, private, 107tli Regt., Co. G; enl. Aug. 1862, three years; 

wounded at Antietim, Sept. 17, 1862; died and buried on the field. 
Benedict, Erasmus David, private, 50lh Regt., Co. A ; enl. Dec. 28, 1863, tln-ee 

years. 
Sagar, William, private, 107lh Regt., Co. G ; enl. .\ug. 6, 1862, three years. 
Goodsell, Jerrod Isaac, private, 50lh Regt., Co. E; enl. Dec. 28, 1863, three 

years, 
Johnson, Elijah Anson, private, 189th Regt., Co. H; enl. Aug. 30, 1864. 
Thompson, Francis Willianj, 141st Regt., Co. E; enl. Aug. 29, 1862, three years; 

pro. to corp , Dec. 16, 1861 ; died at Chattanooga, Teun. 



Jack, Washington John, private, 9oth Regt., Co. H; drafted July 1, 1863; taken 
pris. May 20, 1864, near Fredericksburg; taken to Richmond, then to 
Andersonville, where lie died, Sept. 2, 1864. 
Jack, Brownel Uby, priv.ate, 86th Re^'t., Co. B ; enl. Sept. 1, 1861 ; died at 

home. 
Jack, Boman, private, 86th Regt., Co. B ; enl. .Aug. 30, 1861. three yeara. 
Jack, Amur, private, lilst Regt., Co. E; enl. Aug. 19, 1S62, three yeara. 
Heekmm, Lafayette, private, 1st Regt., Co. E; enl. Sept. 1, 1864, one year. 
Keith, ftlerifield Merrel, private; enl. Aug. 29,1864; died at post hosp., City 

Point, Va., Nov. 21,1864. 
WiUhelm, Benjamin George, private, 50th Regt., Co. F; enl. Aug. 24, 1864. 
Royce, Ezra Mirvin, private, 2 td Regt., Co. D; enl. April 1, 1861, two years ; pro. 
to Corp., July 10, 18 it; taken pris. at .\ntietara; taken to Richmond, put 
in Libby prison ; exch. ; sent to regt. Nov. 10, 1862. 
Royce, Matthew, private, 'Gth R!.5t., C ■. H ; dr.ifted July 1, 186!, three years; 
taken pris. at battle of Wilderness; died in Florence, S. C, Nov. 6, 1864. 
Elzy, Richard, priv.ite, 3 1st R^^t., Co. II ; enl. D ic. 10, 18G4, three years; sup- 

posed to lie killei at Petersburg, Jum' 6, 1S64. 
Burgett, Wilhelin, private, 107th Regt., Co. G; enl. Aug. 1, 1862, three years. 
Wales, Andrew, private, 107th Rogt., Co. G ; enl. Aug. 6, 1862, three years. 
Chapman, Baldwin Amos, private, 3J Regt., Co. H; enl. Dec. 28, 1863, three 

years. 
Diniuny, Emery George, private, 1st Regt., Co. A ; enl. July 1, 1863, three years. 
Eddy, Fenner Jerry, priv.ite, 189th Regt., Co. A ; enl. Sept. 1, 1864, one year. 
Vare, Aden, private, 189th Regt., Co. A; enl. Sept. 1,1864, one year; pro. to 

sergt., Co. A, 189th Regt., 2iith of March. 
Babcock, Benjamin Merchant, private, 141st Regt., Co. H; enl. Aug. 20, 1862, 

three years. 
Babcock, Hamilton Edgar, private, 189tli Kegt., Co. A ; enl. Sept. 1, 1864, one 

year. 
Caleon, Ezra, private, 3d Regt., Co. H; enl. Dec. 28, 1861, three years ; wounded 

by accident, April 28, 1864. 
Youngs, Harrison W., private, 8Cth Regt., Co. I; enl. Oct. 24, 1861, three years. 
Youngs, John, private, 86th Regt., Co. I ; enl. Oct. 28, 1861, three years. 
Gleason, D.ivid, private, 107th Regt., Co. G; enl. Aug. 6, 1862, three years, 
Lovell, James, private, 107th Regt., Co. G ; enl. .\ilg. 6,1862; died of fever at 

Hope Landing, Va. 
Smalley, Samuel Stewart, private, 76th Regt., Co. H; enl. Sept. 14, 1862. three 
years ; taken pris. near the Rapidan ; died in Florence prison. South Car- 
olina, Oct. 1,1864. 
Martin, Oscar Eugene, private, 141st Regt., Co. E ; enl. Aug. 19, 1862. 
Sears, Edward James, private, 141st Regt., Co. E; enl. Sept. 10, 1862, three years ; 

died Dec. 8, 1863. 
Stomp, Frank Benjamin, private, 3d Regt., Co. H; enl. Dec. 28, 1863, three 

years. 
Stomp, Aaron John, private, 107th Regt., Co. G; enl. Aug. 6, 1862, three years; 

taken prisoner. 
Beten, Sullivan George, private, 189th Regt., Co. H ; enl Aug. 22, 1864, one 

year. 
Beten, Dingley William, private, 78th Regt., Co. F ; enl. Jan. 22, 1862, three 
years ; killed in Georgia while with Sherman, near Gouldsboro', March 
24, 1865. 
French, Frazier Lewis, private, 111th Regt., Co. I; enl. Aug. 25, 1864, one year. 
Corbitt, Gilbert Thomas, private, 50th Regt., Co. E ; pro. to Corp., May 1, 1864. 
Layton, Philip, private, lOTtli Regt., Co. G ; enl. Aug. 5, 1862, three years; 

wounded at Dallas, Ga., May 25, 1864. 
Green, John, private, 107tli Kegt., Co. G ; enl. Aug. 5, 1862, throe years ; pro. to 

Corp., Jan. 1, 1865 ; wounded March 16, 1865, at Averysboroilgh, N. C. 
Demick, Hiram Harrisnn, private, 50th Regt., Co. F; enl. Sept. 6, 1864, one year ; 

died of chronic diarilioea, Farmersville, Va. 
Helm, Selah, private, 5iith Regt., Co. E; enl. Sept. 14, 1861, three years; re-enl. 
50tli Eng,, Co. E, Dec. 25, 1863, three years; pro. to Corp., 1863; to sergt., 
April 1, 1864; must. June 13, 186.5. 
Helm, Ziicliariali Schoumaker, private, 50th Eng., Co. E; enl. Sept. 7, 1861, three 
years ; pro. to Corp., Jan. IG, 1802 ; re-enl. SOtli Eng., Co. E, Dec. 25, 1863, 
three years; pro. to sergt.. May 1, 1864; must, out June 13, 1865. 
Helm, Jasper Semon, private, 50th Regt., Co. E ; enl. Aug. 30, 1861 ; re-enl. 50th 
Regt., Co. E, Dec. 25, 1863, three years ; wounded on picket, Aug. 13, 1864, 
near Petersburg; must, out June 13, 1805. 
Helm, Henry Montraville, private, 50th Rogt, Co. E; euL Jan. 4, 1864, three 

years. 
Helm, James Vangerder, private, 141st Regt., Co. E; enl. Aug. 19, 1802, three 

years. 
Felkius, John, private, lS9th Regt., Co. A; enl. Sept. 2, 1864, one year. 
Skinklc, George, private, 501h Regt., Co. F; enl. Sept. 1, 1864, one year. 
Aldricli, Stephen Mifflin, private, 141st Regt., Co. E; enl. Aug. 20, 1862 ; wounded 

in bead at battle of D.iUas, May 4, 1864. 
Aldrich, Seward, private, 141st Regt., Co. E; enl. .^ug. 20,1862; wounded in 

leg. 
Booth, Levy John, private, 86th Regt., Co. B ; enl. Aug. 27, 1861, three years; 
pro. to 2d lieut., March 22, 1863; Ist lieut., July 4, 1863 ; died March 31, 
1865. 
Thorp, Charles, private, 107th Regt., Co. C; enl. Aug. 2,1862, three years. 
Linn, Gidding Lewis, private, Ulth Regt., Co. I; enl. Aug. 22, 1864, one year; 

disch. at end of war. 
Linn, John, private, 1st Regt., Co. H ; enl. Aug. 22, 1864, one year ; taken sick 
at Fort Woodbury, and died Nov. 24, 1864. 



TOWN OF THURSTON. 



391 



Bowtrs, Isaac, [irivHtc, Mist Regt., Co. E; eril. Sept. 10, 18G2; taken sick May 

2, 1804. 
Vase, Mann Aaron, privati>, 14Is( Kegt., Co. E ; enl. Aug. 21, 1802, lliree years. 
Edsell, Edwin Thon ius, private, 7Stli Kcat. ; enl. March, 18G.i, tliree years; died 

of disease at Fall.s Cliurcli, Aug. 30. 1862. 
Eiisell, Samuel John, 141st Regt., Co. E; enl. Aug. 1862. 
Sanford, Drew David, private, lOTth Regt., Co. G; enl. Aug. 6, 1862, three 

years. 
Prowty, Grifflth John, private, 14l6t Regt, Co. E; enl. Aug. 26, 1862, three 

years; died of disease, Nashville, Term , March 3, 1864. 
Carter, John, private, 21il Regt., Co. G ; enl. Feb. 12, 1804, three yeare ; taken 

pris. in Georgia ; taken to Andcrsonville prison ; died in prison, Aug. 24, 

1805. 
Dinghy, Roger William, private, 50th Regt, Co. E; enl. Jan. 20,1864, three 

years. 
Edsell, William, private, 07th Regt., Co. C; enl. Sept. 19, 1861, three years; died 

of fever at Alexandria, Ya., July 7, 1862. 



Dusenbury, De Witt, private, .^Oth Regt.,Co.E; enl. Jan. 14, 1804, three years. 
Gilkins, John A., private, ISOth Regt., C^o. A ; enl. Sept. 2, 1864, one year; must. 

out by gejieral order of Sec. of Wai-, May 30, 1865. 
Beach, C.iriell Williaui, private, Odlh Regt., Co. A ; enl. Jan. 4,1864, three years. 
Nogar, Henry John, private, 94th Regt., Co. II ; enl. Aug. 14, 1804, three years. 
Alderman, Melviii, |uivate,4tli Regt., Co K; enl. April 6,1863, three years; 

wounded in right arm, May 19, 1804; pro. Aug. 1, 1SC5. 
Kclley, Andrew Jackson, private, 3d Kegl,, Co. U ; enl. Dec. 25, 1S64, three 

years. 
Kelley, Abel t, private, 3d Regt., Co. H ; enl. Dec 23, 1864, three years. 
Vangtdder, Rol)ert, taken prisoner and died. 
Vangelder, Clinton, private. 
Peters, David. 

Harford, Seymour, piivalc, lOtli Regt., Co. G ; enl. Nov. 16, 1801, three years. 
Colcord, Amos Dickinson, private. 
Ackermon, John, 
llorton, Tliomus. 



BIOGEAPHIOAL SKETCH. 




JUDGE L. II. PHILLIPS. 

Vulkert Phillips, son of John Phillips, was born in 
Otsego Co., N. Y. His father was probably born in Hol- 
land and .settled very early in this country, in Otsego 
County. He was a farmer by occupation. Vulkert Phil- 
lips followed farming principally. He married Ruth Hun- 
gerford, daughter of Rev. James Hungerford, of Ontario 
Co., N. Y., by whom he had nine children, of whom eight 
are still living. He settled when a young man in the town 
of Campbell, and was engaged in working farms on shares. 
In 1841, he purchased the farm now owned by his son, 
Lyman H., in the town of Thurston, of Judge Lyman 
Balcom, of Erwin. In politics he was formerly a Whig, 
but when the Republican party was formed he became a 
member of the latter organization. He and his wife were 
members of the Christian Church of Thurston. He died 
in 1867, his wife in 1869. Lyman H., youngest son of 
Vulkert and Ruth Phillips, was born in Campbell, Sept. 
15, 1837. He was reared on the farm, and was also 
engaged in the lumber bu.-iness more or less during the 
winter. At the age of twenty-one he commenced teaching, 




i^^ ^^;.a^4/.-^-/C 



and taught nine winters. He enlisted Aug. 21, 1862, in 
Company E, 141 st Regiment New York Volunteers. He 
served till the close of the war. The history of the battles 
and marches made by his regiment can be seen by referring 
to another part of this work. He was honorably discharged 
with his regiment, at Elniira, N. Y., in 1865. He had 
two brothers in the army, John and James ; both went from 
the West. Mr. Phillips is a staunch Republican, and has 
held various ofiBcial positions. He was elected in 1866 as 
justice of the peace, and still continues to hold that ofiBce. 
In 1874 he was elected supervisor of his town. In 1876 
he was elected Justice of Sessions and served two terms. 

He married, March 22, 1871. Olive M. Booth, widow 
of Lieut. John L. Booth (see Jlilitary Record), who died 
from a disease contracted while in the army in the spring 
of 1865. Olive M. is the daughter of Ansel J. and Jlliza 
Parker, and was born at Bath, Nov. 16, 1845. Since re- 
turning from the army, Mr. Phillips has resided on his 
present farm of one hundred and twenty acres. Mr. Phil- 
lips is one of the representative men of Thurston. He 
takes an active interest in wiiatever pertains to the material 
or educational interest of his town. 



TROUPSBUEQH. 



GEOGRAPHICAL SITUATION. 

Troupsburgh lies upon the southern border of the 
county, west of the centre, and is bounded north by Jasper, 
east by Woodhull, south by the Pennsylvania line, and west 
by West Union and part of Greenwood. 

PHYSICAL FEATORES. 

The surface of this town is principally a hilly upland, 
broken by the deep valleys of small streams. The higliest 
summits in the county are in this town. They reach an alti- 
tude of twenty-five hundred feet above tide-water. Troup's 
Creek, flowing south, is the principal stream. The soil, 
which is productive, is chiefly a slaty and clayey loam. 

EARLY SETTLEMENT. 

An old citizen has given us the following account of 
Troupsburgh and some of its early settlers : " In 1808 there 
was no road on Bennett's Creek, nor on Crosby Creek, nor 
Big Creek, nor indeed on any creek except Col. Bili'.s Creek. 
Up this creek, and running to and through Troup.sburgh to 
Cowanesque, Pa., was a road called the State road, which 
had been opened by the Pulteney estate, for the purpose of 
settling their lands. The towns of Woodhull, Troupsburgh, 
Jasper, West Union, Greenwood, Hartsville, and with very 
small exceptions, Canisteo and Hornellsville, were an un- 
broken wilderness. The State road passed up the creek 
seven miles, following its bank to a place then called Hog- 
back Hill. It ascended a ridge between Col. Bill's Creek 
and a small rivulet coming in from the left. Running up 
the point of the ridge, which was very steep, the summit 
was gained by no small effort, and the road was on the very 
verge of a precipice. Whether this peculiar shape of the 
ridge gave it the name of Hog-back, I never learned. From 
this point to the settlement in Troupsburgh was eight or 
nine miles, making the distance from Col. Bill's some six- 
teen miles of as dense a forest as thousands of years of un- 
disturbed growth could make it. Here nature had a park 
of almost boundless extent, into which she had gathered a 
menagerie which was always on exhibition, and without the 
usual vexation of a gate or door fee. That old forest chief, 
the noble elk, still stood at the head of his race ; the lesser 
lights of the same family were almost without number ; the 
black bear was everywhere to be found crossing the path of 
the traveler; wolves in droves sent forth their discordant 
notes from every part of the wilderness. The panther, wild- 
cat, and fox seemed to regard the new animal, man, with 
idle curiosity, and roamed over this magnificent hunting- 
ground as though the new-comer was an accession to their 
list of friends. 

" The first family then on the road was that of Andrew 
Simpson. He lived in a new log house on the bank of a 
392 



little stream a short distance north of what is now Jasper 
Corners, and did a little at blacksmithing in a small way for 
the settler.s, who were then only a few families. The farm 
then owned by Sir. Simpson is now a very valuable property. 
He had several sons, among whom were John, Hiram, and 
Darius, and a daughter, Minerva, who married Hon. Jeff'rey 
Smith. 

" Ebenezer Spencer lived a little off the State road, a short 
distance before reaching Simpson's. He lived to see the 
forest become a fruitful field, and bequeathed to his pos- 
terity not only the fruits of his arduous toil, but, what was 
vastly better, a name without reproach. He had several 
children : one of the daughters married Smith Hayes. 
Spencer soon had a neighbor near him by the name of 
Wooley. After leaving Simpson's the next house was that 
of a good-natured, generous-hearted old Dutchman, by the 
name of Brutzman — they called him Uncle Nicholas ; he 
had a brother by the name of Adam, who lived a little east 
of him, at a place afterwards called the Five Corners. 
Uncle Nicholas had one or more sons, and four or five 
daughters. The eldest son, John, when I last knew him, 
was a young man of good habits and much promise. The 
whole family have passed now beyond my knowledge. 

"Andrew Craig, in 1810 or 1811, settled a little above 
Simpson's, on the opposite side of the road, and soon made 
a splendid farm at or near the site of the present village of 
Jasper. Mr. Craig was an energetic, enterprising man, 
and soon began to develop the resources of the region of 
country where he had located his home. He was the first 
to introduce the making of butter as an article of com- 
merce in that town, or in all that part of the country. It 
soon became a very remunerative business, in which his 
neighbors rapidly joined. Mr. Craig for some time did the 
main part of the marketing, by taking the butter for him- 
self and neighbors in the fall or winter to the Philadelphia 
market by team. In after-years he was engaged quite ex- 
tensively in droving, and at one time nearly lost his life b}' 
the falling of a bridge with himself and drove of cattle 
upon it. Mr. Craig came out alive, but was ever after, I 
think, a cripple. He lived to see the third generation of 
his posterity. Two of his grandsons are largely engaged in 
the mercantile business in the village of their own making ; 
one of them (Willis E. Craig) was sheriff of the county 
in 1867-68. Two of his daughters were the wives of Hon. 
William Hunter, and one was the wife of Dr. Charles 
Hunter. 

" Old Mr. Marlatt soon followed Mr. Craig, and settled a 
little above him on the same side of the road. Mr. Marlatt 
had several sons, of whom were John, Abraham, Joseph, 
and Gideon. John, the oldest, located farther on, near Uncle 
Nicholas, the Dutchman's. He began in the midst of the 






cJ^. 



^^^^ &*-^^^^ 



SAMUEL GRIGGS. 



Samuel Griggs wat' born a! Uootor, Tompkin.- Co., N. \., Feb. 10, l?94. 
His father, John Grigga, was of Welsh origin, a Revolutionary soldier, 
taking ]>art in the battle of Bunker Hill, In the retreat after that action 
he carried Benjamin Chamberlain, a wounded comraile, three-quarters of a 
mile to safety. This generous action injured his health so seriously that 
he never after was a well man. By his first wife he had twc children, .Seth 
and Anna. For his second wife he married Mrs. Tho»ias, whose maiden 
name was Mary Smith. She was b«>rn Dec. 13, 1756. Of this union were 
born Samuel, Polly (Mrs. Razey Baker), Caleb, Abigail, and Klijah. Mrs. 
Griggs survived her husband (who died about 1800, in Elkland, Pa.) many 
years, marrying a Mr. Smith. She died Dec. 6, 182G, aged seventy years. 

Samuel Griggs was brought up by his brother-in-law, Samuel Cady, who 
married Sally Thomas, from the age of nine. Mr. Cady resided in Trciups- 
burgh. In 1814, Mr. Griggs, accompanied by his brothers Caleb aud 
Elijah, went to Cincinnati, Ohio. Caleb was soon drafted as a soldier 
against the English, and Samuel, under the rigid laws of Ohio, was ajt- 
prenticed to a baker who supplied the array with " hardtack." After two 
years ho returned to Troupsburgh. where he purchased the farm — one 
hundred acres — now owned by Philander Wilco.x. He married Amy 
Church, Oct. I.'i, 1819. She was born in Hillsdale, Columbia Co., N. Y., 
Feb. 27, I80;i. This union was blessed with twelve children : Sabrina 
(deceased), born May I, 1820; Harriet (deceased), ,Iune 8, 1821 ; William 
N., Feb. 8, 1823; Amy Caroline, .Ian. .".0, 182f>; Samuel W., Feb. 20, 1827; 
Luthor C. (deceased), Dec. 8, 1828: Kho.la P., March 2., 1830; John E. 
(deceased), Jan. 7, 1832; Wilson S., Deo. 7, 1833; Mary Jane, Nov. 16, 
1835; Martha M., Dec. 19, 1837; and Emma Minerva (deceased), Aug 
31, 1839. 

Mr. Griggs had very limited opportunities for education, being selfedu- 
itated, pursuing his studies at night by the light of pine-knots that he 
gathered iu the day, and in this, as in other directions, showed the force 
of his character, qualifying himself, under these disadvantages, as a teacher, 
and teaching several terms. 

From his marriage ho employed himself in agriculture, clearing about 
four hundred acres of its heavy timber. In 1836 he engaged in merchan- 
dise at Troupsburgh Centre, and in company with his son, W. N., con- 
tinued in tnidc until his death, which occurred Jan. 9, 1864. 



Mr. Griggs was a man of marked char.acter, and would have been suc- 
cessful in any avocation. He amassed a fine proj-erty, giving hi? children 
the opportunity of commencing life in a different manner from the pri- 
vations of his early life, when for many days the chief sustenance of the 
family was " bran bread." Of large business capacity and thorough 
honesty, he had the entire confidence of the community, and wa** en- 
trusted with ofiice from his first vote. He held at various periods every 
office in his town : was supervisor for six years; wa5 elected member of 
Assembly in 1837, serving with honor to himself and satisfaction to his 
district. 

Mr. and Mrs. Griggs joined the Methodist Episcopal Church in 1828, and 
never ceased their allegiance to that faith. Hand in hand for many years 
they walked, giving their personal influence and pecuniary assistance un- 
sparingly to the cause of religion, and much of the f>uccess of Methodism 
in this locality is due to their eSbrts. 

From his lirst connection with the church until his death, Mr. Griggs 
was steward or cla.«s-leader. Mr. Griggs was greatly interested in the 
cause of education. He was the father of Triiu]i.sbHrgh Academy, to which 
he contributed eighteen hundred dollars, and he had the satisfaction of 
seeing his children well educated, his sons holding various positions of 
honor and trust, and all, sons and daughters, consistent Christians. His 
son, William N., is now (1879) the supervisor of the town, which oflice he 
has heid two terms. 

Politically, Mr. Griggs was an active Democrat, believing the perpetuity 
of the Republic depended on the carrying out of the principles of that 
party, aud that every dovialion from its teachings brought danger to the 
laud. His sons are also true to their allegiance to the ..-ame principles. 

Luther Church, father of Mrs. Griggs, was of English descent, and born 
in Barrington, Mass., in April, 1781. He removed to Madison Co., N. Y., 
thence to Troupsburgh in 1816, where he died March 28, 1858. He mar- 
ried Rhoda Darrin in 1802. She was born November, 1784, and died 
Jan. 17. 1861. This union resulted in fourteen children, Mrs. Griggs and 
her brothers David. Ira, Luther, and Sylvester now surviving. Mrs. 
Griggs is, at the age of seventy-six, hale and hearty, carrying her years 
lightly, and waiting patiently the call to meet her departed husband in the 
" Better Land." 



TOWN OF TROUPSBURGH. 



393 



forest without means, and by perseverance and industry 
worked himself up to competence and wealth. Two of his 
sons also engaged in mercantile business successfully. Be- 
tween old Mr. Marlattand his son John were located Fenton, 
the carpenter, and McMindes, the tailor. Judge Mallory 
lived east on the State road, and I think just on the edge 
of what is now WoodhuU. The judge was one of the earliest 
settlers ; at what date he settled I am not sure, but he was 
there in 1808, how much before I do not know. The judge 
was a man of fine, commanding appearance. Intelligent, 
social, and generous, he was highly respected, and his influ- 
ence was felt far beyond the locality of his own neighbor- 
hood. His three sons — David, Nathan, and Amos — early 
settled in that part of Troupsburgh known as the West Set- 
tlement, or oftener, Mallory's Settlement. They were ener- 
getic, enterprising men, and soon made themselves most 
desirable and elegant houses in the best j^art of the entire 
town. The descendants are many of them still there, in 
some respects filling the places made vacant by their fathers. 
A daughter of the. judge was the wife of Alan.son Perry, 
who.se sons are occupying places in society of responsibility 
and usefulness, among whom Dr. Perry holds a conspicuous 
place. Alanson Perry settled here in 1808. Near Judge 
Mallory lived a family by the name of Tubbs. It was the 
family to which Rev. Robert Hubbard so kindly ministered 
in the time of the memorable epidemic of 1813. Caleb 
Smith also then lived in that neighborhood, who had three 
sons whom I recollect, — Amzi, Ooriiell, and Jeff'rey. The 
latter of these acquitted himself with honor in the State 
Legislature from Steuben County, in 184-1, and was a man 
of influence, respectability, and moral worth in the commu- 
nity where he lived. The elder brothers, if living, have 
passed beyond my knowledge. There may have been other 
children in this family, of whom honorable mention might 
justly be made, but the writer's acquaintance was at so early 
a period that he may have inadvertently forgotten them. 

" After passing our worthy friend. Uncle Nicholas, the 
next house on the State road was built by Nathaniel 
Thacher in 1808.* A description of this house will fur- 
nish a picture of a large class of houses in that wild region 
at that day. Bear in mind that this was sixty years ago.f 
There were no saw-mills within five and twenty miles of 
this settlement ; the roads were over mountains rough and 
high, and through sloughs and creeks unbridged. It was 
therefore no small affair to get a thou.sand feet of boards from 
Tuscarora (now Addison) or Canisteo to Troupsburgh. 
Besides the pioneers were generally, if not altogether, men 
of small means, who were braving all the hardships of pio- 
neer life to make themselves a home in the wilderness. 
Well, then the house, the model house : 

" The road runs here nearly north and south, and the 
house was built on the west side of the road, the ground 
gently falling to the east and south. It was, I judge, about 
20 by 24 or 26 feet; the walls were of round logs, cut 
within a stone's throw of the site of the building, notched 
(or ' saddled,' in settler parlance) together at the ends, and 
thus raised to the height of ten or twelve feet. The beams 



* Father of Deacon Mowry Thacher, now living in HornoUsville, and 
the author of these reminiscences. * 

f Now seventy years, as the above was written in 1868. 





to separate the stones were of the satpe material, round 
logs. Rude rafters, made of poles and flattened on one 
side, were notched into the top logs and pinned together at 
the top to support the coming roof. Across the rafters 
were pinned ribs made of round poles, flattened on one side, 
and sometimes strips split out for the purpose from bass- 
wood logs or other timber. Upon tlie.se ribs were laid the 
.shingles for the covering. The shingles were out of the 
nicest pine, and were some three feet in length. Upon each 
course were laid large-sized poles to hold the shingles in 
place. These poles were kept in place by short billets of 
wood lying between the poles that held the roof down. 
And now the house is covered and inclosed. The floors 
were made of bass-wood planks split out from the trunks of 
the trees, and made as smooth as they well could be on one 
side by hewing ; doors and partitions of boards ; the chim- 
ney of rough stone gathered from the adjoining grounds, 
and made sufficiently wide and deep to admit a log six feet 
long and two feet in diameter. The house had a very 
pleasant outlook towards the south, and must needs have a 
piazza. This was made by extending the beams a few feet 
beyond the walls and carrying the roof to the outer ends of 
the beams, and flooring the piazza with the inevitable bass- 
wood. Such, dear reader, was the home of many a back- 
woodsman at the day and in the place of which I am 
speaking, but it was home nevertheless, with its peculiar 
attractions, though destitute of refined polish or even com- 
fort. 

" This farm afterwards became the property of Dr. 
Charles Hunter, who lived but a few years to enjoy it. A 
little beyond, and adjoining this farm, lived Jesse Lapham, 
a good, kind-hearted, and, of course, honest Quaker, with 
his gentle dame, his son Porter, and his daughter Ruth. I 
think they remained but a single year, and the premises 
were soon after occupied by Philip Cady. It became a 
beautiful farm many years after, in the hands of John 
Simpson, of whom I have before spoken. From this farm 
you ascend what used to seem to the writer a very long 
hill, upon the summit of which, and on the left of the road, 
lived Elijah Hance. It was, I think, nearly opposite where 
the cemetery now is (or was forty years since). Of this 
ftimily I have long since lost all knowledge. I only recol- 
lect he had one son named Lyman and one John, and one 
daughter named Cynthia. A little east of Hance, and on 
a branch road, were Reuben Stiles and Dan Martin. Mrs. 
Ann Stiles is still living (1879) in Troup.sburgh, at the 
great age of ninety-five years. 

" Nearly opposite the cemetery grounds was the firet 
school-house in Troupsburgh. In the winter of 1809, the 
school in this house was taught by Abner Thomas ; in the 
summer following, by Sarah Thacher. In a little valley not 
far beyond the cemetery, lived an old patriarch, Elihu 
Cady, a tall, noble figure, and apparently a man of great 
physical power, but through whose locks, like Schanado's, 
' the snows of nearly fourscore winters had already passed.' 
His companion, too, a healthy, light-hearted, social old lady, 
had apparently loft her threescore and ten considerably in the 
distance behind her. This aged couple had entered the 
wilderness in their old age, with a large family of grown-up 
children, and endured all the hardships and privations of a 



394 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



rough country, lljat they might enjoy the pleasures and 
privilege of living and dying with their children. They 
lived several years after this, and were, I suppose, like 
Ahrahani, buried by their sons. Maj. Samuel Cady, whom 
the old man used to call his baby, as I suppose he was the 
youngest, lived a little farther on. upon the rise of ground 
on the right-hand side of the way. The major stood in the 
front rank, if not in advance of his contemporaries. He 
was a man of a good deal of tact and energy, and had be- 
gun to make ' the wilderness blossom and bring forth fruit 
for the eater.' There were three other sons in this family, 
— Peter, Curtis and Philip, — whether any daughters 1 do 
not recollect. None of that family, I think, remain in 
Troupsburgh. The farm owned by Maj. Samuel, soon after 
the time of which I ara speaking, came into the hands of 
the late Hon. Samuel Griggs, who made of it a most beau- 
tiful and desirable home. Mr. Griggs, though a few years 
younger, was really contemporary with the earliest settlers. 
His home, for a long number of years, was on the Cady 
farm, though this was only a part of the large landed estate 
of which he was proprietor. At an early period he entered 
also into mercantile business, and kept a small, but steadily- 
increasing stock of goods, till he became a well-known and 
respectable merchant. He often represented his town as 
supervisor, and was for many years an acting magistrate, 
and was at one time one of the representatives from Steuben 
County in the State Legislature (in 1838). He was modest 
and retiring in his manners, and yet he was a man of ex- 
tensive influence in the town where he lived. He was for 
many years an esteemed and active member in the Methodist 
Church. One of the sons of this excellent man is now a 
prominent and successful merchant in his native town. 
One of the daughters is Mrs. H. Reynolds. There were 
several other children in this family, some of whom have 
gone to the land whence none return, and some remain, it is 
hoped, to fill the place of an honored father. 

" Andy B. Reynolds, son of Squire Reynolds, occupied 
next to Mr. Griggs, on the opposite side of the road, and 
only a short distance beyond. He was a man of consider- 
able prominence in his early life, being both justice and 
supervisor for many years. Squire Reynolds was one of 
the settlers of 1808 or 1809, and located in the hollow, a 
little off the State road, on the right, upon the road now 
running from the State road to Troupsburgh Centre. His 
family consisted of five sons and three daughters. The 
eldest of the daughters, Martha, married Lewis Hayes, a 
very worthy man, and also a settler of 1809. From this 
worthy pair sprang a numerous and respectable family, 
many of whom are still occupying respectable and useful 
positions in society. Another of the daughters became the 
wife of John Simpson. She died in early life, and left 
several children. One of the sons, I think, is a clergyman, 
and another a man of extensive business engagements. 
The third daughter is Mrs. Orange Perry, whose husband 
is one of the most extensive and successful agriculturists 
in that part of the county, and whose sons are distinguish- 
ing themselves iu the same department of usefulness. Of 
the sons of Squire Reynolds, the oldest, Lent Reynolds, is 
now dead, and the place is occupied by his son, George 
Reynolds. Of the sons of Lent Reynolds, five in number, 



two are clergymen, two have followed merchandise, and the 
fifth is an agriculturist, and remains at the old home. A 
daughter is the wife of a clergyman. Harry B., another 
of Squire Reynolds' sons, was for many years proprietor of 
the mills at Troupsburgh Centre, a man of respectability and 
good business talents. He is still living, at an advanced 
age. Of his family, or of his brother Frederick's, the 
writer is unable to speak. 

" Jonathan Rogers was a neighbor of Squire Reynolds, 
living just across the way. He was a quiet, good citizen, 
and left a large family, some of whom are still occupying 
the place of their father, who is gone. 

" Capt. George Martin, who was also one of the first 
settlers, located at what is now the Centre, and a few years 
after commenced the erection of a grist-mill on Troup's 
Creek, which is something of a stream where it passes the 
Centre. Martin's means were very limited, and the mill 
was a rude structure, built of round logs. It was a lame 
apology for a mill, but it was in good time, and certainly in 
a good place, as any one would be likely to think who had 
tlie e.xperience of carrying a bushel of corn twenty miles on 
horseback to get it ground. In after-years it became the 
property of Mr. H. B. Reynolds, and was rebuilt and re- 
modeled, and became an important fixture for the enter- 
prising owner, and not less so for the many who had, by 
bitter experience, learned the way to Judge Hornell's mill, 
in Upper Canisteo. This fine property passed into the 
hands of Mr. Mallory (son of Nathaniel), and now, with 
steam added to the water-power, makes an establishment 
second to few in the country. Upon this original Martin 
farm stands the very pleasant little village of Troupsburgh 
Centre. 

" Upon a pleasant little eminence just above the village 
and overlooking it stood a very nice and comfortable academy 
building, a monument of the taste, culture, and sacrifice of 
the few for the benefit and future good of the many. Great 
credit is due to Prof. N. Reynolds, of Wellsborough, for 
laying the foundation out of which grew this enterprise, so 
much to the credit and honor of his native town. In his 
first vacation after receiving his degree of A.B. he started 
a select school near the Centre, which so increased in pop- 
ularity and numbers that an academy became a necessity. 
A few generous-hearted men put shoulder to the wheel and 
consummated the enterprise. The building was burnt a 
few years ago. 

"The Mallory Settlement was so called from the three 
Mallory brothers, who first broke the wilderness in that part 
of the town and made there as beautiful farms as could be 
desired in that region. They made for themselves, and left to 
their children, a competence of worldly goods and the better 
iiiheiitanco of a good name. There is a place there still 
known as Mallory's Corners, where a considerable business 
has heretofore been done in merchandise. Mr. Lewis Biles, 
of Bath, was about the first in that business at this point. 
It was afterwards occupied by Lent Reynolds and later by 
Lewis Bowen, still later by Bowen & Bassett ; but I think 
it is now abandoned as a place of trade. 

" On the road running from the Centre to Mallory's 
Corners lived that well-known and estimable man Zadoc 
Bowen, father of Mr. E. Bowen, of Hornellsville. Mr. 



TOWN OF TROUPSBURGH. 



395 



Bowen, though not the earliest, might yet well be consid- 
ered as belonging to the pioneers, as but little had yet been 
accomplished to soften the privations and discomforts of a 
beginning in the wilderness. The place then occupied by 
Mr. Bowen is now a fine farm, and was made so, very 
much if not altogether, by his own persevering toil and 
industry. He h;is some years since rested from his labors. 

" Farther on, near the Corners, and nearly contemporary 
with the Mallor3's, was Elder David Smith, — then compar- 
atively a youtig man, — who seemed to have entered the 
wilderness with the double purpose of making a home for 
himself and rising family and of preaching the gospel to the 
then almost entirely destitute of that and the surrounding 
towns ; and in a most praiseworthy manner he accom- 
plished both objects. Under his persevering industry and 
skillful management the forest gave way, and in its place 
arose a most beautiful farm clothed with verdure and 
flocks. During the six days of labor his hands ministered 
to his own and others' wants, and the Sabbath generally 
found him at some destitute point, ready to break the bread 
of life to the famishing. The forest and field furnished his 
study, the Bible his library, the whole surrounding country 
his parish, and his salar}- was the result of his own toil. I 
think the first church organization in that entire region was 
the result of his labors. He also preached at all points 
along the river. At Cameron was quite a church gathered 
by him, and he often preached in what is now Horuells- 
ville, and for nearly or quite a year steadily. He finally 
■left that part of the country and located in Bath, — a few 
miles from the village, — where I suppose, if living, he still 
resides. 

" Alanson Perry also lived on this road, and had a fine 
farm not far from Zadoc Bowen's. 

" Returning, now, and gaining the State road near Squire 
Reynolds', and going still towards Cowanesque, we come to 
Richard Philips, who was among the first settlers, but did 
not remain long in that neighborhood. Near and next to 
him were two brothers by the name of Lord, who were 
early settlers, and this was the end of the settlement in that 
direction. The early settlers forming the nucleus of the 
Chenango Settlement were James Carpenter, John Miller, 
and others.* 

" The early settlers of this region were drawn hither by 
all the variety of motives which in all parts of the country 
induce the pioneer to seek the frontier ; but the great pre 
vailing motive was cheap land and long payments. The 
Pulteney and other estates were crowding their lands upon 
the market, and inducing settlement by low prices and long 
credit. Twenty shillings cash or three bushels of wheat 
per acre was the standard price of the land, with ten 
years, or longer if desired, for payment. After 1809 the 
migration was quite rapid and the lands were rapidly 
put under contract, the settlers finding it about all they 
could do to support their families and pay (as they were 
obliged to do) the taxes, and very few of them did more. 
Most of them were compelled to let the interest accumulate 
year after year, till payment of principal became nearly an 
impossibility,* and after long years of hard toil, privation, 



■ See biography of James Carpenter. 



and suffering, found themselves worn out, loith a family 
but without a home. Very few, indeed, of the original 
contractors ever had a deed. They labored truly, and 
other men entered into and enjoyed the fruits of their labors. 
The pioneers were a hardy, industrious, energetic classof men, 
who could endure almost everything to accomplish the great 
object of their desire, to maket hemselves a home ; but it 
took the full length of an ordinary lease of life to disrobe 
the lands of such a forest as covered the hills of Troups- 
burgh in 1800. Squire Reynolds and his boys used to clear 
twenty acres a year of this immensely heavy forest, and put 
it into winter wheat, but he never had a deed, as I think. 
' Little Bobby Sharp,' as they used to call him, who lived 
on the State road near Spencer's, a little bit of humanity, 
chopped with his own hands more than a hundred acres of 
those overgrown hemlocks, maples, beech, and elms, the 
ashes of which would now be worth more than the original 
price of the land. But I think he never had a deed, at 
least not of the original purchase. He would clear off quite 
a farm, sell out the improvements, and begin in the woods 
again. But the scene after a long half-century has most 
agreeably changed. The old pioneers have nearly all' gone 
the way of all the earth. In many instances their descend- 
ants are enjoying the fruits of their toil and privation. 
Everywhere in that region is seen the appearance of comfort 
and thrift. Fine, well-improved farms, comfortable and tasty 
dwellings, good outbuildings and orchards, all unmistakably 
tell that, whatever else is or was, Troupsburgh is not a 
failure." 

ORGANIZATION. 

The town of Troupsburgh was formed from Addison, then 
known as Middletown, and Canisteo, Feb. 12, 1808. Green- 
wood, then including a part of West Uniou, and a part of 
Jasper, were taken off in 1827, and the greater part of 
Woodhull in 1828. The name was given in honor of 
Robert Troup, Esq., of New York, who succeeded Col. 
Williamson ;us agent of the Pulteney estate, in 1802. 

At the first annual election, held at the house of Danie 
Johnson, near the present village of Woodhull, in March, 
1808, the following ofiicers were elected: Daniel Johnson, 
Supervisor ; Samuel B. Rice, Town Clerk ; Stephen Dol- 
son. Brown Gillespie, Elijah Cady, Assessors; Uri Martin, 
William Wooley, Nathaniel Slallory, Commissioners of 
Highways ; Rezen Searse, Constable and Collector ; Daniel 
Johnson, Poormaster; Elijah Cady, Second Poormaster ; 
Caleb Smith, Fence-Viewer; and Domady Prisor, Peter 
Cady, Overseers of Highways. 

LIST OF TOWN OFFICERS. 





Supen 


isore. 


Town 


Clerks. 


Collectore. 


1808. 


Daniel J 


ubiison. 


gamut 


IB. 


Rico. 


Rezen Searse. 


1809. 


tt 


" 


tt 




" 


it tt 


1810. 


" 


it 


" 




" 


Lemuel Benbam 


1811. 


it 


" 






■' 


it tt 


1812. 


a 


" 








ti tt 




Charles Card (v.). 








Wm. Card (v.). 


1813. 


" 


ti 






it 


u tt 


1814. 


u 


tt 






tt 


Square Kcynolds 


ISlJ). 


" 


tt 






tt 


Kufus Gilbert. 


1816. 


'< 


" 






tt 


Calvin Serl. 


1817. 


tt 


tt 






•' 


Samuel Cady. 


1818. 


" 


tt 






tt 


it tt 


1819. 


" 


•' 






" 


Samuel Griggs. 



396 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



1820. 
1821. 
1822. 
1823. 
1824. 
1825. 
1826. 
1827. 
1828. 
1829. 
1830. 
1831. 
1832. 
1833. 
18.34. 
1835. 
1836. 
1837. 
1838. 
1839. 

1840. 
1841. 
1842. 
1843. 
1844. 
1845. 
1846. 
1847. 
1848. 
1849. 
1850. 
1851. 
1852. 
1853. 
1854. 
1855. 
1856. 
1857. 
1858. 
1859. 
1860. 

1861. 

1862. 
1863. 

1864. 

1865. 

1866. 

1867. 

1S6S. 

1869. 

1S70. 

1871. 

1872. 

1873. 

1874. 

1875. 

1876. 

1877. 

1878. 



Supervisors. 
Samuel Cadv. 



Adna B. Reynolds. 

ii <( 

Ashcr Johnson. 
tt «i 

Samuel Griggs. 



William Card. 
Joshiui Slujter. 
William Card. 
Orange Perry. 

tt K 

Alexander Tucker. 
Levi Grinolds. 



Town Clerks. 
Samuel B. Kice. 

u tt 

Samuel Griggs. 



William Card. 



Collectors. 
B. Reynolds. 
Adna B. Reynolds. 

tt tt 

Lent Reynolds. 

Harry B. Reynolds. 
Jeffrey Smith. 
Wm. Slayter. 



Harry B. Reynolds 



Ezra Bowen. 
Chas. Hunter (v.). 
Griffin Rogers. 



Samuel Griggs. 

Bradshaw White. 

Nathaniel Mallory. 

Alexander Tucker. 

Levi Grinolds. 
tt tt 

Wm. Ten Broeck. 
It It 

Levi Grinolds. 
tt tt 

Wm. Ten Broeck. 

ti tt 

James B. Murdock. 

a tt 

(t it 

tt it 

Eleazer Fenton. 

a It 

Samuel Olmstcad. 

Wm. Carpenter. 

Eleazer Fenton. 
«f it 

James B. Murdock. 

Eleazer Fenton. 
John G. Lozier. 

it it 

li ft 

a it 

it it 

W. N. Griggs. 

ii K 

Nathaniel M. Perry 

it a 

Willis White. 

ti It 

W. N. Griggs. 



Fred. S. Reynolds. 



Griffin Rogers. 

Elijah C4riggs. 
Samuel Olmstead. 
Wm. N. Griggs. 

n ii 

Richard Capwell. 

Matthew Rogers. 

it ii 

Sol. F. McFarland. 
Matthew Rogers. 

(i tt 

Nelson Card. 
Byron Jones. 
Matthew Rogers. 
Iselton Wilcox. 
tt it 

George C. Blake. 
Matthew Rogers. 
Henry Simpson. 
J. F. Brooks. 
George C. Blake. 
Matthew Rogers. 



Willis White. 
James F. Brooks. 
Byron Seely. 



, Marsena Cummings. 
Wm. Sluyter. 
Seiluthan Loomis. 
Lyman Dodge. 
Griffin Rogers. 
Charles Fay. 

Lewis Edwards. 
Hiram S. Hayes. 
Emerson D. Shaw. 
Lewis E. Bowen. 
Henry Rude, Sr. 
Harvey S. Webster. 
Henry Rude, Sr. 
Benj. Grinolds. 
David Nucl. 
Erastus T. Mallory. 
II tt 

Leonidas Works. 
Levi W. Grinolds. 
Wm. 0. Sluyter. 
Orson McFarland. 
David Church. 
Geo. H. Williams. 
Eleazer Fenton. 

Henry Brutzman. 
Leicester B. Lewis. 
Eli Bates. 
Eleazer Fenton. 
N. Vickery. 
R. Bates. 
Wm. W. Card. 
James Bouton. 



JtJSTICES OF THE PEACE. 



1827. 


Asher Johnson. 

Samuel Griggs (4 years). 


1836 




William Card (3 years). 


1837 




Joshua Sluyter (2 years). 




1830. 


Samuel Griggs (1 year). 




1831. 


Joshua Sluyter. 


1838 


1832. 


Jesse Weldon. 


1S39. 


1S33. 


William Card. 




1834. 


Harry B. Reynolds. 


1840 


1835. 


Edmon W. Rolison. 


1841 




Abram Marlatt. 


1842 



Orrin Shaw. 

Abram Marlatt. 

Joshua Sluyter (2 years). 

Abram Marlatt (3 years;. 

Levi Grinolds (4 years). 
, William B. Miller. 

Thomas W. Bailey. 

Lyman Dodge (2 years). 
, Noble D. Ormsby. 

Levi Grinolds. 

Cyrus Van Wrakel. 



1842. 

1843. 
1844. 
1845. 

1846. 
1847. 
1848. 

1849. 
1850. 
185L 

1852. 
1853. 

1854. 
1855, 
1856 
1857, 
1858. 

1859, 



Stephen Phetaplace.^" 
Joshua Sluyter."^'' 
Thomas W. Bailey. 
Harry B. Reynolds. 
Levi Grinolds. 
Lyman Dodge.^= 
Lyman Dodge. 
Jonathan K. Ketchum. 
Harry B. Reynolds. 
I. W. Bailey .« 
Rufus Fuller. 
Parlea B. Miller. 
J. K. Ketchum. 
Levi Grinolds.*^' 
Thomas W. Baily. 
Griffin Rogers. 
Alanson Wilson. 
Stephen Oatman. 
Levi Grinolds. 
William 0. Sluyter. 
Orson L. McFarland. 
Asa Ward."^ 
Seymour Sanford. 



1860. 

1861. 
1862. 
1863. 
1864. 
1865. 
1866. 
1867. 
1868. 

18C9. 
1870. 
1871. 
1872. 
1873. 
1874. 
1875. 
1876. 
1877. 
1878. 



Levi Grinold. 
J. W. Bailey.* 
W. Wheaton. 
S. L. McFarland. 
E. T. Mallory. 
John G. Lozier. 
S. W. Wheaton. 
0. L. McFarland. 
H. Simpson. 
J. G. Lozier. 
Amos Turner.* 
Jerry G. Smith. 
0. L. McFarland. 
James Bouton. 
Eleazer Fenton. 
Urial Atwood. 
Isleton Wilcox. 
0. L. McFarland. 
James Bouton. 
John G. Lozier. 
W. J. Miller. 
James D. Bennett.' 



CHURCHES. 



REGULAR BAPTIST CHURCH. 



The first steps were taken towards organizing a church 
May 5, 1835, at a meeting of the .surrounding Baptist 
Churches, in a conference held at the house of Rufus Fuller. 
Rev. Edward Murdock acted as moderator, and Rufus 
Fuller was chosen clerk. The early record is lost, but the 
name of Lucinda Harrington is still remembered as one of 
the first members, and a leading spirit in the church. In 
1836 a council was held in a barn, Rev. J. B. Chase being 
moderator, and David Simson clerk. This meeting re- 
sulted in the church being accepted by the Association. 
Bradshaw White was the first deacon ; Rufus Fuller, clerk. 
The pastors of this society have been : 1836-45, Edward 
Murdock ; 1845-47, Rev. Byron Hunt. Afterwards, Rev. 
J. M. Wade, Rev. Edward Murdock, 1866-68 ; Rev. Ira 
Thomas, 1868-72; Rev. W. P. Omans, 1872; to the 
present time. Rev. Hudson Seeley. E. J. Hunt and Joshua 
Murdock were ordained deacons in 1868. Present officers : 
E. C. Picket, Clerk ; Joshua Murdock, E. J. Hunt, and 
Bradshaw White, Deacons. Of the 115 present members, 
the greater portion live in the town of Troupsburgh, together 
with all the officers named, but the new church is located 
just over the line, in Pennsylvania. 

The country having become more generally settled soon 
after, meetings were also held in the " Chenango Settlement," 
in the east part of the town, at the house of John S. Miller 
and others, until 1839, when the school-house was built in 
District No. 4, and occupied by the society. April 7, 
1855, a meeting was held at the school-house, with Elder 
Warren Rice, Moderator, and Ami Hayes, Clerk, at which 
it was resolved to organize a separate society, to be celled 
the 

EAST TROUPSBURGH BAPTIST CHURCH. 

Wm. Holmes and Parley B. Miller, father of the present 
clerk, were appointed deacons. Among the first members 
were Warren Rice and wife, Wm. Holmes, Parley B. Miller 
and wife, Peter Dodge and wife, Thomas Musto and wife, 

* Vacancy. 




/4r/^,0^v>y 







Nathaniel M. Perry was bnrn in the town of" Troups- 
biirgh, Feb. 26, 1817. His ancestors were originally from 
England, from whence they came to Rhode Island ; thence to 
Connecticut, where Elialcim, the paternal grandfather of the 
subject of our sketch, was born. The celebrated Oliver H. 
Perry was of another branch of this family. Eliakim Perry 
emigrated from Connecticut to Middletown, Kutland Co., 
Vt., where he married a Miss Downer. He was a farmer, and 
a soldier in the Kevolutionary war. Of this union were born 
five children, three sons and two daughters. 

Nathaniel Mallory, the maternal grandfather of Dr. Perry, 
and from whom he received his name, was born in Vermont, 
about 1752. He Was an ardent patriot, serving in the battles 
of the Revolution, and was wounded in the service. He mar- 
ried Keziah Pray, from whom descended Dr. Perry, and the 
union brought forth three children, all daughters. He mar- 
ried a Miss Wood for his second wife, whom he also survived, 
dying in 1828, aged seventy-six years. 

Alanson Perry, the fourth child of Eliakim Perry, was born 
in Middletown, Rutland Co., Vt., about 1782. He spent his 
youth with his father on the farm, married Rachel Mallory in 
1806, and in 1808 the young couple came to Troupsburgh, then 
a forest wilderness, to struggle with others amid toil and great 
privations until a home was carved from the primitive woods. 
He did well his part; was a hardy ])ioneer farmer, ever alive 
to the improvement and best interests of his town, and in his 
old age enjoyed the result of his youthful toil and the esteem 
of his associates. In politics he never wavered, holding to 
the principles of Democracy as enunciated by Thomas Jeffer- 
son. To this couple were born seven children : Hrunette, in 
1807; Harriet, in 1809; Lloyd, in 1811; Nathaniel M., in 
1817; Teresa, in 1819; Melissa, in 1821; and Emily, in 1824. 
All save Brunette were born in Troup.sburgh. Mr. Perry 



died in Troupsburgh in March, 1849, aged sixty-six years 
Mrs. Perry died in 1842, aged fifty-seven years. 

The subject of our. sketch remained with his father engaged 
in farming until his twenty-first year, receiving his early 
education at the primitive country schools. At that time he 
went to study at Middlebury Academy, in Wyoming County, 
wliere he remained several terms. His school-days over, he 
commenced the study of medicine with William Hunter, M.D., 
of Jasper. Graduating at Geneva Medical College in 1845, 
he commenced practicing his profession in his native town, 
where he still attends to an extensive practice. He is a mem- 
ber of the Steuben County Medical Society and Elmira Acad- 
emy of Medicine, and the only physician in the town. 

His children are William H., born May 7, 1850 (who was 
married Aug. 21, 1878, to Addie, daughter of Hon. J. B. 
Murdock) ; Maria, born Sept. 8, 1852 ; and Kirke, born May 
21, 1866. 

Dr. Perry has always been a friend of jirogress, improve- 
ment, and educati<in. Was inspector of schools, the first town 
superintendent of schools, was twice supervisor, and was elected 
member of Assembly in 1851 In politics, Dr. Perry has 
been staunchly and unswervingly a Democrat, his counsels 
ever sought and heeded by his party, and he has been for 
many years a member of the Democratic county committee. 
In 1849 he became a member of Sentinel Lodge, No. 151, E. 
and A. M., of Greenwood; was one of the charter members 
of McClellau Lodge, No. 649, of Troupsburgh, and Master for 
several terms. He is also a member of Addison Chapter, and 
St. Omer's Commandery at Elmira. 

All in all. Dr. Perry is a man of broad charity, sound judg- 
ment, high character and integrity, a representative man in 
the worthiest sense of the term, and an aid in building up and 
advancing the best interests of society. 



TOWN OF TROUPSBURGH. 



397 



John Simpson and wife, Otis Dodge and wife, Ami Hayes, 
Amy Williams, Susan Newell, and Susan Miller. A church 
was built in the " Chenango Settlement," by Hiram Olm- 
sted, H. B. Carpenter, Hiram Rice, Sylvester Brown, and 
William Carpenter, trustees, at an expense of S3000, and 
dedicated Nov. 4, 1875, by Rev. Gustave Anderson, of New 
York. Pastors: 1855-57, Rev. AVarren Rice, L. Balconi ; 
1858-59, John G. Covenhoven ; 18G0-61, Wm. G. Ray- 
mond, T. R. Clark; 1862-65, J. G. Covenhoven, L. C. 
Warriner, E. Murdock ; 1867, Eli Thomas, Rev. Mr. Ui- 
man; 1869-70, S. H. Murdock; 1871, J. W. Bra.stead ; 
1873, Wm. G. Raymond, James Bell; 1874-76, C. K. 
Bennett; 1877, J. W. Belts, the present pastor. Rev. 
Wm. G. Raymond left the charge for the army, enlisting 
in the 86th Regiment, New York Infantry, and was after- 
wards made chaplain of that regiment. F. D. Holmes, 
Eli Bates, and H. B. Carpenter are the present Deacons; 
Wm. S. Miller, Clerk ; S. Olmstead, J. H. Symonds, F. D. 
Holmes, Wilson G. Morey, and Wm. J. Miller, Trustees. 
The present membership is 96. 

THE CHURCH OF TROUPSBURGH. 

Rev. Mr. Wade preached at the school-house at Troups- 
burgh Centre as early as 1844, and was succeeded by Rev. 
Mr. Call, W. G. Raymond, Wm. Rice, and Alanson 
Tilden. Lent Reynolds and wife, Harvey S. Webster, Otis 
Reynolds, and Alanson Skinner were first members. First 
deacons ; Fred. Reynolds and Rufus Fuller. The church, 
which was dedicated June 3, 1874, by Rev. N. S. Rey- 
nolds, of Tioga, was built by L. Works, E. T. Mallory, and 
Alfred S. ShuflBeld, trustees, at an expense of $3000. The 
present membership is 124. 

Present officers: Rev. S. H. Haskell, Pastor; George 
Blowers, Clerk ; L. Works, Joshua Murdock, Geo. Blowers, 
Deacons ; A. S. Sheffield, L. Works, and Hiram Rice, 
Trustees. At Mallory 's Corners is a class of 23 members, 
of whom Mr. N. Perry is deacon. 

FREE-WILL BAPTIST CHURCH. 

This society has held meetings in various parts of the 
town since their organization in 1850, Rev. B. F. Mack 
having been the pioneer preacher, succeeded by Revs. Wm. 
Mack, Hiram Bacon, Jacob Stuart, and the present pastor, 
Daniel W. Hunt. Among the earliest members were Mr. 
Rogers and wife, and Jonathan Styles and wife. They 
have a present membership of about 30. 

METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH. 

Although a few Friends, or " Quakers," as they are more 
popularly known, held their meetings at the residences of 
Mr. Douglass and Samuel Rice, who were of that society 
as early as 1816, the first meetings were held by Revs. 
Brunson, Buell, and McGee. In 1823 they were lield at 
the house of Gregory Benedict, and on his removal, at 
Joshua Styles'. The first religious workers were three 
women, — Mrs. Smith, mother of Samuel Griggs, Sarah 
Cady, her sister, daughter of Samuel Cady, and Mrs. Levi 
Grinolds, — and it was through their efibrts that the first 
preachers, Revs. Buell and Bronson, held a series of meet- 



ings at the house of Samuel Cady, which resulted in a re- 
vival in 1819; and a class was organized at that time, in- 
cluding Elijah Cady and wife, Mrs. Mary Van Canipen, 
and Usual McMinds and wife, under the leadership of 
Mr. McMinds. Samuel Griggs, and afterwards Samuel 
Cady, were also made class-leaders. Tiiis society received 
the " Gospel lot" of 100 acres from the Pulteneys to the 
first church in Troupsburgh ; Samuel Griggs made the ap- 
plication, and was one of the first trustees. Mrs. Griggs, 
who is still living at Troupsburgh with her son. W. N. 
Griggs, is the oldest living member, as well as one of the 
first. In 1858 a reorganization under Rev. S. H. Aldrich 
was effected, and Wm. Maud, W. N. Griggs, and Harry 
N. Reynolds were made stewards. 

Previous to 1856, Revs. Joseph Ashworth, J. C. Hunt- 
ley, Luther Northway, I. J. B. McKinney, Charles Gould, 
J. B. Bradbury, G. J. Dubois, and S. H. Aldrich supplied 
this society when they became a separate charge. They 
were afterwards in charge of Rev. L. Rogers, 1860 ; R. 
MacWood, 1861; E. Sweet, A. West, 1864; L. Ford, 
1865; Isaac Garrett, 1866; John C. Wood, 1867; Wm. 
W. Hunt, 1868; J. H. Dubois, 1869-70; C. T. Gilford, 
1871 ; D. Potter, 1873; E. H. Pierce, 1874-75; H. B. 
Troxel, 1876-77 ; N. B. Congdon, 1878. 

L. L. Rogers and J. Bartle were licensed to preach at 
this charge. A church costing $5000 was built under the 
management of W. N. Griggs, Norman Bennett, and Lo- 
renzo Sanford, trustees, in 1872, and dedicated December 
29 of the same year by Rev. D. W. T. Huntington. The so- 
ciety have also a parsonage at Troupsburgh Centre. Church 
officers: Abel Rice, Class-Leader; A. Williams, Clerk; 
J. Hayes, A. Williams, Henry Edgett, L. Sanford, Wesley 
Grigg, and Uriel Atwood, Stewards ; L. Sanford, U. At- 
wood, and W. N. Griggs. Trustees. There is a member- 
ship of 84, and the services are well attended. The old 
members are represented in the church by their descend- 
ants, who form the greater part of the list upon the books 
of the society. 

Occasional meetings were held at the school-house in the 
Chenango Settlement soon after its erection, in 1839, and 
the interest continued, until in 1846 the first class was 
organized by Rev. Luther Northway, and Henry Bates 
made their leader. John Miller and wife, Joseph Brown 
and wife, Eber Styles, Alanson Wilson and wife, and Oliver 
Pease and wife were the first members. 

During the pastorate of Rev. E. B. Thomas a church 
was built at an expense of $2000, and dedicated by Rev. 
S. Hunt, of Bufialo. The trustees were Geo. Northrup, 
Jerome Edwards, J. L. Miller, John A. Wilson, H. B. 
Tew, Geo. Bartle, and Geo. Tew. The present officers are 
Rev. John Knapp, Pastor; John A. Wilson, Class-Leader; 
Henry B. Tew, Clerk ; Geo. Bartle, J. S. Miller, Joseph 
Wilson, Stewards; J. A. Wilson, Jerome Edwards, L. 
Miller, Geo. Bartle, John R. Williams, and Wm. Carpen- 
ter, Trustees. 

Tlie church is finely situated in a little valley, surrounded 
by industrious farmers, nearly all of whom came with their 
fathers from Chenango County, and gave the name of Che- 
nango to this part of the town by settling in a body by 
themselves. 



398 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



SIILITARY RECORD OF TRODPSBURGH. 

Ten Broecli, Wm,, c.ipt., 86th Inf., Co. H; enl. Sept. 7, 1861, three years; res. 

Aug. 11, 1SG2, on account of poor health. 
Ten Broeck, Hiram, private, 34th Inf., Co. E; enl. May 2,1861, two years; disch. 

July 2, l.S6.i. 
Ten Broeck, Wen. Henry, private, 86th N. Y. Inf., Co. H ; enl. Ang. 8, 1862, three 

years ; killed at batlle of the Wilderness, May 6, 1864. 
Bartle, Philip J , sergt., SGth N. Y. Inf., Co. H; enl. Sept. 7, 1861, three years; 

pro. to 1st sergt.. May 7, 1862; .lisch. Dec. 30, 1863; re-enl. 86th Inf., Co. 

H, Dec. 31, 1863, three years; pro. to 2d lieut., Feb. 15, 1861 ; to Ist licut., 

Aug. 15, 1864; to capt., Dec. 23, 1864; disch. July 4, lS6o. 
Raymond, William G., chap, in reg. army, 86th N. Y. Inf., Co. U; enl. Sept. 7, 

1861, three yeara; pro. to chap, in reg. army, July, 1862 ; disch. from regt. 
Card, Willi;im W., capt., 86th N. Y. Inf., Co. H ; enl. Sept. 7, 1861, three years ; 

pro. to 2d lieut.. May 7, 1862; to 1st lieul., Feb. 15, 1864; to capt., Aug. 

1864; disch. for disability, Oct. 31, 1864. 
Murdock, Edwin P., sergt., SGth Regt., Co. H; enl. Sept. 7, 1861, three years; 

disch. for disability, July, 1862. 
Austin, William, sergt., 86th Regt., Co. H ; enl. Sept. 7, 1861, three years; disch. 

for disability, Feb. 8, 1S64. 
Prlntice, Daniel C, sergt., 86th Eegt., Co. H; enl. Sept. 7, 1861, three years; pro. 

to sergt.. May 7, 1862 ; disch. for disab., Dec. 15, 1862, at Baltimore, Md ; 

died in Troupsburgh. 
Hunt, Sylvester H., Corp., 86th Regt., Co. H ; enl. Sept. 24, 1861, three years; 

pro. to Corp., May 7, 1862 ; died of disease, July, 1862. 
Mory, James, sergt., S6lh Rcgt.,Co.H; enl. Sept. 7, 1861, throe years; pro. to 

Corp., May 7,1862; to sergt., Jan. 1,1863; disch. Dec. 30, 1863; re-enl. 86th 

Kegr., Co. U, Dec. 31, 1863, three years; pro. to 1st sergt.. May 15, 1865; 

disch. July 4, 1865. 
Pierce, John A., Corp., 86th Regt., Co. H ; enl. Sept. 18, 1861, three years; died 

of disease, March l;J, 1862, at Georgetown. 
Holt, Hiram E., Corp., S6th Regt., Co. H ; enl. Sept. 7, 18GI, three years ; re-enl. 

86th Regt., Co. H, Dec. 3,1863, three years; disch. July 4, 1865. 
Hendrick, Adrian A., musician, 86lh Regt., Co. II: enl. Sept. 2il, 1861, three 

yeara; disch. for disability, Oct. 27, 1862. 
Bartle, William, sergt., 86th Regt., Co. U ; enl. Si'pt. 7, 1861, three years; disch.; 

re enl. 86th Kegt., Co. il, Dec. 31, 1863, three years ; wounded May 7, 1864, 

also Nov. 18, 1864, and lost leg; disch. May 15, 1865. 
Bates, Abram W., private, 86th Regt., Co. II ; enl. Oct. 8, 1861, three years ; died 

of disease, March 19, 1862. 
Brown, Stephen, private, 86th Regt., Co. H ; enl. Sept. 7, ISfil , three years ; disch. 

Dec. 30, 1863; re-enl. 86th Regt., C<j. H, Dec. 31, 1863, three yeai-s; pro. lo 

sergt.. May 7, 1865 ; wounded in arm ; di.sch. July 4, 1865. 
Bly, Stephen, private, S6th Regt., Co. H; enl. Oct. 19, 1861, three yeara; di«ch. 

for disability, March 13, 1863. 
Bennett, Austin L., private, 86lh Regt., Co. H; enl. Feb. 18, 1862, three years; 

died of disease, near Falmouth, Va., Dec. 12, 1862. 
Carpenter, Thomas S., private, 86th Regt., Co. H; enl. Sept. lu, 1861, three years; 

died of disease, ,\pril 16, 1SG2. 
Carpenter, Otis A., private, 86tti Regt., Co. H ; enl. Nov. 7, 1861, three years; 

disch. to receive promotion in 2d U. S, C. T., Sept. 5, 1863 ; pro. to 2d 

lieut., Aug. 26, 1863; to 1st lieut., Sept. 12, 1864; disch. for wounds. 
Chase, Stephen P., private, 86th Regt., Co. H; enl. Sept. 7, 1861, three years, 

disch. Dec. 30, 1863; re-enl. 86tli Kegt., Co. U, Dec. 31, 1863, three years; 

pro. to sergt., March 9, 1864 ; wounded June 18, 1864 ; disch. July 4, 1865. 
Carr, Henry W., private, 861h Regt., Co. II ; enl. Sept. 25, 1861, three years ; dieJ 

March 16, 1862, near Washington, D. C. 
Carr, George A., private, 86th Regt., Co. H; enl. Sept. 7, 1861, three ye.ira; 

disch. Nov. 6, 1SG4. 
Card, Charles E, private, 86th Regt., Co. H; enl. Sept. 7, 1861, three years; disch. 

for disabilily, Sept. 1862. 
Crook, Horace, private, S6th Regt., Co. H; enl. Sept. 25, 1861, three years; died 

Nov. 12, 1863, at New York City. 
Cook, Douglas D., private, 86tli Regt., Co. H ; enl. Sept. 25, 1861, three yiars; 

disch. Dec. 30, 1863; re-enl. S6th Regt., Co. H, Dec. 31, 1863, three years; 

trans, to Vet. Res. Corps, Sept. 21, 18G4; discharged. 
Costley, Philander, private, 86th Regt., Co. H ; enl. Oct. 21, 1861, three years; 

disch. Ang. 1. 1862, for disability. 
Clark, Benson, private, 86th Regt., Co. 11 ; enl. Oct. 6, 1861, three years. 
Church, John, private, 86th Regt., Co. U ; enl. Nov. 7, 1861, three years ; died 

Aug. 2, 1862, at Washington. 
Church, Benjamin, private, 86th Regt., Co. H ; enl. Ang. 17, 1861, three years; 

died of disease, July 20, at Baltimore. 
Cater, Abraham, private, 86th Regt., Co. H; enl. March 1, 1864, three years; 

killed Juno 7, 1864. 
Dunham, Richanl G., private, 86th Regt., Co. H ; enl. Oct. 8, 1861, three years; 

disch. April 25, 1863. 
Elliott, John W., private, 86th Regt., Co. H ; enl. Oct. 2, 1861, three years ; disch. 

by reason of disability. May 28, 1862. 
Fairbank, Joseph C, private, 86th Regt., Co. H ; enl. Sept. 25, 1861, three years ; 

disch. at expiration of service, Sept. 28, 1864. 
Grinnolds, Merrill, private, 86th Regt., Co. H ; enl. Sept. 25, 1861, three years ; 

died .\pril 6, 1862, of disease. 
Gardner, George W., private, 86th Regt., Co. H ; enl. Nov. 7, 1861, three years; 

disch. for disability, Aug. 1862. 
More, Ira V., private ; drafted ; died of disease, Sept. 24, 1SC4, near Weldon R. R. 



Hober, Hiram A., private, SGth Regt., Co. H; enl. S'pt. 25, 1861, three years ; 

disch. Sept. 23, 1864, at expiration of service. 
Hober, Salem J., private, 86th Regt., Co. H; enl. Sept. 10, 1861, three years; 
trans, to Vet. Res. Corps, Sept. 30, 1863 ; disch. Sept. 13, 1864 ; re-enl. 9th 
Vet. Cav., Co. F, Aug. 30, 1864. ime year; pro. to sergt., Oct. 20, 186.i, by 
special order; disch. at expiration of term, Aug. 30, 1865. 
Everitt, Jeremiah, private, 86th Regt., Co. U ; enl. March 22, 1862, throe years; 

killed at Gettysburg, July 2, 1863. 
Holt, John, Corp., S6th Regt., Co. H; enl. Sept. 21, 1861, three years ; disch. Dec. 

30, 1863; reenl. 86lh Regt , Co. H ; disch. July 4, 1865. 
Hubbard, Wm. H., private, S6th Regt., Co. H; enl. Sept. Ill, 1861, three years; 

disch. Sept. 13, 1864, at expiration of service. 
Haxton, Timothy A., private, 86th Regt., Co. H ; enl. Oct. 12, 1861, three yeais ; 

wounded .at Bull Run ; died in hospit-il, Sept. 26, 1862. 
Jordon, James, private, 86th Regt., Co. H ; enl. Nov. 7, 1861, three years ; disch. 

for disability, Feb. 12, 1863. 
Jordon, Daniel P., private, 86th Regt., Co. H ; enl. Sept. 7, 1861, three years ; disch. 

for disabdity, June 11, 1862. 
Lebar, Leotiard, private, 86th Regt., Co. H ; enl. Oct. 21, 1861, three years ; killed 

at second Bull Run. 
McFarland, William, private, 86th Regt., Co. H ; enl. Sept. 7, 1861, three years: 

disch. for disability, Feb. 25, 1863. 
Miller, William S., private, 86th Regt., Co. H; enl. Sept. 14, 1861, throe years ; 

wounded at Gettysburg; tr.ins. to Vet. Res. Corps; disch. Sept. 21, 1864. 
Marlatt, John G., private, 80th Regt., Co. H ; enl. Sept. 16, 1861, three years ; 

disch. for disability. May 28, 1862. 
Olmstead, S.amuel W., Corp., 86tli Regt , Co. H; enl. Sept. 7, 1861, three years ; 

wounded and disabled at Gettysburg; disch. Oct. 27, 1864. 
Ordway, Biatha, private, 86th Regt., Co. H ; enl. Sept. 7, 1861, three years ; 

wounded at second Bull Run ; disch. for disability, Jan. 18, 1863. 
Pierce, Dclos F , private, 86tli Regt., Co. H; enl. Sept. 7, 1861, three years; taken 

pris. and exchanged ; sent, to Camp Parole; disch. at expiration of service. 
Pierce, Heni-y L., private, 86th Regt , Co. H; enl. Sept. 7, 1861, three years; 

disch. for disability, Nov. 16, 1862. 
Pierce, William, private, 86th Regt., Co. H ; enl. Sept. 7, 1861, three years; disch. 

Dec. 30, 1863 ; reenl. 86th Regt., Co. H, Dec. 31, 1863, three years : disch. 

July 4, 1865. 
Phelps, Milo B., private, 86lh Regt., Co. H ; enl. Sept. 10, 1861, three years. 
Potter, Eli, private, 66th Regt,, Co. H ; enl. Sept. 20, 1861, three years ; disch . 

Dec. 30, 1863 ; re-enl. 86th Regt., Co. II, Dec. 31, 1863, three years ; wounded 

and disabled. May 8, 1864 ; disch. Slay 13, 1865. 
Rogers, W'm. J., Corp., 861h Regt., Co. II ; enl. Sept. 7, 1861, three years; taken 

sick and trans, to Vet. Corps., April .30, 1804; disch. Sept. 12, 1864. 
Rowley, Alfonzo. private, 86th Regt., Co. H; onl. Oct. 24, 1861, three years; 

disch. Dec. 30, 1863; re-enl. 86th Regt., Co. H, Dec. 31, 1863; wounded 

May 10, 1864; died May 14, 1864. 
Sanderson, Wm. .\., Corp., 86lh Regt., Co. H; enl. Sept. 18, 1861, three years; 

died of disease while home on furlough, Jan. 23, 1864. 
SymonJs, Watkins, private, 86th Regt., Co. II; enl. Sept. 10, 1861, three years; 

discli. Dec. 30, 1863; re-enl. 86th Regt., Co. H, Dec. 31, 1861, three years; 

killed at Po River, May 10, 1861. 
Schoonover, Wm. A., private, 86tli Regt., Co. H; enl. Oct. 6, 1861, three years ; 

tians. to Vet. Corps, Sept. 20, 1863; disch. at expirarion of service. 
Thomas, Benjamin P., private, 86th RegU, Co. H ; enl. Oct. 14, 1861, three years; 

died of disease at Sulphur Springs, Aug. 31, 1863. 
T,ionuis, Amos, pr.vate, 86th Regt., Co. U ; enl. Oct. 14, 1861, three years ; disch. 

for disability, Dec. i), 1862. 
Younglov.', Wm. A., private. S6th Regt., Co. H; enl. Sept. 10, 1861, three years; 

disch Dec. 3t(, 1861; re-enlisted. 
Pringle, William A., private, SGth Regt., Co. H; enl. Nov. 10, 1861, three years ; 

disch. Dec. :io, 1863 ; re-enl. 86th Regt., Co. H, Dec. 31, 1863, three years ; 

killeil at I'o River, May 10, 1864. 
Bartle, John S., private, 86th Regt., Co. H; enl. Aug. 11, 1862, three years; 

wounded and trans, to Vet. Res. Corps; disch. June 29, 1865. 
Williitnis, Jeremiah, 1st lieut., 86th Regt., Co. H : enl. Aug. 11, 1862, three years ; 

pro. to seigt., Oct. 12, 1864; to 1st sergt., Dec. 23, 1864; to Ist lieut., May 

15, 1865 ; wounded at Boydtown Road ; disch. July 4, 1865. 
Bates, James Henry, private, 34th Regt., Co. E; two years; detached on gun- 
boat St. Louis ; disch. from navy July 7, 1863 ; disch. from service, 1863 ; 

re-enl. 2d Vet. Cav., Co. G ; must. Nov. 10, 1863 ; disch. Nov. 8, 1805. 
Barnes, Enos P., private, 107th Regt., Co. F; onl. July 28, 1802, three years ; 

died at Harper's Ferry, Oct. 21, 1862. 
Brown, Benjamin F-, private, 86th Regt., Co. R ; enl. Aug. 17. 1861, three years ; 

disch. July 5, 1862, by order sec. of war; re-enl.; served nearly two years 

as steward in Trinity Church hospital, Georgetown, and Judiciary Square 

hospital, Washington ; served in the army about one year as asst. surg. ; 

disch. May 21, 1865. 
Austin, Erwin H., Corp., 161st Regt., Co. H ; enl. Aug. 21, 1862, three years; pro. 

to Corp., Aug. 20, 1863 ; disch. Oct. 16, 1865. 
Winship, Nehomiah W., sergt., 86th Regt., Co. R; enl. Ang. 17, 1S61, three years ; 

died July 3, 1863, of wounds received at Gettysburg. 
Olmstead, Henry M., private, 34th Regt., Co. E ; enl. May 2, 1861, two years; 

died June 26, 1862. 
Church, David, private, 107lh N. Y. Vols., Co. E; enl. July 21, 1862, three years; 

disch. for disability. May 26, 1863. 
Church, William L., private, 107th Regt., Co. E; enl. July 24, 1862, Ihrdc years j 

died of disease at Chattanooga, Aug. 2, 1864. . ^-.'.-..^-v^ 



TOWN OF TROUPSBURGH. 



399 



lUys, R<)8well S., private, lOTtli Regt., Co: E; enl. Jan. 7, 18G4, three years; 

discli. Aug. "24, 1SG,5, .it Wjishington, D. C. 
Marlalt, William H., sergt., Htli Wis. Inf., Co. B ; enl.Dec. 4, 18G1, ttiree years; 

disch. Feb. 14, lS(i4 ; re-enl. 14lli Wis. Inf., Co. B, Feb. 14, 1804, three 

years; wounded at Weldou Railroad, Aug. 18, 1804; disch. July 14, 1865, 

at Richmond, Va. 
Hall, Royal A., sergt., 90th N. Y. Vols., Co. H; enl. Jan. 4, 1804, three years; 

pr»». lolst sergt., Jan. 1,1804; wounded at Drury's Bluff; disch. Feb. tj, '06. 
Potter, William, private, 1st N. Y. Cav., Co. F; enl. Aug. 27, 18G4, one year; 

disch. June 8, 18G.'>, at Camp Pmtt, West Ya., by gen.ord. No. 83, A. G, A. 
Glover, George W., Corp., 96th Regt., Co. H ; enl. Dec. 31, 1863, three years ; 

pris. three days; paroled ; disch. Feb. 6, 18G6. 
IJober, Simeon B., private, 101st Regt., Co. I; enl. March 28, 1804, three years; 

disch. July 8, I860, by general order No. 77, A. G. A., April 28, 1865. 
Reunett, Norman, private, 14th II. Art., Co. G ; enl. Jan. 1, lt)64, three years; 

wounded between C*)ld Harbor and North Anna ; disch. Sept. 6, 1865. 
Dunham, James M., private, 8Gth Kegt., Co. K ; enl. Aug. 27, 1861, three years ; 

died at Camp Goodhope, May 19, 1802. 
Sfaaut, Norman, private, 101 st Regt., Co. 1 ; enl. Aug. 22, 1862, three years; taken 

pris. at Sabine Cross- Roads, April 8, 1804 ; taken to Tyler, Tex. ; exchanged 

Oct. 23, 1864 ; disch. Sept. 2(1, 1805. 
White, Inman Bl., private, 861h Regt, Co. F ; enl. Oct. 25, 1801, three years; 

disch. Dee. 19, 1863; re-enl. SOth Regt., Co. F; Dec. 19, 1863, three years; 

taken prisoner at the Wilderness, May 6, 1864; taken to Andersoiiville; 

moved to Florence, Sept. 13, 1864, w here he was last seen in a dying con- 
dition from starvation. 
Shaiit, Epliraim, private, 141st Regt., Co. 11 ; enl. Sept. 22, 1804, one year; disch. 

June 18, 1805, at Washington, D. C. 
Brooks, John Nelson, private, 14th U. Art., Co. G; enl. Dec. 31, 1863, three 

years; killed June 17, 1864. 
Wilkinson, Clarence, private, sub., 120th Regt., Co. G ; enl. Sept. 3, 1864, one 

year; wounded at Hatcher's Run, Uct. 27, 1804; disch. Feb. 27, 1865. 
Miuard, Joseph B., private, 76th Regt., Co. E; enl. Oct 14, 1801, three years; 

wounded at Sabine Cross-Roads, April 8, 1864 ; died of wounds. 
Picket, Charles E., private, 179tli Regt., Co. C ; enl. March 31, 1864, three years ; 

. disch. June 7, 1865, at Fairfax, Va. 
Murdock, Henry M., private, 17Ulh Regt., Co. C; enl. March 31, 1864, three 

years ; disch. for di^abil ty, Sept. o, 1804. 
Abby, George W., private, 189th Regt., (;o. F; enl. Sept. 22, 1864, one year; 

disch. May 17, 1865, at Elniira, N. Y. 
Clark, Charles, pr.vate, 1^9tll Kegt., Co. F; enl. Nov. 21, 1864, one year. 
Allager, John M., private, 74tli Uegt., Co. C; enl. MaicU 28, 1861, three yeais; 

wounded Slay 5, and died May 7, 1862. 
Watkins, William R., private, 97th Regt., Co. G ; dr.ilted May '28, 1804, three 

years; taken pns., March 31, 't>o ; paroleil .\pril 2, '05; d.sch. Blay 25, '65. 
Thomas, William B., private, loth 11. Art., Co. A ; enl. Jan. 4, 1865, three years; 

disch. Aug. 21, 1805. 
Forgerson, Julius W., private, IGlst Regt., Co. H ; dralted Jan. 22, 1864, three 

yeais; disch. Nov. 12, 1865. 
Ililbnrn, William H., private, 80th Regt., Co. K ; enl. Sept. 7, 1801, three years; 

wounded in thigh, also in the head ; died Dec. 12, 1863. 
Hill, Ilezekiah, private, I9th Regt., Co. I; enl. April 29, 1861, two years; disch. 

June 2, 1863. 
Tobias, Jacob, private, liJth Regt., Co. I ; enl. April 29, 1801, two years ; taken 

I>ris. at Mai tinsburg, Va ,and sent to Richmond ; died in prison, Sept. '61. 
Steel, Harrison Otis, pi ivate, 101st Regt., Co. H; enl. Aug. IS, 1862, three years ; 

disch. March 15, 1805. 
Cummings, William E., private, 161st Regt., Co. H; enl. Aug. 22, 1862, three 

years; died of disease at Baton Rouge, Aug. 5, 1863. 
McFall, Uenry, private, 80th Regt., Co. H; enl. Jan. 14, 1864, three years; 

wounded in shoulder at Petersburg ; disch. for disability, July 26, 1865. 
Stiles, Reuben, private, 86tli Regt., Co. E ; enl. Aug. *29, 1861, three years ; disch. 

Sept. 5, 1865, at Elmira. 
Haxton, Henry John, private, 189th Regt , Co. F; enl. Sept. 8, 1864, one year; 

disch. June, 1805. 
Brown, Ira, private, sub., 76th Regt., Co. I ; enl. Sept. 19, 1863, three years ; 

wounded at Wilderness, May 8, 1864; died of wounds, May 3, 1864. at 

Lincoln Hosjiital, Washington, D. C. 
Mack, George \V., private, 0th N. Y. H. Art., Co. I; enl. Jan. 4, 1804, three years; 

wounded at Petersburg, June 17, 1864; disch. Miiy 15, 1865. 
Holt, Joseph F., private, S6th Regt., Co. II; enl. Oct. 1861, three years; wounded 

at second Bull Run, Aug. 30, 1862; died of wounds, Sept. 16, 1862. 
Hill, George, private, 70th Regt. ; dnifted July IS, 1803, three years ; taken pris. 

Oct. 1, 1S64, and sent to Salisbury, N. C. ; paroled March, 1865; died at 

Elmira, March 25, 1865. 
Hillyer, William H., private, lS9th Regt., Co. F ; enl. Sept. 22, 1864, one year ; 

disch. Way 3, 1805, near Washington, D. C. 
Holt, WHIiani Amos, sergt., SOth Regt., Co. H ; enl. Dec. 30, 1863, three years ; 

wounded and taken pi is., May 10, 1804 ; paroled Aug. 12, 1804 ; exchanged 

Dec. 25,1864; returned to regt., Feb. 14, 1865 ; pro. to sergt., April 1,1865; 

disch. June '27, 1805. 
White, William C, private, 86th Regt., Co. H; enl. Sept. 7, 1861, three years; 

died Sept. 1863, at Station hospiuil. 
White, Edward BI., private, 86th Regt., Co. U ; enl. Sept. 7, 1861, three years ; 

disch. May, 1862. 
Morton, Lewis B., Corp., 86th Regt., Co. F; enl. Oct. 25, 1861, three years: 
Wounded at second Hull Run ; died Aug. '30, 1862. 



Morton, Hiram, private, 189th Regt., Co. F; enl. Sept. 23, 1804, ono year ; difch. 

May 30, I.SO.'., near Washington, D. C. 
Potter, Darling, private, 80th Regt., Co. H ; enl. Sept. 2, 1864, one year; disch. 

May 7, 1865. 
Nudd, David, private, 189th Regt., Co. F; enl. Sept. 3, 1864, one year; disch. 

May 30, 1860, near Washington, D. C. 
Lozier, Ilyron J, private, 86lh Regt., Co. K ; eul. Ang. 29, 1861, three years; 

died at Elmira, N. Y"., Nov. 2, 1861. 
Finch, Philander W., private, l'2'2d Regt., Co. E; enl. July 18, 1863, three years; 

disch. J 3, 1805. 

Heeley, Richard I,., private, ngth Regt.,Co.C; eul. March 31, 1864, three years; 

wounded at Petersburg. 
Bailey,Steplion A., sergt., 80th Regt., Co. H; enl. Sept. 7, 1861, three years; pro. 

to sergt.. May 7, 1862; disch. Dec. 30. 186:i; re-enl. 86th Regt., (U>. H, 

Dec. 31, 1803, three years; pro. toltt sergt., Aug. 6, 1864 ; to 1st lieut., 

Dec. 23, 1804 ; wounded at Petersburg, March 25, 1865 ; died of wounds, 

April 9, 1805. 
Jordan, Elias P., private, 86th Regt., Co. H; enl. Jan. 3, 1864, three years; killed 

at Wilderness, May 10, 1864. 
Gardner, Benjamin 0., private, SOth Regt., Co. K; enl. Dec. 31, 18C1, three 

years ; died of disease, April 13, 1802, at Washington, D. C. 
Houghtaling, George R., private, 188lh Regt., Co. K; enl. Sept. 15, 1804, one 

year; disch. May 19, 1865. 
Whipple, E. S., private, 14th N. Y. II. Art., Co. H ; enl. Jan. 4, 1864, three years. 
Brooks, James F., private, 90lh Regt., Co. A; enl. Oct. 31,1861, throe years; 

wounded in right side at Donaldsonville; taken pris. to Baton Rouge; 

disch. March 8, 1804. 
Brooks, John L., private, 90th N. Y. Vols., Co. A ; enl. Nov. 8, 18C1, three years ; 

died of yellow fever, Oct. 2, 1862, at Key West, Fla. 
Seeley, Horace B., capt., 8Gth N. Y. Vols., Co. K ; enl. -Aug. 29, 1801, three year- ; 

pro. to 2d lieut., Dec. 9, 1862 ; to 1st lieut., July 2, 1863 ; taken piis. at 

Gettysburg, July 2, 1863; pro. to dipt., Jan. 2, 1805 ; released from prison 

March 1, 1865. 
Gilkey, John W., private, SOth Regt., Co. K ; enl. Sept. 5, 1861, three years ; de- 
tailed in ainl-ulauce corps, Oct. 3, l-'<'62; disch. Dec. 31, 1864; re-enl. SOth 

Regt., Co. K, Dec. 31, 1864, three years; served in ambulance corps; 

disch. June 27, 1805. 
Gilkey, Franklin E., sergt., S6ih Regt., Co. K ; enl. Aug. 29, 1861, three years; 

wounded at C'liancellorsville ; disch. Sept. 9, 1864. 
Darien, Nelson B.. private, 3d N. Y. Art., Bat. I; enl. Sept. 8, 1804, one year; 

disch. July 29, 1865. 
Bowers, Charles A., priv.tte, 161st Regt., Co. H ; enl. Aug. 18, 1862, three years; 

disch. Sept. 20, 1865. 
Cook, Thomas M., private, 1st N. Y. Cav., Co. F; enl. Aug. 27, 18C4, one year; 

disch. June 8,1865. 
Cook, Rufus, private, ISOlh Pa. Inf., Co. D ; enl. July 27, 1862, nine months; 

disch. for disab., Dec. 31, 1802 ; re-enl. 1st N. Y. Car., Co. F, Aug. 27, 1864, 

one year; disch. June 8, 1865. 
Thomas, Sylvenus, private, SOth N. Y. Eng., Co. I ; enl. Aug. 27, 1804, one year ; 

disch. June 13, 1865, at Fort Barry, Va. 
Potter, Newton, private, .'iOth N. Y. Eng., Co. I; enl. Aug. 27, 1864, one year; 

disch. June 13, 1805, at Fori Barry, Va. 
Mulkins, Charle.s, private, 136lh Pa. Inf., Co. D ; enl. Aug. 9, 1SC2, nine months ; 

died at Mount Pleasant hosp., Washington, D. C, Oct. 11, 1862. 
Labar, George, private, 4tli Pa. Cav., Co. I; enl. Oct. 21, 1864, one year ; disch. 

Dec. 5, 1864, at Camp Biddle. 
Everet, James S., private. Cist N. Y. Inf., Co. D; enl. Aug. 16, 1864, one year ; 

died of disease, Sept. 28, 1864. 
Jordon, Sipiire J., private, SOth Regt., Co. K; enl. Sept. 9, 1861, three years; 

died of disease, Feb. 1, 1864, at Brandy Station, Va. 
Carpenter, Henry B.,corp.,1881h N. Y. Inf., Co. E; enl. Sept. 12, 1804, one year. 

wounded at Petersburg; disch. June 2, 1865. 
Hallock, Abram, private, 5Uth N. Y. Eng., Co. K ; enl. Aug. 29, 1304, one year; 

disch. June 13, 1865. 
Williams, William H., private, 3d N. Y. Art., Co. I ; onl. Sept. 8, 1804, one year ; 

disch. July 8, 1S05. 
Williams, Alfred, Corp., 188th Regt., Co. E; enl. Sept. 13, 1864, one year; disch. 

July 10, 1805. 
Minard, John II., Corp., 76th N. Y. Vols., Co. E; enl. Sept. 17, 18C1, three years; 

wounded at Winchester ; disch. Nov. '25, 1864. 
Minard, James I., private, 3d N. Y. Ait., Bat. I; enl. Aug. 31, 1864, one year; 

disch. July 8, 1865, at Syracuse, N. Y. 
Minard, Isaac A., private, Sd N. Y. Art., Bat I; enl. Sept 8, 1864, one >ear; 

disch. July 8, 1865. 
Stephens, William O., private, S6th Regt., Co. II ; onl. Jan. 14, 1864, three years ; 

lost an arm at Spoltsylvania Court-House; disch. Sept. 20, 1864. 
Stone, George, private, Ist N. Y. Cav., Co. F ; enl. Sept. 15, 1864, one year ; disch. 

June 8, 1885. 
Dennin, John F., private, 2d N. Y. Cav., Co. G ■ enl. Sept. 5, 1864, one year; 

disch. Aug. 2;i, 1865. 
Rowley. Daniel F., private, 86lh Regt., Co. H ; enl. Aug. 1862, three years ; sup- 
posed to have been killed at Wilderness. 
Houghtaling, Alfred, private, 2d N. Y. Cav., Co. G ; enl. Sept. 5, 1864, one year. 
Ketchum, Thomas T., private, 188lh Regt., Co. E; enl. Sept. 13, 1864, one year; 

disch. July '27, 1865. 
Lathrop, Matthew (suh.), private, llllh Regt., Co. I ; enl. Aug. IS, 1864, one 

year; disch. June 4, 1865. 



400 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Marlatt, Georgo F., private, 161st Kegt., Co. I ; enl. Jan. 18, 1864, three years; 

disch. Nov. 12, 1865. 
Bailey, Charles B., private, 85th Regt., Co. A; cnl. Sept. 14, 18G4, one year; 

disch. May 1, IS6.i, at Mosley Hiill, N. C. 
Haxton, Alonzo H., private, 15lh H. Art., Co. G ; enl. Jan. 4, 1864, three years ; 

disch. June 20, 18Gj. 
Webster, Jay, Corp., 76th N. Y. Vols. ; enl. Sept. 18, 1861, three years ; wounded 

in left knee at Fredericksburg; wounded at Falls Church; disch. on ace. 

of wound, Oct. 22, 1862, at Philadelphia, Pa.; re-enl. 14tli H. Art., Co. K, 

three years; trans, to 9Gth Regt, Co. K ; pro. to 2d lieut., March 24, 1SG4 ; 

died of disease at Petersburg, Aug. 4, 1864. 
Webster, Chauncey, private, 14th H. Art., Co. H ; enl. Nov. 9, 1863, three years; 

disch. Aug. 26, 1865, at Washington, D. C. 
Wilber, Henry 
Eowley, John W., private, 179th Regt., Co. C; enl. March 31, 1864, three years; 

wounded on picket, June 25, 1864; disch. Dec. 4, 1864, by gen. ord. No. 422. 
Skiner, Ebenezer, private, 3d N. Y. Art., C<j. I ; enl. Sept 8, 1864, one year; 

disch. July 3, 1865. 
Skiner, Reuben, private, 3d N. Y. Art., Co. I ; enl. Sept. 12, 1864, one year; disch. 

July 8, 1865 ; died of diseiise, Aug. 3, 1865. 
McFarland, William R., private, Ist N. Y. Vet. Cav., Co. F; enl. Aug. 24, 1864; 

disch. June 8, 1865, at Camp Prat, W. Va., by gen. ord. No. 83, A. G. A. 
Lewis, Benjamin F., private, lS9th N. Y. Inf., Co. F; enl. Nov. 21, 1864, one 

year; disch. June 5, 1865, 
Baily, George B., Corp., 181th Regt., Co. A; enl. .^ug. 24, 1864, one year; pro 

to. Corp., May 15, 1865 ; disch. July 12, 1865. 
Ackley, Samuel, private, H6th Regt., Co. F; enl. July 20, 1863, three years; 

taken pris. at Wilderness, May 5, 1864; paroled March 27, 1865, at Wil- 
mington, N. C; disch. Aug. 22, 1865. 
Lewis, Truman W., private, 184th Regt., Co. A ; enl. Sept. 3, 1864, one year; 

disch. June 29, 1805, at City I'oint, Va. 
Dunham, Richard G., private, lllth Regt., Co. G ; enl. Aug. 26, 1861, one year; 

disch. June 4, 1865, by general order No. 26. 
Dunham, Richard, private, 14th H. .\rt., Co. G ; enl. Dec. 7, 188.'}, three years ; 

taken pris. at Petersburg, June 6, 1864; died at Anderson ville, Sept. lo, '64. 
Spencer, Rnymond G., private, 161st Kegt., Co. I; enl. March 30,1864, three 

yeai-s; died Aug. 15, 1864, at Vicksburg, Brigade Engineer's hospital. 
Eice, George, private, 86th N. Y. Vols., Co. H; enl. Feb. 4, 1863, three years; 

taken prisoner and died at Andei-sonville, Oct. 1864. 
Mai'latt, Hamilton J., private. 161st Regt., Co. H; enl. Aug. 13, 1862, three 

years ; disch. Aug. 29, 1863, at B.iton Rouge, La.; re-enl. 161st Regt., Aug. 

24, 1864; disch. May 29, 1865. 
Dodge, Amasa, private, 45th Pa, Inf., Co. H ; enl. Oct. 1861, three years; disch. 

for disability, Aug, 29, 1802; re-enl, 45th Pa, Inf, Co, I, March 9. 1864, 

three years; wounded at Petersburg, April 2, 1865 ; d sch, July 17, 1805. 
Cummins, Norman W., farrier, 7tli Vet, Cav., Co. F; enl. Aug. 2.5, 1864, one 

year; pro, to farrier about two months after entering the service; disch. 

June 8, 1865, by general order No. S3, A. G. O, 
More, Erastus V,, private, 1st Vet, Cav,, Co, F; enl. Aug, 25, 1864, one year; 

disch June 8, 1865, by general order No, 83, A, G, 0. 
Hays, Hiram H,, private (aub,), Co, I; enl, Aug, 31, 1864, one year; disch, June 

2, 1SC5, 
Marlatt, John G,, private, lllth Regt., Co. I ; enl. Aug, 24, 1864, one year ; disch, 

June 14, 1865, 
Ordway, Bialha, private, Ist N, Y, Cav,, Co. F; enl, Aug, 27, 1864, one year; 

disch, June 8, 1865, at Camp Pratt, W, Va, 
Marvin, William, private, 14th H, Art,, Co, M ; eul, Jan, 4, 1864, three years ; 

wounded; disch, Aug, 11, 1865, 
Cook, David, private, 1st N, Y, Vet, Cav,, Co, F; enl, Aug, 29, 1864, one year; 

disch, June 15, 1805, at Wheeling, W, Va. 
Darien, Joseph H., private, 107th Regt,, Co, I ; enl, Aug, 7, 1862, three years ; 

taken pris. March S, 1805; paroled at Richmond, Va,, March 31, 1865; 

discli. May 31, 1865, by general order No, 77, 
Holt, Silas W., private, 76th Regt., Co, H ; enl, July 20, 1863, three years ; disch. 

July 3, 1865, near Washington, 
Ten Broeck, Ira W,, private, I2thN, Y. Cav,; enl, Sept. 12, 1864, one year; taken 

prisoner, March 8, 1865 ; disch. July 7, 1865. 
Bartle, Jesse, private, 161st Regt., Co. F ; enl. Sept, 6, 1804, one year; died of 

disease, Feb, 2, 1865, 
Wilson, George S., private, 161st Regt,, Co. F ; enl. Sept, 27, 1864, one year ; disch, 
a Sept, 3, 1865, 

Wilson, Joseph R., private, 16lst Regt, Co, F; enl. Sept, 27, 1864, one year; 

disch. Sept, 3, 1S65, 
Williams, John R,, private, 2d Pa, Cav,, Co, L; enl. Jan, 2, 1862, three years ; 

disch, Jan, 19, 1865, 
MiUer, Charles M,, private, 96th Regt., Co, K ; enl, Feb, 6, 1863, three years; 

wounded at Cold Harbor, also at Markett's Heights; disch, at White Hall 

hospitiil. Pa,, June 13, 1865, 
Bates, Richard, private, 2d Vet. Cav., Co. G ; enl. Sept, 7, 1864, one year ; disch, 

Aug, 23, 1805, 
Miller, Reuben, private, 96th Regt., Co. K ; enl, Feb, 6, 1864, three years ; taken 

pris.; sent to Camp Parole, Annapolis; was sick and furloughed until 

exchanged or discharged, and has never been notified of his exchange. 
Miller, Alexander T,, private, 50th Eng, ; enl. Sept, 12, 1804, one year; trans, 

to 1881h Regt,, Co, E, Oct. 4,1864; killed at Hatchers Run, 
Miller, Wesley, private, 96th Regt., Co, K ; enl, Feb, 0, 1804, three years ; killed 

at Fort Harrison, Sept, 29, 1804, 



Pierce, Henry, private, 86th N. Y. Vet, Vols., Co, H ; enl. Sept. 2, 1864, one year ; 

disch, June 2, 186.i, 
Powers, Eli R., private, 3d Lt, AH., Co. D ; eul, March 2, 1804, three years ; disch. 

July 5, 1865, at .Syracuse. 
Kelly, William R., private, lU7tb N, Y, Vols,, Co, K; enl, Aug, 9, 186'2, three 

years; died of disease, Oct, 9, 1862, at Harper's Ferry. 
Miller, Wm. Julian, corp,, 18Sth N, Y, Vols., Co, G ; enl. Sept, 6, 1361, one year ; 

disch, July 1, 1865, at Rochester, N, Y, 
Cornell, Franklin, private, HOth N, Y, Inf., Co, B; enl, March 11, 1864, three 

years; wounded at Gettysburg; disch. April 3, 1865, by reason of wound. 
Chase, Charles Wesley, private, 1:16th Pa, Vols., Co, D; enl, Aug, 1, 186*2, nine 

months ; died of disease, Oct, 27, 1862, at Smoketown hospital. 
Tanner, Dennis, private, 5th H, Art,, Co, C; enl, March, 1864, three years ; died 

at Harper's Ferry general hospit;il, Dec, 10, 1804, 
Cummings, George W., private, S6th Regt.. Co, H ; enl, Jan, 14, 1803, three years; 

woundtd at the Wilderness and died May 20, at Howard hospital. 
Cook, Jerome B., private, 1st N, Y, Vet, Cav,, Co. F ; enl, Aug, 27, 1864, one year; 

disch, June 15, 1805, at Wheeling, W. Va, 
Cummings, Wallace W,, private, 188th N. Y, Vols., Co, E; eul. Sept, 10, 1864, 

one year ; disch, June 29, 1805, 
Lozier, Charles Henry, private, 2d Pa, Cav,, Co, B ; enl, March 8, 1864, three 

years ; lost a leg, June 11, 1804 ; disch, March 2, 1865, 
More, Willis, private, 2d N, Y, Cav,, Co, L; enl, Aug, 31, 1864, one year, disch, 

June 5, 1805, 
More, Lester, private, 2d N. Y. Cav., Co. L ; enl, Aug, 31, 1864, one year ; died 

of disease at Guysboro' general hospital, Nov, 20, 1864, 
Rude, William, private, 188lh N, Y, Vols,, Co. A; enl. Sept, 22, 1804, one year; 

killed at Petersburg, March 31, 1805, 
Stoliker, Abram, private, 42d Pa, Inf., Co. C ; enl, April 25, 1801, three years ; 

disch, Dec, 20, 1863; re-enl, 1901h Pa, Inf,, Co. C, Dec, 21, 1863, three 

years; taken pris, and sent to Richmond, Aug, 19, 1864; paroled Feb, 27, 

1805 ; disch, June 14, 1805, 
Williams, Merit M„ Corp., 188th Regt,, Co, E; enl. Sept, 12, 1804, one year; 

wounded at Hatcher's Run, Oct, 27, 1864; disch, July 1, 1865, 
Card, Charles Edward, private, 1st N, Y, Cav., Co, L; enl. Sept. 10, 1863, three 

years ; disch, July, 1865, 
Card, Willis H,, private, 86th Regt,, Co, H ; enl. Sept, 2, 1864, one year; disch. 

June 2, 1865, 
Wakeley, Daniel C, private, 136th Pa, Inf., Co, D; enl. -\ug, 9, 1862, nine 

months; disch. May 29, 1803, 
Artcber, Jeremiah, private, 187th Pa, Inf,, Co, I; enl, March 28, 1864, three 

years ; disch. Aug, 3, 1865, 
Harrington, Aaron, private, 27th Pa, Inf,; enl. Sept, 1, 1864, one year; disch. 

May 31, 1805, at Alexandria, Va, 
Stiles, John, private, 188th N. Y. Inf., Co, E ; enl. Sept, 19, 1804, one year ; disch. 

July 1, 1805. 
Stiles, Ezra, private, ISStli N, Y, Inf, Co, E; enl. Sept, 19, 1801, one year; disch, 

July 1, 1865, 
Thomas, Eli P,, private, 188th N, Y, Inf,, Co, K ; enl, Sept. 12, 1864, one year; 

disch. July 1, 1805, 
Rowley, Dauiel, private, 179th N, Y, Inf,, Co. C; enl. March 30, 1864, three 

years ; killed at Petersburg, July 30, 1864, 
Rowley, H, George, private, 80tb N, Y. Inf,, Co, K; enl, Sept. 9, 1861, three 

yeai-s ; died March 28, 1862, at camp hospital, near Washington, D. C. 
Cook, John R,, corp,, 80th Regt, Co, K ; enl, Sept. 5, 1861, three years ; wounded ; 

disch, Dec, 6, at convalescent camp near Alexandria, Va, ; re-enl, 50th 

N, Y, Eng,, Co, K, Aug, 25, 1864, one year; disch, June 4, at Elmira, 
Cook, James, private, 136th Pa, Inf,, Co, D; enl, Aug, 9, 1862, nine months; 

disch, June 4, 1863, at Harrisburg; re-enl, 1st N, Y. Cav., Aug, 28, 1864, 

one year; disch, June 15, 1865, at Wheeling, Va, 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 

JAMES CARPENTER. 
James Carpenter was born in Exeter, Otsego Co,, N. Y., 
Oct. 18, 1800. His ancestors came from England to Long 
Islanti, from whence his father, John Carpenter, went to 
Otsego about 1795. He moved to Chenango County in 
1808. He married, in Long Island, Ruth, daughter of 
Thomas Smith. This couple had six children ; three — 
Joseph, Mary, and James — attaining maturity. Mr. Car- 
penter died about 1808 ; his wife two years previously. 
James Carpenter was bound to Francis Peeso, a farmer, 
with whom he stayed till of age. When twenty-five he 
married Elizabeth, daughter of Peter Dodge, and followed 
farming in Oxford until 1831, when he came to Troups- 
burgh. He purchased the farm where he now resides, with 



TOWN OF TEOUPSBURGH. 



401 



his son Henry B., paying two dollars and twenty-five cents 
per acre, " one-fourth down." By energy and industry he 
transformed a roadless forest into a pleasant home, and, at 
the age of seventy-eight years, is in possession of health. 
By his first wife he had ten children : James, born Feb. 5, 
1826 ; William and Wills (deceased), twins, July 26, 1827; 
Henry B., Jan. 12, 1829 ; Ruth E., Oct. 8, 1831 ; Otis A., 



past, Mr. Carpenter has ever been a representative farmer, 
a kind father, a warm friend, an estimable citizen. For 
nearly forty years Mr. Carpenter has been a Baptist. Ilis 
first vote was for Andrew Jackson. He afterwards was a 
Whig and a Republican. Few fathers have a prouder 
record in the late war — four sons and two sons-in-law were 
in the army ; one son, Thomas S., dying in the service. 




Jfi^vui^ XoOy^^-i^c^rU^/t 



Sept. 28, 1833 ; Mary, Sept. 26, 1835 ; Milton (deceased), 
Sept.—, 1837; Thomas S. (deceased), June 22, 1839; 
Maria N., June 14, 1842. Mrs. Carpenter died June 23, 

1843. Mr. Carpenter married Elvira Hamblin, April 9, 

1844. Of this union were born Ellen L., July 31, 1845. 
Mrs. Carpenter died, aged seventy-two years, Oct. 20, 1877. 

A sturdy pioneer, one of the few remaining pillars of the 
51 



In strict integrity, diligent industry, and Christian 
honesty, Mr. Carpenter has no superior. 

Henry B. Carpenter was married to Celestia Bingham, 
April 2, 1857. She was born Aug. 31, 1834. Their chil- 
dren are Eddie (deceased), born March 21, 1859; Ralph 
H., Oct. 13, 1862; Thomas G., March 3, 1865; Willard 
M., Oct. 18, 1866; and Ettie V., Oct. 21, 1872. 



TUSCARORA. 



ERECTION AND DESCRIPTION. 

TusCARORA was formed from Addison, Dec. 13, 1859. 
It iDcludes township No. 1 of the third range of Phelps 
and Gorham's purchase, and is situated on the south border 
of the county, east of the centre. The surface is hilly and 
somewhat broken by the valleys of the Tuscarora Creek and 
other small streams. The soil is chiefly a clay loam, with 
gravel and alluvium in the creek-valleys. 

EARLY SETTLEMENT. 

William Wombough, the first settler of Tuscarora, was a 
native of New Jersey, and the son of a Revolutionary sol- 
dier. His departure from the old home was characterized 
by that impetuosity which was his ruling characteristic 
through life, and which made for him an abundant success 
where many others would have failed. After his father's 
death there arose a dispute about the division of the prop- 
erty, when William, then a young man, said if they would 
give him $100 he would leave and let the rest settle it among 
themselves. He added to this $70 during the next season, 
and in June, 1804, purchased 187 acres in the Tuscarora 
Valley, including the present residence of his sou, William 
Wombough, in the town of Tuscarora, a few rods from the 
south line of Addison. Engaging in lumbering in a small 
way, Mr. Wombough was so successful in his various enter- 
prises that in 1806 he built a small grist-mill and a saw- 
mill on the stream, just in front of the family residence. 
His rich bottom lands produced heavy crops of wheat and 
corn, which were gladly loaned by the settlers up the creek 
and others who were less favored, to be paid with increase 
after harvest. His mill was without a competitor for many 
miles. Working industriously in the lumber-woods him- 
self, he invested his gains in lands, becoming in a few years 
the possessor of a large amount of valuable timber lands. 
Although within the present bounds of Tuscarora, the ben- 
efit of his industries accrued to Addison, but little settle- 
ment being made south for several years. A mile and a 
half up the valley Amos Dolph made the first settlement at 
Carrtown, afterwards known as Addison Hill. Amos 
Towsley, whose son, John Towsley, was a prominent citizen 
for a number of years, settled between them in 1816. Jes.se 
Rowley settled at the forks of the creek, a mile above Mr. 
Dolph, but three months after Mr. Wombough, in 1804. 
Mr. Rowley came from the North River, bringing with him 
a family of ten, three others being born in Tuscarora, of 
whom Jemima, wife of John Plimley, who was born in 
February, 1806, was the first child born in the town. 
Jesse W. Rowley, son of Jesse Rowley, the present town 
clerk and proprietor of the long-known " Rowley's Tavern," 
was born on the place where he now lives, and is the oldest 
living man who was born in Tuscarora. He has been either 
402 



town clerk or supervisor every year but five since the for- 
mation of the town. At the time of Mr. Rowley's settle- 
ment there was no inhabitant between him and Osceola, 
Pa., nor between him and Woodhill. In 1816, Samuel 
Colgrove and Mr. Tousley came on the creek above Wom- 
bough's. 

Lying for the most part on the point of land between the 
Tioga Valley and the valley of the Canisteo, the easy 
outlet for lumber destined Tuscarora to an early settlement. 
Heavily timbered, and divided on the south into separate 
ridges by small streams, and the north and east opened by 
the Tuscarora Creek, it only required a market to furnish 
many a winter's work to the hardy lumbermen, whose 
camp, built of huge logs and roofed with snow-laden 
boughs, existed for a season, then moved to a more favored 
locality. The hardy adventurer, who with a family of little 
ones, attempted to penetrate the dense forest in the south 
part of the town, before the advance of civilization, is well 
entitled to remembrance. Daniel Strait, an old soldier of 
the Revolution, migrated from Chenango County, in 1799, 
to the Cowanesquc Valley, but finding a more favored 
locality among the thrifty pines upon the point above the 
" Lindsley Settlement," made the first settlement in southern 
Tuscarora, adjoining the Pennsylvania line, on what is 
known as the Morehead place, in 1809. Following the 
example of other early travelers, he chose winter that he 
might travel on the ice. After breaking through several 
times in his journey down the river, he succeeded in work- 
ing his passage to a point on the hill, sheltered on the east 
and west, and overlooking the broad valley far to the south 
when the dense forest was removed, but then so completely 
veiled by standing timber as to only admit the midday sun- 
shine to the little " opening," which had been cleared to 
erect the first rude log cabin. For seven years he lived 
here, alone with his little family, the nearest neighbor being 
on the river, five miles away. The little log cabin lies in 
ruins near the spring, and the aged veteran sleeps on the 
hill-side near by. His son, Daniel Strait, Jr., lived to see 
the modern frame house succeed the log one, the hills 
checkered here and there with clearings, and he, too, at 
the age of seventy-eight, was removed from the scene of 
his labore, leaving two sons, Luke and Joel, who live just 
over the hill to the west. In 1816, Asahel Thomas joined 
the elder Mr. Strait, but it was not until 1824, when Joseph 
Gile came on the hill, and settled where Archibald Manley 
now lives, that a road was blazed through to Addison. 
John C. Orr, father of John Orr, a leading merchant of 
Addison, settled two miles south of Addison, in the north- 
eastern part of Tuscarora, about 1816; his father, Joseph 
Orr, coming afterwards, together with other members of the 
Orr family, and forming the Orr Settlement before any 



TOWN OF TUSCARORA. 



403 



others located in that neighborhood. Up Mind Creek 
Daniel Burdick and Andrew Orowl were among the earliest 
settlers in the east part of the town. Rev. David Short, 
a Close-Communion Baptist preacher, grandfather of Robert 
Short, the well-known and popular Addison blacksmith, 
located on the HoUis place, joining the Pennsylvania line, 
southeast of Strait, in 1823, preaching throughout the 
surrounding country, and industriously working upon his 
farm. 

Warren and Benedict Northrup settled in the Northrup 
Settlement in 1825. 

After Mr. Gile had made a small clearing, and John 
Webster had settled between him and Rowley's, Rev. Aaron 
Baxter with his family, Alfred Nichols his son-in-law. and 
Simeon Freeman, a boy in his employ, settled near the 
Penn.sylvania line, a mile farther west than Strait. Mr. 
Nichols had a pair of horses and §25 in money. With no 
experience to guide him, but with a resolute will to suc- 
ceed, he built him a house 14 feet square, and barely high 
enough to walk into without stooping, and began to cut 
down the trees about his cabin. Meanwhile, Elder Baxter 
visited the land-office at Bath, and made an arrangement 
by which he should receive half a dollar an acre on all lands 
he might sell; the balance of 81.50 an acre to be paid at 
the land-office. Through his exertions that part of the 
town began to settle so rapidly, that in 1830 he had gath- 
ered 46 of his neighbors together into a church. His col- 
ony came from Chenango County, and included the families 
of James Sprague, Migeman Taft, David Hart, Samuel and 
Enoch Mack, Eliba Albee, Orrin Swan, and Samuel Smith. 

In 1827, Elder Baxter cleared 30 acres of land and 
planted it to wheat, obtaining a large yield, which found a 
ready sale in the Tioga Valley. In 182G a single house 
could be seen in a small opening among the thick, blue 
hemlock-trees, on the hill to the cast of the Tuscarora Val- 
ley, a mile above the mouth of Mind Creek, exactly in the 
centre of the town. This was the home of Justus Wright, 
who came there when his son Isaac Wright, who still lives 
on the old homestead, was but six months old. Of all the 
dense forest of that time, there is but an occasional strip 
of brushwood left. The sloping hillsides are covered with 
grass-lands and cultivated fields, sloping to the stream below, 
and dotted with the farm-houses of a people who have 
abandoned the woodsman's axe and rifle for the plow and 
reaper. A mile up the valley shines the spire of the church 
of South Addison. Baxter's Hill, which shorn of its woods 
overlooks the valley of the Cowanesque, has passed into the 
hands of his grandchildren. Just at the foot of the hill, 
below Wright's, is Parsels' mill and settlement. Ascend- 
ing the east hill past Mr. Wright's to the south, the trav- 
eler finds himself overlooking a little valley upon the 
hill-top, open towards the southwest. Half a mile distant 
stands the Free Baptist church ; on the hill beyond is the 
Nichols House, a wayside tavern years ago. Just below, 
in the quiet nest at your feet, is the farm-house of George 
H. Freeman, the present supervisor, and one of the leading 
citizens of the town. There is no more pleasing location 
in the old settlement. When his father, Simeon Freeman, 
left the employ of Elder Baxter in 1830, he purchased the 
woodland from which he reclaimed these fruitful acres, and 



here he passed his life. The first deacon of the first church 
in the town, his life honored his position. From this point 
the eye can trace the valleys of the Canisteo, the Tioga, and 
the Cowanesque Rivers ; and away to the west, beyond 
Woodhull, the blue hills of Jasper still covered with the 
primeval forest. Capt. Joseph Manley, whose place is oc- 
cupied by his descendants, M. M. and 0. C. Manley, was 
one of the earlier settlers. Zelos Toles, father of Martin 
Toles and Mrs. Aaron Orr, came shortly after Baxter, and 
settled in the northeast part of the town, being, with the 
Orrs, the first in that direction. 

Many of the early settlers came from Chenango County, 
making a successful journey if they came through with 
their teams — usually oxen — in a week, and then, perhaps, 
having to wait a few days for the river to fall before a 
crossing could be effected at Addison. Another day of 
driving, lifting, loading, and unloading would be consumed 
in getting back upon the hill, where the tired travelers 
found rest in the half-finished cabin, over which the tall 
pines and hemlocks closed, nearly shutting out the sunlight. 
The teams were turned loose to shift for lhem.selvcs. 

First after the arrival came the work of building the 
huge open fireplace, boring holes in the logs for pins upon 
which were placed shelves, chinking between the logs with 
blocks left from the shingles of the roof, and " daubing" 
with mud, tracking and spattering over house and goods, 
but making the whole warm and comfortable for winter. 
When things were put to rights the door had to be hung 
upon its long wooden hinges and the flaxen latch-string 
poked through a gimlet-hole to the outside. It was not 
uncommon for these labors to be interrupted by the child- 
ren discovering a deer at the spring near by, when the rifle 
would be taken from its place over the fireplace, and soon 
after the monarch of the forest would be hanging from a 
rafter in the farther end of the cabin, his huge antlers the 
wonder of the children, who a few years after were skilled 
in the arts of woodcraft, bringing down the squirrel with 
unerring aim. 

The whole of the timber is gone except a few straggling 
hemlocks, only the Parsels mill remaining in the town, 
working upon the down timber and hemlocks which would 
have been scorned by the lumbermen of ten years ago. 
The open flat between the Tuscarora and the mouth of 
Mind Crock is occupied by a large steam-tannery. 

The woolen-factory — still patronized by those who spin 
their own yarns — is located a short distance above the old 
Wombough homestead, in the Tuscarora Valley. This 
factory was built by William Wombough, Jr., — the present 
owner and occupant of the old place, — in 1844, at an ex- 
pense of $14,000, and worked 250 spindles. This factory 
furnished employment for upwards of 30 operatives for 
twenty years, and was an important industry in its best 
days^ — people coming from Corning, Campbell, Caton, and 
the surrounding towns south and west, and from Northern 
Pennsylvania, to get Ciirding and cloth-dressing done, as 
well as to dispose of their wool for " full-cloth" with which 
to make their winter's clothing. This factory is still doing 
a large amount of work, being extensively patronized by 
the surrounding wool-growers; but with the clearing of 
the land up the creek, the country became more generally 



404 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY-, NEW YORK. 



drained, and the supply of water-power failed except for a 
few months during each year. 

Mr. Wombough has also built five saw-mills, three of 
them being in Tuscarora. There is no finer view to be 
had in the valley than that of Addison as seen from this 
point. Standing at the old Wombough homestead and 
looking north, the most prominent object which presents 
itself to the vision across the mile of perfectly-level farm- 
land is the high round point of the hill, through which the 
Canisteo River breaks as it enters the valley above the 
village of Addison. To the right of this bluff the village is 
plainly visible, with its white walls and tall steeples, behind 
which rises the sloping side of u hill covered with broken 
patches of young timber and green meadows. A steep 
point of woods near by, on the right, shuts off the view of 
the lower part of the village down the river. To the left 
of the Tuseorara Valley rise cultivated fields, sloping gently 
back from the valley till lost to view at a distance of half 
a mile from the lower level. 

The old plank-road between Addison and Elkland, which 
runs through this valley, was opened in 1851, and aban- 
doned in September, 1S78, but a regular daily stage still 
runs over the route through the town, a line branching off 
at Rowley's for Woodhull. South Addison, whose post- 
ofiice is at Rowley's, is two miles north, on the one shelv- 
ing street between "VVombough's and Rowley's, and contains 
two .stores, a hotel, and some twenty dwellings. Near by, 
on the flat, is an old cemetery containing the remains of a 
few of the early dead of the valley, marked by stones taken 
from the hill-side, and rudely lettered. 

ORGANIZATION. 

On the 13th of December, 1859, Mr. Williams pre- 
sented a bill to the Board of Supervisors for the erection 
of the town of Arville, from that part of the town of 
Addison lying south of a line running east from the 
southeast corner of the town of Rathbone, to the east line 
of the town of Addison. The name Arville was changed for 
that of Tuscarora, the name of the adopted tribe of the 
Five Nations, and the new town was formed, the first 
town-meeting being held at the house of Oliver Moore, Feb. 
14, 1800, Joseph Manley, Stephen Coon, and Charles W. 
Robinson being the inspectors of election. The first offi- 
cers of Tuscarora were Jesse W. Rowley, Supervisor ; 
George W. Webb, Town Clerk ; Philip W. Perkins, Com- 
missioner of Highways ; Lorenzo Wettenhall, Joseph Oak- 
den, Lansing Hand, Assessors ; Archibald Manley, Albert 
W. Wells, Charles Hill, Inspectors of Election ; Myron M. 
Manley, James Lemunyan, Charles W. Robinson, Justices 
of the Peace; G. H. Freeman, Collector; Cicero' Wetten- 
hall, Amos Tobias, and George Thomas, Constables. 



LIST OF TOWN OFFICERS. 



Supervisors. 
1S60. Jesse W. Rowley. 
18G1. Nehemiah Manley. 
1862. Jesse W. Rowley. 



Town Clerks. 
Gcorsre W. Webb. 



Collectors. 
George H. Freeman. 
George C. Aldrich. 
Jason McMinds. 





Supervisors. Town CU-rks. 


Collectors. 


1867. 


William Wombough. Jesse W. Rowley. 


Robert B. Orr. 


1868. 


(( ti ti a 




Jesse W. Fenton. 


1869. 


ti 11 It tl 




" 


1870. 


It tt tt tt 




George C. Aldrich 


1871. 


tt it tt ti 




Willard D. Rouse. 


1872. 


ti tt it tt 




Daniel Albee. 


187.?. 


it it tt tt 




Zalmon W. Smith. 


1874. 


• • it tt tt 




Loren M. Webb. 


1875. 


Jlordeeai Casson, Jr. ** ** 




Albert V. Wells. 


1876. 


Jesse W. Rowley. Stephen T. Al 


lee. 


Edward Young. 


1877. 


Geo. H. Freeman. Jesse W. Rowley. 


Stephen T. Albee. 


1878. 


it a ti a 




Robert B. Orr. 




JUSTICES OF THE PEACE. 




1860. 


Myron M. Manley. 


1S70. 


Orin 


C. Manley. 




James L. Lemunyan. 


1871. 


Geor 


ge n. Freeman. 




Charles W. Robinson. 




Solomon C. Smith.* 


1861. 


Henry Dininny. 


1872. 


Jaso 


n McMinds. 


1862. 


Myron M. Manley. 


1873. 


Josh 


ua C. Smith. 


lS6:i. 


George Webb. 




Hen 


ry Dininny.* 


1864. 


Jason McMinds. 


1874. 


Willard D. Rouse. 


1865. 


Haviland G. Cornell. 


1875. 


George H. Freeman. 


1866. 


M. M. Manley. 




Jesse W. Fenton."' 




Samuel Hitchcock.^' 


1876. 


Jason McMinds. 


1867. 


George H. Freeman. 


1877. 


Jesse W. Fenton. 


1868. 


Jason McMinds. 


1878. 


Willard D. Rouse. 


1869. 


Samuel Hitchcock. 




- 






CHURCHES 







1863. William Wombough. Geo. N. AVettenhall. Daniel Albee. 

1864. " " Stephen T. Albee. Orin C. Manley. 
1S65. " " " " Samuel Hitchcock. 
1866. " " John Orr. Robert Orr (2d). 



THE FIR,ST METHODIST CHURCH 

of Addison was formed in Tuscarora before it became a 
separate town. As early as 1829 Elder Orcutt preached 
in the house of Ambrose Owen, which was the first house 
between Daniel Strait's and Addison, on the east road, two 
miles and a half north of Strait's, where Thomas Smith 
afterwards lived. Although meetings were held much 
earlier, it was not until 1833 that a class was formed con- 
sisting of seven members, among whom were Richard 
Finch and wife, Seth AVixon and wife, Stephen Coon and 
wife, and William Wixon, who was made class-leader. 
Rev. Asa Smith was pastor at that time. In 1831, a lot 
of 50 acres of Pulteney land was set aside for the benefit 
of the society, Justus Wright, Jared Ketchum, and Jacob 
Cole. Jr., being made trustees. Rev. Thomas Wheat 
preached in 1832, in the old log school-house near where 
the present church stands, on Mine Creek. Meetings were 
held in the school-house for several years. Revs. Joseph 
Chapman, Mr. Kinney, Joseph Pearsall, and Mr. Bronson 
preaching. Rev. J. Landreth, an enthusiastic Irishman, is 
well remembered as having preached when meetings were 
held at the house of Solomon C. Smith, father of Joshua 
C. Smith, before the old church was built on East Hill. 

George Cook and George Bonam built the first church 
in 1849. This church has since been abandoned for a new 
one at Addison Hill, which was dedicated Oct. 15, 1874. 
The trustees were J. C. Smith, Edson Wright, and Dennis 
Beers. Revs. David Smith, Mr. Newcomb, G. H. Cole, 

J. C. Stebbins, Gould, George Sherer, and William 

M. Bartlo have since been pastors. The present officers 
are Rev. 0. B. Weaver, Pastor ; Spencer Mather, Isaac 
Wright, John Orr, Sr., and George Wettenhall, Class- 
Leaders in different parts of the town ; John Street^ Grant 

* Vacancy. 



TOWN OF TUSCARORA. 



405 



Brown, Joel Hurd, Stewards ; Washington Benedict, Edson 
Wright, Dennis P. Beers, Trustees. 

The society owns a parsonage at South Addison. The 
present membership is 46. 

THE FIRST FREE-COMMUNION BAPTIST CHURCH OP 
ADDISON. 

This church was constituted July 5, 1829, in what is 
now the southeastern part of Tuscarora, with 19 members. 
Rev. Aaron Baxter, who had preached to them since 
1825, being the first elder of the new church. 

The first deacons were Samuel Mack and Migeman Taft ; 
Clerk, Enoch Mack. Among the first members were 
George and Elizabeth Manly, James Sprague, Eliba and 
Abigail Albee, Jonas Schoonover, David Hart, William, 
Zadoc, Lydia, and Polly Mack, Abigail Baxter, Eunice 
Hackett, Hannah Carr, and John Webster. The first 
meetings were held in the house of Archibald Manly. In 
1830, 28 names were added to the list, of whom 23 were 
added by baptism, among whom were Simeon Freeman, 
Daniel Schoonover, and Alniira Albee as the result of a 
revival, during which Elder Baxter was assisted by Rev. 
Hiram Bacon. These'were all baptized in the Cowanesque 
River, at Nelson, or " Beecher's Island," Pa., in the early 
part of winter, on a very cold day, ice having already 
formed on the river. This revival occasioned an unusual 
amount of excitement among all classes, and is still remem- 
bered as " the great reformation." 

In 1831 meetings were held in the school-house near 
Alfred Nichols'. In 1834, Simeon Freeman was chosen 
deacon, which position he held until his death, which oc- 
curred in 1871, at the age of sixty-three years. Adron 
Smith, Tubal Baxter, and Archibald Manley were licensed 
to exhort, and the same year Cyrus Sprague was chosen 
deacon. A committee was also formed in 1834, to meet as 
representatives of this society at the Free Baptist Church 
quarterly meeting, for the purpose of uniting with them. 
This committee was composed of Deacon Simeon Freeman 
and Elder Dyer Woodworth. A union was effected, and 
the church became the First Free Baptist Church of Addi- 
son. In 1847 the society appointed Simeon Freeman, Seth 
Albee, and Daniel Strait, Trustees ; and Daniel Albee, Clerk ; 
and a church building was immediately erected in the 
Nichols neighborhood, in the southern part of the town. 
Their pastor at the time of the change. Dyer Woodworth, 
also joined the new organization. 

List of pastors : Revs. Samuel Dean, Dyer Woodworth, 
Simon T. Aldrich, John J. Allen, Benjamin F. Slack, 
Amos Wing, John W. Brown, B. F. Herrick, and Levi 
Kellogg, present pastor. 

Present officers : George H. Freeman, Daniel Albee, John 
Wright, Deacons; G. H. Freeman, Clerk ; I. S. Albee, O. 
C. Manley, John Wright, Trustees; A. M. Hathaway, 
Society Clerk. Present membership, 113. The church 
has been recently repaired at an expense of $1200, making 
it in reality a new church. 

MILITARY RECORD OF TUSCARORA. 
Robert, Alexander Baxter, prirate, 2d Vet. Cav,, Co. G; enl. Dec. 22, 1863, three 

years; disch. Nov. 8, 18G5. 
Smith, Oscar I>,, pilvate, 144th Inf., Co. C; enl. Oct 2, ISM, oiio year. 



Aldrich, James H., private, 2d Vet. Cav., Co. G ; enl. Sept. 3, 18G3, three years. 
Smith, .Andrew J., private, Hist Inf., Co. C; enl. Oct. 2, 1804, one year. 
Leniuiiyan, Jo.soph A., private, 2d Vet. Cav., Co. G; enl. Sept. 1803, three years. 
Taft, Orrin B., private, 2d Vet. Cav., Co. G ; enl. Sept. 0, 1804, one year ; disch. 

Aug. 23, 1865. 
Taft, William F., private, 2d Vet. Cav,, Co. G ; enl. Sept. 0,1864, one year ; diach. 

Aug. 23, 1865. 
Albee, Eugene, Corp., J89lh Inf., C). F; enl. Sept. 3, 1864, one year; pro. to 4th 

Corp., Oct. 15, 1804; disch. Sept. 11, 1865. 
Kathbun, Orsemus, private, 34th Inf., Co. E; enl. M.ay 28, 1801, two years; 
wouiided at battle of Gettysburg ; diach. ; re-enl. July 10, 1803, in 2d Vet. 
Cav.; disch. Nov. 8, 1865. 
Rouse, Williard D., piivate, I07th Inf ; enl. July 28, 1862. 
Carr, William R., private, 107th Inf, Co. F; enl. July 2«, 1862, three years; 

disch. for disability. 
Patchall, John B., private, .34tli Inf, Co. E ; enl. Jlay 28, 1861, two years ; disch. 

at expiration of service. 
Smith, Charles, private, 1st N. Y. Inf ; enl. June 7, 1802, two years; disch. for 

disability. 
Lemunyan, Edwin M., sergt., 34lh N. Y. Inf, Co. E; enl. May 28, 1862, two 

years; wounded, and disch. for disability. 
Coou, Daniel II., Corp., 34th Inf, Co.E; enl. May 28, 1861, two years; disch. 

June 30, 1863. 
Coon, Julius S., private, 141st Inf , Co. G; enl. Aug. 21, 1862, three years. 
Tillman, Henry, artificer, 60th N. Y. Inf; enl. three years. 
White, Dennis, private,lst N. Y.Inf., Co.G; enl. Jan.l3, 1862,eighUon months. 
Wilson, William, private, 4th N. Y. Art.; enl. Sept. 28, 1802, throe years. 
Wliitehead, Joel, private, 1st Pa. Rifles; enl. April 14, 1801, three years. 
Orr, Oliver, private, 15th N. Y. Eng., Co. I; enl. Sept. 12, 1804, one year. 
Degroat, Charles, private, 15lh N. Y. Eng., Co. I; enl. Sept. 12, 1804, one year. 
OiT, Ira, private, 16th N. Y. Eng., Co. I; enl. Sept. 12, 1804, one year. 
Orr, John, capt, lOitli N. Y.Inf, Co. F; enl. Aug. 13, 1862, three years; entered 
ord.-sergt. ; pro. to 2d licut.. May 1, 1803; to 1st lieut., June 2,1863; to 
capt., Sept. 14, 1864 ; disch. June 6, 1805. 
Clinton, Charles, sergt., 107th Inf, Co. F; enl. Aug. 13, 1862, three years ; disch. 

June 5, 1865. 
Boyer, Israel, sergt., 141st luf, Co. G; enl. Aug. 21, 1802, three years; discU. 

Sept. 10, 1805. 
Orr, George Henry, private, Co. F; enl. Aug. 13, 1862, three years; disch. for 

disability. 
Boyer, Andrew J., private, .34th N. Y. Inf, Co. E; enl. May 1, 1861, two years; 

discli. at expiration of service, June 30, 1803. 
Suell, Hiram Henry, private, 141st N. Y. Inf., Co. G; enl. Aug. 22, 1862, three 

years ; disch. under order 77, May 12, 1805. 
McTamany, Patrick, private, 188th Inf., Co. F; enl. Sept. 19, 1864, one year; 

disch. July, 1S05. 
Sprague, William F., private, 141st Inf, Co. G; enl. Aug. 21, 1862, three years; 

wounded at battle of Resaca, May 15, ISOl; disch. June 8, 1865. 
Tinney, Silas, private, lltli Vermont luf ; enl. .Aug. 13, 1802, three years. 
Swan, David, private, 141st N. Y. Inf ; enl. Aug. 21, 1862, two years; disch. for 

disability. 
Van Vliet, Albert, private, 1st N. Y. Inf ; enl. two years. 
Dickei-sou, Mark, private, 107th Itif, Co. F; enl. Aug. 4, 1802, three years. 
Aldrich, Levi Henry, private, 3d Vt. Inf; enl. Nov. 27, 1803; wounded in arm. 
McPhe, George, 1st sergt., 34th Inf., Co. E; enl. May 18, 1861, two years ; disch. 

June 30, 1863. 
McPhe, John, 1st sergt, 141st Inf, Co. G; enl. Aug. 22, 1803, three years; pro. 
to 2d sergt., Nov. 1, 1804; to 1st sergt., Feb. 28, 1804; disch. Juno 8, 1805. 
Scully, EdWiird, Corp., 2d N. Y. Vet. Cav., Co. G; enl. Sept. 9, ISO), three years; 

pro. to Corp., Sept. 1, 1S04 ; disch. Nov. 8, 1805. 
Barron, William, private, 2d N. Y. Vet. Cav., Co. G; enl. Jan. 4, 1803, three 

years; wounded; disch. Aug. 1865. 
Bessie, Henry W., blacksmith, 2d N. Y. Vet. Cav., Co.G; enl. Sept. 17,1863, 

three years; disch. under order 77, June 8, 1865. 
Hill, William Henry, private, 1st Pa. L. Art., Bat. H; enl. Sept. 7, 1861, three 

years ; re enl. for three years, Jan. 30, 1804 ; disch. June 27, 1805. 
Bates, Richard, private, 2d Vet. Cav., Co. G; enl. Sept. 7, 1864, one year; disch. 

Aug. 23, 1805. 
Aldrich, Truman, private, 141st Inf., Co. G; enl. Sept. 1, 1864, one year; disch. 

June 8, 1805. 
Aldrich, Garner A., private, 141st Inf, Co. G ; enl. Sept. 2, 1864, one year ; disch. 

June, 1805. • 

Carr, Amos, Jr., sergt., 2<1 Vet. Cav., Co. G ; enl. Sept. 7, 1861, three years ; pro. 

to 5th sergt., March 31, 1804 ; disch. Nov. 8, 1865. 
Herrington, Michael, Corp., lOIsl Inf, Co. G ; enl. Aug 23, 1862, throe years; 

pro. to Corp. ; wounded at Fort Donelson ; disch. Sept. 20, 1805. 
Bogardus, Henry E., sergt., 31Ih Inf, Co. E; enl. May 18, 1861, two years; 

wounded in battle of Antietam, June 30, 1803. 
Albee. Emerson, Corp., 34th Inf, Co E ; enl. June 14, 1801, two years. 
Snyiler, David, private, 4th N. Y. Art., Co. I ; enl. Juno 4, 1864, two years; dUch. 

Oct. 20, 1804. 
Masco, Ebcnezer, private,14l8t Inf, Co. G ; enl. Aug. 22, 1802, three years ; disch. 

Jan. 10, 1S65. 
Aldrich, Adin T., private, 34th Inf, Co.E; oul. May 18, 1801, two years; disch. 

for disability, Aug. 15, 1801. 
Colgrove, William R., private, 34lh Inf., Co. B; enl. May IS, 1861, two years; 
wounded; disch. June 3*J, 180.3. 



406 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Baker, John Austin, private, 141st Inf., Co. G ; enl. Aug. 27, 18G2, three years; 

wounded at haltlo of Kpsaca, Ga. 
Casson, Mordecai, Jr.,corp.,2d Vet, CaT., Co. G; enl. Aug. 27, 1SG2, thrre years. 
Mourhes, George Wasliington, private, 141 st Inf. ; enl. Aug. 23, 1802, three years ; 

disch.; rccnl. Aug. 13, 18G4,in 5mhN. Y. Eng. 
Mourliea, Levi IJ., private, 2d Vet. Cav., Co. G; enl. Sept. 2, 1864, one year. 
Manley, M. V. M., private, 2d Vet. Cav., Co. G ; enl. Aug. 29, 18C3 ; three years. 
Kowley, William K., private, 141st Inf., Co. G; enl. Aug. 22, 1802, three years; 

wounded May 15, 1.SC4; disch. June 30, 18C5. 
Duly, John G., private, lllth Inf.; enl. Sept. 1, 1804, one year. 
Strait, Loren, private, Ist Inf.; enl. March 3,1802. two years; djgch. for disabil- 
ity, Aug. 8, 1802. 
Rowley, Cliarles H., capt., 141st Inf., Co. G ; enl. Aug. 24,1862, three years; pro. 

to capt, Dec. 1-5, 1803 ; disch. April 4, 1865. 
Parish, Daniel, private. Hist Inf., Co. G; enl. Aug. 22,1862, three years; disch. 

June, 1865, in Kentucky. 
Weaver, Caleb, private, 22d N. Y. Cav.; enl. three years. 
Raxter, Harvey Aaron, sergt, 2d Pa. Cav. ; enl. Oct. 8, 1861, three years. 
Baxter, Henry L., qm.-st-rgt., If-t N. Y. Cav.; enl. Aug. 1S61, tliree years. 
Simpson, llalstead, private, 2d N. Y. Vet. Cav.; enl. July 26, 1863, three years; 

disch. Nov. 8, 1865. 
Dininny, Churles Henry, private, 2d Pa. Cav.; enl. Oct. 10,1864, one year; disch. 

fur di^^ability, Sept. 1805, at Philadelphia, Pa. 
Vanderlin, Bullock, private, 86th N. Y. Inf. ; enl. Aug. 13, 1861, three years. 
Egbert, Bullock, private, 86th Inf.; enl. Aug. 15, 1861. three yeitrs. 
Baxter, George Fiauk, private, 84lh Inf ; enl. Sept. 10, 1861, two years; disch. 
Feb. 1803 ; re-eul. as corp. in 2d N. Y. Vet. Cav. ; pro. to sergt., March, 
1804; disch. J.in. 5,1805. 
Young, J(din P., private, l.-^t N. Y. Inf, Co. G ; enl. Aug. 1862, sixteen months ; 

disch. May 25, 18—. 
Young, Edward, Corp., 34tli N.Y. Inf.Co. E; enl. May 18, 1861, two years ; pro. 

to Corp., June 2, 1862; wounded twice; disch. June, 1863. 
Webb, Elbert C, private, 2d Vet. Cav., Co. G ; enl. Aug. 20, 1862, three years. 
Thomas, Charles, private. 

Elliott, William Jobn, private; died at home after leaving service. 
Gordon, Whitman, private; discli. Aug. 8, 1802. 
Dickinson, Arnold, Itt N.Y.Inf, Co. G ; disch. May 31,1863; re-enl.in 2d N.Y. 

Vet. Cav., Aug. 13, 1863. 
Greene, George, private, Ist N. Y. Inf., Co. G ; disch. Nov. 24, 1802. 
Belcher, Nelson, private, 107th Inf, Co. F. 

Carl, Lorenzo Dow, piivate, 2d Vet. Cav., Co. G ; enl. Aug. 1862, three years. 
Dates, Joseph Benjamin, private, 2d N. Y. Vet. Cav., Co. G; enl. July 20, 1863, 

three years; disch. June, 1805. 
Greene, Daniel M., private, 2d N. Y. Vet. Cav,, Co. G. 
Lowry, Chailes L., private, 2d Vet. Cav., Co. G. 
McColuni, Jacob, jirivatp, 2d Vet. Cav. 
McCastlin, Jacob E., private, 2d Vet. Cav. 
Montgomery, Addison, private, 2d Vet. Cav., Co. G. 
Spicer, Michael, blacksmitb, 2d Vet. Cav., Co. G ; enl. Aug. 1863, three years ; 

died at larrjicks hospital, New Orleans. La., May 28, 1864. 
Lyman, Thomas, private, 2d Vet. Cav. 
Cliapman, Silas. 
Albee, Elezer, private, 50th Inf., Co. A; enl. Aug. 9, 1864, one year ; pro. to coi-p., 

Oct. 15, 1804 ; disch. Sept. 11, 1805. 
Moore, Willis, private ; enl. Sept. 5, 1804. 
Moore, Lester, private ; enl. Sept. 5, 1864. 
Demun, John F., private ; enl. Sept. 12, 1864. 
Greeley, Jonathan, private ; enl. Sept. 12, 1804. 
Uoughtaling, Alfred H., private; enl. Sept. 12, 1864. 
Temple, Daniel, private, 2d N. Y. H. Art.; enl. Sept. 1863. 
Fcnton, Amos, private, 2d Vet. Cav., Co. G ; enl. Sept. 13, 1864, one year; disch. 

Aug. 23, 1805. 
Burt, Sylvenus Tursby, private, 188th Inf , Co. F; enl. Sept. 19, 1864, one year; 

disch. July 1,1865. 
Crow], George W., corp., 64th N. Y. Inf., Co. A ; enl. April 21, 1862, three yeai-s ; 

pro. to sergt., Oct. 10, 1804; disch. 
Crowl, Willard 11., private, 50th N.Y. Eng., Co. H ; enl. Aug. 29, 1S04, one year; 

disch. Juno 8, 1805. 
Schoonover, Benjamite, private, 141st Inf, Co. G ; enl. Aug. 15, 1862, three yeare; 

disch. June 8, 1865. 
Mcintosh, Wisfley, sergt., 86th N. Y.Inf, Co. C ; enl. Sept. 23, 1861, three years; 

pro. to Corp., May 18, 1802 ; to sergt., Jan. 1864 ; disch. June 13, 1865. 
Hamilton, Albert S., sergt., 141st Inf., Co. G ; enl. Aug. 22, 1862, three years- 
pro, to 1st sergt., Nov. I, 1804; wounded ; disch. Feb. 13, 1865. 
Simons, Caleb, private, 4tb N. Y. H. Art., Co. I; enl. Jan. 1, 1864, three years- 

disch. Sept. 20, 1805. 
Swan, David, private, 141st Inf, Co. G; enl. Aug. 2ti, 1802, three years ; disch. 

Jan. 28, 1803. 
Smith, Joshua C, 3d sergt, 14l8t Inf, Co. G; enl. Aug. 20, 1863, three years- 
pro, to 3d sergt, March 1, 1865; wounded ; disch. June 26, 1865. 
Benedict, George H., ord.-sergt., 2d Pa. Cav., Co. L ; enl. Sept 25, 1861, tliree 
years; pro. to ord.-sergt., Oct. 1862; taken prls. at Kicbmond ; impris- 
oned at Andersonville, and there died. 
Brood, Lester E., com.-sergt., 2d Pa. Cav., Co. L ; enl. Sept. 25, 1861, three years ; 

disch. July 20, 1865. 
Weeks, James, private, Hj7tli Inf., Co. F; enl. Aug. 4, 1862, three years; disch. 
July 17, 1865. 



Orvis, Emerson, musician, 103d Inf., Co. C; enl. June 25, 1802, three years; 

dif^ch. Jan. 25, 1864; re-enl. Jan. 26, 1864; disch. Dec. 1865. 
Orvis, Seymour F., drnnimer, 141st Inf., Co. I ; enl. Aug. 22, 1862, three years ; 

disch. June 8, 1865. 
Hurd, Sherman, private, 1st N. Y. Inf., Co. G ; enl. Jan. 13, 1862, sixteen months ; 

disch. May 25, 1863. 
Reynolds, Edwin M., i>rivate, 107th Inf, Co. F; enl. July 26, 1862, three years; 

died of disease in Antietam hospital, Nov. 20, 1862. 
Burt, Benjamin Franklin, private, 34th Int., Co. E; enl. May 18, 1861, two vears; 

pro. to Corp.; disch. with his regiment, June 30,1863 ; re-enl. Sept 2, 1864, 

at Avon, N. Y., for one year; disch. with regiment, July 1, 1865. 
Mudgelt, David Benjamin, private, 34th Inf, Co. E; ent. June 20, 1861, two 

yeiirs; disch. with rejziment, Juno 30,1803 ; re-eul. Sept 2,1864, at Avon, 

N. Y., for one year; taken prisoner at battle of Weldon, Va. ; in Lihby 

prison two montlis; disch. July 27, 1805. 
White, George Washington, private, 2d N.Y. Art.; enl. June, 1863, three years; 

taken pris.; tupposeil to have died in Libby prison. 
Smith, Samuel A., private, 141st Inf.; enl. Oct. 2, 1864, one year. 
Aldrich, Mijamin, private, 141st Inf, Co. G; enl. Aug. 1862, three years; killed in 

battle. Sept 15, 1803. 
Lacquay, Benjamin, private, 34th Inf, Co. E ; enl. May 27, 1861, two years; 

killed at battle of Fair Oaks, May 28, 1862. 
Orr, William, private, 50th N.Y. Eng.; enl. Jan. 1, 1864; died in hospital at 

Washington, Sept. 23, 18G4. 
Wbitehead, Hiram J., private, 141st Inf ; enl. Sept. 9, 1862, three years ; wounded 

at batile of Lookout Mountain, and died at Atlanta of such wounds. 
Fay, Thomas E., private, 141st Inf., Co. G; enl. Aug. 26, 1862, three years; disch. 

April 11, 1804 ; died Aug. 3, 1864. 
Van Vliet, Isaac Henry, private, Pa. Bucktails; enl. April 15, 1861, two years; 

missing at battle of Fredericksburg. 
Van Vliet, Deluss, private, 2d Vet Cav., Co. G ; enl. Feb. 1803, three years; died 

in buspitai at New Orioans, Aug. 29, 1863. 
Carr, James R., Ist lieut., 34th Inf., Co. E ; enl. May IS, 18G1, two years ; died 

Oct. 4, 1861, ill hospital at Danistown. 
Mead, Ebenezer, private, 8Gth Inf.; enl. Aug. 14, 1801, died in hospital at Troy. 
Coon, Jumes G., private, 34th Inf, Co. E; enl. May 18,1801, two yoiirs; mortally 

wounded and died in hospital in Philadelphia, Pa., Oct. 17, 1803. 
Myers, Martin J., private, 80Ih III. Inf; enl. Oct. 8, 1864. 
Mack, William Jefferson, qm.-sergt., 2d Vet Cav., Co. G ; enl. Sept 1803, three 

years; died of sickness, at Baton Rouge, Aug. 16, 1864. 
Benedict, George H., capt., 2d Ta. Inf; enl. Oct 1862; died Nov. 11, 1864, at 

Andersonville. 
Prentice, Martin S., private, 141st Inf ; enl. Aug. 21, 1862; Kalarama Hospital, 

D. C, Dec. 9, 1864. 
Schoonover, Thomas, private, 14l8t Inf, Co. G ; enl. Aug. 21, 1802, three years ; 

wounded at battle of Peach-Tree Creek; died at Atlanta, July 22, 1864. 
Cummings, Daniel, private, lu7th Inf.; enl. Aug. 4, 1862; died in hospital at 

Aquia Creek. 
Hurd, B,vrun B., private, 141st Inf.; enl. Sept 10. 1802; mortally wounded in 

battle of Ret^acji, Ga. ; died in hospital at Chattanooga. 
Wriyht, Lyniiin, private, 141st Inf.; enl. Sept 10, 1862; killed in battle. May 

15, 1804, at Res.ica, Ga. 
Aldrich, James, private, 188th Inf ; enl. Sept. 27, 1864, one year ; wounded be- 
fore Petersburg, and died of his wounds at Alexandria, Va. 
Lemunyan, Milo D., sergt., 34th Inf, Co. E; enl. May 28, 1861, two years ; re- 
enl. in 2d N. Y. Vet. Cav., Co. G; pro. to ord. -.sergt. ; died of disease at 

New Orleans, March 8,1864. 
White, Daniel, private, 34tli Inf, Co. E; enl. May 28, 1861, two years; killed at 

battle of Antietam. 
Grey, Peter, private, 2d N. Y. V.t. Cav., Co. G; enl. Sept 3, 1864, une year; 

died in hospital, Jan. 24, 18G5. 
Buck, John B., private, 34lh Inf, Co. E; enl. May 27, 1861, two years; died on 

David's I>laud, N. Y., June 9, 1862, of wound.s received in battle. 
Plemly, David S, private, 2d N.Y. Vet Cav., Co. F; enl. Jan. 1863, three years ; 

died Oct. 28, 1864, at New Orleiins General Hospital. 
Pensioner, Lewis, prvaite, 34ih Inf., Co. E ; enl. May 28, 1801 ; two years. 
Hatch, William, private, lo7tb Inf, Co. F; enl. July, 1863, three years; killed 

in battle of Chancellorsville. 
Bills, Abel, private, 34th Inf., Co. E; enl. Oct 1861 ; killed on picket duty near 

Alexandria. 
Manley, Lutlier B., private, 34th Inf., Co. E; enl. two years. 
Cummings, Richard, private, 34tli Inf, Co. E ; enl. July, 1801 ; disch. June 30, '63. 
Gibbs, Albert V., private ; enl. June, 1801, two yenr^ ; disch. June, 186.3. 
Mack, Clark Eugene, private, 34th Inf, Co. E; enl. May 22, 1861, two years ; 

died of disease in hospital at David's Island, N. Y., July 22,1862. 
Wright, Edsou, private, 141st Inf.. Co. G ; enl. Aug. 22, 1862, three years; disch. 

for disability, Sept. 19, 1804. 
Weeks, Alva, musician, 2d Pa, Vet. Cav., Co. G; enl. Jan. 2, 1862, three years ; 

disch. Dec. 16, 1863; re-enl. Dec. 16, 1803. 
Trim, George, private, 34th Inf., Co. E; enl. July 29, 1801, two years; disch. at 

expiration of service. 
Fenton, Jesse Warren, private, 2d Vet. Cav,, Co. G ; enl. Dec. 1863, three years ; 

disch. Nov. 8, 1865. 
Shumw;iy, Uri, wagoner, 86th Inf; enl. Aug. 17, 1801, three years; disch. May 

30, 1804. 
Butler, George, private, 2d Vet Cav., Co. G; enl. Sept. 2, 18'j4, one year; disch. 
Aug. 23, 1865. 



U B B A N A. 



GEOaaAPHICAL SITUATION. 
The town of Urbana is situated near the northeast part 
of the county, in latitude 42° and 30' north, and about 15° 
west from the meridian of Washington. It is bounded 
north by Pulteney and Prattsburgii, east by Wayne and 
Bradford, south by Bath, and west by a part of Bath and 
the town of Wheeler. 

PHYSICAL FEATURES. 

The surface of the town is divided into two nearly equal 
ranges of highlands by the valley of Keuka Lake and 
Pleasant Valley, which lies at its head. The lake and 
valley are skirted by hills which rise at fir.st quite abruptly, 
and then more gradually, until at a distance of from one to 
three miles they attain an altitude of nearly a thousand 
feet. The lake is twenty miles in length from Penn Yan 
to Hammondsport, from half a mile to a mile in width, 
and lies in a northeast and southwest direction. There is 
also another head to this lake at Branchport, six miles dis- 
tant from Penn Yan ; this branch lies nearly north and 
south, and is about eight miles long and half a mile wide. 
It is bordered by the same abrupt hills on each side, and 
is divided from tlie foot fork of the lake by Bluff Point, 
which, at or near the point, attains the width of a mile and 
gradually widens to two or a little more, and rises to tlie 
height of the corresponding hills on either side of the lake. 
The extreme elevation of Bluft' Point is reached about half 
a mile from the point which divides the waters of the lake, 
and is .seven hundred feet high ; yet the slope is so gradual, 
not only of Bluff Point, but of all the lands skirting the 
lake, that it is tillable to the water's edge. 

Pleasant Valley is bordered by the same range of high 
hills, which make a turn at the head of the lake, .so that 
the valley lies nearly east and west. At the head of the 
lake it is only half a mile wide, but gradually opens to a 
mile and a half at a distance of three miles up. The land 
of this valley is an unbroken level of heavy clay, but upon 
exposure to the atmosphere and frost slakes into a fine dark 
mould or loam. It is very strong and productive cither 
under the plow or for meadow-land, for which it is mostly 
used. 

The lands of this town have ever been celebrated for 
their very fine quality of winter wheat, and not only the 
certainty of a crop, but the extraordinary high flavor and 
perfection of almost all kinds of fruit. Both tlie soil and 
climate of this peculiar lake-basin, especially on its northern 
rim, render it emphatically a fruit section. The sloping 
lands on the north side of the valley and lake are the 
favored localities of the grape. The soil is a loose, gravelly 
loam, with a slight mixture of clay. In some places the 
gravel is round and clean, mixed with coarse sand and a 



slight portion of lime, which often adheres to the sand and 
gravel till the whole becomes a solid mass of concrete. The 
land is extremely dry, loose and porous, and without any 
hard pan, resting upon a slate rock formation. This rock 
occasionally crops out upon the surface, but is generally 
covered with several feet of the porous soil, which is ad- 
mirably adapted, not only to the growth of the vine, but 
to the perfect ripening of the most valuable varieties of 
the grape. 

The climate is mellowed by the cold, deep, and pure 
waters of the lake, and by the particular form and lieight 
of the hills, which so break up and destroy the currents 
of cold, swi«ping winds, that so cripple everything in 
their onward sweep over the more elevated and exposed 
localities not far distant. The average temperature of the 
thermometer is several degrees higher here than at any 
other locality in this county, and will compare favorably 
with that of the city of New York. Fog, also, which is 
the great enemy of the vine, as well as of the grape, is not 
known in this locality, while almost every clear morning its 
distant line is easily traceable along the valley of the Con- 
hocton River, only eight miles distant. This is probably 
caused by the fact that the lake and its tributaries are fed 
almost exclusively by clear, cold spring water. Cold Spring 
Brook, which forms its inlet, flows mostly from a limestone 
rock, and gushes up pure, cold, and sparkling. It is only 
five miles long, and yet it has been sufficient to propel two 
1-un of stone almost constantly for over seventy years. It 
u.sed to be celebrated for its fine speckled trout, till the line 
of the angler had so thinned their ranks that few have been 
taken of late years.* 

EARLY SETTLEMENT. 

In the spring of 1793 the first permanent settlers came 
to Pleasant Valley, — William Aulls and his .son Thomas, 
from Reading, Pa., — and .settled on the south side of the 
valley, and about one mile up from the lake. They cleared a 
piece, put it into corn, and raised sixty bushels from a single 
acre, being the first land cultivated in this valley. In the fall, 
Mr. Aulls returned to Reading, and brought his family via 
Blossburg, Lawrenceville, Painted Post, and Bath, with a 
two-horse wagon, following the road then just being cut 
through the forest. 

The same fall, Mr. Aulls was followed by Samuel Baker, 
Richard Daniels, and Amos Stone. The last three were 
actually the first who pitched their tents, as they had made 
their purchases before Mr. Aulls came. 

Richard Baker, Samuel Daniels, and Amos Stone were 
originally from the vicinity of Hudson, on the North River, 



• See history of grape culture, in general chapter. 

407 



408 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



as it was then called. They settled at or near the mouth 
of the Cowanesque River, in Pennsylvania, only a few miles 
south of our State line, in 1787. The land on which they 
settled had not yet come into market, and they chose to 
change their location rather than risk further improvements 
when any doubt rested with the title. 

3Ir. Daniels was of Dutch origin, small of stature, but 
tough and hardy, while his wife (whose name was Hoose) 
was tall and erect, and carried a mark of dignity in her 
every movement. Mrs. Baker was a daughter of Mr. 
Daniels, and the very image and pattern of her mother. 

Samuel Baker was a native of Connecticut. Wlien fif- 
teen years of age he was taken by the Indians, and re- 
mained a prisoner till released by the surrender of Bur- 
goyne at Saratoga. He afterwards enlisted in Col. Willett's 
corps, and served for a time in the army. He was a large 
man, not particularly tall, but his shoulders were high, and 
a large head set on a short neck, so that he was generally 
called a tall man. In his more advanced years he became 
corpulent, and his weight was something over two hundred 
pounds. They reared a family of six sons and six daughters, 
all of whom married and reared families. One son, Thomas, 
stood six feet four inches in his stockings, with the same 
high shoulders of his father, and when in tolerable working 
condition weighed two hundred and fifty pounds. 

Amos Stone was unmarried when they settled on the 
Cowanesque, but soon after married a Miss Ives, of New- 
town. These three men and their wives all lived past ninety 
years, except Mrs. Stone, who died about thirty years after 
their settlement in this valley. All these first families occu- 
pied the farms on which they first settled until they died. 

Samuel Baker died in 1842. He was prominent in the 
early settlement of the county, and for several years held 
the office of associate and first judge of the county court. 

Mr. Daniels took the farm on the north side of the inlet, 
at the head of the valley ; and Mr. Baker on the south side 
adjoining, while Mr. Stone took the next farm below Mr. 
Baker, on the same side of the stream ; Mr. Aulls next 
below Mr. Stone. This location had been selected by Judge 
Baker, while on a trip to Canandaigua, which he made 
through the woods by following the township line, which 
line, in crossing the valley, now forms the western boundary 
of the Hammondsport corporation. 

These were soon followed by William and Eli Read, 
Capt. John Sheathar, John Faulkner, and James and 
Abram Brundage, all of whom became fixtures except Capt. 
Sheathar, who located on the lake, and soon after gave place 
to Lazarus Hammond. 

Mr. Faulkner sold to Cornelius Younglove in 1807, and 
took a new farm about midway between the lake and Bath, 
on the Two- Rod road. This was a road cut as nearly in a 
direct line as the land would allow from Bath to Pratts- 
burgh. Capt. Stone paid for his farm in cutting this road. 

The most of the farms of those above mentioned are yet 
in the possession of their descendants. This is quite un- 
usual ; for men who settle a new country are more inclined 
to fall in love with the excitements attendant upon early 
settlements and follow their drift, than to tame down and 
run into the quiet habits and plodding way of the everyday 
old country farmer. 



Capt. John Sheathar was the original purchaser and first 
settler on lands where the village of Hammondsport now 
stands. He bought of Charles Williamson 145 acres, de- 
scribed as follows : " Beginning at a post on the bank of 
the inlet of Crooked Lake ; thence north two degrees east 
one hundred and sixty perches to a post ; thence west one 
hundred and forty-four perches and five links to a post; 
thence south two degrees west to a thorn-tree on the bank 
of the inlet ; thence down along said inlet of the lake to 
the place of beginning." The deed of conveyance from 
Charles Williamson bears date Sept. 25, 179C. Capt. 
Sheathar also bought at the same time a portion of land 
adjoining this, in what is now the town of Wayne, which 
he conveyed to his son, James Sheathar, Feb. 20, 1800. 

The premises on which Capt. Sheathar lived were sold at 
sheriff's sale, and Sheriff Wilson conveyed the same to 
William Root, of New York, in a deed bearing date Oct. 
30, 1802. The premises are described in the deed as "All 
that plantation or farm on which the said John Sheathar 
now resides, being partly in township number five in the 
second range and partly in town.ship number five in the third 
range." This place, containing 170 acres, and described as 
" all that part of lot number twelve in the tenth range of 
lots west of the inlet of Crooked Lake," was conveyed by 
William Root to Lazarus Hammond, June 9, 1807. Mr. 
Root did not complete his title, but sold his interest in the 
premises to Mr. Hammond for "ten dollars, lawful money 
of New York." Mr. Hammond completed his title to the 
above land, and 50 acres in lot twelve in the eleventh range 
of lots, Aug. 18, 1826. 

Capt. Sheathar, like most of the first settlers in this sec- 
tion, had been a Revolutionary soldier. He held a com- 
mission as captain of dragoons, and had the reputation of 
being an excellent officer and a favorite with Gen. Wash- 
ington. He lived on his farm at the head of Crooked Lake 
in good style, and fared sumptuously. He was a generous, 
hospitable man and a true patriot. He was a stout, portly 
figure and made a fine appearance on horseback, dressed in 
his Continental regimentals, as he used to appear on all 
celebration occasions. Some of the early settlers still living 
at Hammondsport have a distinct recollection of him, or of 
the desciiptions given of him by their parents and those 
who were his contemporaries. 

For many years the settlement in Pleasant Valley was 
the most prosperous, and one of the most important, in the 
county. The soil was very productive and yielded a supply 
for the inhabitants, and furnished much food also for the 
less fortunate inhabitants of the Pine Plains, as Bath was 
called. An old settler of Pleasant Valley gives the follow- 
ing account of the relation of the valley to Bath in those 
early days : 

" If it had not been for the valley the pine plains would 
have been depopulated. After court had been in session 
two or three days, you would see a black boy come down 
here on a horse, and with a big basket, foraging. He would 
go around to all the farms to get bread, meat, eggs, or any- 
thing that would stay life. Bath was the hungriest place 
in all creation. You couldn't trust a leg of mutton to any- 
body but the land-agent." 

The Brundages were early settlers in Pleasant Valley. 




c^/ 



Dr. M. T. Babcock is a Dative of Washington County, 
born April 30, 1825. 

He is the son of Oliver and Chloe Babcock. His ancestors 
on the paternal side were for several generations residents of 
Vermont ; on the maternal side, of Connecticut. 

His father took up his residence in Washington County 
about 1820, where he was married. About 1829 the family 
settled in Steuben County, in what is now the town of Read- 
ing, Schuyler Co., and a few years later removed to the town 
of Jerusalem, Yates Co., where the parents died. 

Dr. Babcock was reared on the farm, and attended district 
school until he was sixteen years of age, followed by several 
years as a student at Franklin Academy, and a teacher in 
Steuben and adjoining counties. He read medicine with Dr. 
P. K. Stoddard, of Prattsburgh, and during the same time 
learned dentistry. In 1852 he was graduated M.D. at Geneva 
JMedical College, having been admitted to the lecture courses 
of that institution the year previous. 

The same year of his graduation he established an office in 
Hamniondsport, and during the winter of 1854-55 attended a 
course of lectures at the Butfalo Medical College. After three 
years' practice in Hamniondsport he attended a second course 
of lectures at Buftalo, and resumed his practice of medicine, 
which he continued until the fall of 1862, when he was ap- 
pointed assistant surgeon in the 141st Regiment New York 
Volunteers, which position he held until the close of the war, 
and was honorably discharged. The following bears testi- 
mony of his valuable services as a surgeon : 

Headqu.\kters 1st Division, 20tii Ahmy Coni'S. 
Office Subgeon-i.v-Ohief, 
Near Washingto.v, D. C, May 30, ISfiS. 
To all whom it may concern : 

Assistant Surgeon Moses T. Babcock, lUst Regiment New York Vol- 
unteers, has been on duty at division hospital since July, 1864, and 
has shown marked fidelity in the performance of his duties as a medi- 
cal officer. 



In operative surgery he has been very successful, both in amputa- 
tions and in e.xcisions. During the long and arduous campaigns of 
Savannah, and from Savannah to Goldsboro', his services at divisidn 
hospital were regarded as indispensable. 

Always on duty, he has ever been ready to second and assist in 
carrying out any suggestions of the surgeon in charge. 

H. Z. GILL, 
Sdrgeoit V. S. Volunteers, 
Brevet Lt.-Col. and CniEF 1st Div., 20th Army Corps. 

Field Hospital, 1st Division, 20th Army Corps. 

Near Washington, D. C, June 4, 1865. 
To whom it may concern ; 

Assistant Surgeon M. T. Babcock, 141st New York Volunteers, at 
present on duty at hospital, 1st division, has been connected with 
said hospital during the campaigns of Atlanta, Savannah, and Oolds- 
boro*, during which time he has given gratifying evidence of his skill 
as a surgical operator by the success which followed. As a surgeon 
in charge of wards he always showed marked fidelity in administer- 
ing to the wants and comfort of the sick, and always prompt in the 
performance of his duties. His wards were always in a first-rate con- 
dition. Always on duty, and ever ready to promote and assist in the 
welfare of the sick and the duties which were required at a general 
field hospital, he was regarded as one of the most valuable officers. 
P. F. FLOOD, 
Surgeon 107th New York Volunteers, 
Formerly in charge Field Hospital, 1st Div., 20tii Army Corps. 

At the close of the war he resumed his practice in Ham- 
niondsport, and has a large ride in this and adjoining counties. 
Since 1805 he has been associated with his brother, Dr. O. H. 
Babcock, who is a graduate of Buffalo Medical College, but 
gives his attention largely to the practice of dentistry. 

Dr. Babcock has been a member of the County Medical 
Society for many years, and was elected president of the same 
in 1877, which position he held for one year. He has been 
an outspoken Republican since the organization of that 
party. 




I 

I 



John W. Taggart was born in the town of 
Middleburgh, Schoharie Co., N. Y., in 1811. 

His grandfather, William Taggart, resided at 
Newport, R. I., during the Revolutionary war ; was 
married twice, his wives being sisters — McComber. 

His children were thirteen, nine by the first wife 
and four by the second. One son was killed in the 
war for independence. 

His father, Henry Clark Taggart, was born Jan. 
27, 1786, and was youngest of the children; was 
married first to Miss Williams, of Newport, R. I. 
His second wife was Catharine, daughter of William 
Almy, of which union were born one son, John 
W., and two daughters, Mrs. H. N. Walter and Mrs. 
Bennett. 

Mr. John W. Taggart settled in Steuben County 
forty-five years ago, and since his r&sidence here has 
filled many places of trust and responsibility witli 



integrity, and ranked among the staunch citizens of 
the town of Urbana. 

His occupation during the most of his life has been 
that of a farmer. For some four years he has rep- 
resented his town in the Board of Supervisors of 
the county; has been president of the Steuben 
County Agricultural Society, and in 1863 repre- 
sented the First Assembly District of the county 
in the State Legislature. 

He has been twice married. Of his first mar- 
riage there were born three daugliters, — Elizabeth, 
Catharine (deceased), and Cynthia. 

His second wife, Ella, is the daughter of Martin 
Browneli, of Bath, and was a widow of the late 
Erastus Farr. Their marriage occurred Oct. 23, 
1877. Her children by her first marriage are John, 
James, and Ella ; by her present marriage with Mr. 
Taggart, one son. 



11 



TOWN OF URBANA. 



409 



The original Brundagc family in tliis country came from 
Wales and settled in Pennsylvania, near Wilkesbarre. In 
the year 1799, James and Abram Bruiidage came with 
their families to this county, and located at Painted Post, 
taking up their abode in a double log house, where they 
lived four years, when they removed with their families to 
Pleasant Valley, in this town, arriving there in April, 1803. 

James, the elder of the two, located where is now the 
residence of his youngest son, James M. Brundage. Abram 
Brundage settled about two miles farther up the valley, on 
what is now the farm of his son, Hiram Brundage. 

About the year 1807, Benjamin Brundage, the father of 
James and Abram, came from Pennsylvania to visit his 
sons, and while here died and was buried in tiie cemetery in 
Pleasant Valley. 

The family of Abram Brundage consisted of his wife, 
whose maiden name was Polly Sims, and ten children, as 
follows: Benjamin, William, James, Jesse, Charles, Mat- 
thew, Hiram, Alfred, Almira, and Abram S. Of these 
there are still living James, Charles, Matthew, Hiram, and 
Abram S., all residing in this county. 

Abram Brundage, Sr., was born in 1775, and died in 
September, 1861. During the war of 1812 and 1814, at 
the head of an independent company, organized in his im- 
mediate vicinity, he entered the army, and served during the 
greater part of the war on the northern frontier, and a por- 
tion of the time in Canada. During the remainder of his 
life he was familiarly known as Capt. Brundage. 

Of the descendants of Capt. Brundage who served during 
the late Rebellion were AddLson Brundage, now of Cold 
Springs, in Urbana, who enlisted in Co. G, 22d New York 
Cavalry, in November, 1863, and served until the close of 
the war. 

Monroe Brundage enlisted on the 23d of April, 1861, as 
a private in what was afterwards known as Co. I, 34th Regi- 
ment New York Volunteers, to which further reference is 
made in this work. 

The family of James Brundage consisted of his wife 
(whose maiden name was Mary Hoffman) and fourteen 
children, as follows : Philip, John, Abraham, Benjamin, 
Polly, Sally, Henry, Samuel, George S., Catherine, Eliza- 
beth, Daniel, James M., and Anna. Of whom there are 
Still living Sally Read, in Seneca Co., Ohio ; Anna Acker- 
man, in Waterloo, N. Y. ; James M. and Daniel, on the 
old homestead ; and George S., on an adjoining farm. 

The elder James Brundage was born in 1765, and died 
in 1839 ; his wife died in 1815 ; he subsequently married 
Love Blakeslee, who survived him. Philip Brundage served 
during a part of the war in the company of which his 
uncle, Abram, was captain ; he Wiis taken sick, and re- 
turned home, — his death following in a short time. Abra- 
ham Brundage (second) was drafted towards the close of 
the war, and the company to which he was assigned 
was ordered to Buffalo ; but by the time they reached 
Dansville the war came to a close, and the command was 
returned home and disbanded. Azariah C. Brundagc, son 
of Abraham Brundage (second), enlisted on the 25th of 
April, 1861, in what was Company T, 34th Regiment of 
New York Volunteer Infantry, and on the organization of 
his company wa.s elected a corporal, which pcsition he held 
52 



until the battle of Fair Oaks, Va., May 31, 1862, in which 
engagement he was wounded by a bullet in his neck, which 
he still carries. In consequence of this wound he was dis- 
charged from the service on the 30th of July, 1862. In 
the year 1877 he was elected to the Legislature from the 
First district of Steuben, and in the following year was 
re-elected by an increased majority. 

Cold Spring Valley was occupied by Gen. George McClure 
in 1802. Ho erected mills, and kept them in operation till 
1814, when Henry A. Townsend took possession of the 
valley, and resided in the " Cold Spring House" till his 
death, in 1839. Mr. Townsend removed from Orange 
County to Bath in 1796, was elected county clerk in 1799, 
and continued to hold the office till 1814. He was one of 
the most respected, useiiil, and influential of the early citi- 
zens. Upon the organization of the town of Urbana, in 
1823, he was elected to the office of first supervisor, and 
by successive elections held the office till 1832. 

Mr. Lazarus Hammond, the founder of Hammondsport, 
removed from Dansville to Cold Spring in 1810. He after- 
wards settled at Hammondsport, where he resided till his 
death. He was the first town clerk, elected upon the organ- 
ization of the town in 1823. He was sheriflF of the county 
in 1814, and afterwards associate judge of the county court. 

The first white child born in the town was that of Samuel 
Baker, Jr. ; the first marriage was that of Jonathan Barney 
and Polly Aulls, in 1794 ; the first death was that of John 
Phillips, in September of the same year. Eliphalet Norris 
taught the first school, at Pleasant Valley, in 1795. Caleb 
Chapman kept the first tavern at North Urbana, and 
Henry A. Townsend the first store at Cold Spring in 1815. 
Capt. John Sheathar built the first .saw-mill in the town, 
in 1797, and Gen. George MoClure the first grist-mill, at 
Cold Spring, in 1802. Elder Ephraim Sanford preached 
the first sermon, at the house of Judge Baker, in 1795. 

Darius Read was one of the first settlers at the head of 
Pleasant Valley, on the road towards Wheeler. On the 
20th of January, 1870, the following facts were elicited 
before a commission at Hammondsport, appointed by Hon. 
Guy H. McMaster, to inquire into the lunacy of said Read. 
A jury of twelve citizens was summoned by the sheriff, 
and Mr. Read, on examination, said that ho was eighty-one 
years old last August. He moved on the farm where he 
now resides in 1793 ; he had not been off the farm during 
the last fifteen years, nor to the village (three miles distant 
from his residence) since May, 1851, nearly nineteen years. 
Mr. Read has enjoyed almost uninterrupted good health, 
and called his neighbors by name as readily as though he 
had been meeting them frecjuently in the daily round of 
business, and yet many of them he had not seen during the 
past twenty years. One in particular had gone through all 
the changes from a school-boy to a silvery-bearded and bald- 
headed man, and had acquired a corpulency which an alder- 
man might envy, yet he was as readily recognized as if he 
had retained the freckled face and fla.xen hair of boyhood. 
Mr. Read's ideas were remarkably clear and his words well 
chosen ; in early life he had acquired a good common-school 
education, and had also had some experience in teaching. 

The jury refused to ajiply the word lunalic to his case, 
but, in accordance with his own wi.sh, recommended the 



410 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



appointment of a committee to see to liis affairs, he having 
a voice as to who the committee sliould be. Mr. Read liad 
spent most of his time for the last twenty years reading, and 
mo.st of his reading had been from the Bible. He had 
steadily avoided intercourse with his neighbors. His wife 
died in 1868, old but active to the last for one of her years. 

Daniel Bennitt, father of Benjamin and Samuel B. 
Bennitt, settled in Urbana, three miles north of Ham- 
moodsport, in 1796. He purchased land in what is known 
as the Schermcrhorn tract. Abram De Puy, David Hutches, 
Samuel Drew, Derrick Brink, Jo.seph Rosenkrans, Jonathan 
Easton, Henry Schoonhoven, John Daniels, and Samuel 
Townsend were some of the pioneers. 

Among the early settlers were John Phillips, Obediah 
Wheeler, John Walters, Cornelius Younglove, Reuben 
Hall, Andrew Layt«n, Henry Griffith, Daniel Kingsley, 
Caleb Rogers, Noah Griffith, Robert Harrison, Isaac Noble, 
Isaiah and Erastus Webster. Caleb Chapman settled on 
the place now occupied by Mr. Gleason, in North Urbana, 
where he first kept a log hotel. The first log tavern, where 
the " Urbana House" now stands, was kept by a man by 
the name of Hull. John Walters was the first settler on 
the farm now owned by James Brundage. Obediah Wheeler 
was several times supervisor of the town, was one of the 
early justices of the peace, and held the office as late as 
1861. Israel R. Wood, father of Jonathan Wood, settled 
in North Urbana in 1813. 

ORGANIZATION. 

Urbana was formed from Bath on the 17th of April, 
1822 ; a part of it was re-annexed to Bath, May 3, 1839. 
At the same time a part of Wheeler was annexed to Ur- 
bana, and a part of Pulteney, April 12, 1848. 

In pursuance of the organizing act, the first town-meet- 
ing was held at the school-hou.se in Pleasant Valley on the 
fourth Tuesday in Blarch, 1823, and Henry A. Townsend 
was elected Supervisor ; Lazarus Hammond, Town Clerk ; 
Andrew Layton, H. Griffith, and Abraham Brundage, 
Assessors ; Obediah Wheeler, Reuben Hall, and Abraham 
Brundage, Commissioners of Highways ; Caleb Rogers, 
Collector; Caleb Rogers, Daniel King.sley, and William II. 
Ennis, Constables ; Samuel Baker and William Read, 
Overseers of the Poor ; William Read, Edward Townsend, 
and Franklin Baker, Commissioners of Schools. 

The following, in the order named, were elected Over- 
seers of the twenty-one road districts into which the town 
was divided : Abraham Brundage, Samuel Baker, John 
Walters, Cornelius Younglove, William Read, John Brun- 
dage, Noah Griffith, Robert Harrison, John Daniels, Reu- 
ben Hall, Simon I. Jacobus, John Plane, John Richardson, 
Andrew Layton, Isaac Noble, Stephen Douglas, Isaiah 
Webster, Erastus Webster, John Loder, Simon Ingersoll, 
James Harrison. 

John Walters, Abraham Brundage, and Reuben Hall 
were chosen Fence- Viewers, and William Baker, Pound- 
Master. 

At this meeting a tax of $50 was voted for the support 
of the poor, and also to raise as much money by tax on the 
town as is received by the town from the State for the .sup- 
port of schools. 



At the general election, Nov. 3, 1823, Robert McCay 
received 67 votes for Senator ; James Norton, 59 votes ; 
John Bowman, 25 votes ; and James McCall, 18 votes. 
For member of Congress, Daniel Cruger received 69 votes, 
and William Woods, 25 votes. Grattan H. Wheeler ran 
against four other candidates for Assembly, the vote being, 
George McClure, 21 ; Elisha Hanks, 35; William H. Bull, 
30; Ichabod Andrews, 13; Grattan H. Wheeler, 68. 

Edward Town.send, Franklin Baker, and William Read, 
commissioners of schools, laid out seven districts in the 
town in 1823. The boundaries of District No. 1 were as 
follows : " Beginning at the southeast corner of Seth Read's 
lot, and running north to the north line of said town ; thence 
west along the said town-line to the town of Wheeler ; 
thence south along the line of the said town of Wheeler to 
the bounds of Cornelius Younglove's lot ; thence west along 
the said town-line to the town of Wheeler ; thence south 
along the said town-line to the corner of the .said town of 
Wheeler on the old Town road ; thence east to the bounds 
on Richard Daniels' lot ; thence along the north lines of the 
said Daniels', Younglove's, Eli Read's, and Lazarus Ham- 
mond's lands to the place of beginning." Those familiar 
with the " old landmarks," or who can trace the boundaries 
of this district on a map, can see what District No. 1 in the 
town of Urbana was 56 years ago. District No. 4 was 
called " Mount Washington District," and No. 7, '' Pleas- 
ant Valley District." 

On the 25th of May, 1827, the commissioners of schools 
reported $59.76 received from the State for the support of 
schools, and the same amount collected by tax from the 
town. This sum was divided among the districts as fol- 
lows: District No. 1, $12.08; No. 2, $5; No. 3, $9.61 ; 
No. 4, $19.21; No. 5, $16.91; No. 6, $14.98; No. 7, 
$33.05 ; No. 8, $8.08. 

In 1840, the amount received from the State for the 
support of schools was $229.62, and an equal amount raised 
by tax upon the town. The sum, being $459.24, was ap- 
propriated as follows : $367.39 for teachers' wages, and 
$91.85 for libraries. The number of children over five 
years of age and under sixteen, in the town, was 590. 
Three years later the number had diminished by 16, being 
574, and in 1848 was reduced to 550. After this there 
seems to have been a steady increase of the juvenile popu- 
lation. 

LIST OF TOWN OFFICERS. 

Supervisors. Town Clerks, CoUectors, 

1S23. Henry A. Townsunil. Lazarus Hammond. Caleb Rogers. 

1824. " •' " " " " 

1825. " " " " " '■■ 
1S26. " " William Hastings. " " 

1827. " " William Baker. " " 

1828. " " " " " " 

1829. " " Stephen S. Havens. " " 

1830. " " " '■ " " 

1831. " " " " " •' 

1832. John P. I'oppino. '■ " Daniel C. Miller. 

1833. William Baker, " " " " 

1834. " " " " " " 

1835. John J. Poppino. .Samuel Brundage, '* " 

1836. ■' •' Jacob Larrowe. Daniel W. Wheeler. 
Ig37^ I. II « <i « « 

1S3S. Amasa Church. " " " 

I SS'.l. Jacob Larrowe, William Randel. " " 

1840. Obediah Wheeler. ZenasCobb. " " 



TOWN OF URBANA. 



411 



1841. 
1842. 
1843. 
1S44. 
1845. 
1846. 
1847. 
1848. 
1849. 
1850. 
1851. 
1852. 
1853. 
1854. 
1855. 
1856. 
1857. 
1858. 
1859. 
1860. 
1801. 
1862. 
1863. 
1864. 
1865. 
1866. 
1867. 
1868. 
1869. 
1870. 
1871. 
1872. 
1873. 
1874. 
1875. 
1876. 
1877. 
1878. 



Supervisors. 
Obediah Wheeler. 
Peter Houk. 

Obediah Wheeler. 
William Baker. 
Aaron Coggswell. 
John J. Poppiuo. 
it It 

John W. Davis. 
John J. Poi)piuo. 
John Randel. 

A. S. Brundage. 
M. Brown. 
Orlando Shepherd. 

John Randel. 
John W. Taggart. 
Joseph A. Crane. 
John W. Taggart. 



Benjamin Myrtle. 



Absalom lladden. 



Benjamin iMyrtle. 



Absalom Hadden. 
G. W. Nichols. 



R. Longwell. 
Charles L. Bailey. 



Town Clerks. 
Barnum B. Mallory. 
Stephen S. Havens. 
H. L. Comstock. 
tt it 

Augustus Moody. 
Samuel L. Garey. 
William Randel. 
Melkiah S. Fenton. 
Stanley B. FairohiUI. 
Melkiah S. Fenton. 
Charles E. Halsey. 

Benjamin Bennitt. 
B. Franklin Drew. 



Collectors. 
E. A. Sweet. 
Daniel W. Wheeler. 

a a 

Philip J. Velio. 

Archibald Jones, Jr. 
Aaron Coggswell. 
Ira ^'an Ness. 
N. P. Williams. 
Jadies Covert, Jr. 



Lewis Wdod. 



Charles F. Kingsley. 

a i( 

Ilnbert D. Rose. 
G. W. Elwell. 
J. S. Tobias. 
Reuben L. Seeley. 
Frank L. Kingsley. 
Oliver 11. Babcock. 
De Witt Bander. 



Orson C. Mattison. 



B. M. Coggswell. 
Dugald Cameron, Jr. 



William Wright. 
James Donnelly. 
Trevor Moore. 
James Laughlin. 
N. W. Bennett. 
it it 

Frank E. Hastings. 
.John Q. Brown. 
Robert 0. Laughlin. 
John Prey. 
Ilobart J. Moore. 



R. Longwell. 
Clark H. Bronson. 
Addison Damoth. 



Trevor Moore. 
Clark H. Bronson. 
.'( it 

Charles G. Wheeler, 
Charles B. Ci-ane. 



•nrSTICKS EI.KI'TEI> UV THE PEOPLE."' 



1827. 



1830. 
1831. 
1832. 
1833. 
1834. 
1835. 
1836. 
1837. 
1838. 

1839. 
1840. 
1841. 
1842. 
1843. 
1844. 
1845. 
1846. 
1847. 

1848. 
1849. 
1850. 
1851. 

1852. 
1853. 
1854. 



Isaac Noble. 
Obediah Wheeler. 
John Powers. 
Matthew Brink. 
.Tohn J. Poppino. 
Obediah Wheeler. 
Morgan L. Schermerhorn. 
Stephen S. Havens. 
Abraham Brundage (2d). 
Jacob Larrowe. 
Jacob Larrowe. 
Dryden Henderson. 
John Randel. 
Meredith Mallory. 
Peter Houk. 
Jacob Larrowe. 
Abraham Beales. 
John Randel. 
Obediah Wheeler. 
Monroe Gillett. 
Harlowe L. Comstock. 
Dyer Cranmer. 
Anson Coggswell. 
Joseph S. Finton. 
Joseph S. Finton. 
Harlow L. Comstock. 
Dryden Henderson. 
James Ennis. 
Dyer Cranmer. 
Thomas White. 
Dyer Cranmer. 
Delanson Latimer. 



1854. 
1855. 
1856. 
1857. 
1858. 
1859. 

1860. 
1S61. 
1862. 
1863. 
1SG4. 

1865. 
1866. 

1807. 

1868. 
1869. 
1870. 
1871. 
1872. 



1873. 
1874. 

1875. 
1876. 
1877. 
1878. 



Matthias Clark. 
Benjamin Bennitt. 
Ephraim Sanford. 
Stanley B. Fairchild. 
Dyer Cranmer. 
Oliver D. Tobias. 
John R. Brown. 
Benjamin Bennitt. 
Obediah Wheeler. 
Oliver D. Tobias. 
David Wortman. 
Daniel B. (Tarleuhousc. 
Edmund P. Smith. 
Azariah C. Younglove. 
M. M. Clark. 
Andrew A. AVhite. 
Edmund P. Smith. 
Benjamin Bennitt. 
Oliver H. Wheeler. 
Wiliiiim Wright. 
Benjamin F. Drew. 
Abijah Palmer. 
Jacob W. Wheeler. 
Benjamin Bennitt. 
Samuel C. Haight. 
Charles L. Bailey. 
Benjamin F. Drew. 
Orin E. Loveridge. 
David Casterline. 
Benjamin Bennitt. 
Benjamin F. Drew. 



* Law passed April 7, 1827. 



VILLA(;K of HAMMONDSl'Oirr. 
This village is situated at the head of Crooked Lake, or, 
as the Indians called it, Lake Keuka. This lake is a beau- 
tiful sheet of clear water, fed by springs and the rain which 
falls upon the surface of the slopes and surrounding hills. 
It has no streams of any considerable importance entering 
it, except Cold Spring Brook, at Hammnndsport, and ]ja- 
zalier Creek, at Braiichport. The valley in which this lake 
is situated is an excavation of more than tliree liundred feet 
in depth, through the shales and grits of the Erie group of 
rocks. The hills rise on the west shore from three to four 
hundred feet above the water, and on the east shore from 
two to three hundred feet ; the surface of the lake itself 
being two hundred and seventy-one feet above that of Seneca 
Lake. It is navigable for steamboats and barges from Ham- 
mondsport to Penn Yan, a distance of twenty miles, and 
also, on its west branch, to Branchport, in Yates County. 
One of tlie mo.st singular features of Lake Keuka is its 
division into two branches by a bold and beautiful promon- 
tory, called Bluff Point, which thrusts itself like a blunt 
wedge between its beautiful, clear waters, and is itself an 
object of attraction amidst the surrounding scenery. The 
soil upon this bluff, and upon the highlands on either side, 
extending far away into the surrounding country, is pro- 
ductive farm-land, and well cultivated, while along the 
slopes and abrupt declivities which border the lake are the 
finest vineyards to be found in the country. 

The fruit of this peculiar region, as well as that of Pleas- 
ant Valley, at the head of the lake, has received appropriate 
attention in an earlier part of this work. 

The importance of Lake Keuka for navigation, and for 
the transportation of the products of a large extent of 
country to market, attracted attention to Hammondsport at 
an early day. Before the construction of the Jlrie Canal, 
most of the products of the Genesee country passed south- 
ward, by the Susquehanna and its tributaries, to markets in 
Harrisburg, Columbia, Baltimore, and Philadelpliia. They 
were hauled to the nearest places accessible by arks on the 
Canisteo, Tioga, and Conhocton, loaded aboard of these 
rude crafts, and when the rivers were at a suitable piteli in 
the spring, run down to the markets along the Susquehanna 
and on the sea-board. From the first settlement of the 
country till 1825, or during the first quarter of a century, 
these arks were the only means of transportation to market, 
except by teams, over long and almost impassable roads. 
"Wheat, flour, pork, venison, staves, and lumber of all kinds 
found their way to market in this manner. 

Col. Williamson, during his administration at Bath, ivas 
indefatigable in having the streams cleared of their ob- 
structions and opened to this kind of navigation. Mud 
Creek was explored and made navigable to its confluence 
with the Conhocton, and arks were first run down from 
Bath and Bartles' Hollow, and then from Arkport on the 
Upper Canisteo. It was ascertained that, by improving the 
streams, the produce of tlie country could be carried to 
Baltimore, a distance of three hundred miles, in the spring 
of the year, for a mere trifle. Gen. Geo. McClure was one 
of the earliest and must enterprising men in demonstrating 
the practicability of this kind of transportation for grain 
and lumber. In the spring of 1795 he ran the first ark 



412 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



loaded witli staves down the Conliocton from Bath ; in 
1800 he removed to Dansville, opened a store, and during 
the winter took in 4000 bushels of wheat and 200 barrels 
of pork, whieh he shipped in the spring on four arks from 
Arkport, on the Cauisteo, to Baltimore. In 1802 he pur- 
chased the Cold Spring mill-site, half-way between Bath 
and the head of Crooked Lake, of one Skinner, a Quaker, 
with 200 acres of land, and also purchased, from the land- 
office and others, about 800 acres to secure the whole priv- 
ilege. Here he erected a saw-mill, flouring-niill, fulling- 
mill, and carding-machine. The fluuring-mill, with two 
run of stones, was completed in the best manner in three 
months. Gen. McClure's design in building this mill was 
to convert as much as practicable of the wheat of the 
farmers into flour, it being safer to ship over so dangerous 
a navigation than the wheat in bulk, which was sure to be 



Crooked Lake, notwithstanding the famous embargo of 
President Jefferson. This, however, turned out a fruitless 
enterprise, as the farmers usually did not thrash their grain 
and get it ready fov market till winter, and then the lake 
was frozen over and the schooner could not sail. 

We have thus given the history of the first commerce 
on Lake Keuka, and the first commercial enterprise at 
Hammondsport. From this time forward till 1825, the 
place exhibited nothing beyond the ordinary routine of 
farm-life. Capt. John Sheathar, as we have .seen, was the 
first settler, in 1796. The land originally purchased by 
him became the property of Judge Lazarus Hammond, in 
1807. Several years after, Judge Hammond became a 
resident of the place, and built his house on the site of the 
present residence of Deloss Rose, Esq., on Sheathar Street. 
He laid out a portion of his farm into lots and streets, 




o&tzzS^ 



lost should tlie ark be wrecked on tlie passage. He sent 
hand-bills into all the adjoining country, offering liberal 
prices for wheat delivered at his mills or at his stores in Penn 
Yan, Pittstown, or Dansville. He received during the first 
winter 20,000 bushels of wheat, two-thirds of which he 
floured and packed in barrels at his mills, and in the winter 
built eight arks at Bath and four on the Canisteo, and in 
the spring ran the flour to Baltimore and the wheat to 
Columbia. He cleared enough in that one year's operations 
to pay all the expenditures and improvements on his Cold 
Spring property. 

While operating at Cold Spring, Gen. McClure erected 
the first store-house at Hammondsport. He also built the 
first vessel on the lake, the schooner Salli/ of about thirty 
tons burden, for the purpose of carrying wheat from Penn 
Yan to his store-house at the head of the lake. This was 
in 1803. He advertised his vessel as a regular trader on 




and gave the public square to the village. William Hast- 
ings was the first merchant, and built the first store, in 
1825. Lemuel D. Hastings came in that year and entered 
his brother's store as clerk. He remained in that capacity 
till 1835, when he embarked in mercantile business for 
himself, and has continued in it ever since. In the fall of 
1825, Ira G. Sniith, of Prattsburgh, came and erected a 
store ; and about the same time a few others put up build- 
ings about the public square. 

The construction of the Erie Canal, at this period, 
changed the entire route of transportation for the pro- 
ducts of the country, — sending them north to that great 
thoroughfare, and thence eiist to the seaboard, instead of 
southward by the waters of the Susquehanna. Crooked 
Lake became the most available route to the Erie Canal 
for the products of all this section of country, and 
gave to Hammondsport, at the head of the lake, a new 




'-'^- 




..^IT' 



7^- 




(Jf-^^^/A. m^^^^^ 




BEiNJAMlJSI MYKTLE 



was born Dec. 29, 1814. Married Arabella Smith, Nov. 
16, 1838. Born and lived in Wheeler until Oct. 6, 
1857, when he moved to Hammondsport, where he now 
lives. His children were Arabella, now wife of Dr. C. 
S. Stoddard, of La Crosse, Wis. ; Van Buren, now of 
Wellsboro', Pa. ; and Maggie, wife of O. H. Young- 
love, of Pleasant Valley. He is one of fifteen children 
of Philip Myrtle, who was born in Bucks Co., Pa., in 
1773. Married Rebecca Walters in 1795. The two 
yeare succeeding he lived on a small island in the 
Susquehanna Eiver, named " Hill Island." In 1797 
he moved with his family to Bath, Steuben Co., N. Y. 

This proved a tedious and laborious task, and re- 
quired six weeks to reach Painted Post. He moved 
up the river in a canoe, and at night hauled the 
craft and turned it bottom up to shelter the family. 
At Painted Post he left the family and proceeded to 
Bath on foot, with his axe and gun. On his way he 
had the good fortune to kill a large black bear. A por- 
tion of the meat he sent back to his family by tlie mail 
carrier, and sold the skin for five dollai-s. This proved 
a godsend, as his funds \yere entirely exhausted. 

At Bath he engaged with John Wilson, sheriff of this 
county, to manage a distillery, which he did for three 
years. After a few days he returned to the Post for his 
family, and took- them to Bath, where he remained until 



he purchased forty acres of land in the town of Wheeler, 
where he built a log house to which he moved his family 
in 1800, and lived fifty years, until his death. 

This forty acres he purchased at two dollars and fifty 
cents per acre, and for which he paid with seven years' 
continuous hard labor. This was the nucleus about 
which clustered the old Myrtle homestead of six hun- 
dred acres, mostly cleared, and much of it in a high 
state of cultivation, and all paid for at the time of his 
death. 

The trials and hardships of the early pioneers seem 
more like a fable than reality. He found it no fiction. 
He was obliged to winter his cattle by cutting trees for 
them to browse. No hay, and grain scarce. The shoes 
for himself and family were made from deer-skin which 
he dressed himself. The nearest mill was at Bradford, 
and required three days with ox-team and sled to make 
the trip. 

He raised a family of twslve children (losing three 
in infancy), all of whom are now living. Ail are married, 
and all raised families except one. It is now seventy- 
three years since one of these children died ; of the girls 
five are now widows. There are about sixty grand- 
children, nearly all of them living. Three sons and 
nine daughters are now living, and about the same num- 
ber of great-grandchildren. 



TOWN OF URBANA. 



413 



importance. The agent of the Pulteney estate, taking 
wheat and produce in payment for lands, made this the 
shipping-point by barges on the lake to Penn Yan, whence 
it was hauled by teams to Dresden. The farmers gener- 
ally, for several counties around, disposed of their surplus 
products through the same channel. In this way a large 
amount of grain and produce was handled for several years, 
and all that was wanting to make Ilamniondsport the head 
of navigation, connected with New York and all interme- 
diate cities by a continuous line of boats and barges, was a 
canal connecting Crooked Lake with the Seneca. The 
"Albany Regency," seeing the importance of this project, 
got a bill through the Legislature establishing the Crooked 
Lake Canal, in 1830. In 1831 the enterprise was com- 
pleted, and at once Hammondsport became a city of " great 
expectations." While the canal was in prospect a new 
impulse had been given to the place ; lots were laid out 
and sold ; new buildings were erected ; the population con- 
siderably increased ; and the business, by no means small 
before, was rapidly augmented. Messre. Olcott and Ger- 
inaiti, of Albany, Judge Whiting, Charles Butler, and Mr. 
Dezeng, of Geneva, known as the Hammondsport Com- 
pany, came and purchased of Judge Hammond and Wil- 
liam Ha.stiugs all their land which remained unsold. The 
progress of building received a rapid impulse ; all the large 
warehouses and stores now in the village were erected 
during this rapid period ; many speculators and capitalists 
were attracted to the place, and many investments made 
which subsequently proved profitless. 

At this time neither the Chemung nor the Genesee Val- 
ley Canal had been constructed, and Hammondsport was 
really the shipping-point for the entire extent of country 
embraced in Allegany, the southern part of Livingston 
County, a large part of Chemung, .Steuben, and Tioga 
County, Pa. Situated at the head of navigation for all 
this extent of rich agricultural and lumbering country, 
and with direct communication by boats with the city of 
New York, the expectation was not unnatural that Ham- 
mondsport was destined to become a large place ; and this 
expectation was in a measure realized till the Genesee Val- 
ley Canal cut off a large portion of her tributary territory ; 
and even after that she enjoyed a good degree of prosperity 
as the exclusive shipping-port of Steuben County till the 
opening of the great Erie Railway, in 1850, and the Corn- 
ing and Rochester branch, in 1852. 

Immediately after the opening of the Crooked Lake 
Canal, a number of new merchants came in from Geneva 
and Ithaca. The first steamboat, the Keuka, was built 
and put upon the lake by the company in 1835. A. M. 
Adsit and John Gregg built another boat to run in com- 
petition with the Keuka, and sold it to Capt. Allen Wood, 
who ran the boat, and also a small " propeller," for some 
six years. The Yates, now running on the lake, was 
built by Holmes & Co., of Penn Yan. Capt. Wood sold 
his boats to Holmes & Co., who own and run the Steuben 
and the Yates. The Lvlu, a small boat recently started, 
was built by Sanders & Hall, of Hammondsport, in 1878. 

A. M. Adsit was one of the leading merchants of the 
village, with Deloss Rose and William Hastings & Co. ; 
and after the opening of the canal did a large business in 



the transportation of grain. Adsit & Co. were proprietors 
of a line of deck-boats which made regular trips from New 
I'^ork City to Hammondsport. J. W. Taggart, of Cold 
Spring, and Dugal Cameron, of Plea.sant Valley, were Adsit 
& Co.'s agents in New York. A. M. Adsit was succeeded 
by J. W. Davis ; Deloss Rose, William Hastings & Co., 
by L. D. Hastings and G. W. Nichols. These merchants 
were also dealers in lumber and wool, which at one time 
were large interests, and a large amount of money was an- 
nually paid out by them to the fiinncrs for their produce. 

In 1831, Gen. George McClure built a saw- and plaster- 
mill at Hammondsport. He also built a house, and resided 
here up to the time of his removal to Illinois. John Ran- 
del came here from the city of New York, in 1833. He 
was born in that city, in 1801, and had been a merchant 
there. On his arrival in Hammondsport he opened a store 
on the corner where the Steuben House now stands. In 
1852, he built the brick store which is now a part of the 
Railroad House, on Water Street. Mr. Raudel was in 
business as a merchant in Hammondsport about twenty- 
three years, and was justice of the peace in 1838 and 1842. 
The Mallory stone mill, which still stands as one of the 
prominent landmarks, was begun by Meridith Mallory, of 
Yates County, in 1835, and finished in 1836. About 
$30,000 were invested in the engineering and construction 
of the mill, which were entirely sunk, as the enterprise 
never paid a cent on a hundred dollars. The mill is four 
stories in height and was supplied with three overshot 
wheels, one above another ; the water, which had an im- 
mense fall, was brought from the "Gulf Stream," in a canal 
or race dug along the side-hill. John Capell, of Peim Yan, 
was the master millwright, and Mr. Van Autrick, a son-in- 
law of Mr. Mallory, the engineer. The mill was a first- 
class merchant- and custom-mill, with four run of stones, 
and finished in splendid order. Had the expectations of 
Mr. JIallory been realized, it no doubt would have been a 
fine property. Mr. Mallory came to reside here, and was 
elected justice of the peace in 1838. Previous to coming 
here he had been elected member of Congress in Yates 
County. 

The first school-house in the village was built in 1827. 
It stood on the site of the present St. James (Episcopal) 
Church. The present large stone building was erected for 
an academy in 1858. J. W. McLaury was principal, and 
had the charge of the school about six years, while it con- 
tinued an academy. He was an excellent teacher, and lefl 
the impress of his influence and character upon the com- 
munity. He removed to the West, and is now a resident 
of the State of Iowa. 

The present public school employs three teachers, — four 
during the winter season. An effort is being made to 
change it into a union free school, under the manage- 
ment of a board of education, which will soon be success- 
fully accomplished. 

Steamboats make regular daily trips between Hammonds- 
port, Penn Yan, and all intermediate points. During the 
spring and summer of 1878, a small steamer has also made 
trips to Eranchport and other landings along the lake. 
Hammondsport is also connected with Bath by a narrow- 
eauf'e railroad, which was commenced in 1872 and opened 



414 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



in 1874. The town of Urban.i w,is bonded for $40,000, 
and the corporation of Batli for $30,000, to build the road, 
wliieh was expended in grading and laying the ties. It was 
then leased to Capt. Allen Wood, who ironed it, furnished 
the rolling-stock, and now operates the road as lessee of the 
company. 

PHYSICIANS. 

Dr. Ezekiel B. Pulling was one of the early physicians 
of Hammondsport, and a man of considerable eminence in 
his profession. He died at Batli from the effects of poison 
received in making a post-mortem examination. Another 
of the early physicians was Dr. Amasa Church. 

The present physicians arc Dr. C. E. Campbell, Dr. 
Moses T. Babcock, and Dr. Oliver H. Babeock. 

Three lawyers reside and practice in the village, viz., 
Benj. Bennitt, Benj. F. Drew, and Monroe Wheeler, Esqs. 

URBAN.A. LODGE, NO. 459, F. AND A. M. 

Chartered June 17, A.D. 1859, a.l. 5859. The first 
officers were Clark Bell, W. M. ; J. B. Van Auken, S. W. ; 
Peter Marsell, J. W. 

Bank of Hammondspout; Ainsworth & Co., Bankers; 
e.stablished as a branch of Mr. Ainsworth's Bank of Pratts- 
burgh, in 1878. — The building, formerly a law-office, has 
been fitted up in good style for banking purposes, and the 
institution seems to be entering upon a career of prosperity. 

incorporation and officers. 

On the 16th of June, 1850, an order was entered in the 
Court of Se.ssions of Steuben ('ounty, incorporating the 
village of llaniniondsport under the general law of the 
State. The petitioners were Delos Rose, S. B. Fairchild, 
William Hastings, S. Waterous, Henry Benham. and Ben- 
jamin Bennitt. The corporate limits of the village, as 
defined in the articles, were as follows : " Beginning at the 
northeast corner of lot number ten in the twelfth range of 
lots in township number five in the second range of town- 
ships; thence south four and a half degrees west twenty 
chains and sixty-four links to the centre of the Inlet 
Bridge, on the road crossing the valley ; thence north 
eighty-four and a half degrees west nine chains and fifty 
links to 0. Shepherd's line ; thence north six degrees west 
fourteen chains ; thence north eighty-five and one-half de- 
grees west nineteen chains, hitting the .south end of 0. 
Shepherd's shed or stable ; thence north four and one-half 
degrees west six chains and twenty-four links ; thence 
south eighty-four and one-half degrees east eight chains 
and fifty links to the west line of said township ; thence 
north four and one-half degrees east on said township line 
twenty-six chains and twenty-eight links to the northwest 
corner of said lot number ten ; thence .south eighty-four 
and one-half degrees east forty-two chains and fifty links, 
along the north line of said lot number ten, to the place of 
beginning ; constituting one hundred and seventy-one 
acres and seventy-nine one-hundredtlis of an acre, and no 
more, into a village by the name of Hammondsport." 

The population included within these limits, at the date 
of incorporation, was 530 inhabitants. The vote was taken 
on the 29th day of June, 185G, and stood 47 for incorpor- 
ation and 34 against it ; 81 being the whole number of 



votes cast. The first election for officers was held on the 
22d of November, 1856, when the following were elected : 
Trustees, William Hastings, John Randel, J. N. Crane, J. 
W. Davis, Clark Bell ; Assessors, Orlando Shepherd, Ben- 
jamin Bennitt; Collector, Lewis Wood; Treasurer, John 
Waterous ; Clerk, B. Frank Drew. 

1857. — Trustees: William Hastings, John Randel, J. 
N. Crane, J. W. Davis, Clark Bell ; Assessors, Henry 
Benham, Orlando Shepherd, Benjamin Bennitt ; Collector, 
Lewis Wood ; Treasurer, John Waterous ; Clerk, F. P. 
Wisner. 

1858. — Trustees: John Randel, William Hastings, J. 
W. Davis, E. P. Smith, T. H. Bacon ; A.ssessors, Henry 
Benham, Orlando Shepherd, B. Bennitt ; Collector, Lewis 
Wood ; Trea.surer, John Waterous ; Clerk, F. P. Wisner. 

1 859. — Trustees : Eber B. Van Keuren, J. J. Buchanan, 
Benjamin Myrtle, Deloss Rose, E. P. Smith ; Assessors, 
Orlando Shepherd, Lester Lee, J. B. Van Auken ; Treas- 
urer, Samuel Waterous ; Collector, Lewis Layton, Jr. ; 
Clerk, Hubert D. Rose. 

I860.— Trustees: G. W. Nichols, B. Bennitt, J. H. 
Keeler, O. D. Tobias, M. T. Babcock ; A.sses.sors, J. B. 
Van Auken, D. Henderson, N. V. Wintermute ; Treasurer, 
Samuel Waterous; Collector, Peter Marccll ; Clerk, Thomas 
H. Bennitt. 

1861. — Tru.stees: Moses T. Babcock, B. Bennitt, Oliver 
D. Tobias, Lewis Layton, Jr., Henry 0. Fairchild ; Asses- 
sors, Salmon P. Garey, Orson C. Mattison, N. V. Winter- 
mute ; Treasurer, Samuel Waterous ; Collector, Peter Mar- 
.sell ; Clerk, Thomas H. Bennitt. 

18G2. — Trustees: Benjamin Myrtle, Moses P. Babcock, 
John W. Davis, G. W. eIwcII, Thomas H. Bennitt.; As.ses- 
sors, Edwin P. Smith, John H. Keeler, N. V. Wintermute ; 
Treasurer, Samuel Waterous ; Collector, Oliver I). Tobias, 
Clerk, Thomas H. Bennitt. 

1863. — Trustees : Benjamin Myrtle, J. W. Davis, A. J. 
Switzer, G. W. Elwell, D. Cameron ; Assessors, G. D. 
Mitchell, D. Henderson, H. 0. Fairchild ; Treasurer, E. B. 
Van Keuren ; Collector, B. M. Coggswell ; Clerk, T. Mit- 
chell. 

1864. — Trustees: John Randel, Eber B. Van Keuren, 
Deloss Rose, Walter L. Moore, Benjamin Myrtle; Assessors, 
Alfred Brundage, Charles Harvey, Dryden Henderson ; 
Treasurer, Samuel Waterous ; Collector, A. B. Stoutenbui-gh ; 
Clerk, H. D. Rose. 

1865.— Trustees: G. W. Nichols, J. H. Keeler, R. H. 
Green, Henry Benham ; Assessors, E. P. Smith, J. R. 
Brown, S. W. Barrett ; Treasurer, Samuel Waterous ; Col- 
lector, O. D. Tobias ; Clerk, De Witt Bauder. 

1866.— Trustees: M. T. Babcock, W. L. Moore, S. S. 
Fairchild, A. J. Switzer; Assessors, E. P. Smith, A. H. 
Morris, D. Cameron, Jr. ; Treasurer, Samuel L. Waterous; 
Collector, O. D. Tobias; Clerk, A. A. White. 

1867.— Trustees: M. T. Babcock, S. S. Fairchild, W. 
L. Moore, G. W. Nichols, L. I. Rose ; Asses.sors, H. Ben- 
ham, J. R. Brown, Drew Glann ; Treasurer, Samuel Wate- 
rous; Collector, 0. D. Tobias; Clerk, A. A. White. 

1868.— Trustees: Grattan H. Wheeler, Hessel Smith, 
Matthew Hetterman, Jacob Frey, S. S. Fairchild ; Assessors, 
Robert Snow, Drew Glann, James Smith ; Treasurer, 



..^s^'^:^?*-*. 





David Bailey 



|VIrs. David Bailey. 



m: 



y£ :^ V\ ;# 




RESIOtIl_,. ADSIT BAILEY, URBANA, ST£U8£N CO..N.Y. 



i 



TOWN OF URBANA. 



415 



Samuel Waterous; Collector, Frank Covert; Clerk, Win. 
W. Wrigiit. 

1869. — Trustees : Nelson Jewell, Matthew Hefferman, 
Jacob Frey, Ed. W. Cotton, Bela K. Streety ; Assessors, 
Jlobert Snow, A. A. White, David Costerline ; Treasurer, 
Peter Morsell ; Collector, Frank M. Covert ; Clerk, James 
Donnelly. 

1870.— Trustees : Jacob Frey, Allen Wood, Deloss Rose, 
G. W. Nichols, B. Frank Drew ;• Assessors, Grattan H. 
Wheeler, John Randel, ]>enjau]in Myrtle ; Treasurer, J. S. 
Thorp; Collector, Francis M. Covert; Clerk, William W. 
Wright. 

NEW CHARTER. 

At a special election, held on the 24th day ol' January, 
1871, it was determined, by vote, to reincorporate the village 
under the general law pa.ssed April 20, 1870. Thirty-six 
votes were cast, 33 of wliicli were in favor of the change, 
and the new charter was accordingly adopted. The officers 
elected March 21, 1871, were, Absalom Hadden, President; 
George W. Nichols, Allen Wood, and Walter L. Moore, 
Trustees; Benjamin P. Drew was chosen Treasurer; and 
George C. Wise, Collector. At the first meeting of the 
board, William W. Wright was chosen Clerk ; David Burch, 
Police Constable ; and J. B. Van Auken, Chief Engineer 
of the Fire Department. The president was authorized to 
procure a seal and an order-book for the village, and the 
regular meetings were appointed for Tuesday evening of 
each week. At the following meeting, March 28, 1871, 
David Costerline was appointed Street Commissioner. 

The following have been chosen presidents of the village 
under the new charter : Absalom Hadden, 1872; Grattan 
H. Wheeler, 1873; B. R. Streety, 1874; S. S. Pairchild, 
1875; 0. H. Babcock, 1876; Grattan H. Wheeler, Jr., 
1877; Trevor Moore, 1878. 

The following have served as trustees of the village for 
the years named : George W. Nichols, Allen Wood, Wal- 
ter L. Moore, 1871 ; Grattan H. Wheeler, Allen Wood, 
George W. Nichols, 1872; S. S. Fairchild, G. E, Rosen- 
krans, Allen Wood, 1873 ; Robert G. Snow, John W. Davis, 
David Costerline, 1874 ; Jules Ma.s.son, Patrick York, David 
Costerline, 1875 ; Jacob Frey, Jules Masson, Patrick York, 
1876; Patrick York, John R. Brown, Jacob Frey, 1877; 
George E. Rosenkrans, John R. Brown, Patrick York, 
1878. 

The treasurers under the new charter have been Ben- 
jamin P. Drew, 1871-76 ; James S. Thorp, 1876 ; Henry 
C. Ainsworth, 1877 and 1878. 

The collectors under the new charter have been George 
C. Wise, 1871; Addison Damoth, 1872; Francis M. 
Covert, 1873-75; John Wager, 1875; Jabez C. Mills, 
1876; Daniel Damoth, 1877 and 1878. 

Hobart J. Moore has been regularly appointed corpora- 
tion clerk, and has served in that capacity since 1872. 

In April, 1871, the fire department was reorganized un- 
der Jacob B. Van Auken as Chief Engineer, Almon H. 
Eggleston, First Assistant, and Wm. Benner, Second As- 
sistant; 25 members were added to the company, and 
the board made an appropriation for the repairs of the en- 
gine and engine-house. Improvements have gone steadily 
on ; the creek, known as the Gulf Stream, has been sub- 



stantially walled at considerable expense, and sidewalks laid 
and kept in good repair in every part of the village. It 
would be difficult to find a village where the effects of good 
corporation regulations and careful enterprise on the part 
of the board are more apparent than in Hammondsport. 

CHURCHES. 
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. HAMMONDSPORT. 

The Presbyterian Church of Hammondsport was organ- 
ized Sept. 14, 1831. A committee of the Presbytery of 
Bath, consisting of Rev. Isaac W. Piatt, Rev. S. White, 
Mr. Elam Bridges, and Mr. Baueliman, the two latter rul- 
ing elders, met at Hainniondsiiort for the purpose of or- 
ganizing a Presbyterian Church, at which time the follow- 
ing persons, members of different Presbyterian Churches, 
presented letters of dismission from their respective churches, 
namely : Samuel A. Hastings, Lucinda Daniels, Eliza C. 
Flagler, Augustus Moody, Thomas Judd, Thomas White, 
and Stephen K. Tourtellot, whereupon the committee or- 
ganized them into a Presbyterian Church. The church 
then elected Samuel A. Hastings a ruling elder, and he 
was set apart to his office in the usual way, the exercises 
being concluded with prayer. 

Judge Hammond gave the lot upon which Wm. Hastings 
built the first house of worship, and gave it to the society. 
This is the house now occupied as the Catholic church. 

Hammondsport then gave promise of becoming a large 
place, a centre of business enterprise and trade, being 
largely patronized by the surrounding country and towns. 
Many people moved in during that year. It was a year of 
great revivals in many places, and also in this place. Meet- 
ings were held by Rev. Mr. Finney with great success. 

Rev. Mr. Flagler was the first pastor of this church, 
remaining one year and a half, during which time 43 were 
added. Arrangements were made for holding a series of 
meetings, but failing to do so they were afterwards con- 
ducted by Rev. Mr. Ordway and Rev. Mr. Rudd, of Pratts- 
burgh. These meetings resulted in many conversions. 

The second pastor was Rev. Mr. Adams, who remained 
a year and nine months ; 24 were added during his minis- 
try. That year, especially the fall of 1834, was a sad time 
for Hammondsport. A terrible fever prevailed, which was 
also prevalent in many other places that season, causing 
many deaths. So general and so fatal was this fever that 
many became disheartened, and quite a number removed 
from the place. 

Rev. Mr. Delevan was the third pastor. He was a young 
man just entered upon the ministry ; was married while 
here, and his wife died here. He stayed with the church 
three-fourths of a year, during which time 40 were added. 
The fourth pastor was Rev. R. E. Wilson, whose minis- 
terial labors were also begun here, and for fourteen years- 
he continued the faithful shepherd of his flock, "leading 
them into green pastures and beside the still waters." 
During his ministry 133 were added. During the winter 
and spring of 1843 there was an interesting series of meet- 
ings, Mr. Wilson being assisted by Rev. IMr. Minor, of 
Penn Yan. 

The present house of worship was dedicated in 1847. 
The society purchased the parsonage in 1849. In the win- 



416 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



ter and spring of that year there was "a series of revivals, 
in which Mr. Wilson was assisted bj Rev. Mr. Hawley, of 
Penn Yan. 

The fifth pa.stor, Rev. S. Mills Day, was a young man 
of much talent and ability, just from the seminary. He 
remained five years, and received 44 members into the 
church. Then came Rev. S. Vorhis, who was the sixth 
pastor of the church. He held protracted meetings in the 
winter and .spririj:, resulting in quite an extensive revival. 
As the fruit of his labors 42 were added. Mr. Vorhis 
was radical in politics as in religion, and it was during 
his ministry here that the late war was begun and ended. 
The church was united in sustaining him ; its doors were 
thrown open fur war-meetings, and whatever pertained to 
the interest of our soldiers and the Union. Four young 
men of this society were sacrificed upon the altar of our 
country, — Willie Vorhis, the eldest son of the pastor, whom 
many remember as a young man of great promise ; Solomon 
Clark, son of Matthias Clark, a former elder of the church ; 
George K. Benham, and Daniel S. Layton. The first died 
in Libby prison, Richmond ; the others were killed upon 
the field of battle. 

Rev. 0. H. Seymour was the seventh pastor. Forty- 
eight were added under his ministry, — 32 at one time, — 
mostly young people, who were converted during the re- 
vival in the winter of 1866. Rev. D. Chichester succeeded 
him, and remained over six years. Eighteen were added 
during his ministry, which was suddenly terminated by death, 
in January, 1876. He was a man to whose sterling worth 
and genial social qualities the church and the county will 
ever delight to bear testimony. He had arranged, previous 
to his death, for a series of meetings to be held during the 
" week of prayer," which were afterwards ably conducted 
by Rev. Mitchell, of Lakeville, with a deep religious im- 
pression upon the community. 

After the death of Mr. Chichester, the church was with- 
out a settled pastor for some time, although never without 
church services. A part of the time the church was ably 
supplied by Rev. Mr. Townsend, of Attica, N. Y. 

Rev. B. Bosworth commenced preaching for the church 
on the first Sunday in November, 1876, as a stated supply, 
and was subsequently chosen pastor, in which capacity he 
still ofiiciates. 

The elders of the church have been Samuel A. Hastiuas, 
Dr. N. Stebbins, William Brewster, Elijah Judd, Matthias 
Clark (deceased), Allen Dunning (deceased), Aaron Rosen- 
krans, Solomon Clark, L. D. Hastings. 

The Sabbath-school was organized five years before the 
formation of the church, exercises being held in the old 
school-house. It has ever since been maintained with 
interest. The early members are now widely scattered, — 
some among the living, others among the dead. China 
holds the dust of one young man, Frederick Brewster, who 
went from this Sabbath-school, and died upon the mission- 
ary field. To many it is still a place of sacred memories, 
around which cluster the familiar faces of teacher, pastor, 
classmate, friend, — a dear remembered group, now widely 
separated by distance, perchance by death. 

This church was early in unison with the temperance 
movement, and was instrumental in bringing about a better 



state of things in regard to the drinking and sale of in- 
toxicating liquors in this village, resulting in the total 
abolishment of it from the dry-goods stores, in all of which 
it was previously sold the same as any other article of mer- 
chandise. 

ST. JAME.S' CHURCH. 

St. James' Church, Hanimondsport, was organized June 
15, 1829, by Rev. William W. Bostwick. The following 
were the first officers certified to in the instrument of incor- 
poration : Henry A. Townsend and John Powers, Wardens ; 
Lazarus Hammond, Cornelius Younglove, Ezekiel B. Pull- 
ing, Israel R. Wood, John Mitchell, Jr., and Zelotes Knapp, 
Vestrymen. Said certificate was signed and sealed in the 
presence of Mrs. Elizabeth H. Townsend and Charles N. 
Tuttle, by Rev. William W. Bostwick, John Powers, and 
H. A. Townsend. 

During Mr. Bostwick's rectorship, in 1832-33, the first 
church edifice — which is still standing, although removed 
to give place to the new one — was erected, and was con- 
secrated by Bishop Onderdonk, Aug. 27, 1833. At this 
time 25 communicants were reported. The lot on which 
the old church stood, and where the new church now 
stands, was given by Messrs. Germain and Whiting, and 
deeded by them Sept. 24, 1836. The building committee 
of the old church were Lazarus Hammond, Ira G. Smith, 
and John J. Poppino. Nathan Taylor was the builder, 
and the cost was $1600. Rev. Mr. Bostwick retained the 
rectorship some fourteen years, residing at Hanimondsport 
all the time. Up to 1833, when the church was conse- 
crated, his services were given to several places ; but from 
1833 to 1840 his time was divided equally between Bath 
and Hammoudsport. Then for two years he gave part of 
his time to Wayne and Hornellsville instead of Bath. In 
1842 he resigned his rectorship and soon went West, where 
he died Oct. 5, 1845, in the forty-ninth year of his age 
and the twenty-first of his ministry. 

In the spring of 1835 a bell was procured for the old 
church, of Lewis Aspinwall, of Albany, N. Y. It cost 
$119, and is now used temporarily in the new church. An 
organ was also procured of Thomas Wagstaflf, in 1846, 
costing $300. 

After Mr. Bostwick, Rev. Philemon Coe officiated awhile 
in 1842-43. Then for some six years Rev. Erastus Spald- 
ing had charge of the parish, up to 1849. For some time 
in 1849-1850, Rev. Loren Ru.ss was minister in charge. 
The next rector was Rev. Charles Woodward, who remained 
from November, 1850, to some time in 1852. After Mr. 
Woodward, Rev. (now Dr.) Parke officiated from 1853 to 
1855. All those following Mr. Bostwick held short rector- 
ships. Then came Rev. Daniel E. Trowbridge, who was 
rector fifteen years. After 1870, when Mr. Trowbridge 
resigned. Rev. James Stoddard was in charge about three 
years. Then, with some vacancies. Rev. Mr. Cushing 
officiated about one year, and was succeeded by the present 
rector. Rev. H. V. Gardner, who entered upon his duties 
July 1, 1875. 

The corner-stone of the new church was laid by Bishop 
Coxe, April 18, 1876. It was consecrated by the same 
June 12, 1877. The new church, valued at 110,000 and 
complete in all its appointments, is of a style and workman- 



TOWN OF URBANA. 



417 



ship that will bear examination. The windows, by Mr. 
Samuel West, of Boston, are valued at $1000, and the 
organ, by Steer & Turner, of Westfield, Mass., at $1200. 
Washington Irving Tillotson, of Oneida, N. Y., was the 
architect, and Jacob Allington, of Penn Yan, the builder. 
The building committee was Rev. H. V. Gardner, John W. 
Davis, Deloss Rose, T. M. Younglove, D. Bauder, and 
Charles L. Bailey. 

The parish has a rectory and glebe valued at $3000. 
The present number of families is about 00, communicants 
100, and the parish is in a flourishing condition. 

MILITARY RECORD OP URBANA. 

Babcock, Hlopes Treat, nsst. sur., lilst Inf. ; must. Sept. IS, 18tJ2, three years. 
Charles Marion Brace, btigl er, 21 st Cav., Co. K ; enl. Oct. 25, 18G3, three years ; 

taken prisuner at Winchester, also wounded in left leg below knee. 
Harrison, Lysander Woodard, corp., 76th Inf, Co. E ; drafted July 13, 1803, 

three years; pro. to Corp., July 1, I8(>4 ; trans, to 91st Kept., N. Y. Vnla. 
Henry, Noble Faircliild, private, 22d Cav., Co. G ; enl. Dec. ll,18G3, three years ; 

taken prisoner on Wilson's raid, June 29, 1864; taken to Bichraond, 

from thence to Andersonville, whore he snfTered the barbarities of the 

rebel Wirz; prisoner five months and seventeen days. 
Carr, John, private, 22d Cav., Co, G; enl. Jan. 5, 1864, three years; taken pris- 
oner on Wilson's raid, Jnne 2D, 1864 ; exchanged April 28, 1865. 
Donelly, James, private, 34th N. Y. Inf., Co. I; enl. May, 1861, two years ;disch. 

Jnne 30, 1863; re-eol. as corp. in 22d Cav., Co. G, Nov. 12, 1803, three 

years; pro. to sergt., July 1, 1865 ; disch. Ang. 1, 1865. 
Warren A. Royke, bugler, 22d Cav., Co. G; enl. Nov. 26, 1863, three years; 

disch. Ang. 1. 1865. 
Benham, Frank Henry, private, 22d Cav., Co. G ; enl. Nov. 14, 1863, three years ; 

taken prisoner at Cedar Creek, Nov. 12, 1864; exclianged March 1, 1865. 
Addison, Brundago, private, 22d Cav,, Co. Ci ; enl. Nov. 29, 1863, three years; 

taken prisoner on Wilson's raid south of Petersburg, June, 1864; disch. 

July. 1865. 
Ousteront, Abrani, private, 34th Inf., Co. I; enl. May 1, 1861, two years; disch. 

June 30, 1863. 
Stratton, Isaac, private, 22d Cav., Co. G; enl. Dec, 15, 1863, throe years; taken 

prisoner on Wilson's raid, June, 1864, and taken South, where he died 

of starvation, Oct. 1864, at Andersonville. 
Brundage-, Azariah Conger, corp., 34th Inf., Co. I; enl. April 25, 1861, two years; 

wounded at Fair Oaks in the neck by musket-ball, in consequence of 

which he was disch. July 30, 1862. 
Ousteront, Cornelius, private, 161st Inf., Co. A ; enl. Ang. 20, 1862, three years; 

died Nov. 21, 1864, of chronic diarrhoea and quick consumption at homo, 
Morrison, Hiram, private, 22d Cav., Co. G ; enl. Feb. 29, 1864, three years ; disch. 

about Aug. 1, 1805. 
Jacobus, Henry, corp., 34th Inf., Co. I; must. Jnne 15, 1861, two years; disch. 

June 30, 1863. 
Jacobus, Jesse, private, 34th Inf., Co. I ; must. June 15, 1861, two years ; was 

wounded in thigh at Fair Oaks; had an amputation, and died Jnne 4, 

1862 ; buried on or near battle-field. 
Bardeen. Lewis, private, 22d Cav., Co. G; enl. Nov. 16, 1863, three years; was 

wounded in the head at Smithfield. 
Barrett, George, private, 22d Cav., Co. G; enl. Dec. 12, 1S63, three years; disch. 

about Aug. 1, 1865. 
Church, Amasa Edward, private, 22d Cav., Co. G; enl. Nov. 11, 1863, three yeai's ; 

served as clerk for Medical Director; disch. Aug. 1, 1865, 
Carr, Henry, private, 22d Cav., Co. G; enl. Nov. 13, 1863, three years; disch. 

Aug. 1, 1865. 
Stone, James Madison, drummer, 34th Inf., Co. I ; enl. May 3, 1861, two years; 

disch. June 30, 1863. 
Carrigan, Avery, private, 22d Cav., Co. G ; enl. Nov. 14, 1863, three years ; disch. 

Aug. 1,1865. 
Wright, William Wilson, 1st Heut., 102d Inf., Co. F; enl. Feb. 3, 1862, three 

years; pro. to eergt., March 26, 1862; to orderly-sergt, May 21, 1862; 

to 2d lieut., April 4,1863; to 1st lieut., Aug. 1, 1864 ; to capt., Nov. 26, 

1864. but not mustered; enl. in 7Sth Regt.,but trans, to 102d N. Y. Vols.; 

wounded and taken prisoner at Cedar Mountjiin, Ang. 9, 1862 ; exchanged 

at Aiken's Landing, Nov. 6, 1862 ; wounded again at Chancellorsville, May 

3, 1863. 
Harrington, James Clement, private, 34th Inf., Co. I; enl. April 19, 1861, two 

years; disch. June 30, 1863; re-enl. in 22d Cav., Co. G, Nov. 12, 1863, 

three years; pro. to sergt., Nov. 18, 1863; to com.-sergt., June 1, 1865; 

disch. Aug. 1, 1865. 
Coats, Philander, private, 22d Cav., Co. G ; must. Feb. 2, 1864. 
Edgerton, Harris, private, 22d Cav,, Co. G ; enl. Nov. 13, 1863, three years ; disch. 

from hospital (can ascertain nothing more). 
Simmons, George B., private, 194th Inf., Co. C; enl. March 11,1865, three years; 

did not go to the front, and was must, out soon after enlisting. 
Goff, Wm. Henry, private, 34th Inf., Co. 1 ; enl. May, 1861, two years ; disch. 

June 15, 1863; re-enl. in 22d Cav., Co. G, Dec. 12, 1803, three years; pro. 

to sergt. ; disch. Aug. 1, 1865. 

53 



Woodniff, Sanitiel, private, 22ii Cav., Co, G; piil. Dec. 18G3, three years; wa.s 

taken prisoner on Wilson's rai<i, June 29, 1864, nntl sent to Florence, 

S. C, where lie died, Dec. 18, 1804, of starvation. 
Sweezy, Walter Townsliend, private, Ist Vet. Cav., Co. 1; enl. Oct. 20, 18G;i, 

three years; disch. with regim''nt. 
Everett, Isaac D., 22d Cav., Co.G, three years ; prisoner of war; died at .\nder- 

sonville, Ga., Ang. Vj, 1864. 
Bradley, James, private, 189th Inf., Co. C; enl. Sept. 3, 1864, one year; disch. 

May :iO, 1865. 
Dyer, Elisha. private, 189th Inf., Co. <^' ; enl. Sept. ;i, 1864, one year ; disci). May 

30, 1865. 
Laughl in, Charles, private, 189th Inf., Co. C; enl. Sept. 3, 1864, one year; disch. 

May 30, 1865. 
Carr, George Bnrd, private, 189th Inf., Co. C; enl. Ang. 16, 1864, one year; 

disch. May 30, 1 SOS. 
Cornell, William, private, 189th Inf., Co. C ; enl. Oct. 12, 1864, one year; disch. 

May 30, 1865. 
Wood, Franks., private, 189th Inf., Co. C; enl. Ang. 31, 1864, one year; disch. 

May 30, 1865. 
White, Samnel, private, 189th Inf., Co. G; enl. Sept. 3, 1864, one year; disch. 

May 30,1865. 
Mnrray, George W., private, 161st Inf., Co. 11; enl. Aug. 20, 1862, three years; 

sick from Jan. 1, 1862, and disch. Aug. 9, 1S63. 
Williams, Ezra B., capt., Co. E, 88lh U. S. Col'd Inf. ; enl. Aug. 25, 1862, three 

years; pro. to capt., Aug. 25, 1S63, and trans, from the 161st N. Y. Vols, 

to 88th U. S. Col'd Inf. ; must, out Aug. 12. 1864, at consolidation of regt. 
Jayne, William Austin, private, 189th Inf., Co. C; enl. Ang. 28, 1864, one year; 

disch. May 25, 1865. 
Larowe, Asa Stewart, Corp., 34th Inf., Co. I; enl. April 22, 18G1, two years; 

disch. June 30, 1863. 
Powers, Wm. Bradley, act. asst. snrg., 157th Inf, Co. I ; drafted July 15, 1863, 

for three years; disch. for disahility. 
Ketchum, Wilbur, private, 189th Inf., Co.C; enl. Aug. 31,1864, one year; disch. 

May 30,1865. 
Larowe, Eugene B., capt., 34tll Inf., Co. I ; enl. May 22, 1861, two years ; pro. to 

sergt., Oct. 1,1861; to 2d lieut., July 1, 1,S62; to 1st lient., Dec. 13,1862; 

to capt., March 16, 1863 ; disch. with regt. 
Ellison, Frank Oscar, private, 189th Inf., Co.C; enl. Ang. 1S64, one year; 

disch. May 30, 1866. 
Woodrutf, Francis Marion, private, 189th Inf., Co. C. 
Wheeler, Oliver Howard, sergt., 78th Inf., Co. F; enl. March 6, 1862, three 

years ; taken prisoner at Cedar Mountain, and taken to Richmond ; ex- 
changed at Aiken's Landing, Sept. 13, 1862 ; disch. at e.^p. of term. 
Henderson, Bufus J., private, 107th Inf, Co. G ; enl. Aug. 5, 1862, three yeai«; 

wounded at Antietnm, Sept. 17, 1862; disch. Oct. 24, 1864. 
Bronson, Clarke H., Corp., 78th Inf. ; enl. June 4, 1862, three years ; taken 

prisoner at Cedar Mountain, Aug. 9, 1862; paroled Sept. 15, at Belle 

Island ; exchanged Nov. 1862 ; disch. Feb. 13, 1863, for disability. 
Wheeler, George, corp,, 189th Inf., Co. C; enl. Sept. 13, 1864. one year; pni. 

to corp. at muster ; disch. May 30, 1865. 
Glackin, William, private, 34th Inf., Co. I : enl. May 20, 1861, two years ; ilisch. 

March 12, 186.3. for disability. 
Barnes, Dorin, private, ."4th Inf., Co, I; enl, June 15, 1861, two years; killed 

in seven days' fight before Richmond, 
Bronson, Henry S,, priv.ate, 34tli Inf, Co, I; enl, April 22, 1861, two years; 

disch, July 16, 1861, 
Burd, Daniel, private, 34th Inf,, Co, I; onl, April 18, 1861, two years; disch, 

June 30, 1803, 
Baker, Delezon H,, private, .34th Inf,, Co, I; enl. Juno 1,5, 1S6I, two yean; 

died at Harper's FeiTy, Nov, 1862, and buried there, 
Crofoot, Oi lando M,, private, 34th Inf,, Co. I ; must, Aug. 15, 1861, two years ; 

wounded at Fair Oaks, and disch. Aug. 1863. 
Evans, Norman, private, 34th Inf., Co. I ; must, Jnne 15, 1861, two years, 
Fairfield, Walter S,, private, 34th Inf, Co, I ; must, June 15, 18«1 , two years ; 

died at Fredericksburg, Va,, and buried there. 
Hurley, John U., private. 34th Inf., Co. I ; must. June 15, 1861, two years ; killed 

at first Fredericksluirg, Dec. 13, 1862, and buried there. 
Greek, Ezra, private, 34tli Inf., Co. I ; must. Juno 15, 1861, two years; killed at 

Antietam, Sept. 17, 1862. 
Mathews, Manley F., sergt., 34tb Inf , Co. I ; must. June 15, 1861, two years; 

pro. to sergt., July 1, 1862 ; disch, June .'io, 1863. 
McDonald, Michael, private, 34th Inf, Co. I ; must, June 1.5, 1861, two years; 

disch, Jan, 19, 1863, on account of wound received at Antietam, 
Boss, William Penn, private, 34tli Inf,, Co, I ; must. June 15, 1801, two years ; 

disch. Jan. 1, 1862, for disability. 
Sprague, Samuel, private, .34th Inf., Co. I ; ninst. June 15, 1861, two years ; died 

Juno 25,1861. 
Taylor, George, private, 34th Inf., Co, I; must, Juno 15, 1861, two years; re- 
enl, in 189th N. Y. Vols. 
Tomlinson, WiUmr F,, private, 34tli Inf,, Co. I ; must. Juno 15, 1861, two years ; 

taken prisoner at Malvern Hill. 
Thayer, Eli R., corp., 34th Inf, Co. I : must. June 15, 1861, two years ; pro. to 

Corp., July 1,1S62. 
Templer, Chester, 34tli Inf, Co. I; must. June 15, 1861, two years ; wounded at 

Malvern Hill and discharged. 
Williams, George W., coi-p., 34th Inf., Co. I; must. Juno 15, 1861, two years; 

disch. Juno 30, 186:i. 



418 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



McCaljo, Llewellyn, Corp., 3Jtli Inf., Co. I ; must. June 15, 18(;1, two years ; ilietl 

at Al(!xan<Iria, Vii., May 2'.i, ISIVJ, of fever, aii'l Iiuried tliere. 
Sweeney, JanieH, private, ;J4th Inf., Co. I ; enl. April 14, 18G1, two years; (lirscli. 

with regt., June 30, 18C3. 
Clark, Solomon J!., private, .'i4tli Inf., Co. I ; cnl. .\pril, 1861, two yearn ; killed 

at Fair Oaks, May 31, 1802, and buried there. 
Bonham, Lemuel, »ergt,, 34th Inf, Co. I; enl. May 22, 1801, two years; disrh. 

April 9, 18C3. 
EdBall, Samuel, A., private, 34tli Inf., Co. I; enl. April 10, 1801, two yeare; iljfich. 

Dec. 1, IS61 ; re-enl. in 78tli Inf., Co. K, Jan. 1802, for three years. 
Jacobus, Samuel, private, inih Cav. ; enl. P'eb. 12, 18G4, three years; wounded 

at St. Mary's Church in left side. 
Emmet. Orrcn, sergt., 34th Inf., Co. I ; must. June 15, 1801, two years; disch. 

Juno 30, 1863 ; re-enl. in 22d Cav., Co. O, Feb. 2, 1804, three years; pro. 

to Ist lieut., and trans, to Co. D, June 22, 186.'j; disch. with regt. 
Reece, Theodore, private, 189th Inf, Co. C ; must. Sept. 13, 1804, one year. 
"Webber, Uicliard II., private, 34tli Inf, Co. I ; must. June 15, 18G1, two years ; 

disch. June 30, 1863. 
Scoliold, Wni. B., private, I4th II. Art., Co. C; enl. Dec. 28, 1863, three years. 
Bailey, Steplion Andrew, private, 189th Inf., Co. C; must. Se|it. 13, 1804, one 

year; died at Sickles' Barracks hospital, Alexandria, June 10, 1865. 
Woodruff, tleorge Washitigton, private, 34tli Inf, Co. I : enl. May, 1861, two 

years ; disch. June 3(1, 1803 ; re-enl. in 14th H. Art., Co. B, Dec. 16, 1863, 

three years ; disch. Aug. 24, 1865. 
Woodruff, Volney, private, 34th Inf., Co. I ; enl. May, 1801, two years; disch. 

Juno 30, 1863; ro-cnl. in Mil] II. Art, Co. B, Aug. 1803, three years; disch. 

Aug. 24, 1865. 
Robison, Silas Way, sergt., 34tli Inf., f'o. I ; enl. May 22, 1801, two years ; pro. 

to sergt., Oct. 1, 1862; to orderiy, March 1,1863; disch. Jnue 30, 1863; 

re-enl. in 189th Inf, Co. C, for three years, and must, as Ist lieut., Sept. 

16, 1864 ; pro. to capt., Feb. 9, ISOr. ; disch. May 30, 1805. 
Booth, Ambrose Erasmus, private, 180th Inf, Co. II ; enl. Sept. 1, 1804, one 

year; disch. Aug. 14, 1805, 
Edgar, William, private, 189th Inf., Co. C ; must. Sept. 13, 1864, one year ; disch. 

May 30, 1865. 
Ballard, Isaac M., private, 7Cth Inf, Co. E; drafted July 15, 1803, for three 

years. 
Decker, Simeon, private, 189th Inf., Co. C; enl. Aug, 1804, one year; disi-h. May 

.30, 1865. 
French, James, private, 2Gth Inf. ; enl. April, 1861, two years ; re-enl. in 22d 

Cav., Ca). G, and must. Feb. 2, 1864 ; taken prisoner, and died at Andor- 

Bonville, Ga., Oct. 15, 1864. 
Sherman, Ira L., private, Ist Art., Co. K ; onl. Sept. 21, 1861, three years ; disch. 

Sept. 21,1862. 
Van Orsdal, A. C, private, ]S9th Inf., Co. C; enl. Sept. 3, 1804, one year; disch. 

with regt., May 30, 1865. 
Haight, Samuel C, sergt., 1st Art., Co. E ; enl. Sept. 22, 1861, three years ; pro. 

to sergt., Oct. 1, 1801 ; struck by lightning, June 2, 1862, near Gaines' 

Hill; disch. Nov. 22, 1802. 
Young, f'hristopher, private, 22d Cav., Co. G ; enl. Dec. 1, 1863, three years; 

must, out with regt., Aug. 1, 1865. 
Lamb, Justus, private, 189th Inf, Co. C; enl. Sept. 5, 1864, one year; disch. 

May 30, 1865. 
Palmer, George, private, 34th Inf., Co. I ; must. June 15, 1861, two years. 
Dildine, William, private, 13th Inf., Co. B; enl. Nov. 2, 1862, three years; 

discharged. 
Abbot, Frank, drummer, 189th Inf, Co. C; enl. Sept. 1864, one year; disch. 

May 30, 1805. 
Welch, William, blacksmith, 10th Cav., Co. ; enl. Oct. 9, 1861, three years; 

served one term and re-onl. in same regt. 
Little, Eli S.. private, 189th Inf, Co. C; enl. Sept. 3, 1864, one year; disch. 

near Washington, June 1, 1865. 
Smalley, Stephen, private, ISOth Inf, Co. C; enl. Aug. 27, 1864, one year ; disch. 

May 30, 1865. 
Rosonkrans, George E., sergt., 161st Inf., ('o. A; enl. Aug. 20, 1802, three years; 

disch. June 14, 1865. 
Lake, Isaac, private, 16lHt Inf, Co. A ; enl. Aug. 22, 1862, three years; disch. 

at Baton Kouge, La., Nov. 4, 1863. 
Shanley, Harney, private, 189th Inf, Co. C; enl. Sept. 3, 1804, one year; disch. 

May 311, 18G5. 
Wottd, Charles Franklin, private, 189th Inf, Co. C ; oul. Aug. 28, 1804, one year. 
Shanley, Patrick, l)rivate, 189th Inf., Co. C; enl. Sept. 4, 1804, one year; disch. 

May 30, 1865. 
Little, Henry C, private, 189th Inf., Co. C; enl. Aug. 25, 1864, one year; died 

July 1, 1805, at home of consumption. 
Barrett, George W., private, 22d Cav., Co. G ; onl. Dec. 4, 1803, three years. 
Daniels, William II., sergt., 34th Inf, Co. I ; enl. May, 1801, two years; pro. to 

sergt., March 10, 18C3; disch. June .30, 1803; re-enl. in 22d Cav., Co. G, 

March 0, 1864, for three years; l)ro. to sergt ; had his leg broken, June 

16, 1805; disch. Nov. 9, 18G.5. 
Sylaman, Andrew, private, 189th Inf., Co. C ; enl. Aug. 31, 1804, one year ; 

disch. May 30, 1805. 
Paddock, John N., corp., 107th Inf., Co. G ; enl. Aug. 5, 1802, three years. 
Van Qolder, Amasa, private, 18yth Inf., Co. C; oul. Aug. 25, 18G4, one year; 

disch. May 30, 1865. 
Sauford, Thomas, private, 34th Inf, < .'o. I ; eul. May 22, 1801, two years ; disch. 

Juno 30, 1803. 



O'Cain, Peter, private, 78tli Inf., Co. F; onl. Jan. 0, 1802, three years; re-enl. in 

2otti N. Y. Cav. ; taken prisoner on the James River, and taken to An- 

dersonville, Ga., where ho died April 1, 1864. 
Van Gelder, James C, Corp., 161st Inf., Co. A ; enl. Aug. 25, 1862, three years; 

disch. Sept. 20, 1865. 
Jacobus, Egbert, private, 14th H. Art., Co. B; enl. Sept. 2, 1863, three years. 
Bennett, Benjamin, Ist lieut., 23d Itif., Co. A; enl. April 17, 1801, two years; 

pro. to let lieut., Nov. 28, 1861 ; disch. May 22, 1803 ; re-enl. in 22d Cav., 

Co. G, as capt., Jan. 29, 1864, for three years; taken prisoner at Reams' 

Station, June 29, 1864, and imprisoned in Petersburg, Libby prison, Rich- 
mond and Danville, Va., .\ugusta, Marion. Savannah, and Washington, 

Ga., Charleston, Columbia, Yorkville, and Charlotte, S. C, Salisbury and 
. Goldsboro', N. C, atid again at Libby prison ; from there released on pa- 
role, March 13, 1865; pro. to nuij., March 23, 1805, with rank from Jan. 

24, 1865; exchanged March 25, 1865, and rejoined regt,, April 23, 1866 ; 

disch. Aug. 1, 1805. 
Smith, Alexander M., c-orp., 22d Cav., Co. G ; enl. Nov. 18, 1863, three years; 

served in 84th Pennsylvania Inf., Co. G, and disch. Oct. 14, 18G4, on ac- 
count of wound received in battle; taken prisoner, aud died at Ander- 

siinville, Ga., Oct. 14, 1804. 
Rice, Wm. A., private, 22d Cav., Co. G; enl. Nov. 13, 1863, three years; disch. 

Aug. 1, 1865. 
Green, Gilbert, sergt., 22d Cav., Co. G ; enl. Nov. 16, 1863, three years ; pro. to 

sergt. about Nov. 1864 ; disch. with regt., Aug. 1, 1865. 
Barret, Ebenezer, private, 189th Inf, Co. C ; enl. Sept. 2, 1864, one year. 
Bates, Anthony, private, 189th Inf, Co. C; enl. Aug. 30, 1864, one year. 
Clark, Theron H., private, 189th Inf., Co. C; enl. Sept. 3, 1864, one year; disch. 

May 30, 1865. 
.Tacobus, Obediah, private, 189th Inf., Co. C; enl. Sept. 5, 1864, one year ; disch. 

May 30, 1805. 
King, Harvey, private, 189th Inf, Co. ; onl. Sept. 2, 1804, one year. 
Lockwood, RIarcns, private, 189th Inf, Co. C; enl. Sept. 7, 1804, one year; disch. 

May 30,186.'). 
Mott, Joseph, private, 189th Inf, Co. C; enl. Aug. 31, 1804, one year; died in 

the service. 
Rice, William C, private, 189th Inf, Co. C; enl. Sept. 3, 1864, one year; disch. 

May 30, 1805. 
Sylaman, Lewis, priv.-ite, 189th Inf, Co. C; cnl. Aug. 31, 1864, one year; disch. 

May :)(), 1805. 
Sylamivn, Washington, private, 189th Inf, C.j. C; enl. Aug. 30, 1804, one year; 

disch. May 30, 1865. 
Swee/.y, George W., private, 22d Cav., Co. G ; enl. Jan. 5, 1864, three years. 
Castorline, W. 11., private, 23d Inf, Co. A ; must. May 10, 1861, two years. 
Sayer, Morton Smith, private, 161st Inf, Co. E; enl. Feb. 16, 1863, three years ; 

disch. Sept. 20, 1865. 
Van Ness, Ira, private, 34th Inf., Co. I; enl. April 15, 1861, two years ; disch. 

Aug. 17, 1S62 ; re-enl. in 1st Vet. Res. Corps, Co. D, Feb. 10, 1805, three 

years. 
Layton, Daniel, 1st lieut., 22d Cav., Co. G, three years; killed in the battle of 

White Oak Swamp, June 14, 1864, and buried there. 
Fairchihl, Stephen Smith, capt., 161st Inf, Co. E; must, as 2d lieut., Oct. 27, 

1862, for three years; pro. to capt., Sept. 9, 1864; <lisch. July 25, 1865. 
Barret, Van Rensselaer, private, 101st Inf, Co. A ; enl. Aug. 24, 1862, three 

years; disch. Sept. 20, 1865. 
Ballard, Martin Lewis, private, 161st Inf, Co. A; enl. Aug. 30, 1862, three 

years; disch. Dec. 20, 1862; re-enl. in 1st Vet. Cav., Co. I, Sept. 1.5, 1863, 

three years. 
Bronson, George, sergt., 161st Inf, Co. A; enl. Aug. 21, 1802, three years; 

disch. Sept. 20, 1865. 
Evans, Clark, Corp., 16l8t Inf, Co. A ; enl. Aug. 22, 1802, three years ; pro. to 

Corp., Sept. 20, 1802; disch. Sept. 20, 186i). 
Tharp, James Nixon, private, 189th Inf, Co. C; enl. Sept. 2, 1804, one year; 

disch. May 30, 186.5. 
Brush, John W., private, IGlst Inf, Co. A ; enl. Aug. 21, 1802, three years. 
Webster, Warren E., wagoner, 161st Inf., Co. A ; enl. Aug. 22, 1802, three years. 
Adams, Dudley, private, 161st Inf, Co. A; enl. Aug. 22, 1862, three years; disch. 

Aug. 24,1863. 
Beam, Jonathan, private, 101st Inf, Co. A ; enl. Aug. 25,1802, three years; died 

at Now Orleans, U. S. general hospital, Oct. 7, 1863, and buried there. 
Barret, Tliumas, private, lOlst Inf., Co. A ; enl. Aug. 21, 1802, three years ; died 

at New Orleans, Oct. 1863. 
Carr, Jallne, private, lOlst Inf, Co. A ; enl. Aug. 22, 1862, three ye.ars; disch. 

Sept. 20, 1666. 
Dunn, George C, private, lOlst Inf, Co. A; enl. Aug. 30, 1802, three years; 

disch. Sept. 21,1865. 
Doherty, Michael, private, 1 Gist Inf, Co. A ; enl. Sept. 2, 1862, three years; 

wounded at Port Hudson, June 14, 1803, and discharged. 
Ellis, Albert, private, IClst Iiif.Co. A; enl. Aug. 22, 18G2, three years; left at 

New York City, Nov. 19, 1802, and died there. 
Fox, Wm. F., private, 161st Inf., Co. A; enl. Aug. 30, 1802, three years; died at 

EIniira, Nov. 28, 1862, of fever. 
Northrup, Daniel, private, lOlst Inf, Co. A; enl. Aug. 21, 1862, three years; 

died at New York City hospital, Nov. 21, 1802. 
Odell, Wm. I.., private, 101st Inf., Co. A ; enl. Aug. 2.5, 1862, three years; died 

at Baton Rouge, .Inly 29, 1803. 
Rice, Lewis, private, lolst Inf., Co. A ; enl. Aug. 20, 1862, three years; disch. 

Sept. 21, 1805. 





f/IRS.CH/(RLES L. BAILEY. 



CHARLES L. BAILEY. 




RESIDENCE or CHAS. L. BAILEY, Urbana, Steuben Couniv. N.i' 



TOWN OF UKBANA. 



419 



Such, Christopher C, private, IGlst Inf., Co. A ; oiil. Aug. 20, 18G2, threo ycftrs; 

disch. Oct. 17, I860. 
Smith, Horniiin, private, 161st Inf., Co. A; enl. Aug. 25, 1862, three years; 

served full term. 
Sprague, Tobias, private, IGlst Inf., Co. A; enl. Aug. 21, 1SG2, three years; 

disch. Sept. 20,1865. 
Sprague, Elijah, private, lOlat Inf., Co. A ; enl. Aug. 21, 18G2, throo years ; disch. 

Sept. 20, 1865. 
Smith, Edgiir M., private, IGlst Inf., Co. A ; enl. Aug. 22, lsG2, three years; 

served full term. 
Silsbee, Benjamin, private, 161st Inf., Co. A ; enl. Aug. 2.'i, 1862, three years ; 

died at Baton Rouge, Jan. 12, 1863. 
TowDshend, Wm. S., IGlet Inf., Co. A ; enl. Aug. 22, 18G2, three years ; died at 

New Orleans, Sept. 21, 1863. 
Townshend, Josiah, private, 161st Inf., Co. A ; enl. Aug. 21, 18G2, three years; 

disch. Sept. 20. 18C5. 
McFie, Thomas, Jr., sergt., 78th Inf., Co. F; enl. March 3, 1862, three years; 

pro. to Corp., April 26, 1862 ; to sergt., Dec. 19, 1862 ; to Ist sergt., April 

5, 1863; taken prisoner at Cedar Mountain, Aug. 9, 18G2; excli. Dec. 13, 

18G2; wounded at ChancellorsviUe, May 3, 18G3. 
McFie, Alexander B., sergt, 189th Inf., Co. A; enl. Aug. 20, 1864, one year; 

disch. witli regt., June 1, 1865. 
Potter, Wm. R., enl. Aug. 1864, one year; came from Pennsylvania. 
Bucanan, J. J., private, 189th Inf., Co. C; enl. Aug. 1864, one year; served on 

detached duty ; disch. May 30, 1865. 
Aber, Harrison, private, 14th H. Art., Co. B; enl. Dec. 12, 1863, three years; 

detailed at Queen Street hospital, Alexandria, where he died Aug. 9, 

1864, and was buried there. 
Smith, John, private, 180th Inf.; enl. May 20, 1864, three years. 
Kain, William, private, 180th Inf.; enl. May 20, 1864, three years. 
Selby, William, private, 180th Inf. ; enl. May 30, 1864, three years. 
Harrington, Silas, private, 180th Inf.; enl. May 31, 1864, three ye.irs. 
Slight, Lyman A., private, 180th Inf.; enl. May 31, 1864, three years. 
Dennis, Dempsey, private, 180th Inf.; enl. June 1, 1864, three years. 
Smith, John, private, 180th Inf. ; enl. June 1, 1804, three years. 
Leath, Noah, private, 180th Inf. ; enl. June 1, 1864, three years. 
Butler, Charles D., private, enl. Aug. 31, 18G4, three years ; sub. for Hubert D. 

Rose. 
Steadman, Julius, private, enl. Aug. 24, 1864, three years ; sub. for George W. 

Nichols. 
Morse, William H., private, drafted July 15, 1863, for three yeai-s. 
Chase, Russell, private, 7Gth Inf, Co. E; drafted July 15, 1863, three years; 

wounded at Gaines' Hill, May 29, 1864; came home and died, in conse- 
quence of wound, Aug. 1, 1864. 
Cummings, George, private, enl. Sept. 21, 1863, three yeare; sub. for Martin 

Hoagland. 
King, Wm. II., capt., 34th Inf., Co. I ; enl. April 20, 1861, two years; wounded 

at Fair Oaks, May 31, 1862 ; pro. to col. 5oth Regt. N. Y. Vols., Aug. 22, 

1862, but was not must, at the time on account of sickness; res. Jan. I, 

1863, on account of wounds and disease ; appointed Aug. 11, 1863, capt. in 
Vet. Res. Corps, and assigned to Co. D, Ist Regt, Dec. 12, 18G5. 

Wright, John, private, 34th Inf., Co. I; must June 15, 1861, two years; died 
May 19, 1862. 

Brace, William \V., private, Gth H. Art., Co. C; enl. June 18, 1863, three years; 
disch. Aug. 24,1865. 

Lines, Reuben Ruthlaml, private, 189th Inf., Co. H ; enl. Sejit. 7, 18G4, one year; 
disch. May 30,1865. 

Little, Amos, private, 169th Inf., Co. C; enl. Aug. 30, 1864, one year ; disch. May 
30, 1865. 

Abel, Aaron, private, 161st Inf , Co. A ; enl. Sept 16, 18G4, one year; disch. at 
Tallahassee, Fla., Sept. 20,1865. 

Brace, Daniel, private, 189th Inf., Co. C; enl. Aug. 17, 18G4, one year; died at 
City Point, Va., March, 1865, of inflammation of lungs. 

Beaton, James, private, 2l8t Inf., Co. G; enl. Miiy 6, 1861, two yeare; wounded 
at second Bull Run in arm and twice in hand; discli. March 24, 18G3 ; 
re-enl. and must as private, June 16, 1864, for three years; pro. to sur- 
geon's steward in charge, Feb. 23, 1865, in Potomac fiotiUa. 

Woodrutr, FraTicis Marion, private, 189th Inf., Co. C; enl. S(.'pt 13, 1864, one 
year; disch. with regt. May 30, 1865. 

Hurlburt, Uiram E., private, ICIst Inf., Co. A ; enl. Sept. 5, 18G4, one year ; de- 
tailed as brigade mail messenger from Mobile to Now Orleans ; disch. at 
exp. of term of service. 

Lockwood, Bradley, private, lS9th Inf., Co. C ; enl. Sept. 2, 1864, one year; disch. 
on account of disability soon after enlistment. 



Ellas, George H., com.-sorgt., Ist Nebraska Cav., Co. D; eul.June 10, 18GI, three 
years; pro. to 5th sergt, June 15, 18GI ; to 4th sergt, April 10, 1862; to 
3d sergt., Feb. 1, 18G3; pro. to com.-sergt, Dec, 1,1863; disch. Aug. 26, 'G4. 

Benham, George K., private, IGlst Inf., Co. A ; enl. Sept. 3, 1864, one year ; died 
while in the service. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 



CHARLES L. BAILEY, 
second son of David and Sabriua Stone Bailey, was born 
Aug. 7, 1830, in Urbana, Steuben Co., N. Y. His father 
settled in the town of Urbaua when but three years of age, 
in company with his parents, in 1808. Adsit Bailey now 
owns the place where the Bailey family first settled, and 
where the grandparents died. David Bailey was a native 
of Lodi, Seneca Co., N. Y., and was born in 1805, and 
died at his residence in Urbana, Aug. 20, 1 872. His widow 
still lives. They had seven children, five of whom survive. 

Charles L. Bailey was raised on the farm, and in the 
tannery, until he was twenty-seven years of age, about 
which time (1857) he removed to Bath, where he was en- 
gaged in agriculture for some ten years, when he returned to 
Urbana, to the farm he now owns, a view of which, with 
portraits above, may be seen elsewhere in this work. Mr. 
Bailey is also engaged in the cultivation of grapes. 

His early advantages for an education were mo.stly con- 
fined to the common schools of this district, save one 
term spent at a select school, at Hammondsport. At the 
age of nineteen he commenced teaching, and followed it 
five terms. He is identified with the Republican party, and 
has held various town-offices to the general satisfaction of 
his constituents. He has been justice of the peace three 
terms, and supervisor two terms, and is the present incum- 
bent of that office. He was married to Miss Amanda S., 
daughter of Wm. P. and Elizabeth Ide, of Chemung Co., 
N. Y., July 3, 1854:. She was born May 13, 1835, and 
died March 11, 1865. Of this alliance three children were 
born, viz., Lafayette C, Sabrina, and Amanda (deceased). 

Mr. Bailey married his present wife, Miss Lydia Bachus, 
daughter of Abner and Hulda Coykeudall, of Sussex Co., 
N. Y., Feb. 26, 1868. Mrs. Bailey had two children — 
Ellen and Minnie — by her former marriage. 

Adsit Bailey was born in Urbana, Jan. 8, 1812, on the 
farm where he now resides, and where his grandparents 
settled in 1808, where they and the parents of Adsit con- 
tinued to reside until their death. A view of the old home, 
and portraits above of David Bailey and wife, may be seen 
elsewhere in this work. Adsit Bailey married Edna, 
daughter of Peter and Elenor Depuy, of Urbana. By oc- 
cupation, farmer and grape-grower. In politics a llepub- 
lican. 



^"Lo 



W A Y L A N D. 



GEOGRAPHICAL SITUATION. 

Wayland is the most western town on the northern 
border of the county, and was formed from Cohocton and 
Dansville, April 12, 1848, a part of Fremont being taken 
oflF in 1854. Wayland is bounded north by Livingston 
County, east by Cohocton, south by Dansville and Treuiunt, 
and west by a portion of Livingston County. 

rHYSICAL FEATURES. 

The surface is an upland of beautiful rolling country, 
intersected by the valleys of small streams and brooks, and 
forms a part of tlie water-shed between the Susquehanna 
River and Lake Ontario. Its highe!5t summits are from 
1600 to 1800 feet above tide-water. Loon and Mud Lakes 
are situated in a rich valley in the south part of the town, 
and their waters flow in opposite directions. The outlet of 
the former is subterranean for half a mile, and where it 
comes to the surface it is of sufficient size to form a valu- 
able mill-stream, upon which mills have been in operation 
from the time of the early settlement. In the north part 
of the town the prevailing soil is gravel and muck, while 
in the south it is a shaly loam, and higlily productive for 
agricultural purposes. 

EARLY SETTLEMENT. 

In 180(5, Adam Zimmerman settled on lands where the 
railroad depot is now situated. His descendants are still 
residing in the town, and are among its influential citizens. 
The north part of the town was settled by Capt. Thomas 
Bowles, Mr. Bowen, and John Hume, in 1808, and by Mr. 
Hicks, in 1810, and Thomas Begole, in 1814. The settle- 
ment at Loon Lake, in the south part of the town, was made 
by Salmon Brownson, James Brownson, Elisha Brownson, 
and Isaac Willie, in 1813. Osgood Carlton was an early 
settler at the south end of Loon Lake, and on the west 
side lived Sojomon Draper , the great-grandfather of Edwin _ 
Draper , of Liberty. The settlers in the central part were 
Demas Hess, Samuel Drape r, Benjamin Perkins, and Wal- 
ter Patchiu, father of Myron M. Patchin. Walter Patchin 
removed from Onondaga County and settled in Wayland 
(then in the town of Cohocton), in 1813. He settled at 
the point now known as Patchin's Mills, Myron M. Patchin 
being at that time about eight years of age. The latter 
has resided here ever since, and reared a family of four 
children, — one son and three daughters. He has been one 
of the prominent and leading men of the town, having been 
justice of the peace in the town of Cohocton at and before 
the erection of Wayland, and for a number of terms sub- 
sequently, as late as 1854. 

Salmon Brownson, the first settler at Loon Lake, pur- 
chased in that vicinity 400 acres of land. He was the 
420 



father of Rev. Elisha Brownson, and of Rev. James Brown- 
son, sons by his fir.st marriage. He married his second 
wife, Polly Howard, a sister of Nathaniel Howard, and had 
several children, among whom were Ira Brownson, after- 
wards a clergyman in Pennsylvania ; Charles Brownson, 
now living in Lima, Livingston Co. ; and David Brownson. 
Of the two daughters belonging to this family, one married 
the late Gardner Pierce, Esq., of Wayland, the other mar- 
ried Edward Wentworth, who, after her death, removed to 
Michigan. 

Perkinsville was named after Benjamin Perkins, who 
was a prominent man in that part of the town. Mr. Mc- 
Millen also came to that part of the town as early as 1812.. 

John Hess, now residing in Dansville, Livingston Co., 
is a .son of Demas Hess, and for many years before his re- 
moval was prominently identified with the town and village 
of Wayland. He was elected the first supervisor of the 
town, and held the oiEce by successive re-eleojjons till 
1853. Mr. Hess owned property where the village of 
Wayland stands, and erected some of the principal build- 
ings, stores, hotels, etc. Demas Hess had a brother, John 
Hess, who was also an early settler of the town. 

Peter Shafer lived for many years on the road to Dans- 
ville, and kept a noted tavern and black.smith-shop. This 
tavern was, in the early times, the resort of many persons 
of rather unenviable notoriety, and stories are told of things 
being done there which would not bear being brought to 
the light. 

The early settlers of this town endured many privations. 
" It was a hard town to settle," said Rev. Elisha Brownson, 
" and the people were generally poor. No road passed 
through the town except the ancient one from Bath to 
Dansville. One circumstance connected with the early 
settlement of this town may be somewhat interesting. In 
1815 there being a scarcity of bread, I went through the 
towns of Springwater, Livonia, and Sparta, and thence to 
Dansville, in search of grain for sale, and none was to be 
had in those towns, nor in Western New York. People 
had to hull green wheat and rye for food. I found a field 
of rye on William Perine's farm, which was thought nearly 
fit to cut. I went home and got some neighbors, and with 
oxen and cart we went and cut some of it, thrashed it, and 
took it to the mill and had it mashed, for it was too damp 
to grind, and we thought ourselves the happiest people in 
the world because we had bread." 

The contrast to such extreme want is seen in the abund- 
ance and the prosperity of the present town ; and the labor, 
energy, and enterprise of the old pioneers and their de- 
scendants have created this difference. Few, especially of 
the present generation, appreciate the toil, privation, and 
perseverance involved in the herculean undertaking of clear- 



TOWN OF WAYLAND. 



421 



ing up a heavy timbered township, and converting- a wilder- 
ness into a fruitful field. 

Erastus Ames, a noted hunter, settled at an early time 
in the Loon Lake neighborhood. He was a large and pow- 
erful man, and had a reputation for hunting exploits second 
only to that of " Ben Patterson" himself. 
-— Dr. Warren Patchin built the old hotel near Patchin's 
Mills in 1824. He intended to have built of brick; the 
brick were made a few rods from the house by Seth Cady, 
but the clay not being free from limestone, the brick cracked 
on exposure to moisture, and were found to be worthless. A 
frame house was erected instead. It is still standing, and 
occupied as a residence by the miller. 

The first grist- and saw-mill on the site of the present 
flouring- and grist-mill was built by Dr. Warren Patcliin, 
the father of Warren Patchin, the present proprietor. Dr. 
Patchin came from Ballston, Saratoga Co., with his family 
in February, 1S17, and settled a mile east of Patcliinville. 

He was a physician, fiirmer, and enterprising business 
man. He built the saw-mill in 1820, and the grist-mill in 
1822. The saw-mill was burned in the latter year, while 
the frame of the grist-mill was standing near it. Dr. 
Patchin died Feb. 13, 1872. 

Warren and Cameron Patchin, sons of Dr. Patchin, 
bought the interest of the other heirs in 1873, and have 
since owned the mill property. Warren Patchin, in 1838, 
bought the fine place, where he now resides, at Loon Lake, 
and took possession of it in 1840. 

Robert S. Miner settled about a mile south of this place, 
in 1824, at the head of Neill's Creek. He cleared and 
owned the fiirui now owned by Lewis and George Tichnor. 

A plank-road was built from Patcliinville to Dansville 
about 1842 ; gates were erected, and tolls collected over the 
entire route till quite recently, when this end of the route 
was abandoned as a toll-road. 

Loon Lake is becoming quite a place of r&sort for tourists 
and pleasure-seekers. It is the highest lake in the State except 
Chautauqua. The premises are owned by Thomas Warner, 
Esq., of Cohocton, who, in 1870, made the elegant improve- 
ment known as the Lindenwood Park and Hotel. In ad- 
dition to this it is proposed next year to put a small pleasure 
steamer on the lake. The place will then be one of the 
most desirable and healthful resorts to be found in the 
country. 

Among the influential citizens of the town are the Ben- 
netts, the Zimmermans, Babcocks, and others, whose names 
appear in the ofiicial li.st. The following were among the 
land-owners and tax-payers of the town at the time of its 
organization, in 1848 : Cliauucey Avery, Rhoda Arm- 
strong, Thomas Abrams, Jacob Ames, John Alexander, 
Moses Brownson, William Babcock, James Brownson, David 
Brownson, James S. Brownson, Francis Badgerreau, James 
R. Babcock, John N. Bower, George Bill, Valentine Bower, 
C. W. Brownson, Chauncey Bennett, James H. Begole, 
Anthony Brooks, David Bowen, William Beach, Philip 
Bortes, Christian Bill, John Bill. 

ORGANIZATION. 

The act to erect the town of Waylaud was passed April 
12, 1848. Section second of the act provided that " all 



the justices of the peace and other town officers elected or 
appointed in either the towns of Cohocton or Dansville, and 
who shall reside upon the territory hereby erected into the 
town of Wayland, shall hold their ofiices respectively until 
the expiration of the terms for which they were respectively 
elected or appointed, and the residue of the town officers 
shall be elected in the same manner as in other towns." 

The third section provided as follows for the first town- 
meeting : " The first town-meeting in the town of Wayland 
shall be held on the first Tuesday of IVIay next at the pub- 
lic-house kept at Patchin's Mills, and Warren Patchin, Jr., 
John Hess, and Myron M. Patchin, or any two of them, 
shall preside and shall appoint a clerk for that meeting. 
All subsequent town-meetings in said town shall be held on 
the S-ame day upon which other town-meetings are held. 
" Section 4. This act shall take effect immediately." 
At the above-mentioned special town-meeting, held at the 
house of C. Patchin, on the 2d day of May, 1848, according 
to the provisions of the preceding act, there were present 
W. Patchin, Jr., John Hess, and Myron M. Patchin, who 
constituted the board of said meeting. D. C. Ward was 
appointed clerk. At this meeting the following-named per- 
sons were elected to the respective town offices : John Hess, 
Supervisor, previously elected; M. M. Patchin and Amos 
Knowlton, Justices of the Peace, previously elected ; Chaun- 
cey Moore, Justice of the Peace for vacancy of one year 
and full term ; Gardner Pierce, Justice of the Peace for 
two years ; Samuel W. Epley, Town Clerk ; R. M. Patchin, 
David Poor, David Brownson, Assessors; H. H. Hess, 
Superintendent of Schools ; Stephen C. Philips, Wesley 
Doughty, P. E. Day, Commissioners of Highways ; George 
Karchen, Gideon Moon, Joseph Fronk, Constables ; John 
Hamlin, Sealer of Weights and Mea.sures. 





LIST 


OF TOWN OFFICERS. 




Supervisora. 


Town Clerks. 


Collectors. 


ISIS. 


John Hess. 


Samuel W. Epioy. 


Jonas B. Day. 


1849. 


ii ti 


Henry A. Weed. 


Jacob McDowell. 


1850. 


tt u 


" " 


it tt 


1851. 


Daniel Poor. 


Asahcl MeDowell. 


Jonas B. Day. 


1S52. 


John Hess. 


Am'y K. Paniicntcr 


Aaron Saxton. 


1853. 


David Poor. 


C. P. Whitman. 


" " 


1851. 


M. M. Patchen. 


Guy B. Bennett. 


tt it 


1855. 


John Hess. 


Solomon F. Hess. 


ti it 


1856. 


(( a 


(( tt 


Gilbert Totten. 


1857. 


a tt 


De-xter S. Jollcy. 


it tt 


1858. 


James G. Bennett. 


tt tt 


tt tt 


1859. 


" 


tt tt 


tt tt 


1860. 


tt tt 


Solomon F. Hess. 


tt it 


1861. 


tt tt 


Dexter S. Jollcy. 


Ira B. Pierce. 


1862. 


tt tt 


Nic. Zimnierniann. 


John Miller. 


1863. 


tt tt 


tt tt 


tt tt 


1864. 


James P. Olarli. 


tt tt 


James Redmond. 


1865. 


tt tt 


tt tt 


John Miller. 


1866. 


James G. Bennett, 


Geo. W. Morehouse 


Charles Thompson 


1867. 


James P. Clark. 


U. S. Roscnkrans. 


J. W. Sccor. 


1S68. 


James Redmond. 


James E. Adams. 


Adolph Wcrdein. 


1869. 


H. A. Avery. 


tt tt 


tt ti 


1870. 


James Redmond. 


Henry B. Rice. 


Peter Didaa. 


1871. 


tt ti 


Nic Zimmormann. 


Harris Curtis. 


1872. 


Martin Kimmell. 


James E. Adams. 


John P. Miller. 


1873. 


tt tt 


Henry Schly. 


N. W. Schuhmehl. 


1874. 


Jacob Morsch. 


tt ti 


John P. Miller. 


1875. 


James G. Bennett. 


Adolbert W. Moon. 


Adoljih Werdein. 


1876. 


" 


Valentine Ilutlman 


Charles Thompson 


1877. 


F. E. Holliday. 


George Folts. 


Nicholas Walker. 


1878. 


John M. Folta. 


tt tt 


Peter Didas, Jr. 



■122 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



JUSTICES ELECTED BV THE PEOPLE. 



M. 

1848. 

1849. 
1850. 
1851. 
1852. 
1853. 
1854. 
1855. 
1856. 
1857. 

1858. 

1859. 

1860. 
1861. 



M. Patchen and Amos Knoi 

Chauncev Moore. 

Gardner Pierce. 

Gardner Pierce. 

M. M. Patehin. 

James G. Bennett. 

Melvin D. Strickland. 

S. Ilolliday. 

M. M. Patehin. 

James G. Bennett. 

M. D. Strickland. 

M. M. Patehin. 

S. Holliday. 

M. D. Strickland. 

Nicholas Zimmerman. 

John H. Carpenter. 

N. J. Sommers. 

James H. Begole. 

James E. Adams. 

Nicholas Zimmerman. 



Hon, Justices previously elected. 

1862. H. S. Rosenkrans. 

1863. William R. Hill. 

1864. Nicholas Zimmerman. 

1865. James E. Adams. 

1866. H. S. Rosenkrans. 

1867. Aaron Saxton. 

1868. William Shutz. 

1869. James E. Adams. 

1870. Nicholas Zimmerman. 

1871. Franklin E. Holliday. 

1872. Peter Didas. 

1873. James F. Wood. 

1874. Nicholas Zimmerman. 

1875. F. E. Holliday. 

1876. Peter Didas. 

H. S. Rosenkrans. 

1877. Harvey B. Rice. 

1878. James F. Wood. 



ACTION OF THE TOWN IN RAISING BOUNTIES. 

At a special town-meeting held in the house of the late 
Jacob Kirch, at Perkinsville, in the town of Wayland, on 
the 29th of December, 1863, for the purpose of taking 
into consideration the subject of raising bounties for volun- 
teers, pursuant to the resolutions passed by the Board of 
Supervisors, it was voted whether or not the town would 
raise and pay a bounty of $300 to each volunteer who 
should enlist under the call of the President for 300,000 
men. The vote stood as follows: whole number of votes 
cast, 225 ; for the bounty, 208 ; again.'st it, 17. 

A special town-meeting was convened at the same house 
as the above, on the 5th day of March, 1864, to consider 
and vote upon the question of raising a bounty of $300 
for each volunteer who should enlist in the service and be 
accredited to the town under the call of the President for 
500,000 men. At this meeting the vote was unanimous 
for the bounty, 101 votes being cast, and not a dissenting 
vote. 

A similar unanimous vote was also taken on the same 
question at a special meeting held at the same house, on 
the 2d of April, 1864: 

"At a special town-meeting held in the Town Clerk's office, on the 
31st of April, 1864, it was unanimously agreed that the Supervisor of 
this town should see that the family of every volunteer soldier ac- 
credited to the town, and in the service of the United States, which 
should be proven to be in indigent circumstances, should be relieved 
to the amount of $15 at a time, by virtue of Chapter 8 of the Laws of 
New York, entitled, * An Act to authorize the levying of a tax upon 
the taxable property of the different counties and towns in this State,' 
etc., passed February 9, 1S64. 

"James P. Clark, Superviaur. 

"NiCUOLAS ZiMMERMA.V, J. P. 

"James E. Adams, J. P. 

" September 20, 1864, at a meeting of the Town Board at the office 
of the Town Clerk, ' on motion, it was resolved unanimously to pay 
to all volunteers accredited to this town, either personally or as sub- 
stitutes, previous to the draft, the sum of $600. 

"Resolved, That the Supervisor is empowered to raise the bounty 
to any amount less than $1000, as in his best judgment he shall see 
fit, to save the town from a draft, provided he can legally obtain the 
bonds upon longer time than those now issued. 

" Besftlredf That the Supervisor be empowered to draw bonds over 



and above the $600 to the amount of $25 to cover costs and expenses 
to each volunteer accredited to this town. 

"James P. Clark, Siiperviaor. 

"NiCH. Zimmebmax, Town Clerk. 

" H. S. Rosenkrans, "1 , ,. . 
' [ Jnsttcea oj 

"James E.Adams, > ,, d 

the J^eace. 
" W. R. Hill, ) 

"At a meeting of the Town Board, held October 6, 1 864, in the 
office of the Town Clerk, for the purpose of authorizing the Super- 
visor to make a contract for a sum not exceeding $700 in bonds to any 
])erson or persons responsible for such sum, as contracted by him, 
the said Supervisor, to obtain volunteers or substitutes to exonerate 
this town from the draft under the late call of the President for 
500,000 men, it was unanimously agreed upon to give him, the said 
Supervisor, full power to enter into any such contract as above 
specified. 

"jAilES P. Cl.1RK, Siipci-viaor. 

"Nirn. Zimmermam, Tuicit Clerk. 

" W. R. Hill, 

" J. E. Adams, 

" H. S. Rosenkrans, 



JitBticen of 
the Peace. 



"On the 14th of November, 1864, it was decided by the Town 
Board of the town of Wayland, in full meeting at the Town Clerk's 
office, that the local bounty of $700, as formerly decided upon, be 
paid to each individual of the town having furnished a substitute to 
serve for three years in the United States service under the last call 
of the President for 500,000 men, which substitute has been duly ac- 
credited to the town of Wayland. 

"Jasies p. Clark, Sitperviaor. 

" NicH. ZiMMERSiAN, Town Clerk. 

"James E. Adams, 1 Juatices of 

" H. S. Rosenkrans, J the Peace." 



January 11, 1865, James P. Clark, Supervisor, pre- 
sented the provost-marshal's certificate showing that the 
quota of the town of Wayland (55 men under the call of 
July 18, 1864) was filled. 

VILLAGE OF WAYLAND. 

The village of Wayland is situated upon the Corning 
and Rochester branch of the Erie Railway, fifty miles east 
of Rochester and thirty-six miles west of Corning. It con- 
tains two churches, five hotels, two dry-goods and stores of 
general merchandise, two drug-stores, two hardware-stores, 
one harness-shop, six groceries, one clothing and merchant- 
tailoring establishments, two boot- and shoe-shops, two 
furniture and undertakers' warerooms, two meat-markets, 
one jeweler-store, two millinery-stores, two printing-offices 
and weekly newspapers, two wagon- and carriage-shops, four 
blacksmith-shops, one plaster-mill, sash- and blind-factory 
and planing-mill, two saw-mills, one furniture-manufactory, 
one steam-power cider-mill, two grain-warehouses, one cigar- 
manufactory, and one gun-shop. 

The post-office handles a large amount of mail matter for 
a country village. The fire department has a chartered 
hook-and- ladder company. The place supports a brass 
band, two justices of the peace, three physicians, and one 
dentist. The district school is graded, and employs three 
teachers. We give the statistics as follows : 

DISTRICT NO. 1 — -W.iTL.iND. 

Principal, John P. Brown ; Intermediate, Miss C. N. 
Ferguson ; Primary, Miss Jennie Carr ; Trustees, B. M. 
Morris, James 0. Cook, Andrew A. Granger. 

Children in the district, 248 ; average attendance, 147 ; 



TOWN OF WAYLAND. 



423 



assessed valuation of district property, .?l()4,00fl ; value of 
school property, $4G00 ; total expenditure for school pur- 
poses, $998.53. 

There is a large establishment in the village for pressin" 
hay and straw by horse-power. Morris iV Kinmiel have a 
large steam-mill for the manufacture of doors, sash, blinds, 
and mouldings, and for grinding plaster. The business was 
establislied in 1875. They also own a steam saw-mill near 
the village, and there is another owned by the Bennet 
Brothers. 

The population of the village within the corporation of 
one mile square is between 600 and 700. 

WAYLAND DEPOT POST-OFFICE. 

This post-office was established in 1852. John Hess was 
the first postmaster, and was succeeded by the following- 
named persons : James G. Bennett, 1853 ; Dexter S. Jolly, 
1858 ; Benjamin B. Hess, 1861 ; Solomon F. Hess, 1863 ; 
Thomas A. Abrams, 1865; William Northrup, 1867; 
Henry Schly, 1875. 

INCORPORATION. 

The village of Wayland was incorporated under the gen- 
eral law in April, 1877. The first meeting for the election 
of officers was held May 22, at which the following-named 
persons were chosen : H. S. Rosenkrans, President ; N. N. 
St. John, Guy B. Bennett, Henry Schly, Trustees ; Torry 
S. Beeman, Collector ; George W. Morehouse, Treasurer. 
At a meeting of the board held on the 25th of May, 1877, 
C. C. Tinker was appointed clerk. On the 4th of June, 
following, the board passed the first of the village ordi- 
nances, which have since been added to from time to time. 

At the election of March 19, 1878, G. B. Bennett was 
elected Trustee, Charles H. Fowler Treasurer, and Alanson 
Southwick Collector ; C. C. Tinker was reappointed Clerk. 

The village of Wayland is a thriving business centre for 
a considerable portion of the surrounding country. 

CHURCHES. 

There are seven churches in the town of Wayland, situ- 
ated and named as follows: 1, Lutheran Church, Perkins- 
ville; 2, Catholic Church, Perkinsville; 3, Methodist Epis- 
copal Church, Loon Lake ; 4, Union Church, School Dis- 
trict No. 11; 5, Evangelical, School District No. 8; 6, 
Methodist Episcopal, Wayland village; 7, Christian Church, 
Wayland village. 

THE CATHOLIC CHURCH AT PERKINSVILLE 

was built by Nicholas Morch and Jacob Smith, in 1850. 
The wife of Jacob Smith, who died in January, 1850, was 
the first person buried in the Catholic cemetery at this 
place. The school was first taught in the church by 
Nicholas Zimmerman, in 1851, and in 1853 the school- 
house was built by Rev. J. M. Steger. The church was 
first organized with 15 or 20 members ; it is now sup- 
ported by about 200. It is incorporated under the gen- 
eral law of the State, Peter Engel and Joseph Keltgen, 
Trustees. 

The Union Church building (School District No. 11) 
was erected by contributions of difierent denominations. 



The Christian minister preaches here occasionally. Durin" 
the past three years the ministers of the Evangelical Asso- 
ciation have held regular services once in two weeks. It 
is at present under the charge of Rev. J. H. Peters, who 
holds services also at East Wayland, in the school-house of 
District No. 6. The church is a frame building, 30 by 40, 
and the congregation averages about 150 persons. 

THE EVANGELICAL CHURCH (GERMAN), 

ill District No. 8, was built about 1808. The present 
pastor, Rev. Mr. Damm, resides at Groveland, Allegany 
Co., and holds services in this church once in two weeks. 

THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH OF WAYLAND. 

The Christian Church of Wayland was organized in tlio 
year 1864. Ministers at present. Rev. G. H. Hibbard and 
A. J. Welton. 

The principles of organization were no creed but the 
Bible, no name but Christian, and no test of fellowship but 
Christian character. 

Believing the Bible to be divinely inspired, it became — 
and is still — a perfect rule of faith and practice, which all 
men have an equal right to read, understand, and practice 
for themselves. 

Among the charter members may be found the names of 
Simon Harris, Oliver A. Harris, Calvin Green, Lovina 
Magee, A. J. Welton, Lucy Welton, and Ida L. Welton. 
Rev. A. J. Welton became their first pastor and Simon 
Harris deacon and clerk. 

The Christian chapel was built the same year, before the 
organization of the church, by the untiring efforts of A. 
J. Welton, who solicited all of the funds and took charge 
of the whole matter until it was dedicated and deeded to 
the society organized to receive the same. 

Rev. J. D. Childs preached the dedicatory sermon, after 
which the house was dedicated to the worship of God the 
Father and His Son Jesus Christ, the Saviour of the 
world. 

Note. — Of the Methodist Churches at Wayland and 
Loon Lake we have been unable to obtain any history. 

MILITARY RECORD OF WAYLAND. 

Eawber, Nicholas, Jr., private, 13tli N. Y. Inf., Co. B; enl. April 28, 1861, two 

years; disch. Oct. 23, 18G1, at Arlington Heights hospital; rc-enl. 188th 

N.y. Regt., Co. U, Sopt. 18, 1864, one year; wounded in the hand; disch. 

July 27, 1865. 
Eneller, Jacob, private, KUth Regt., Co. D ; enl. Doc. 13, 1861, three years ; disch. 

Jan. 14, 1S63, at Belle Plain; roenl. Dec. 23, 1863, in 21st N. Y. Cav., 

Co. K.; disch. July 21, 1865. 
Eneller, Michael, Jr., private, 13th N. Y. Regt., Co. G; enl. Sept. 1861, three 

years; wounded in the breast by a cannon-ball, and died about June 20, 

1862. 
Eneller. John, private, 188th N. Y. Regt., Co. D, one year. 
Smith, John Joseph, private, lllth Pa. Inf., Co. B; enl. Aug. 10, 1861, three 

years; disch. Dec. 15, 1863; re-enl. in the siinie regt. and co. for three 

years the same day ; disch. July 18, 1865. 
Swingel, William, private, 28th Art., Co. B; enl. Aug. 30, 1862, three years; 

disch. July 31,1865. 
Fronk, Joseph, private, 28th Art., Co. B; enl. Aug. 30, 1862, three years; 

disch. July 31, ISe.'). 
Conrad, Pliilip, private, 13th Inf , Co. B ; onl. April 17, 1861, two years ; disch. 

May 14, 1863. 
Gurgin, Jacob, private, 28th Art.,Co.B; enl. Aug. 2.5, 1862, three years; disch. 

July 30, 1805. 
Norris, George, private, 179th N. Y. Inf, Co. 1!. 
Sutten, Joseph, private, 13lli N. Y. Regt., t.'o. U ; enl. Sept. 1S61, eighteen 

months; wouodod ; disch. May, 1863. 



424 



HISTORY OP STEUBEN COUNTY. NEW YORK. 



Lane, George Washington, private, 141st N. Y. Inf., Co. C; enl. Sept. 1, 1864, 

one year; discli. June 8, 1865. 
Earl, George Elisha, private, 141st N. Y. Inf., Co. C; enl. Aug. 28, 1864, one 

year; iliach. June 8, 18(>5. 
Secley, Permellon, private, 141st N. Y. Inf., Co. C; enl. Sept. 1, 1864, one year ; 

iliach. June 8, 1805. 
Brownell, George EdmonJ, piivate, 35th N. Y. Inf., Co. F ; enl. June, 18G1, two 

years; disch. June 5, 1863. 
Herrin, Theodore Berleyton, private, 141st Inf., Co. F; enl. Sept. 5, 1804, one 

year; disch. June 10, 1865. 
Herrin, Joseph Tilley, private, 14l6t Inf , Co. F; enl. Sept. 5, ISOo, one year; 

disch. June 20, 1865. 
Herrin, Amos, private, 141at N. Y'. Kegt., Co. F; enl. Sept. 6, 1864, one year; 

disch. June 26, 1865. 
Tompkins, William Harrison, private, 2Sth Art., Co. B; enl. Aug. 22,1862, tliroo 

years ; disch. July 31, 1865. 
Hill, Dewitt Warner, sorgt., 28th Art., Co. B ; enl. Aug. 20, 1802, three years ; 

disch.Jnly 31, 1865. 
Thompaon, Thomas C, private, lat N. Y. Dl-agoona, Co. K ; enl. Aug. 15, 1SG2, 

three years ; diach. July 19, 1865. 
Kice, Seth Zera, private, 28th Kegt., Co. B; enl. Aug. 30,1862, three years; 

pro. to Corp., May, 1864 ; disch. July 31 , 1865. 
Rice, Thomas Bradey, private, 2Sth Regt., Co. U; enl. Aug. 30, 1SG2, three 

years; pro. to sergt., July, 1864; disch. July 31, 1865. 
Wheeler, Clayton Marcellus, private, 28th N. Y. Art., Bat. E ; enl. Aug. 25, 1862 ; 

three years; disch. for disah , March 13, 1863. 
Earles, William, private, 7Gth N. Y. Inf., Co. F; drafted July 14, 1863, three 

years; wounded in the hand; disch. July 24, 1805. 
Pinchin, Waldo, private; drafted July 14, 1863, three years; taken prisoner; 

sent to Libby prison, Va.; has not been heard from since. 
Thompaon, John Austin, private; drafted July 14, 1803, three years; disch. 

and removed to Iowa. 
Bill, John Nicholas, private, HOth N. Y. Inf., Co. C; enl. March 31, 1804, three 

years ; disch. June, 1805. 
Lane, Samuel, Jr., private, 179th Inf., Co. D ; enl. May 20, 1863 ; died at Way- 
land, N. Y., Jan. 19, 1865, while on a furlough home, of chronic diarrht.ca. 
McDowell, Simon Victor, private, 28th N. \. Art., Co. B ; enl. Jan. 2, 1SG4, three 

years; disch. July 31, 1865. 
Hess, Charles Denes, bugler, 28th Art., Co. B ; enl. Jan. 5, 1864, tlirce years ; 

disch. July 31, 1865. 
Parsons, George W.lahington, private, 28th N. Y. Regt., Co. B; enl. Aug. 22, 

1.902, tlirce years; disch. July 31, 1865. 
Ferney, Frank, private, 14th U. S. Inf. ; enl. Oct. 28, 1864, three years ; substi- 
tute for N. Zimmerman. 
Tichenor, Lewis James, private, 28th N. Y. Art., Oat. E ; enl. Aug. 22, 1862, three 

years; disch.Jnly 31, 1865. 
Pettis, Orlando, private, 141st N. Y. Inf., Co. F ; enl. Sept. 1, 1804, one year ; 

disch. June 8,1805. 
Huflf, James Dennis, private, 141st N. Y. Inf, Co. C; enl. Sept. 1864, one year; 

died, Doc. 9, 1804, of typhoid fever. 
Yoakhen, Peter, private, 281h Art., Co. B; enl. Aug. 28,1802, three years; 

disch. July 30, 1.S65. 
Kester, Tunis, private, 107th N. T. Inf., Co. I ; enl. Aug. 2, 1802, three years ; 

disch. June 0, 1865. 
McDowell, Alexander, private, 28th Art., Co. B ; enl, .\ug. 30, 1862, three years ; 

disch. July 31, 1865. 
Martin, Phineas Isaac, private, l.SOth N. Y. Kegt., Co. K ; enl. Aug. 14, 1802, 

three years; diach. July 17, 1805. 
Morehon.se, Clark, private, 18th Regt. 
Youngs, George, private, 107th N. Y. State Militia, Co. I ; enl. Aug. 4, 1862, three 

years ; disch. Jan. 1863, for disability. 
Ingrabam, Charles Byron, private, Soth N. Y. Inf., Co. B ; enl. Sept. 1801, three 

years; re-enl. May, 1804; died, Aug. 1804, in -^.nde^8onvillB prison. 
Glover, Melvin, private, 28th N. Y. Art., Co. B; enl. Jan. 4, 1804, three years; 

disch. July 31, 1805. 
Hoag, Nathan, private, 28th Regt., Co. B; enl. Jan. 2, 1864, three years ; disch. 

July 31, 1865. 
Paine, Alonzo, private ; drafted July 14, 1803 ; diach. 
Swingel, Jacob, private; drafted July 14, 1863. 
Werdine, Adolph, sergt., 109th N. Y. Inf, Co. I; enl. Aug. 4, 1862, three years; 

disch. J.in. 17, 1805. 
Swingle, Jacob John, private, 147tli N. Y. Inf, Co. A; drafted July 18, 1803, 

three years; disch. July 9, 1805. 
Hendrick, William, private, 107th N. Y. Vol. Inf., Co. I ; enl. July 23, 1802, three 

yeara^ disch. July 7, 1864. 
Van Riper, Jerry, private, 28th Art., Co. B ; enl. Jan. 5, 1863, three years ; discli. 

July 31, 1865. 
Van Riper, Norris, private, 104tb N. Y. Inf, Co. I); enl. June 1.5, 1802, three 

years ; died at Salisbury prison, N. C, Dec. 3, 1864. 
Conrad, John, private, 104th Inf, Co. D; enl. June 15, 1862, three years; died 

in Salisbury prison, N. C, Jan. 14, 1805. 
Evingham, Warren, private, 104tll Inf, Co. D ; enl. Juno 15, 1862, three yeai-a ; 

died in Salisbury prison. 
Dunton, Levi, private, 13th N. Y. Inf, Co. G; enl. Oct. 10, 1801, three years; 

disch. May 20, 1863. 
Pfaff, George, private, 104th N. Y. Inf., Co. D ; enl. June 20, 1862, three years ; 
disch. Dec. 24, 1802, for disability. 



Fuller, Chester, private, 107th N. Y. Inf., Co. I; enl. Aug. 4, 1862; disch. 1865. 
Bill, Henry, private, 28th N. Y. Art., Co. B; enl. Jan. 4, 1804, three years; disch. 

July 30, 1S6S. 
Olayson, Robert Halsted, private, 28th N. Y. Art., Co. B; eul. Aug. 23, 1864, 

one year; disch. July 30, 1805. 
Fish, Harvey, private, 179tli N. Y. Inf, Co. A; enl. Feb. 1804, three years; 

taken pris. at Petersburg; died at Andersonville, about July 24, 1805. 
Fox, George, private, 0th Art., Co. B; enl. Jan. 4, 1804, three years ; disch. Aug. 

24, 1805. 
Fox, Charles, private. 
Martin, Wesley, private, 189th Inf., Co. G; enl. Sept. 1, 1864, one year; disch. 

June 9, 1865. 
Curtis, Albert Dewitt, sergt., 161st Inf., Co. I ; enl. Aug. 22, 1S62, three years ; 

disch. Sept. 20, 1805. 
Pierce, Henry Clinton, Corp., lOlst Inf, Co. I; enl. Aug. 25, 1802, three years ; 

disch. Sept. 20, 1865. 
Tripp, Christopher C, private, 161st Inf., Co. I ; enl. Aug. 28, 1862, three years; 

died ot chronic diarrhoea while on a furlough home, about Oct. 25, 1864. 
Werermiller, Christian J., Corp., 28th Art.; enl, Aug. 1802, three years ;'disch. 

July 31, 1865. 
Werermiller, Henry, private, 2Stii Art.; enl. Jan. 1864, three years; disch. 

July 31,1805. 
Mehlembacker, Chriatopher, Jr., private, 28th Art. ; enl. Jan. 1864, three years ; 

disch. July 31, 186.5. 
Sick, Philip, Jr., 28tb Art,; enl. Aug. 1862, three years; disch. July 31, 1865. 
Moon, Koynolds, private, 86th Inf, Co. D; enl. Aug. 14, 1802, three years; 

disch. June 2, 1865. 
Fox, John George, private, 104th Inf., Co. B ; enl. March, 1862, three years; 

wounded. 
Frister, Charles. 
Uenny, Michael, 28tb Art.; enl. Oct. 4, 1864, three years; substitute for Jaraea 

Redman. 
Doughty, John, private, 28th Art. ; enl. Aug. 28, 1862, three years; disch. July 

21,1865. 
Perkins, .lames, Jr., Corp., 28th Art. ; enl. 1862, three years; disch. July 12, 1865. 
Schutz, William, private, 97th Inf., Co. B; drafted July 24, 1863, three years; 

disch. July 18, 1865. 
Beck, George John, piivate, 107th Inf, Co. I; enl. July 30, 1802, three years; 

disch. April 20, 1803. 
Bill, John Nicholas, private, 28th Eegt. ; enl. Aug. 30, 1862, three years; disch. 

Aug. 1865. 
Gross, Joseph, private, 188th Inf, Co. C; enl. Sept. 20, 1864, one year ; killed 

at Hatcher's Run, Feb. 6, 1865. 
Huffman, Joseph, private, 188th Inf, Co. G. 
Didas, Peter, private, lS81h Inf, Co. G ; enl. one year. 
Didas, Peter, Jr., private, 188tli Inf, Co. E ; enl. Sept. 12, 1864, one year; disch. 

June 12, 1865. 
Hess, Alfred Marion, Corp., lS9th Inf, Co. G; enl. Aug. 29, 1864, one year; 

disch. June 8, 1865. 
Conrad, George, private, 18Sth Inf., Co. D ; enl. Sept. 3, 1864, one year ; disch. 

July 1, 1865. 
Roth, Stephen, private, 6th N. Y. Inf, Co. E; enl. Dec. 27, 1863, three years ; 

disch. Aug. 24, 1865. 
Ranber, Nicholas, private, 188th N. Y. Inf, Co. E ; enl. Sept. 12, 1864, one year. 
Booth, John, private, 188th Regt.; enl. Sept. 8, 1864, one year; disch.Jnly 1, 

1805. 
Brown, Benjamin, private, 188th N. Y. Inf ; enl. Sept. 9, 1864, one year ; disch. 

May 9, 1805. 
Conrad, Christian, died -\pril, 1805, at City Point, of typhoid fever. 
Woolfango, Nicholas, private, 188th N. Y. Inf, Co. D; enl. Sept. 3, 1804, one 

year; disch. July 1, 1865. 
Yoakhen, Nicholas, private, 188th N. Y. Inf, Co. D ; enl. Sept. 2, 1804, one 

year; diach. July 10, 1865. 
Holaer, Frank, private, 188th N. Y. Inf, Co. E ; enl. Aug. 3, 1864, one year. 
Knhn, Jacob, private, 188th N. Y. Inf., Co. E; eul. Sept. 3, 1864, one year; 

diach. July 12, 1805. 
Kuhii, William, private, 188th N. Y. Inf, Co. E; enl. Sept. 3, 1804, one year; 

disch. July 12, 1865. 
Grine, Christian, private, ISSth N. Y. Inf, Co. D; one year; disch. July 10, 

1865. 
Yoakhen, Mathew, private, 188th N. Y.Inf., Co. D; enl. Sept. 2, 1864, one year; 

disch. July 10, 1865. 
Schwingel, Philip, private, 188th N. Y. Inf., Co. D; enl. Sept. 3, 1864, one 

year; died Nov. 24, 1864, at City Point. 
Morehouse, Clark, private, 188th Inf, Co. G; enl. Sept. 19, 1864, one year; disch. 

Aug. 11, 1865. 
Miller, Peter, private, 188th N. Y. Inf., Co. E; enl. Sept. 1,1864, one year; 

disch. July 1, 1865. 
Miller, Nicholas, private, lS8tli N. Y. Inf, Co. E; enl. Sept. 10, 1804, one year; 

discli. July 1, 1865'. 
Madoun, Clayton Augustus, private, 104th N. Y. Inf, Co. D ; enl. Feb. 1, 1862, 

three years; disch. Dec. 3, 1662. 
Brown, Waldo, private, 18Sth N. Y. Inf, Co. H ; enl. Sept, 9, 1864, one year. 
Brown, David, private, 188th N. Y. Inf., Co. H; enl. Sept. 9, 1864, one year; 

wounded in tlie hand; hospital discharge. 
McDowell, Clayton Augustus, sergt., 188th N. Y. Inf, Co. D ; eul. Sept. 9, 1804, 

one year; disch. July 11, 1805. 





JoelWixson. 



rHOras BT an l<air/*H,3*TH »» 



fAKS.JOLL W/XSON 




-> FRONT OF HUUSE. ^ 




RESIDENCE OF JOEL WIXSOM. Wa, 



i Co, N. Y 



TOWN OF WAYNE. 



425 



Glover, Geo., ISStli Inf., Co. D ; eril. Sept. 9, 1804, one yoir ; disch. July 1. 1865. 
Dye, Iiii, ISStU N. Y. Inf., Co. D; enl. .\ng. 18G1, one year ; rtiscli. July 1,1863. 
Avery, Chauncey Stilman, Corp., 18StU N. Y. Inf.. (^o. II; enl. Sept. l>, 18G4, one 

year; disch. .Inly 1, 1865. 
Cole, Ilenian, private, 1st Dryer Cav., Co. G; enl. Aug. 4, 1862, three years; 

disch. Dec. 28, 18G3, for disability. 
Dildine, Eugene, private, 188tli N. Y. Begt., Co. E; enl. Aug. 30, 1864, one year; 

disch. July 9, 1863. 
Bjbor, William, priv.ate, 183tK Regt., Co. B; enl. Sjpt. 3, 1804, one year; 

disch. May 22, 1865. 
Smith, Wendell, private, ISSth Inf., Co. D; enl. Aug. 5, 1864, one year; died 

of typhoid fever, Jan. 20, 1865, at City Point. 
Shutes, Jacob, private, 188th Inf., Co. D; enl. Sept. 0, 1864, one year; disch. 

July 11, 1805. 
Smith, Peter, private, ISSth Inf., Co. D; enl. Sept. 3, 1804, one year; disch, 

July 11,1865. 
Kirch, John Nicholas, private, 89th Inf., Co. D ; enl. Fob. 5, 1804, three years ; 

disch. Aug. 3, 1800. 
Steinhart, Henry, private, 188th Inf., Co. D; enl. Sept. 12, 1804, one year; died 

of typhoid fever at City Point hospital, Jan. 29, 1805. 
Knoodle, Jolin, sergt., 161st Uegt., Co. I; enl. Aug. 31, 1862, three years; 

wounded and taken prisoner; disch. March 4. 1863. 
Jewell, lUiarles Collus, sergt., 154th N. Y. Begt., Co. C; enl. July 20, 1802, three 

years; digcli. June 11, 1865. 
Thompson, Georen Ehrbu, coip., 188th N. Y. Begt., Co. D ; enl. Sept. 7, 18&4, one 

year; disch. July 1, 1865. 
Thompson, Elisha Fleyley. private, ISStll N. Y. Begt., Co. D ; enl. Sept. 7, 1864, 

one year; disch. .July 1, 1865. 
Gianger, Andrew Andei-son, private, 188th N. Y. Begt., Co. E; enl. Sept. 3, 

1804, oue year; disch. June 24, 18G3, 



List of the names of the persons who enlisted in the service and credited to the 
town of Wayland: Jacob Wyond, Peter K<'therled.i, J.icob IIollz, Lewis 
Ceckwith, Hoisted Clayson, Christian Oonidt, Klartin Dye, Melviii Glover 
Geo. H. Granger, Mathiiis Hock, A. M. Hess, James Harris, Frank Jencks, 
Jerome Kingslcy, Wendell Smith, Frederick Sick, Nicholas Sclmr, John 
Wurmiller, John Yocutn, Alex. .McDowell, Simon .McDowell, Charles 
D. Hess, lieuben Stetson, Merett Markliam, Joseph liorron, Albert Cory, 
Westley Martin, Lewis Bennett, George Hartwcll, Wni. H. Somniers, 
Orlando Pettis, Simon G. Avery, Cliauncey S. Avery, John G. Beck, UcnJ. 
Brown, Wm. M. Booth, John Booth, Wm. Baker, Irii W. Cliace, Henry 
Dye, Peter Ditas (1st). Peter Ditas (;d), Henry W. Dyer, David Forester, 
John Foot, Almond J. Abranis, Andrew A. Granger, Gideon S. Granger, 
Pery Hoago, Joseph HofTnian, John H. Hunter, Frank llolser, William 
Johnson, Wm. S. Kellogg, Augustus Keruchtou, Win. Knhn, Michael 
Morch, Daniel Magee, Wm. Kanber, I'eter Smith, Albert Sedgwick, 
Philip Schwingle, Andrew Totlon, Lorenzo Wodkins, Nicholas Yocum, 
Christian Yocnm, John Youngs, Chester llittus, Adolphus Werdine, 

Tlioniiie Kester, Bc.imun, George Youngs, Orleans W. Day, Joseph 

Smith, Jacob Smith, Orin Van Valkenburg, Martin Guglo, Conrad Deiter, 
George Fuller, Adam Foot, Micliael Albright, .John B. Kruchlen, Peter 
Newnuan, Christian Grim, John Grim, Levi G. Uunton, Joseph Sutton, 
Cornelius Dcnjerest. Claysou Wlieoler. 

Eiduted in Buffalo.— T\tM\i:ia Brown, Matthias Ilowet, Harry G. Osgood, Charles 
Lewis, John Taylor, John Hardlor, Oscar Canhnm, John Doyle, William 
Dowl, John aiaker, Albert Kise, Watson Sharp, John Pyle. 

Enlisted in i?oc/(tf«t«r.— George Simpson, Dick Green. 

Muslered in iil £/mmi.—Wra. Clark, John Wall, John Lawless, John Cokeloy, 
Howard Buchanan, John Lewis, Alexander ('ollins, Fr.ink Tinna, John 
Brown, Johani Karl, Thoma.s Cowen, .\lbort Smith, Wm. 3Ioon, W. C, 
Johnson. 



WAYNE. 



GEOGRAPHICAL SITUATION. 
This town is situated upon Lake Keuka, on the east 
border of the county. It is bounded north by Lake Keuka, 
east by the county line, south by Bradford, and west by 
Urbana and a portion of Lake Keuka. The town is about 
nine miles long by four wide, and the north end terminates 
in a point upon the lake. 

PHTSICAL FEATURES. 

The surface of this town is a rolling upland, from four 
to five hundred feet high, forming a plateau of rich and 
well-cultivated farms, and descending abruptly to the lake 
on the west and north. The northern end of the town along 
the lake-shore, being opposite the high lands of Pulteney, 
and sheltered by them from the northwest and west winds, 
is peculiarly adapted to fruit, and contains some of the fine.st 
vineyards in the grape-growing section of this county. 
Peaches are also successfully raised in this locality. The 
soil is a gravelly and slaty loam, resting upon a subsoil of 
hard-pan. Lake Wanota (Little Lake), lying upon the east 
border, is a beautiful sheet of clear water, three miles in 
length by half a mile in width. 

EARLY SETTLEMENT. 

The first settlers in the present town of Wayne were 
Zephaniah HoflF, Henry Mapes, Widow Jennings, and Solo- 
54 



mon Wixsoii, in 1791. Enos, Joseph, and James Sil.sbee, 
Abraham Hendricks, Joshua Siuitii, John Holdridge, 
Elijah Reynolds, and Kphraiiu Tyler were also among the 
pioneers. The first birth was that of Elizabeth Wisson, 
Nov. 6, 1793; the first marriage was that of I'^phraim 
Sanford, Jr., and Julia Hoft". Nathaniel Frisbie taught the 
first school in 1797. 

Ephraim Sanford, who had been a soldier in the Revo- 
lution, came from Luzerne Co., Pa., and settled, in 1793, 
within the present boundaries of the town of Wayne. 
He bought of Jacob Hallctt, of the city of New York, 
1864 acres of land in and around said town for £4(50 in 
1793. A portion of the laud he afterwards sold for eighteen 
pence an acre. He first settled on the farm where his 
grandson, Russel Sanford, now lives. Wolves and bears at 
that early day were a source of frequent annoyance. He 
immediately gave his attention to clearing land, and as the 
settlement grew in numbera he became also a pioneer worker 
in the religious cau.se. He was an earnest member of the 
Baptist ministry, doing his work always from the conscious- 
ness of duty, and never accepting any pay for his services. 
He was identified with the building of the Baptist church 
on the Salter corners in 1794, wliich at that time belonged 
to the Chemung Association. 

In 1802 he prospected in Allegany County, and in 1804 
he moved his fiuuily there, and .settled in the town of 



426 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Oramel. He helJ at his house the first religious meeting 
in that town. His daughter Betsey was the first child 
born in the town of Oramel. He afterwards returned with 
his family to his former place of settlement, in the town of 
Wayne, where he died in the care of his son James, in the 
eighty-ninth year of his age. His children were James, 
Sallie, Betsey, John, David, Ephraim, Densey, and Wil- 
liam, all of whom died in the town of Wayne ; Irena, died 
in Banington. James died with his son Russel, on the 
farm of his father, Jan. 31, 1842. Russel Sanford has 
two children. 

Enos Silsbee was born in 1765, in the Stato of Pennsyl- 
vania. In 1794 he came with his wife and children, John, 
James, and Deborah, settled, made the first clearing, and 
erected the first building on the farm near the Hunter 
school-house, where his grandson, Isaac Silsbee, now lives. 
He toiled early and late to clear his farm. He kept the 
first hotel in the territory embraced by the town of Wayne. 
He built the first ashery, which he ran for a number of 
years. Farming, however, was his principal vocation. He 
was a member of the Presbyterian Church. He died on 
the form he settled, in 1830. His daughter, Sarah, was 
born in the town of Wayne. 

John Silsbee, the oldest son, settled on the form where 
Samuel Bailey now lives ; he there built and ran the first 
saw-mill in the town of Wayne. He afterwards moved on 
the form his father settled, and tliere reared the following 
family, viz : Sobrina, who died in Yates County ; Joshua,* 
who died in California ; Calvin, who now lives in Michigan ; 
Angeline, who lives in Tyrone ; Francis, Arminda, Martha, 
and Isaac, who now live in Wayne. 

James Silsbee, the son of Enos, in company with Fitch, 
ran the first store in Wayne, near the Hunter school-house. 
He built the first tannery, and ran the first grist-mill by 
horse-power. It had one run of stone, consisting of two 
cylindrical stones lying horizontal and parallel, and revolving 
towards each other. He finally moved to Avoca. 

Anthony Swarthout came from Seneca County and set- 
tled the Asa Swarthout farm, on the banks of Keuka Lake, 
near Keuka, about 1806. He made a clearing, and built a 
log house and log barn. Around him was a howling wil- 
derness. He lost eighteen sheep in one night by the wolves. 

A village of Indian wigwams stood on the beach of the 
lake, just below Mr. Swarthout's house. His relations with 
the Indians were always friendly. Ho often enjoyed with 
them their hunting and fishing sports. He was a suc- 
cessful farmer, and a member of the Baptist Church. He 
died on the farm he settled. His children were Ezekiel, 
John, Henry, Caleb, George, Andrew (who was elected three 
years supervisor without opposition), Asa, Catharine, Anna, 
Elizabeth, and Mary. 

Abram Hendricks was the first settler at Keuka, on about 
one hundred acres of land. He was succeeded by Jabez 
Hopkins, who kept the first hotel at Keuka, in a log and 
frame building ; he also kept the first store at Keuka. He 
was an active business man, engaging in farming and cattle- 



* Joshua Silsbee was one of the most noted comedians of his age. 
He was the first to introduce the Yankee character on the American 
stage, in Philadelphia, and acquired the sobriquet of " Yankee Sils- 



bee." 



buying. Reverses, however, overtook him in later life, 
and he finally died with his daughter Huldah, in the town 
of Bath. His children were Charles, Harry, Huldah, and 
Betsey, the last of whom married Henry Houck. 

The next man at Keuka was Aaron Olmstead, who was 
an early blacksmith in the town of Wayne. He made axes 
and scythes by horse-power ; he built the second warehouse 
at Keuka, and was also innkeeper. His children were 
Eliza, Hanford, Julia, Charles, and Mary. 

Thomas Bennett and Parker were the first occupants on 
the Goblc form, just below Keuka. They became somewhat 
notorious in counterfeiting the metallic currency of their 
day. Bennett was arrested and sentenced to State-prison, 
after five years was pardoned, and died within one year 
thereafter. Parker escaped the officers in pursuit by swing- 
ing his horse across the lake at Three-Mile Point. 

John Goble was the first permatient settler on the same 
premises. He was a good man, and died in the faith of 
the Baptist Church, leaving his son, Gersham, who also 
died on the same farm. The children of Gersham were 
Jonathan (who married Eliza Weeks, and went to Japati as 
a missionary), Rachel, Jennie, Henry, Rebecca, and Mary. 

Thomas Margeson came from Essex Co., N. J., and set- 
tled on the Sutter form, in 1806. He was the first shoe- 
maker in the town. He devoted his time to his trade and 
forming. He was for many years a member of the Baptist 
Church. He died in the town of Wayne, in 1827. The 
following were his children : John, Thomas, Charles, Ben- 
jamin, Job, Israel, Caleb, Cornelius, Elizabeth, Susannah, 
Hannah, and Mary, who now lives in the town of Wayne 
with her nephew, Israel. 

Henry Houck came from Germany, and "married Polly 
Bell, an English lady, in the city of New York, and set- 
tled in the town of Wayne, in an etirly day, on the farm 
where Joseph Rote now lives, where he made the first 
clearing and built the first house ; he was a farmer and be- 
longed to the Presbyterian Church. His children were 
Andrew, Nellie, Peter, Henry, Sallie, Abel, John, and 
Joseph ; the last of whom married Maria Rarrick, and 
settled on the farm where his son, J. E. Houck, now lives. 
He died in 1828, and left his wife amid the hardships of 
that early day with a family of little children, of which the 
following were members : Henry, Van Rensselaer, Betsey, 
Luenna, Matilda, Catherine, Caroline, Polly, and Joseph E. 

The grandchildren of Henry Houck, the pioneer, now 
number thirty-seven, and his great-grandchildren, seventy- 
two. 

Israel R. Wood was born in 1790, moved from Orange 
County to Steuben in 1814, settled, and made the first 
clearing on the farm where his son Jonathan now lives, in 
1816. The next spring he built a log house near the old 
orchard now growing on the same farm. By hard and vig- 
orous work the heavy timber on his land gradually faded 
away, and lot after lot was made suitable for the plow, until 
he had the satisfaction of seeing his form .sufficiently cleared. 
He then gave his attention to stumping until these incum- 
brances were nearly all removed, and he had seven miles of 
stump-fence on his iarm. In order to improve the productive- 
ness of his farm, he for a third time worked over it in the way 
of ditching. He was a very successful farmer, and a member 





t^ 



w ■, 




M.VKNAPP 



MRS M.V. KNAPP. 




M V. KNAPP, W/AYNE, Steuben Co.n 



TOWN OF WAYNE. 



427 



of the Episcopal Church. He died in possession of about 
500 acres of land in 1SU8. His children were Abram 
Fleet, Jonathan, and Andrew (the last two now live in the 
town of Wayne), Ida, Joel P., Emily, Jane, William, Israel, 
Henry S. (who died a soldier in Virj^iiiia), Mary Ann, Dru- 
silla, and John. 

Joseph Bailey, a soldier of the llevolution, came from 
Orange County and settled in Wayne, on the farm where 
Henry Houck lives, about 1799. His title proving de- 
fective, he then settled the Cornelius Bailey farm, which he 
cleared and improved. He raised his family there, and 
being remote from grist-mills he burned a hole in the top 
of a stump in whicli to pound grain for his family's use. 
His meat consisted of deer, many of which he caught in 
the lake after the dogs had run them in. His children 
were John S., Cornelius, Samuel, Jemima, Nathan, and 
Elizabeth. 

John S. Bailey, the first of the above children, settled 
and cleared the Grove Spring farm. He died in the town 
of Wayne, with his son Samuel, in 1875. 

George Hunter was the first settler on the farm where 
D. nice now lives. He was a prominent citizen, with de- 
cided traits of character. He was supervisor of his town, 
and always interested in public affiiirs. At the election in 
1840, he, being a conservative, refused to vote because he 
did not want to deposit his ballot with Democrats and 
Whigs; finally he deposited his vote in a box made for 
the especial purpose of receiving it. He died on the 
same farm, in 1845. He married Deborah Silsbee. His 
sons were Harvey, Harrison, Horatio, Horace, and Henry ; 
the last of whom studied law with Judge Walles, of Penn 
Yan, and practiced at Rochester, where he was city attor- 
ney, and where he died. 

The daughters were Maria, Julia, Emily, Sallie, Mary, 
and Eliza, who married the Rev. Daniel Russell. 

Solomon Wixson settled in 1791, on the farm where his 
grandson Solomon now lives. He built his first house on 
the banks of the lake; he was a farmer by occupation, al- 
though he served his town as justice of the peace. He lived 
and died on the same farm he settled, surrounded by the 
fruits of his labor. His children were Joseph, Joshua, 
Reuben, John, Daniel, James, Solomon, Elizabeth, Polly, 
Clary, and Jllijah, who died on the same farm in 1878. 

John Earnest settled in the town in the fall of 1817, 
near where Wni. 0. Baile}' now lives. He was an early 
blacksmith in the town ; he made axes for which people 
came thirty miles ; two years after he moved to Avoca. At 
one time, while bringing a load of salt from Geneva to that 
place, when within two miles of home, he was confronted 
by a panther in the road ; his wagon got fast in a mud-hole, 
and while he was unhitching his team they broke loose and 
ran away, and left Mr. Earnest to face his merciless enemy 
alone ; finally a dog drew his attention and Mr. Earnest 
escaped, and ran till he fell with terrible fright in his own 
door. He afterwards returned to the town of Wayne, where 
he became a member of the Presbyterian Church. He lived 
in the town the remainder of his life, and died with his son 
John in the eighty-fifth year of his age. His children 
were Julia Ann, John J., Mary J., Lsaac, Alexander, George 
W., Eliza, and De Witt. 



His son John has always lived in the town of Wayne- 
He has been engaged in wagon and carriage makins, wool, 
sheep, and cattle buying. He wa.s supervisor and assessor 
in his town, and has been prominently identified with it.s 
interest. He has always been an earnest worker in the 
temperance cause, even when it required courage to do so. 

The first school-house in the town of Wayne was a log 
building, and stood on the Salter corners. 

William Brewer was an early shoemaker in the town. 
He practiced law somewhat in justice courts. He bought 
Jo.seph Wedge's wife for a pair of boots, with whom he 
lived till he died. 

Fitch & Silsbee were the first storekeepers. 

Dr. Wells and Dr. Comstock were the first physicians. 

The Stubbs family were among the early .settlers of 
Wayne. 

Simeon Sackett was the first settler on the farm now 
owned by James Smith. He was a farmer by occupation. 
He died on the same farm with a disea.se called by the early 
settlers " the cold plague." 

John Teeple made the first clearing in the south part 
of the town of Wayne, on the Teeple farm, about 1800. 
He was the first surveyor in the territory now known as 
Wayne ; he was a good farmer and built and ran a distillery. 
In his neighborhood belief in witchcraft at one time was 
quite prevalent. It was believed his daughter Polly was 
bewitched. An image was formed of dough made of flour 
and the blood of the person bewitched, and shot with a 
silver bullet, believing that they would thereby kill the 
witch, Mrs. Slooum. He died on the same farm. His 
children were George, Jacob, Margaret, and Polly. 

John B. Mitchell, Sr., was born in England in 1772, and 
came to this country when a young man. He stopped in 
New York City for a few years, where he married Ann 
O'Roark ; moved to Paterson, N. J., and stayed there a year 
or two, and then went to Utica, N. Y., where he remained 
till the close of the war, in 1814. He then removed to 
Wayne with his family. He brought a stock of goods with 
him, and upon his arrival opened a store, which he after- 
wards sold out to Silsbee & Fitch. He had eight chil- 
dren, — Ann Eliza, John B., Maria, George D., Thomas, 
Mary Ann, Joseph, and Richard. None are now living ex- 
cept Maria McDowell and Joseph, who reside in Wayne. 
He died in 1841. 

John B. Mitchell, deceased, was born in the city of New 
York, May 14, 1802, of Engli.sh parentage. In his infancy 
his father moved to Utica, and about seven years later emi- 
grated to Frederickstown, Steuben Co., which embraced what 
is now Bradford, Tyrone, Wayne, and Barrington. He resided 
with his father, John B. Mitchell, Sr., who was engaged in 
farming and distilling up to 1825-26, with the exception 
of a short time while a clerk in the store of John II. Gan- 
sevoort, at Bath. Shortly after this he commenced the 
mercantile business in a small way for himself at Wayne, 
increasing his business from year to year, until he estab- 
lished a branch store at Bradford, where he bought wheat 
and other, produce, and shipped it down the river in arks 
to Baltimore. Abandoning business at Bradford, he and 
Michael Willour (now deceased) started the first store at 
Watkins, and continued in business there for several years. 



428 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



He then established a second store at Wayne. Then he 
re-establi.shed a more extensive business at Bradford, deal- 
ing largely in lumber and shingles, shipping to the Eastern 
cities by the Crooked Lake and Erie Canals. He built a 
commodious warehouse on the shore of Keuka (Crooked) 
Lake, where he bought and shipped large quantities of grain. 
He was one of the largest contributors to the Crooked Lake 
Canal in grain, timber, lumber, shingles, etc., owning 
and running several canal-boats. He then built a foun- 
dry and machine-shop at Wayne, and afterwards a steam 
saw-mill, and operated them successfully. He dealt 
largely in cattle and sheep, and drove them to Philadelphia 
market. He bought and sold timber and farm lands, own- 
ing eight and ten farms at once. Necessarily trusting to 
others in the management of such an extensive business, 
together with the failure of his brother, for whom he in- 
dorsed largely, he was obliged in the summer of 1851 to 
submit to the galling necessity of seeing his property, which 
he had been twenty-five years in accumulating, by incessant 
toil both day and night, sacrificed under the sheriff's hammer, 
the mere pittance which it brought satisfying but a small 
portion of the demands, leaving him to struggle to the end 
of his life under a burden that hung like a " mill-stone 
about his neck," with a young family of children to main- 
tain. 

Ambitious and energetic beyond most men, he made 
desperate struggles to free himself from his indebtedness in 
an honorable way, hoping that some time in the immediate 
future he would be able to do it, and assume his position 
as one of the foremost business men of the country, when 
he hoped to carry out the cherished projects of his earlier 
and more prosperous career. But the task was greater than 
he could accomplish, stripped and hampered as he was, with 
one exception. He had the gratification of knowing that 
the Episcopal Church, of which he was a member, and 
which he labored so long to establish, would be completed. 
In politics he was a Whig and Republican. Wheu his 
town was Democratic he was elected supervisor two years 
by large m.ijorities, and declined to take it a third time. 
He was bold and fearless iil the expression of his ideas, and 
unyielding in his convictions. He died on the 14th day 
of January, 1873, in the seventy-first year of hi.s age. 

Matthew McDowell was born March 28, 1798, at the 
foot of Lake Keuka, on the east bank of the outlet. His 
father, John McDowell, and his mother, Catherine Par- 
kinson, came from New Jersey in 1794, with Col. William- 
son. He married Maria Mitchell, June 21, 1827. Hecame 
to Wayne wheu a young man, and located on the fiirm where 
his son Frank now resides. He has four children, — Ann 
E. (who married Samuel Hallett), Francis M., Marie Louise 
(wife of Gen. N. M. Crane), and George W., all of whom 
are now living in Steuben County. Mr. McDowell was 
supervisor for several years, and justice of the peace for a 
long time. He was always a Democrat. He died June 2G, 
1864. 

GRAPE INTEREST. 

The first vineyard in the town of Wayne was set in 1863 
by John Grace, on the property now owned by the Keuka 
Vineyard Company, at Keuka, who are the largest grape- 
growers on the lake, their vineyards embracing more than 



100 acres. The second vineyard was set on the lot where 
Prudence Houck now lives at Keuka by James or Norman 
Sunderlin. At the time these vineyards were set there was 
some doubt as to whether the grapes would ripen as well 
on the east side of the lake as they would on the west side. 
It has been demonstrated, however, that they not only do 
as well, but as a matter of fact they ripen a few days earlier. 
There is at the present time about 300 acres of bearing 
vineyard in this town, consisting principally of the follow- 
ing varieties: Catawba, Delaware, Diana, lona, Isabella, 
Concords; other varieties do equally well. The average 
yield of these vineyards is about one and a half tons per 
acre, and the average price about $100 per ton. 

It has been demonstrated that the peach can here be 
successfully cultivated ; there are a few fine orchards now 
growing, with an average yield of about 150 bushels per 
acre. 

ORGANIZATION. 

Wayne was formed as " Frederickstown," March 18, 
1796. Its name was changed, April 6, 1808, in honor of 
Gen. Anthony Wayne. Reading, Schuyler Co., was taken 
ofi' in 1806, Orange, Schuyler Co., in 1813, and Barring- 
ton, Yates Co., and Tyrone, Schuyler Co., in 1822. A 
part was annexed to Tyrone, April 17, 1854. 

In 1801 all the votes cast for Governor in the town of 
Frederickstown were 26. 

LIST OF TOWN OFFICERS.* 





Supervisors. 


Town Clerks. 


Collectors. 


1801. 


Benjamin Wells. 


Joshua Smith. 


(No Record.) 


1802. 


« it 


" 


Lorin Francis. 


180.3. 


a a 


'* " 


Simeon Sackett. 


1804. 


John Dow. 


ti it 


it tt 


1805. 


Jacob Teeple. 


u t. 


.1 it 


ISOfi. 


It It 


n a 


a it 


1807. 


It it 


u u 


it it 


1808. 


John Teeple. 


Benjamin Sackett. 


tt (1 


1809. 


tt ti 


ti tt 


tt it 


1810. 


" " 


u u 


tt it 


ISll. 


ti it 


it ti 


James Sanford. 


1812. 


it it 


John Silsbce. 


Matthew Knapp. 


1813. 


H ti 


Benjamin Sackett. 


James Silsbee. 


1814. 


tt It 


if ti 


Matthew Knapp. 


1815. 


ti tt 


tt tt 


Jabez Hopkins. 


1816. 


it tt 


it ti 


Jacob Hoagland. 


1817. 


William Kernan. 


a tt 


Reuben Nixon. 


1818. 


" " 


it it 


Joseph Hause. 


1819. 


John Teeple. 


it *i 


Alexander Patten. 


1820. 


" 


Enoch Decamp. 


William Tompkins. 


1821. 


it it 


it t. 


George W. Teeple. 


1822. 


David Hall. 


it tt 


Julius Eaton. 


1823. 


William E. Wells. 


George Hunter. 


Oliver Rice. 


1824. 


(t it 


ti it 


it ti 


1820. 


a a 


tt a 


it tt 


1826. 


ft It 


David Hall. 


it it 


1827. 


George Hunter. 


a it 


James B. Curry. 


1828. 


it i( 


Enoch Webster. 


it it 


1829. 


tt it 


" '* 


Wm. R. Holdridge. 


1830. 


William Birdseil. 


ti a 


it it 


1831. 


it it 


Orlando Comstock. 


Benjamin R. Sweek 


1832. 


George Hunter. 


. « " 


Joseph Coykendall. 


1833. 


11 ti 


it it 


John Degraw. 


1834. 


Mathew McDowell. 


. It ti 


Edward Richmond. 


1835. 


tt i. 


ti ti 


Rice Tompkins. 



■ No records were kept in the town previous to 1801. 




FRANCIS M. McDowell 



was borii at Wayne, Steuben Co., N. Y., on tlie 12th 
of June, 1831. He was the eldest son of Matthew 
and Maria McDowell, and was educated in the 
common school, with the exception of a few terms at 
an academy. He developed a great taste for reading 
when a boy, giving up all his leisure to it, from 
which he derived a great fund of information. 

During the fall of 1851 he went to Adrian, 
N. Y., and soon after became interested with Mr. 
Samuel Hallett in the lumber business. When tlie 
Bank of Hornellsville was organized, in 1854, he 
was elected cashier. 

In January, 1857, the firm of Samuel Hallett & 
Co. was formed, of which he was a member, and 
he removed to New York and took charge of the 
business during Mr. Hallett's two years' absence in 
Europe on important railroad negotiations. During 
the next few years Mr. McDowell visited Euro[)e 
several times in the inter&st of the firm, and while 
there traveled extensively in England and on the 
continent. 

He was married in London, in October, 1861, 
to Sarah Josephine Spang, daughter of Charles F. 
Spang, of Pittsburgh, Pa., who died abroad in 1868, 
where she had been some years for her health. 

In 1863 he was one of the firm who took the 



contract to build the Union Pacific Railroad, Eastern 
Division, now known as the Kansas Pacific, and 
had charge of their office in New York. Owing 
to difficulties with Gen. John C. Fremont, this 
firm was dissolved, and the construction of the road 
was continued by Mr. Samuel Hallett until his 
death . 

During the winter of 1867-68 he was one of 
seven gentlemen who founded the order known as 
the Patrons of Husbandry. Soon after he was 
elected treasurer of the National Grange, which 
office he still holds. This order has a larger mem- 
bership than any order ever organized in tlie United 
States, — and probably in the world. 

For many years he has lived at Wayne, N. Y., 
and has been extensively engaged with others in 
growing grapes on the shores of Lake Kiuka. They 
have at this time the largest vineyards in tliis 
section. 

In December, 1874, he married Eva, daughter of 
Wm. M. Sherwood, of Woodhull, N. Y. He has 
sincfi resided on the old homestead, which has been 
occupied by the family for over fifty years. 

Mr. McDowell has great perseverance, and there 
are few his superiors in geniality of temper and 
ability to make friends. 



il 



TOWN OF WAYNE. 



429 



1836. 
1837. 
1838. 
1839. 
1840. 
1841. 
1842. 
1843. 
1844. 
1845. 
1840. 
1847. 
1848. 
1849. 
lS,iO. 
1851. 
1852. 
1853. 
1854. 



Snpervisore. 
Orlando Comstock. 

it n 

John P. Lozicr. 
Henry Chichester. 
Orlando Comstock. 
Jacob Teeple. 
Levi Knox, 



Town Clerks. 
Geo. G. lloldridge. 
Rice Tompkins. 
William T. Hastings. 
Williiim Birdscll. 

Shclden W. Mungar. 
Horatio Hunter. 



Collectors. 
Kice Tompkins. 
James Covert, Jr. 
Keubcn Smith. 



Daniel W. .Sundcrlin. William H. Doughty 
Harsey Hill. " " 

An<lrew D. Swarthout. " " 

" " Lyman F. Noble. 



John B. Mitchell. 
it .. 

George Schuyler. 

Joseph Eveland. 
Joseph Hoat. 
Ansel H. Williams. 
George Schuyler. 
Robert Diggers. 
Anios Wortman. 



Thomas Palmer. 
Benj. T. Fletcher. 

Lewis .\. Knnpji. 



1855. 
1856. 

1857. " 

1858. John B. Birdseye. 

1859. " 
1860. 
1861. 
1862. 
1863. 



John J. Earnest. 
George Schuyler. 
Bela Bonny. 

Joel Wi.\son. 



1864. 
1865. 
1866. 
1867. 
1868. 
1809. 
1870. 
1871. 
1872. 
1873. 
1874. 
1875. 
1876. 
1877. 
1878. 



Charles D. Wells. 

It il 

Joseph Roat. 
Thomas E. Walsh. 
Charles K. Minor. 



Monm'th II. (ianung 
Henry S. Griffith. 
George D. Woodard, 
WilberF.Toailinson 
Kcuben Smith. 

Erastus E. Bennett. 
Thomas White. 
Erastus E. Bennett. 

Eli Allison. 
Henry T. Mitchell. 
Charles T. Walsh. 
John Knapp. 
George Hill. 
George D. lligley. 



James Force. 

Samuel Holly. 

Heiiry Wixson. 
Reuben Smith. 
Horace Wixson. 
Reuben Smith. 
John F. Burge. 
Reuben Smith. 

James A. Grey. 
Anthony H. Rai-rick. 

f.John F. Burge. 

U it 

John Crnnc. 

Charles B. Doughty. 
Thomas E, Walsh. 



T. AValsh. 

H. Kleekler (tie). 

Henry Kleekler. 

Joseph B. Ketchum. 
Ira Margeson. 
Thomas E. Walsh. 
David A. Lamb. 

Charles T. AValsh. 
Abrara F. Beyea. 
Howell Gardner. 



James Wixson. 



Andrew J. Dibble 

Delbcrt Knapp. " ** 

George D. Woodard. David A. Lamb. 

Solomon R. Wixson. John Thetgar. James S. Dean. 

James Wixson. Levi D. Curran. Justus Lamb. 

Solomon Wixson. C. D. Sunderlin. Isaac Silsbee. 



jrSTIOES OF VHE PEACIv. 



1830. 


Nathan Fitch. 


1850. 


Hiram Baker. 


1831. 


Daniel W. Sunderlin. 


1851. 


G. W. Griffith. 


1832. 


Stephen Griffith. 


1852. 


Van Kens'r W. Sunderlin 


1833. 


David Hall. 




Ira A. White. 


1834. 


Henry Hill. 


1853. 


William Birdsell. 


1835. 


Daniel W, Sunderlin. 


1854. 


John L. Griffith. 


1836. 


John Broderick. 




Levi Kno.\. 


1837. 


William Birdsell. 


1855. 


Otis W. Folsom. 


1838. 


Harvey Hill. 




James R. Gleason. 




Orland Comstock. 


1856. 


William H Doughty. 


1839. 


Matthew McDowell. 


1857. 


Horace Griffith. 


1840. 


Rice Tompkins. 


1858. 


Levi Knox. 


1841. 


William Birdscll. 


1859. 


David Wortman. 




Matthew McDowell. 


1800. 


William H. Doughty. 


1842. 


Enos Wortman. 


1861. 


Reuben Schuyler. 


1843. 


Franklin Ilolden. 




Robert Biggers. 


1844. 


Enoch Welister. 


1862. 


Levi Knox. 


1845. 


Franklin Holdun. 


1863. 


George P. Lord. 




William Birdsell. 


1864. 


William H. Doughty. 


1846. 


Amos Wortman. 




John B. Mitchell. 


1847. 


John Chamber. 


1865. 


Horace Griffith. 




David .Sanford. 




Otis W. Folsom. 


1848. 


William H. Doughty. 


1806. 


James R. Gleason. 




David Gannon. 


1867. 


George P. Lord. 


1849. 


William Birdsell. 


1868. 


Minard Canfield. 




Jonathan P. McCoy. 


1869. 


William Morelund. 



1870. James R. Gleason. 

1871. Hansel S. Hill. 

1872. David B. Garlinghouso. 

1873. AVilliam M. Ireland. 

1874. James R. Gleason. 



1875. Marcena V. Knopp. 

1876. John Thetgar. 

1877. D. J. Houck. 

1878. Lyman Aulls. 



CHURCHES. 



WAYNE BAPTIST CHURCH. 



The Wayne Baptist Church was constituted as early as 
1794. The number of constituent members cannot now be 
ascertained. From the best information sJ'thercd, Elder 
Ephraim Sanford was tlie first regular pastor, and con- 
tinued that relation with the church, most of the time, 
until 1823. 

It also appears fron) the few early records of the church, 
that an Eider Kggleston.of Bath, was invited to meet with 
the brethren when he could, which invitation seems to have 
been accepted, as he is reported to have been with them 
occasionally in their meetings. 

Elder John (ioff is al.so reported to have occasionally 
administered the ordinances for the church, from 1804 to 
1807. 

The earliest record now found of the church sending a 
delegate to an association was in 1807, when an Elder 
Griffith was appointed, and it is supposed to the Chemung, 
as that was the name of the as.sociation with which the 
church first united. 

No record of statistics can be found by which to ascer- 
tain the number of members in the church at this early 
day and settlement of the country until 1808, when they 
numbered 81, and it is evident also they were scattered 
over (|uitc an extent of territory, as they generally held 
their church meetings at private houses, from lime to time, 
quite a distance from each other, and from five to eight 
appears to be the number that usually came together on 
tlio.se occasions. The church ob.scrved a pretty strict disci- 
pline in those days of its early history; and there seem to 
have been frequent changes of membership by baptisms, 
letters o'f admi.ssion, dismLssions, and exclusions. 

In 1811 we find the church was a member of the 
Cayuga Association, which met that year at Aurelius. 
P]lder Ephraim Sanford, delegate to the association, reported 
17 added to the church, and total membership 51. 

In 1814 the church belonged to the Ontario Associa- 
tion, which held its anniversary that year at Bristol ; Elder 
Sanford, pastor, and James Osgood, delegates ; 8 added to 
the church, and 74 total membership. 

In 1818, September 9 and 10, seven other Baptist 
churches, by their delegates, met in convention with the 
Wayne church, and organized the Steuben BaptLst Associa- 
tion. In this organization, the Wayne church was the most 
leading and efficient member, having at that time a meet- 
ing-house, and a membership of 105, — more than one-third 
of the whole number of the eight churches. 

In 1819 the church granted letters of dismission to more 
than thirty of their number, to form the Second Wayne^ 
now Barrington Church, of which number thiitccn were 
male members. At the close of Elder San ford's pastorate 
the church reported a membership of 122. 

In 1823, David B. Coriell was licensed by the church to 



430 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



preach the gospel, and as Elder Sandford had become aged 
and infirm, Coriell preached for the church most of the 
time. 

In April, 1825, he was ordained and became the regular 
pastor of the church, which relation he sustained until 
1834, except two years, 1830 and 1831, when the church 
was supplied with preaching by Elder David Smith, of 
Bath, and J. S. Chapman, a licentiate of the church. 
During this period of eleven years the church passed 
through some lingering trials, but received by baptism 48, 
and reported a membership at the close of 103. 

In 1835, J. S. Chapman, having received ordination 
previously, became the pastor of the church, and served 
them in that relation three years, baptizing into their fel- 
lowship 34, — increasing the membership to 135. During 
his pastorate their present house of worship was built. 

Elder J. P. Call was their pastor the two succeeding 
years, in which time 82 were baptized and the membership 
increa.sed to 2 IS. 

From June, 1840, to November of the same year the 
church was without a pastor, therefore no pastor appears in 
their delegation to the a.ssociation ; yet they report 21 bap- 
tized and 94 dismissed, which reduced their membership 
to 152. The large number dismissed was to form the 
Urbana church. 

In the fall of 1840 the church settled Elder A. C. Mal- 
lory as their pastor, who remained in that relation with 
them eleven years and baptized into their fellowship 147. 
Sixty-nine were baptized during the associational year of 
1842, and was the large.st number ever baptized into the 
church in one year. At the close of Elder Mallory's pas- 
torate the church numbered 177. 

Elder 0. B. Call was the next pastor ; continued two 
years, baptized 21, and left a reported membership of 197. 

From the spring of 1854 to the following winter the 
church was without a pastor, and report but 102 membere 
to the a.ssociation, — a discrepancy of 89, according to their 
previous report, unaccounted for, — probably the result of 
revising and correcting their list of the names of their 
number. 

In December of the same year the church secured the 
labors of Phil. GriflBs, a licentiate, who was ordained the 
following April by a council called by the church for that 
purpo.se. He remained but one year. Membership re- 
ported, 101. 

Elder George Crocker succeeded Griffis as pastor, and 
served the church two years. The number of members at 
the close of his labors, 90. 

Elder D. D. Atwater followed Crocker in the pastorate, 
and was with the church three years ; reported 47 baptized 
and a membership of 102. The church was destitute of a 
settled pastor in 1861, but supplied by Elder J. Ketchum. 

Elder H. R. Dakin took the pastoral charge of the 
church in 1862, and continued the relation four years. 
Baptized, 5 ; reported membership at the close of his 
labors, 80. 

Since Elder Dakin closed his services with the church, 
in 1866, the following pastors have officiated : Rev. Lewis 
Brasted, two years; Rev. L. D. Worth, three years; Rev. 
P. D. Jacobus, since May 1, 1877. 



As the office of deacon is of Divine appointment in the 
church, it may be proper briefly to refer to those who have 
been chosen and duly appointed and set apart by the church 
to serve them in that official relation. The first deacons in 
the church were Solomon Wixson and Abraham Hendryx. 
Deacon Wixson died in April, 1813, and Hendryx moved 
away soon after. The church then elected Thomas Mar- 
geson and James Silsbee to that office, who served the 
church for many years, when their Lord called them to 
their reward on high. John Sanford and Ralph Van 
Houten were next chosen to officiate as deacons in the 
church, and were true yoke-brethren in their official duties, 
serving to a good old age ; yet previous to the decease of 
either of them, in 1841, the church elected Amos Wort- 
man to that office, that those aged brethren might have 
assistance in their official duties. 

In April, 1850, William H. Doughty, Horace Cole, and 
Ephraim Sanford were properly ordained as deacons in 
the church, who served the church for a term of years ; 
but have all moved away, and are now serving other 
churches in their official capacity. In February, 1864, 
Gurden L. Webster, Henry Jacobus, and William K. 
Harrison were ordained, who, with Deacon Wortman, are 
the present officiating deacons in the church, having the 
counsel and aid of Deacon Daniel Garlinghouse, who has 
united with them from another church. 

One thing we think worthy of notice, which shows the 
caution and good judgment of the church in the selection 
of their deacons. During their long history their deacons 
have never had difficulty with each other nor with their 
pastor. 

We have now given a brief sketch of the history of the 
oldest Baptist church in a large extent of this section of 
country, having existed .seventy-six years ; and the brethren 
and sisters have a desire to yet live as a church, and help 
sustain Baptist views of gospel doctrine and church order 
as taught in the New Testament. They have lately much 
improved their meeting-house in appearance, both inter- 
nally and externally, so that it was never more pleasant 
and inviting as a house for the worship of God than at 
the present time. And the writer feels it his duty to state, 
in behalf of the church, that they still maintain a discipline 
equal (and in some respects better) to any other Baptist 
church with which he is acquainted. And he would further 
add, may it. not be well — and even duty — for the younger 
and prosperous churches to encourage and assist this old 
church in their present feeble and somewhat discouraged 
state. They would gladly unite with any other Baptist 
church in sustaining a pastor where practicable, and have 
made efibrts to do so, but hitherto have not succeeded. 

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF W.VYNE. 

In an early day the Presbyterian society united with the 
Bapti.st society in moving a building which was partly 
finished from the Salter corners to the first corners west, 
and there they completed the building. Each society held 
meetings in the house every alternate Sunday. On the 
twenty-fifth day of December, 1809, the Presbyterian 
society was organized by John Linsley, missionary ; Fred- 
erick Bartles was the first elder chosen. The church con- 






jVIRS. PRUDENCE flOUCK. 



LEWIS V. fiOUCK. 

(deceased } 



LEWIS V 
Ijewis V. Houck, son of Joseph and Maria Houck, 
was born in Wayne, April 12, 1822. His father was of 
Dutch origin, and his mother of French. Lewis V. 
had a common-school education, and was able to do all 
kinds of practical business. He was reared a farmer. 

On the 16th of July, 1S57, he marrietl Miss Prudence 
E. Hover, daughter of Abram and Polly Hover, of 
Tyrone, Schuyler Co., N. Y. Of tliis union one 
daughter, Alice M., was born, July 1, 1858. Mrs. 
Houck was born April 6, 1827. 

Soon after marriage Mr. Houck removed to his own 
farm in Wayne ; remained five years ; sold out and pur- 
chased another farm ; remained three years ; then tradetl 
for the present Ijeautiful farm in Tyrone, consisting of 
two hundred and sixty acres of good productive land ; 



HOUCK. 

at the same time he removed to Keuka, on to the place 
now occupied by his widow and daughter. Mr, Houck 
was engaged quite extensively in grape-culture. His 
widow still continues the business. Mr. Houck was 
very successful in all his business transactions, and by 
industry and economy left his family in good circum- 
stances. 

In politics he was a Democrat, but never held any 
political offices. Mr. Houck was killed accidentally by 
a log rolling over iiim in the village of Keuka, only 
a few rods from bis house.. He retained his conscious- 
ness until the last, living some two hours. He died 
Aug. 5, 1873, and was buried in the McDowell Ceme- 
tery at Wayne, where a fine marble monument marks 
his resting-place. 



TOWN OF WAYNE. 



4:n 



sisted of 9 male and 7 female members. About 150 per- 
sons had united with the church up to 1830. 

In 1830, 19th of January, at a meeting in the school- 
house near Joseph Tompkins', the Wayne and Tyrone 
society united under the name of the Presbyterian Society 
of Wayne and Tyrone. Stephen GriiSth and Gain McCoy 
were ruling elders. Si.x trustees were chosen, Enoch Web- 
ster, President ; and Sylvester Wells, Clerk. 

In 1831 the association of the two societies was dissolved, 
and the society of Wayne was again organized as the Pres- 
byterian Society of Wayne, on the fifth day of November, 
1831, with 9 trustees, viz., Matthew McDowell, David 
Hall, E. S. Wells, Orlando Comstock, Stephen Griffith, 
H. J. Brinkerhoff, J. Degraw, Enos Silsbee, and John 
Earnest. David Hall was chosen President ; John Earn- 
est, Treasurer; M. McDowell, Clerk. 

In 1837 a new building was erected on the present site 
of the Episcopal church. J. Rowlett, pastor; D. B. Bal- 
lard, carpenter and painter. Anson Truman while at work 
on the steeple fell therefrom to the ground, from the effects 
of which he died. 

The society held meetings there with more or less inter- 
mission until 1809, when they transferred the house and 
lot to the Episcopal society. Among the pastors were the 
following: John Linsley (missionary), Joseph Merrill, Mr. 
Ba.scom, Ebenezer Lazell, Joseph Crawford, David Higgins, 
James Rowlett, M. J. Smith, B. J. Russell. 

METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH. 

Previous to the organization, the Methodist Episcopal 
society of North Uibana held meetings in the school-house 
and in the Baptist church. The society was organized on 
the twenty-eighth day of February, 1837, at a meeting of 
which Josej)h PearsoU was chairman, and Daniel C. Bal- 
lard was secretary Five trustees were elected and classed 
as follows, viz. : John S. Bailey and Closes Crookston, 1st 
cla-ss; Daniel C. Ballard and Benjamin Woodruff, 2d class; 
Simon I. Jacobus, 3d Class. At that time Abner Chase 
was presiding elder. Afterwards the number of trustees 
was increased to 6. 

About 1839 the present site was purchased of Ebenezer 
Brundage, and the present building erected thereon, Daniel 
C. Ballard carpenter and painter. Horace Tomlinson was 
among the trustees and one of the building committee; he 
was also class-leader, which latter place he held up to the 
time of his death in 1844. 

In 1870 the number of trustees was reduced to three. 
In 1872 the church was repaired at a cost of $1200. John 
Elyea carpenter, and T. P. Purdy, of Bath, painter; Otis 
W. FoLsom, mason ; D. W. Gates was the preacher ; Wat- 
son M. Tomlinson, A. N. Seamons, and Tompkins Covert 
were trustees. Israel Wood also took great interest in the 
repairs. A. F. Morey was presiding elder. 

The number of present members is about 30 ; present 
trustees, Israel Wood, Richard H. Hall, and W. M. Tom- 
linson; present class-leader, Watson M. Tomlinson; present 
pastor, C. G. Curtis. 

The following list comprises nearly all the pastors : Asa 
Orcutt, Joseph Pcarsoll, Henry Wisner, Asa Story, Mr. 
Barckley, Mr. Bacon, J. D. Jewett, A. D. Edgar, Hiram 



Sanford, R. L. Stillwell, R. M. Beach, A. R. Jones, W. E. 
Binder, John J. Brown, A. Parsel, Stephen Brown, Reu- 
ben Drake, S. B. Dickinson, Eli H. Brown, Charles Davis, 
J. Bronson, C. Dillenbeck, S. Wetzel, D. W. Gates, E. B. 
Pierce : C. G. Curtis, present pastor. 

EPISCOP.\L CHURCH. 

About 1869 the Presbyterian Church property was trans- 
ferred to the Episcopal society. The church was organized 
on the 25th of March, 1872, as St. John's Church, Rev. 
Wra. Atwcll, Missionary, presiding at the meeting accord- 
ing to the conditions of the bishop's order. J. B. Mitchell 
and Jonathan Wood were elected church-wardens. George 
P. Ford, John Grace, F. M. McDowell, Andrew Wood, 
John Stanhope, Ira P. Ward, Jonas Wheeler were elected 
vestrymen. 

The church was repaired, in 1870, at a cost of SI 200, 
and consecrated, on the 2d of September, 1875, by Bishop 
A. Cleveland Coxe. Ten persons have since been baptized 
by Rev. W. J. Pigot. Four of these persons have been 
confirmed by Bishop Coxe. 

Rev. Wni. Atwell was the first clergyman ; Rev. J. W. 
Pigot, the second ; Rev. Mr. Warner is the present rector. 

-MII.IT.^RY RECORD OF WAYNE. 

TlioDins Mitcliell, private, 22d Cav., Co. G ; enl. Dec. 11, 1863, three years ; was 

taken prisouer, iLiid held ad such about ten months at Andersoiivilte and 

Florence, and died at Wilmington, N. C, March 5, 1865, from expo!iuro 

and starvation. 
Clinton, Dovitt E»rncst, 89lh Inf., Co. A ; enl. Oct. 24, 1861, three years; 

wounded in thigh at Fredericksburg; disch. about two months after. 
Joseph Evelaiid, private, I41st Inf., Co. B; enl. Aug. 22, 1862, three yeara; pro. 

to sergt., Feb. 29, 1864; disch. June 21, 1865. 
Israels. Taylor, private, Snih Inf.,(Jo. A: eul. Sept. 28,1861, three years; wounded 

at Sharpsbnrg, in hip ; died at camp bosp., near Fredericksburg, Nov. 29, 

1862, of chronic diarrhcea. 
Egbert Jacobus, private; three years; disch. for disability. 
Moses W. C*iokston, private, ISOth Inf., Co. H ; enl. Sept. 13, 1864, one year ; 

discharged. 
Hiram Brink Stone, sorgt., 141h II. .\rt., Co. B ; onl. July 10, 18C3, three years ; 

pro. to Corp., June 10, 1S64; to sergt., June 12, 1865 ; tlisch. Aug. 6, 1865. 
John Lown, privato, 14tli II. Art., Co. B; enl. Aug. 23, 186!, three years; taken 

pris. at Pegram Farm, Aug. 20, 1864; taken to Libby, thence to Belle 

Isle and Salisbury ; disch. April 6, 1865. 
Johnson Brink JIargeson, 107th Inf., Co. II; enl. Aug. 1, 18G2; killed on tho 

field at Dallas. 
Stephen Edwards, private, loTth Inf., Co. II ; enl. July 28,1862: wonndtnl at 

.\utietam ; disch. Jan. 13, 186 i ; rc-enl. in same regl. and company, Feb. 

24, 1S64 ; died of chronic diarrlicea, Feb. 15, 1865. 
Horace Wixson, Corp., 141st Inf., Co. B; enl. .\ug. 22, 1862, three years; disch. 

for disability, Jan. 28, 1863. 
Thomas Barrett, private, 141st Inf., Co. B ; enl. Aug. 26, 1862, three yeare ; discli . 

June 8, 1865. 
Samuel Green, sergt., 107tb Inf., Co. B; enl. Sept. I, 1861, throe years; discli. 

for disability, Jau. 1, 1803; rc-enl. Sept. 13, 18G4 ; discharged. 
Ira Margesou Wood, private, 141st Inf., Co. B ; enl. Aug. 25, 1862, three yeara ; 

disch. June 29, 1865. 
Henry Switzer Wood, orderly-sergl., 141st Inf., Co. B ; enl. Ang. 22, 1862, throe 

years; died of typhoid fever, near Warrenton Junction, Aug. 16, 186.1. 
George W. Scott, private, Hl-t Inf., Co. B ; enl. Aug. 25, 1862, three yearn ; died 

at Shell Mound, Tenn., of chronic diarrluea, April 2, 1864. 
Franklin Gardner, private, IGlst Inf., Co. B; enl. Aug. II, 1862, three years; 

died in ho.spital on Long Island, of typhoid fever, Dec. 15, 1862. 
Cyrus Alonao Schuyler, private, 101st Inf., Co. B; enl. Ang. II, 1862, threo 

yeara ; died of typhoid fever at Baton Rouge, La., Jan. 17, 1863. 
Lewis J. aark, private, 18Dth Inf., Co. II ; enl. Aug. 31, 1804, one year ; disch. 

May 31), 1805. 
Elias Gasper Putnam, 1st sergt., I07th Inf., Co. H; enl. July 25, 1862, threo 

yeurn; discli. June 5, 1805. 
Henry Wisner Smith, Corp., 0th U. Art., Co. E; onl. Fob. 9, 1804, threo yeara ; 

disch. Aug. 24, 186.5. 
George Washington Read, private, 107th Inf., Co. G; enl. Aug. 0, 1802, threo 

years; re-enlisted. 
Jeremiah Runisey, private, 107th Inf., Co. O; enl. Aug. 7, 1862, three yeara. 
John Kalahar, private, 107th Inf., Co. G; enl. Aug. 0, 1862, three years; killed 

at Antietnm. 



432 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Huston D. McCabe, private, 1891h Inf., Co. TI ; eiil, Sept. 11, 1805, one year; disch. 

Muy 1, 18G5. 
George Wilhur McCahc, privjite, lS9th Inf., Co. H; enl. Sept. Il,18G5, one year; 

discli. May 1, iSOo. 
William B. Crane, private, lOTtli Inf., Co. G; cnl. Aug. 4, 1862, three yeara ; 

tliscli. Juuo 5, 1805. 
Wilbur Fisk Tonilinson, private, :Ut!i Itif., Co. I; enl. April 18, 18CI, two years; 

taken prisoner at Blulvern Hill, Aug. 7, 1802; released un parole, Sept. 13, 

1802; disch. Juno :10, 1803; re-enl. private, 22d Cav., Co. G, Feb. 9, 1805, 

three years ; taken prisoner during Wilson's raid, and held as such until 

Feb. 27, 1805, when he died at Andoi-sonville, on that date. 
Clmrlcs Edgar Donison, private. Hist Inf., Co. D; enl. Aug. 25, 1802, three 

years ; killed at Dallas, Ga., May 25, 18G-4. 
Williatn Powell, private, 141st Inf., Co. D ; enl. Aug. 22, 1802, three years ; died 

March 19, 1804, at Lookout Valley, Tenn. 
William Henry Kelly, bugler, lOth Cav., Co. G ; enl. Feb. 17, 1804, three years ; 

discharged. 
James Franklin Gleason, private, lS9th Inf, Co. H ; enl. Sept. 13, 1804, one year; 

disch. June 10, 1S05. 
Amasa Marion Gleason, 4tl. sergt, 189th Inf., Co. U; enl. Aug. 31, 1804, one 

year; discli. June in, 1805. 
Edward Absalom Washburn, private, 189th Inf., Co. II; enl. Aug. 31, 1804, one 

year; disch. June 10, 1805. • 

Francis Lacost, private, Gth Art., Co. B; enl. Feb.G, 18G4, three years; disch. 

Sept. 1, 18G5. 
Wallace W. Earnest, private, Ulst Inf., Co. B ; enl. Aug. 22, 1802, three years ; 

disch. for disability, April 11, 1803. 
Peter Eveland, private, 189th Inf., Co. II; enl. Aug. 31, 1804, one year; died 

Jan. 21, 1805. 
Andrew M. Dunham, veteran, 8Gth Inf ; enl. Jan. 21, 1805, three years. 
Henry Mapes, private, 107th Inf., Co. II; enl. July 25, 1802, three years; disch. 

March 9, 1801, for disability. 
Angelo Prentiss Welles, private, 85tU Inf, Co. I; enl. March 1, 1801, three 

yeare; discharg<-d; re-enl. mus., 85th Kegt., Co. I, Jan. 1, 1S04. three 

years; disch. June 27, ISOo. 
James Pitts, private, 5Uth \. Y. Vols.; enl. Jan. 1, 1804. 
Charles Coykendall, private, 107th Inf, Co. U ; enl. July 25, 18G2, three years ; 

di.-;ch. July 20, 18G1, for disability ; re-enlisted. 
Charles H. Matoon, private, 85th Inf., Co. I; enl. March 1, 1801, three years ; 

discharged; re-enl. musician, 85th Inf , Co. I, Jan. 1, 1804, three years; 

di.sch. June 27, 1805. 
Joseph Coykendall, private, 80th Inf, Co. I; enl. Dec. 18, 18G1, three years; 

disch. Dec. 19, 1803; re-enl. private, 80th Inf., Co. I, Dec. 31, 1803, tliree 

years ; disch. June 27, 1805. 
Charles J. ChatfieM, private, HnU Cav.; enl. Jan. 2, 1804, three years. 
Edgar Wood, private, 0th Cav. ; enl. Jan. 1, 1804, three years. 
Henry Willick, veteran, 80th Inf.; enl. Dec. 20, 1SG3. 
Newman Miller, private, 5Sth Inf.; onl. Jan. 1, 1804, three years. 
John Fulton, private, 85th Inf; enl. Feb. 17, 1804, three years. 
William T. Dininny, piivate, 10th Cav.; enl. Jan. 20, 1804. 
William T. Spicer, private, lS9th Inf, Co. H ; enl Sept. 3, 1804, one year; disch. 

May 20, 1805. 
David B. Scoficld, private, 189th Inf., Ct). H; enl. Sept. 3, 1804, one year. 
D. C. Mills, private, lS9th Inf , Co. U ; enl. Sept. 3, 18G4, one year ; disch. May 

20, 1805. 
Amos Little, lS9th Inf., Co. H. 
Moseby J. Moss, corp., 189tli Inf, Co. II; enl. Sept. 1, 1804, one year; disch. May 

30, 1805. 
Henry Genung, private, lS9tb Inf, Co. II ; enl. Sept. 13, 1804, one year. 
Petlo J. Ilaight, private, IbOth Inf, Co. II ; onl. Sept. 3, 1804, one year. 
Isaac P. Teachman, private, 189th Inf, Co. U; enl. Aug. 31, 1805,one year; disch. 

May 30, 1805. 
Wm. W. Crawford, private, 189th Inf, Co. H ; enl. Aug. 31, 1804, one year. 
George C. Mooti, private, 9th H. Art. ; enl. Sept. 17, 1804, one year. 
Washington M. Winters, private, 1st Cav. ; enl. Sept. 24, 1804, one year. 
Hezcliiah Towiisend, private, 0th Cav.; enl. Aug. 24, 1804, one year. 
John R. Bonnell, private, I89th Inf, Co. H ; enl. Aug. 31, 1804, one year; discli. 

May 30, 1805. 
Henry Colegrove, private, IS'.Uli Inf, Co. U ; enl. Sept. 13, 1804, one year; disch. 

May 30, 18G5. 
Harman Calhoun, private, 189th Inf, Co. H ; enl. Sept. 13, 18G4, one year; disch. 

May 30, 1805. 
Erastus llusted, private, 189th Inf, C-o. H ; enl. Aug. 31, 1804, one year; disch. 

Way 30, 1805. 
Sylvester Shoemaker, private, 189th Inf., Co. II ; enl. Sept. 13, 1804, ono year; 

disch. May 30, ISO.'i. 
John Rickey, private, l07th Inf., Co. H; enl. July 25, 1802, three years; disch. 

June 5, 1805. 
Thomas E. Morse, corp., 107th Inf., Co. H ; enl. Aug. 5, 1802, three years ; disch. 

Feb. 4, 1803. 
William H. Covill, private, I07th Inf, Co. H ; enl. July 25, 1862, three years ; 

disch. June 5, 1805. 
Cyrus 1. Covill, private, I07ih Inf., Co. H ; enl. July 28, 1862, three years ; killed 

at Antietam, Sept. 17, 1SG2. 
John Seybolt, 14Ist Inf., Co. B; enl. Aug. 22, 1802, three years; discli. Feb. 7, 

18G4. 
Lafayette Hollis, piivate, 141st Inf., Co. B; enl. Aug. 31, 1802, three years. 



Andrew J. Lawn, sergt, 14th H. Art, Co. B; enl. July 13, 18G3, three years; 

pro. to Corp., March 1, 1805; to sergt., Aug. 1, 1865; disch. Aug. 26, 18G3. 
Michael McDonald, private, 14th II. .\rt., Co. B ;enl. Aug. 29,1863, three years; 

died in general hosp. at Wa-^hiugton, Feb. 1805. 
William J. Wixson, private, 85th Inf., Co. I ; enl. Sept. 20, , three years ; 

wounded at Fair Oaks; tjiken prisoner at Plymouth, N. C, April 20, 

18G4; exch. March 1,1865; disch. June 8, 1805. 
William Gniham, sergt., 107tli Rugt., Co. B; enl. July 18, 1802, three years; 

disch. June 5. 1805. 
Charles Howard Elwood, corp., 148th Regt., Co. B; enl. Aug. 26,1862; taken 

prisoner, Oct. 27, 1804, and sent to Richmond, Libby prison; thence to 

Salisbury prison, where he died, Feb. 7, 1865. 
Franklin Elwood, private, Berdan's Sharpshooters; onl. Nov. 15, 1861, three 

yeai-s; died in Now York, of fever. May 14, 18G2. 
John Albert Peacock, private, 101st Regt,, Co. B; enl. Aug. 13, 1802, three years. 
Levi Loiie Paddock, private, 40th Mich. Inf, Co. I ; must. March 7, 18G4, three 

years; died in Elmira, Aug. 8, 18G4. 
David Nathan Paddock, private, l03d Regt., Co. I ; enl. March 7, 18G2, three 

years. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



M. V. KNAPP, 

son of James A. and Margaret Knapp, was born at Penn 
Yan, Yates Co., N. Y., Nov. 16, 1824. His father was a 
native of this State, and settled in Yates County at a very 
early day. He had a family of ten children, viz., Gebr<re 
H., James, M. V., A. P., S. A., Mary L., Chas. P., 0. C, 
Wm. C, and F. R. All are living except James and 
George H. James A. Knapp, Sr., was a painter by trade. 
He died in the seventy-seventh year of his age, at Penn 
Yan, N. Y. 

Mr. M. V. Knapp was reared a poor boy, but by indus- 
try and economy, and the aid of his faithful wife, he has 
acquired a competency, and during his life he has aided 
his parents and other members of the family to a livelihood. 
He commenced life by working on a farm by the month; 
also for some time was engaged on the Erie Canal. He 
married Miss Sarah E. Haight, daughter of John and 
Sarah Haight, of Penn Yan, Dec. 31, 184(5. Miss Haight 
was born July 8, 1826. Of this union two children were 
born, viz., Marsena A. and Manford H., the latter of whom 
died at the age of five months. Mrs. M. V. Knapp's 
parents were also early settlers of Penn Yan, and members 
of the Baptist Church. i\Ir. Knapp has followed farming 
the most of the time since he was married, and to-day is 
the owner of one hundred and seventy-six acres of good 
land, known as the Judge Hall farm, a fine view of which, 
and portraits of Mr. and Mrs. Knapp, may be seen in this 
work. In politics Mr. Knapp has always been identified 
with the Democratic party, and has held some of the po- 
litical offices of his town. Mr. and Mrs. Knapp are mem- 
bers of fche Baptist Church of Wayne, and contribute liber- 
ally to its support. Their son is also a member of the 
same church. 



JOEL AVIXSON. 

Mr. Joel Wixson, of Wayne, N. Y., sou of Daniel and 
Deborah C. Wixson, and grandson of Solomon Wixson, who 
was one of the earliest settlers of Wayne, was born in 
Wayne, Steuben Co., N. Y., Oct. 16, 1814. His fatlier 
was a native of New Jersey, and was born Aug. 18, 1786, 
and married Deborah Conkliu, of New Jersey, March 3, 




,*/• 






^^^^^^ 




TOWN OF WAYNE. 



433 



1811. Mrs. Wixson was born July 7, 1793. Daniel Wix- 
son settled in Wayne on the farm now owned by his son Joel 
about the time of his marriage. Of this union eleven chil- 
dren were born, viz., Mary, Joel, Martin, Norman, John, 
Daniel, Sacket B., Solomon C, Franklin, Eli B., and Meuzo. 
Martin and Daniel are deceased. Daniel, Sr., was a soldier 
in the war of 1812, and was a farmer by occupation, and 
roared his family to industry and economy. He was suc- 
cessful, and was numbered with the most highly respected 
citizens of Wayne. He and his wife were members of the 
Baptist Church. He died Dec. 2, 1852, and his wife died 
April 4, 18(54. Mr. Joel Wixson lived with his parents 
till he was about twenty-two, when he went to Illinois and 
remained about one year, having taken up three hundred 
and twenty acres of land. He returned and taught school 
winters, and worked on the farm summers. 

He married Miss Lydia S. Wright, daughter of John 
and Lydia Wright, of Barrington, Yates Co., N. Y., April 
3,1839. Mrs. Wixson was born June 4, 181(). Of this 
marriage six children were born, viz., Mary Jane (died at 
the age of twenty-two), Alzada, Alonzo J. (died at the age 
of twenty-three), Ida (died at the age of twenty-one), John 
Wright (died at the age of about twenty), and Lydia W. 
Mr. Wixson settled on his present farm (the old home- 
stead) in June, 1855. He has a fine farm of about one 
hundred and eighty acres under a good state of cultivation. 
Besides farming, he is engaged in the growing of grapes, 
peaches, and apples, occupying for this purpose .some twelve 
acres. He is a breeder of fine sheep, and in all his farming 
interests intends to keep up with the spirit of the times. 

In politics, he affiliates with the Republican party. He 
has held various offices of trust and honor, such as assessor 
and supervisor, for two terms during the war, and at present 
is a commissioner of railroads. He and Mrs. Wixson have 
been members of the Baptist Church for many years. He 
is interested in good schools, and has given his children 
good opportunities for an education. On Mr. Wixson's 
sixty-fourth anniversary the members of his own and Mrs. 
Wixson's family gathered at his home and made him an 
agreeable surprise and a fine present, thus attesting their 
love and esteem for him. 

Mrs. Wixson's father, John Wright, was one of the 
earliest settlers of what is now known as Barrington, Yates 
Co., N. Y., and became one of the wealthy men of that 
county. He held various offices of trust, and was num- 
bered among the most honorable in his community. 



SAMUEL IIALLETT. 

Samuel Hallett was born in Canisteo, Steuben Co., N. Y., 
Dec. 3, 1827. His parents were Moses and Nancy Fulton 
Hallett. He attended the common school winters, until he 
was sixteen, when he went to Alfred Academy for two terms. 
He was graduated at the State Normal School in Albany, 
N. Y., in 1847. He married Ann E. McDowell, of Wayne, 
N. Y., April 18, 1848. Before and after his marriage he 
taught school in Bath and elsewhere, with marked success ; 
afterwards he was confidential clerk for George D. Mitchell, 
of Hammond.sport, N. Y., until 1851, when he went to 
Adrian, N. Y., and engaged in the lumber business. While 
55 



there, F. M. McDowell became interested with him in busi- 
ness, and continued with him until his death. In 1852 he 
removed to Hornellsville, and opened a banking-office ; soon 
after he with others organized the Bank of Hornellsville. 
In 1855 he went to Europe in the interest of the Scioto 
and Hocking Valley Railroad- Company. 

He was nominated for Congress by the American party 
in 1856, and although unsuccessful, ran far ahead of his 
ticket. At the beginning of the war he joined the Repub- 
lican party, and acted with it ever after. 

Early in January, 1857, the firm of Samuel Hallett & Co. 
was formed, consisting of Samuel Hallett, F. M. McDowell, 
N. M. Crane, and G. W. McDowell, for the purpose of 
transacting a general banking and negotiating business, and 
located at 58 Beaver Street, New York. In the latter part 
of this month, he went to Europe in connection with the 
Nautilus Submarine Diving-Bell. 

While there he became interested in the enterprise of the 
Atlantic and Great Western Railroad Company, and re- 
mained until he had placed a sufficient amount of the stock 
and bonds to buy the iron and complete the road ; for which 
negotiation the firm received, as commissions, as large an 
amount as was probably ever given to any American house 
for a similar transaction up to that time. He returned from 
Europe in October, 1858. 

The success of this enterprise gave an impetus to the 
business of the house, which in the early years of the war 
made it prominent in monetary affair.s. Their financial 
circular was quoted extensively both in this country and in 
Europe. 

The house earnestly supported the government during 
the critical times of 1861, and sub.scribed largely to its first 
loans. 

In 1863 a new firm, retaining the same name, was or- 
ganized, and in connection with Gen. John C. Fremont, 
bouglit the controlling interest of the Leavenworth, Pawnee 
and Western Railroad Company, one of the initial lines of 
the Union Pacific, and changed its name to the Union Pacific 
Eastern Division, now known as the Kansas Pacific. Mr. 
Hallett took the entire charge of the work in Kansas, and 
pushed it with his usual vigor. It was found, however, 
that the subsidy in its original shape, together with the 
difficulties in negotiating railroad securities at that time, 
was insufficient to build the several roads contemplated by 
the act of Congress, and he with others made such repre- 
sentations to Congress as induced them to cancel the first 
lien and take a second mortgage on the roads. 

Difficulties arising, Gen. Fremont retired from the enter- 
prise, and Mr. Hallett continued the work in his own name. 
In the face of almost insurmountable difficulties, he com- 
pleted the first section, and issued cards of invitation for a 
grand opening, when on the 27th day of July, 1864, he 
was assassinated in the streets of Wyandotte, Kan., by a 
discharged engineer. He is buried at his home in Wayne, 
N. Y. ^ 

On the day of his death, Mrs. Hallett sailed from Europe 
for home with her four children, Ellen, Mai-garetK., Robert 
L., and Samuel I., who are all living, except Ellen Hallett 
Stewart, who died April 16, 1876. 

Mr. Hallett was a man of pleasing address, had a sanguine 



434 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



temperament, a genial disposition, and was possessed of a 
vast amount of energy. 

His forte was to make others see things as he saw them. 

We cannot give a better idea of the estimation in which 
he was held at the time of his death than by subjoining the 
following extracts : 

(From the Wyandotte Giizettc of July S«, 1864.) 

" We regard the death of Samuel Hallctt as an irrepar- 
able loss to Kansas and to the United States. As the leading 
spirit in the great Pacific Railroad enterprise, the man does 
not live who can make his place good. . . . Let the millions 
who shall pass and repass from the Atlantic to the Pacific 
remember that to Samuel Hallett, more than to any ten 
men, they are indebted for the early completion of this great 
artery of travel. . . ." 

(From the New York Tribtme, Ang. 10, ISfiJ.) 

"The electric spark that flashed over the wires the an- 
nouncement that Samuel Hallett had met a sudden death, 



at the hands of a discharged engineer of the Union Pacific 
Railway, faintly resembled the wonderful intellect which 
that rash act quenched in the meridian of its brightness. 
... If any man was entitled to the reputation of genius, 
that man was Samuel Hallett. Rising suddenly from 
poverty, ... he had attained a position which gave him 
control of some of the most gigantic financial enterprises of 
the age. . . . His influence on the railway enterprises of 
the period was remarkable. Though not yet forty years of 
age, he had been instrumental in expediting, if not in saving 
from destruction, two of the chief roads of the country, viz., 
the Atlantic and Great Western and the Pacific. Both of 
these owe their present success, at least, to his sagacity and 
persistency, in the early days when the conservatism of 
capital shrank from the risks of what seemed doubtful ad- 
venture. It does not matter that other men will have con- 
ducted these enterprises to final success ; to Samuel Hallett 
belongs the credit of having saved them when brains and 
courage were needed to accomplish what mere money could 
not." 



*=^ 



WEST UNION. 



ERECTION OP THE TOWN. 

In the petition which was circulated for the formation of 
this town the name was Green, but it was referred back to 
the petitioners as conflicting with another town of the same 
name, when they changed it to Union. This also conflict- 
ing with another Union in the eastern part of the State 
the word West was prefixed, and the bill was passed April 
25, 1845, erecting the town of West Union. The town, 
though not thickly settled at that time, was erected for 
political reasons, the ruling power having gravitated towards 
the north end of the old town of Greenwood, to the exclu- 
sion of the more remote southern part. 

EARLY SETTLEMENT. 

Jonathan and John Mattason and David Davis came from 
the Cowanesque Valley, entering the town from the south, 
and settled on the Ed. Plaistead place, about a quarter of a 
mile west of the present Troupsburgh line, on land which 
overlooks the towns of Troupsburgh, Woodhull, and Tusca- 
rora, and both the Cowanesque and Tioga Valleys. The 
tax-roll shows them to have been there as early as 1821. 
Abram V. Olmstead, a native of Delaware County, opened 
the first clearing in the valley, on land now occupied by a 
part of the village of Rexville, in 1822. The first child 
born in the town was his son, Walter B. Olmstead, who 
was born Nov. 4, 1823, and afterwards, when a young man, 
opened the first store in the town. Abram V. Olmstead 
opened the first tavern, in the log house which stood for 
years after on the site of McCormick's hotel, one side 
propped up to keep it from falling into the road. 



William Burger, also from Delaware County, an uncle of 
Mr. Olmstead, who came the next year, settled on the place 
in the south part of the town, where John Hauber now 
lives, and lived with old Mr. Bray, he having no family. 

Frederick Hauber, father of John Hauber, came over 
the hills from Lawrenceville, Pa., opening his road as he 
traveled, and located in the valley between the others. His 
log house, then the finest building in the valley, still stands 
beside the road. It was made of hewn logs, and was nearly 
two years in construction. At that time there was only a 
footpath down the creek. Besides the Mattasons there 
were no neighbors to these venturous pioneers. The whole 
country was a maze of woods and hills, filled with dark gorges 
in which it was easy to get lost. The timber was harder 
than that of the country farther east, consisting of maple, 
beech, birch, cherry, elm, and basswood, while upon the 
blufls were skirts of hemlock, and back south and west were 
high ridges of land almost impassable. Pine was plenty a 
few miles southwest, but so far from market that it had no 
value for a number of years. The hard-timbered lands 
were chosen as being more quickly cleared from stumps, 
and the surrounding forests furnishing the maple-sugar, 
whose manufacture was a remunerative employment for 
weeks during the spring months. With the general clear- 
ing of land, the change of climate has also changed the 
sugar-making, causing the flow of sap to be less regular and 
of shorter duration, so that the present improved pans and 
buckets, in place of the old-fashioned kettles and troughs, 
split and hollowed out with an axe, do not compensate for 
the chaniie. 



TOWN OF WEST UNION. 



435 



The high land, on which the greater portion of the im- 
proved fiirms arc located, is for the most part quite level, 
but cut into, along the courses of the main streams, by short, 
deep ravines, covered with the original growth of timber. 
The clearings are large, and buildings generally good. 
There are few large orchards. In the northwest part 
of the town the flat land continues across the deep, narrow 
valley formed by Kyder Creek, as it does also in the south- 
west corner of the town. 

The first settlers in the northwest part of West Union, 
on the ridge north of the creek, were Uriah and B. Ingley, 
Vincent Compton and his sons, William and Vincent, who 
all lived in separate houses around the large spring where 
David Sherman's house now stands ; Adam Young, from 
Danby, settled half a mile east on the Forbes place, in 1824, 
and in 1828 his brothers, William and Ephraim, and his 
father, Henry Young, located on adjoining lots. Their 
first neighbors west were Daniel Hamilton and David Baker. 
Stephen Boyd and a Mr. Reed also settled in the neighbor- 
hood of the " big spring," which was called " the village." 

A mile and a half from the Olmstead place, now Rexville, 
in a westerly direction, the Kyder Creek rises in a deep, 
narrow valley, where a spring stream flows from the hill at 
the south, and following the course of the swamp, which 
fills the narrow valley for a distance of two and a half miles 
around to the west and south, between the high hills, de- 
scribes a semicircle when it reaches the open valley at " Pine 
Sapling," and flowing southwest, joins the south branch of 
Kyder Creek, in Allegany County, flows into the Genesee 
River, and finds an outlet through the great lakes into tlie 
Gulf of St. Lawrence. A branch of Bennett's Creek, rising 
in a large spring at the head of this swamp, is also fed by 
this stream from the hill, which passes the thirty-feet bound- 
ary in the wet seasons, and whose waters, thus divided, flow 
also north to the Canisteo, and thence south into the Chesa- 
peake Bay. A mile and a half to the south of this spring, 
and at an elevation of 450 feet above its level, is the place 
of the first settlement on the ridge which forms the central 
part of the town, and is the highest point of land in the 
county. A couple of miles east, around the ridge, is the 
point of first settlement, where the Matta.sons lived. Away 
down in the narrow valley between is Rexville, nearly 500 
feet below, and entirely hidden from view by the surround- 
ing hill-sides, until you approach its level. 

This high central ridge, which extends east and west 
across the town, was for years after the settlement of the 
surrounding country, the unmolested home of the deer and 
other wild animals, and was known as " the Big Woods." 
The first settlement was made after the completion of the 
old Blossburg Railroad, in 1840, by John Shehan, who set- 
tled on its highest point, and was joined the year after by 
Dennis Malone, who made his first clearing on the Mike 
KiefFe place, on the Whitesville road. These men were 
both natives of Ireland. Luke Fox joined them, on the 
west, before any other settlement was made. The town of 
West Union owes its prosperity to the building of the New 
York and Erie Railway, in 1842-48; it,s principal settle- 
ment dating back to that time. Its citizens, now prosper- 
ous farmers, are almost entirely composed of the better class 
of native Irishmen, who, discouraged with the vicissitudes 



of railroading, then a new industry, left the public works 
which first brought them to this part of the State, plun</ed 
into the unbroken wilderness, and working after the manner 
of their own country, made up in muscle what they lacked 
in means. 

Philip W. Failing is one of the oldest settlers in the east 
part of the town. 

A Mr. Bigelow settled in the narrow valley at the outlet 
of the swamp on Kyder Creek, known as the "pine-sapling 
lot," in 1838, and Mr. Howard took the place lower down, 
which included the sapling. Abel Mattason settled half a 
mile below, in 1841. The pine-sapling was a single pine- 
tree, of gigantic proportions, standing by itself in the open 
valley below the swamp, and since the earliest settlement a 
prominent landmark. This tree, which was cut down in 
1877, measured nine feet across the stump. Rising in a 
single stem to the height of twenty feet, it divided into 
seven diff'erent trunks, which rose in a group to the height 
of one hundred and ninety feet from the ground. Seven 
thousand feet of lumber and forty thousand shingles were 
made from its trunk. 

Land depreciated in value after the first settlements were 
made, and many of the early settlers traded their improve- 
ments for whatever they could get. Trading was all barter 
and exchange, except the raising of money for the payment 
of taxes. The discontented followed the Western current, 
and the settlements about the spring were partially aban- 
doned, and suSered to grow up to briers and wild cherries. 
In 1841, David Sherman came from Herkimer County, and 
bought two hundred acres of land, including the early clear- 
ings. These he irainediately re-cleared, and commenced the 
manufacture of cheese for market, in 1842. Mr. Sherman 
may safely be considered the pioneer dairyman of West 
Union. His large dairy-farm, now under the management 
of his son and son-in-law, Eugene Sherman and Alvin C. 
Barney, is one of the finest-looking farms in the county. 
The front of his fine residence overlooks miles of rolling 
hill-lands, divided from each other by narrow ravines, filled 
with standing timber, and away beyond is seen in the blue 
distance mazy hill-tops across the county. This was the 
seat of government, and here was opened the first post-ofiSce 
in the town, and David Sherman, the present postmaster^ 
has filled that oifiee since its erection, in 1847. 

David Sherman was a supervisor during the first twelve 
years of the town of West Union, and his neighbor, Moses 
Forbes, one of the earliest settlers, a quarter of a mile south, 
toward the big sapling, was town clerk until 1851. 

Alvin Chapin was an early settler in the .southwest part 
of the town, and had a large clearing on the hill south of 
the south branch of Kyder Creek, in 1842. As early as 
1841 his little log cabin was chosen by ex-Governor Sey- 
mour as a stopping-place for the night, when passing through 
the country. 

The .surroundings have changed ; capacious and well-filled 
barns greet the eye, and a modern residence, replacing the 
old log house, is filled with all the luxuries of a refined and 
successful people. This beautiful farm supports a cheese- 
factory, and is occupied by Hiram and Giles Chapin, sons 
of the first settler. 

Alexander Keenan came in 1849, and settled on the 



436 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



main ridge, in the " big woods ;" and about the same time, 
Daniel Hamilton, father of James Hamilton, the present 
supervisor, and several other families settled near Shehan's 
place. The hard timber, in later years, has furnished a 
profitable industry for the winter months, firewood finding 
a ready sale at prices that pay well for the time which 
would otherwise be spent by the farmers in idleness. This 
wood is taken to the river-valleys, on sleighs, for market. 

In 1849, Charles and Daniel Rexford, sons of Dr. John 
T. Rexford, of Troupsburgh, encouraged by the rapid settle- 
ment, moved into the valley of Bennett's Creek, and 
erected a saw-mill just above the present one, at Rexville. 
This mill consisted of a single saw, working in an upright 
wooden frame, but still was a good mill for those days. 
Sawing out their timber in this mill, the Rexfords pro- 
ceeded to erect the first frame building in the town, and 
open a tavern, which they named the " Eagle." Roads 
were opened down the creek to " Bennettsville" (Canisteo), 
and over the hill to the Canisteo ; east from the tavern, 
past Oliver Perry's, to Jasper and Troupsburgh ; and also 
west to Andover, in Allegan}' County. The old tavern 
could accommodate half a dozen guests at night, and many 
more during the day, becoming much frequented after 
lumbering commenced, by the opening of the mills at 
Wileyville, five miles south. 

The Rexfords sold the tavern to James McCormick, 
popularly known as " High Jimmy," a famous Irish wit 
and dairy-farmer, of Greenwood, in 1859, and left the 
village to which they had given their name. 

John Hauber, in whose liouse the first election was held, 
was the first man married in the town, his marriage to 
Jane K. Hauber taking place May 18, 1832. 

Old Mr. Bray did not live to see the removal of the tall 
trees from about his door, but died in 1826. His was the 
first death in West Union. In 1855, Rexville assumed 
additional importance from the opening of a store, this 
time to be a permanent one. Jesse Jones and Dr. Cyrus 
B. Knight were the proprietors. Soon after, a mail-route 
was established, and whole wagons began to take the place 
of temporary carts, and " .sleds" made from the crotches of 
trees with a cross-piece or bolster pinned across for a seat, 
or for chaining fast a log, as occasion might require. 
Horses, too, began to be more generally used upon the 
roads, while oxen were confined to the heavy work about 
the farms. 

Uriah Stephens taught the first school, long after the first 
scholars had made their way over the hill to an adjoining 
district in Troupsburgh. 

Wileyville, a saw-mill and post-ofl5ce in the south part of 
the town, was opened by John Wiley, William Fisher, and 
Benjamin Wilkes, in 1849. Myers & Davison built a mill 
on the South Creek, "a branch of the Kyder, in 1855, near 
the heaviest body of pine timber in the town, and shipped 
their lumber by wagons to Dansvillo a couple of years, 
when, building having become more general, a home 
market was found. 

Of the inhabitants of this town, more than 100 are natu- 
ralized citizens, from all parts of Ireland. They are indus- 
trious and enterprising, and have neat and commodious 
buildings, with well-improved farms where the earlier set- 



tlements were made. The later settlements consist of small 
improvements, and are only partially paid for. 

The representative men of West Union are well known 
throughout the county. Patrick Harden, F. X. Ward, who 
claims to be the first Irishman of Rexville. Lawrence Max- 
well, and Alphonzo McCormick, a son of " High Jimmy," 
are all leading merchants of Rexville. Mr. McCormick is 
postmaster, and Mr. Maxwell has been town clerk for the 
last three years ; James Hamilton, supervisor, is a young 
man of energy and ability ; F. X. Ward, who was elected 
associate judge in 1875, is a native of Ireland, as are also 
the prominent men of the town generally. 

VILLAGE OF REXVILLE. 

The village of Rexville contains some thirty residences, 
most of which are of neat, modern appearance, and extend 
along both sides of the single street on the west side of 
Bennett's Creek, occupying the whole width of the deep, 
narrow valley. The place contains about" 160 inhabitants. 
There are also here a steam saw-, planing-, and grist-mill, 
erected in 1877; wagon- and blacksmith-shops, two churches, 
one of which is the finest country church in the county ; 
and on the site of the first log cabin where Mr. Olmstead 
used to sit, rifle in hand, and " take his pick" of deer on the 
bank of the creek, is a large three-story hotel, under the 
supervision of " High" Jimmy McCormick, a typical wit 
of the " County Antrim," Ireland, whose pungent remarks 
have given him a wide reputation. 

The mail-stage from Canisteo to Whitesville, and Brook- 
field, Pa., passes through Mondays and Fridays, giving a 
mail twice a week each way. 

Surrounding the valley are knobs of land, partially cleared 
and partially covered with beech and maple groves on their 
less accessible points, giving to the place a cool and refresh- 
ing appearance in summer. The principal industry is cattle- 
raising and dairying. A cheese-factory, capable of consum- 
ing the milk of 1200 cows, has recently been erected at 
Rexville, and two others have been in successful operation 
for several years in the west part of the town. Grindstones 
were cut here from sandstone before settlement became 
general, but they were imported cheaper than they could be 
made when the country became more settled. 

ORGANIZATION. 

West Union, the southeastern town in the county, was 
formed from the southern half of Greenwood, April 5, 1845, 
and the election for the first officers was held at the house 
of John Hauber, on the present site of Rexford village, 
May 6 of the same year. The officera elected were David 
Sherman, Supervisor; Moses Forbes, Town Clerk; Jere- 
miah B. Millard, Cornelius Rosa, and William H. Olmstead, 
■Justices of the Peace for terms of three, two, and one year, 
respectively ; David Collins, Peter A. McLean, Marsena 
Cummings, Assessors; Jeremiah B. Millard, Jeremiah Ing- 
ley, Alvin Chapin, Commissioners of Highways; Cornelius 
Rosa, Henry B. Baker, Jr., Marsena Cummings, Inspectors 
of Election ; Thomas F. Hubbard, Henry B. Baker, Over- 
seers of the Poor ; Walter B. Olmstead, Collector ; Walter 
B. Olmstead, Calvin Clark, William B. Hauber, L. D. 
Baker, Constables. 



TOWN OF WEST UNION. 



437 



1845. 

1846. 
1847. 
1848. 
1849. 
1850. 
1851. 
1852. 
1853. 
1854. 
1855. 
1856. 
1857. 
1858. 
1859. 
I860. 
1861. 
1862. 
1863. 
1864. 
1865. 
1866. 
1867. 
1868. 
1869. 
1870. 
1871. 
1872. 
1873. 
1874. 
1875. 
1876. 
1877. 
1878. 



1845. 



1848. 
1849. 
1850. 

1851. 

1852, 
1853. 
1854. 
1855. 
1856. 
1857. 
1858. 
1859. 
1860. 
1861. 
1862. 
1863. 



LIST OP TOWN OFFICERS. 

Supervisors. Town Clerks. Collectors. 

David Sherman. Moses Forbes. Walter B. Olmsted. 

it II tt (t ti it 

•' " " " Charles Rcxford. 

" " " " Samuel C. Ileliker. 



James Ladd. 

David Sherman. 
t( tt 

Francis X. Ward. 
Ephraim Young. 

David Wass. 



Alvin C. Barney. 



Alpb. McCormick. 
Alvin C. Barney. 

Alph. McCormick. 

i( It 

Alvin C. Barney. 
Patrick Harden. 



Samuel C. Ileliker. 
Jesse C. Skillman. 

a it 

James B. Wiley. 



Alvin C. Barney. 



Jeremiah Jones. 



Darius Osmin. 



John O'Hara. 
N. E. Corwin. 



Philip G. Failing. 
Charles A. Fox. 
Jas. J. McCormick. 
AVm. H. Sheffield. 
Francis X. Ward. 

t( a 

Alph. McCormick. 
Michael L. Carr. 



Edgar B. King. 
James Coleman. 
Joshua H. Richey. 
Jas. D. Hamilton. 
Lawrence Maxwell. 



Edw. H. Plaisted. " 

James D. Hamilton. " 

JUSTICES OF 

Jeremiah B. Millard. 
Cornelius Rosa. 
William H. Olmstead. 
Jeremiah B. Millard. 
Bradshaw White. 
Charles N. Philips. 
Cornelius Rosa.'^ 
James Ladd. 
James W. Smith.® 
Israel Jenning. 
Bradshaw Wliite. 
James W. Smith. 
Ephraim Young, 
Champion Stebbins. 
Philip W. Failing. 
Smith A. Nixon. 
James W. Smith. 
James B. Wiley. 
Levant A. Barney. 
N. E. Corwin. 
Edward Plaisted. 



William Vaughn. 

Darius Osmin. 
It ti 

Palmer Norfield. 
James Conway. 
Joshua H. Richey. 

it it 

David D. Smith. 
Daniel Hamilton. 
John Hurkenrider. 

Charles McKinley. 

William H. Jones. 



THE PEACE. 

1863. Jeremiah Boucher." 

1864. Benjamin Corwin. 

1865. Jeremiah Boucher. 

1866. Ephraim Young. 

1867. F. X. Ward. 

1868. James Ladd. 

1869. Job J. Chapman. 
Edward H. Plaisted. 

1870. James Comoas. 
Levant A. Barney 

1871. Francis X. Ward. 

1872. Jeremiah Boucher. 

1873. Levant A. Barney. 

1874. James Conway. 

1875. Francis X. Ward. 

1876. Henry Cramer. 

1877. Levant A. Barney. 
Edwin Tracy.* 

1878. Philip W. Failing. 
Benj. J. B. Edwards. 



CHURCHES. 
METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF REXVILLE. 

The first religious meeting in the town was held at the 
house of Abram V. Olmstead, in 1B31, — a Methodist min- 
ister preaching, — and meetings were held in the woods dur- 
ing the summer ; every two weeks changing to Mr. Olm- 
stead's house, and Mr. Bray's when the weather became 
cold. William Burger was the first class-leader, and was 
succeeded at his death, in 1832, by Mr. Olmstead, the first 



* Vacancy. 



settler at Rexville, who retained the position, doing good 
work in the little settlement, until his death in 1870. 
Among the first meml)ers were Mr. Olmstead and family, 
William Burger, Fred. Hauber, William Bray and wife. 
Among the early pastors are remembered the names of 
Revs, Dewy, Buell, and McKinney, as earnest workers. 
The church, which was dedicated in August, 1870, by 
Rev. M. H. Davis, was built by Edward Daily, Sylvester 
Skillman, and John Plaistead, trustees, at an expense of 
$900. Rev, M, H, Davis, C, T, Gifford, F, M. Smith, 
and W, Buck have served as pastors. The present mem- 
bership is 34 ; besides which there is a branch class at 
Wileysville, numbering 18 members. William H. Jones, 
of Rexville, is class-leader and clerk ; Thomas Day, Edward 
Daily, and William Jones trustees. The church, though 
small, is neat in appearance, and at the time of its con- 
struction sufficiently large for the sparsely-settled location. 
The first settlers were Christian people, and observed the 
Sabbath with Puritanic grace. 

CATHOLIC CHURCH. 

Previous to the year 1832 a number of Catholic families 
from the north of Ireland settled in the town of Green- 
wood. Daniel and Thomas McCormick came in 1833, 
and were soon followed by Widow McCormick, mother of 
Thomas and John McCormick and Patrick McCormick, 
with their families. Numerous Catholic families continued 
to settle in the towns of Greenwood, Troupsburgh, and West 
Union. Although increasing in numbers, no church was 
established until the year 1845, when the Catholics came 
together, and resolved to build a cliurch in which they 
could, like Solomon of old, worship God in a more suitable 
temple. Up to this time the religious wants of Catholics 
were attended by priests, who came on horseback from 
Rochester. Among those we may mention the Rev. Fathers 
Simon Sandril, M. Murphy, and Thomas McEvoy. The 
site of the new church in Greenwood, together with the 
cemetery attached, was donated by Mr. Patrick Flinn, 
whose memory will always remain dear to the priests and 
Catholics of Greenwood, Rexville, and Troupsburgh. 

In the year 1846 holy mass was offered for the first time 
in the new church by Rev. Thomas McEvoy. In 1848, 
Right Rev. John Timon visited this portion of his diocese, 
and offered up the sacrifice of the mass, and administered 
the sacrament of confirmation to a large number of children 
and adults. Previous to 1848 large numbers of Catholics 
had settled in this and the adjoining towns. With others 
came Neil O'llargan, with his family, who soon identified 
himself with Catholic interests. 

The Rev. Fatber McEvoy, who was the founder of the 
Greenwood Catholic church, attended to the parish from 
1845 to 184!), in which year he was succeeded by Father 
Michael O'Brien, who resided here until 1851, when he 
was replaced by Fathers Patrick Bradley, Daniel Moorland, 
and Jo.scph McKenna, respectively. In 1852, Bishop Timon 
visited this parish a second time, and administered con- 
firmation to a large number, including many recent settlers. 
Rev. John Fouhey was appointed to the pastorship of 
Greenwood and West Union, Oct. 15, 1852, and adminis- 
tered the affairs of the parish until 1856, when the juris- 



438 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



diction was for a time transferred to the Franciscan fathers 
of Allegany College, Cattaraugus Co., N. Y. In 1859, 
Rev. James Fouhey was appointed pastor of this parish. 
Previous to this appointment. Bishop Timon made a third 
visitation, in 1856, and also in 1860 made a fourth one, in 
each of which he administered confirmation to numbers of 
children and adults. Rev. James Fouhey was succeeded, 
in 1861, by Rev. Father McConnell, who remained until 
1866, when he was succeeded by Rev. James Rogers, who 
in turn was replaced, in 1867, by Rev. James H. Leddy, 
who remained until 1869. During Father Leddy's admin- 
istration a Catholic benevolent and temperance society was 
founded. From the 9th of May until the 9th of July, 
1869, Rev. James Bloomer and Rev. Philip Kinsella ad- 
ministered the parish as quasi pastors. 

In order to meet the wants of the Catholics of Troup.s- 
burgh, a handsome little church was built during the admin- 
istration of Rev. James Fouhey, in 1860. It has since 
ceased to be used as a house of worship, owing to the 
founding of a splendid new church in the village of Rex- 
ville, in 1870, which church has also superseded the old 
church of Greenwood, founded in 1845. 

In the summer of 1869, Rev. C. D. McMullen was 
appointed pastor of Greenwood, by Rt. Rev. Bishop Ryan. 
On his assuming pastoral charge, one of his first oflScial 
acts was the transfer of parochial jurisdiction from Green- 
wood to the village of Rexville, in the town of West Union, 
where was founded a larger and more handsome church, 
suited to the wants of the Catholics of the towns of Green- 
wood, West Union, and Troupsburgh. Owing to the oner- 
ous duties of his office, and the large undertaking of build- 
ing a new church, Rev. Bishop Ryan appointed Rev. Father 
O'llarragan as an assistant pastor, in 1871. The new 
church progressed in building during the years 1871-72. 
Alphonzo and J. J. McCormicIc donated to the Rt. Rev. 
Bishop the site of the new church. Patrick Harden, Jas. 
McCormick, Sr., one of the old pioneers of the town, C. 
N. Dunne, John O'Hara, Patrick Carey, Martin Moran, 
Peter Lee, Daniel O'Kane, John O'Hargan, Michael Max- 
well, Michael Kilduff, and many others, contributed liber- 
ally to its support. The magnitude of the undertaking, 
and the pressure of hard times in 1873, caused the work 
of building to progress slowly. Rev. Father O'Flanagan, 
who succeeded to the pastoral charge on the death of Father 
McMullen, in 1872, used every means in his power to com- 
plete the church, but it was reserved to Rev. Father Con- 
nery to bring this labor of years to a successful termina- 
tion. In 1874, the present pastor, Rev. M. P. Connery, a 
young priest, assumed control of the parish, and by his 
energy and perseverance a debt of $2200 was removed, and 
the new St. Mary's Church was finished and dedicated by 
Rt. Rev. Bishop Ryan, Sept. 8, 1875, in the presence of a 
large concourse of clergymen and laity. 

This splendid church, which had been erected at a cost 
of $18,000, was burned Feb. 13, 1877. The people imme- 
diately began with willing hands the construction of an- 
other, and Sept. 14 of the same year the present church 
was solemnly dedicated to the worship of God by Rt. Rev. 
Bishop Ryan, of Buffalo, assisted by Rev. R. E. V. Rice, 
CM., and Rev. John Tally, CM., of the seminary of Our 



Lady of Angels College, Suspension Bridge, N. Y. ; Rev. 
F. Clark, Hornellsville; Revs. Wm. Keegan and P. Creigh- 
ton, Brooklyn ; Rev. P. Kinsella, Rev. Henry Leddy, Rev. 
Martin Ryan, Rev. P. Cronin, and many other distinguished 
clergy and laymen. This new church is one of the finest 
in the county, costing §9000, and is remarkable both for 
its large proportions and the beauty of its architectural 
design. The spire is 135 feet in height, and contains a 
2000-pound bell. In addition to the church, Rev. Father 
Connery has erected a splendid parochial residence adjoin- 
ing, and has increased tlie church property to three and 
a half acres. 

Besides Father Connery, Rev. Father Malloy is at present 
attached to this church. Of the former priests of this 
parish, two — Rev. Father C. D. McMullen and Rev. Arthur 
McConnell — are buried in the cemetery attached to the old 
church. The present membership is about 1000, including 
residents in the three towns of Greenwood, Troupsburgh, 
and West Union. 

MILITARY RECORD OP WEST UNION. 

George Bruner, private, Co. I, lCl7lh Regt. ; enl. Aug. 3, 18G2. 

D.aniel Oostelln, privaee, Co. I, 107tli Begt.; enl. .Inly 24, 18G2. 

Levi Ciirpenter, private, Co. I, lUTlll Kegf.; en], .Inly 20, 1862. 

William Clark, private, Co. I, lOTlh Regt.; enl. Ang. 1, 1862, 

Williiim H. Castle, private, Co. I, KJTIh Begt.; enl. July 28, 1862. 

Aaron Linza, private, Co. I, 107lli Begt. ; enl July 24, 1862. 

Charles W. Littlefleld, private, Co. I, 107th Begt.; enl. Ang. 8, 1862. 

Alexander Olmsteail, private, Co. I, lU7th Begt.; enl. July 24, 1862. 

Michael IJuigley, private, Co. I, 107th Begt.; enl. July 24, 1862. 

William H. Smith, private, Co. I, 107th Begt.; enl. July 24, 1862. 

John strait, private, Co. I, 107th Regt.; enl. July 30, 1862. 

Sairles Simpson, private, Co. I, 107th Begt. ; enl. Aug. .5, 1862. 

Montgomery Smith, private, Co, I, 107th Regt.; enl. Ang. 1, 1862. 

Tobias Wright, private, Co. I, 107th Regt.; enl. July 28, 1802. 

James W. Smith, 2d lient, Co. H, 141st Regt.; enl. Sept. 11, 1862. 

David T. Ilauber, Corp., Co. U, Ul.H Regt.; enl. Sept. 11, 1862. 

Foster E. Hodges, musician, Co. H, 141.st Regt.; enl. Sept. 11, 1862. 

Timothy Barker, private, Co. H, 141st Regt. ; enl. Sept. 11, 1862. 

John Campbell, private, Co. H, Ulst Begt.; enl. Sept. 11, 1862. 

Oliver P. Jenks, private, Co. II, 141st Begt.; enl. Sept. 11, 1862. 

llaniel Kelly, private, Co. H, Ulst Regt.; enl. Sept. 11, 1862. 

J^imes Kelly, private, Co. H, 14ist Regt.: enl. Sept. II, 1862. 

Palmer G. Linsay, private, Co. H, I41st Regt.; enl. Sept. 11, 1863. 

Patrick Mulheiren, private, Co. H, Ulst Regt.; enl. Sept. II, 1862. 

Jacob Norton, private, Co. H, 141st Regt.; enl. Sept. II, 1862. 

Harrison Hanber, Jlortinicr Ricliey, Byron Wiley. 

Palmer A. Linya, Co, B, 86th N. Y. Inf.; enl. Sept. 21, 1861. 

George A. Carr, Co. II, 80tli N. Y. Inf.; enl. Sept. 13, 1801. 

William A. Holt, Co. H, SOIh N. Y. Inf.; enl. Sept. 13, 1861. 

Joseph F. Holt, Co. II, 8Gth N. Y. Inf.; enl. Oct. 31, 1861. 

Wesley J. llonghtailiiig, Co. H, 8Cth N. Y. Inf.; enl. Sept. 13, 1861. 

Edwin M. White, Co. 11, 86rh N. Y. Inf.; enl. Sept. 13, 1801. 

William C. White, Co. H, SOIh N. Y. Inf. ; enl. Sept. 13, 1861. 

George H. Hubbard, Co. H, 85th N. Y. Inf.; enl. 1801. 

John Corwin, Co. H, 85th N. Y. Inf.; died in Andersonville prison. 

Egbert C.irwin, Co. H, 85th N. Y. Inf. 

John A. Rice, Co. H, 8Gth N. Y. Inf.; died in hospital at Washington, D. C. 

Palmer Warfield, wounded and discharged. 

Milo Walters, Co. H, 85th N. Y. Inf. 

William Tadder, 1st lient., 1st N. Y. Dragoons. 

George Tadder, 1st N. Y. Dragoons. 

David Tedder. 

Patrick Donnoly, N. Y. Art. 

Hiram Cbapin, 1st N. Y. Dragoons. 

Aaron Lindsay, N. Y. Inf. 

Chailes Morey, 107th N. Y. Inf. 

Lucius Failing. 

David D. Smith, wounded. 

Greeley, died in service. 

Charles Mathews. 

Boucher, killed in battle. 

John Erskins. 

Cornell, killed in battle. 

Alonzo Slnyter, wounded. 
David Corwin, killed in battle. 
Amanzo Wiley, Crocker. 



TOWN OF WEST UiNION. 



439 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 




DAVID SHERMAN 
was born in Norway, Herkimer Co., N. Y., Jan. 10, 1800. 
His father, Samuel Sherman, was a native of Tiverton, 
R. I. ; was of German descent, liis ancestors first going to 
England, and thence to America. He was born in 1756 ; 
was a soldier of the Ilevolutioniiry war, and most of the 
time act«d as minute-man in Rhode Island. He afterwards 
went out privateering; was taken prisoner, and after several 
weeks was exchanged. He married Sarah Sawyer, a native 
of Little Compton, R. I. ; settled on Prudence Island ; 
afterwards at Cambridge, Washington Co., N. Y., where 
he lived for some fifteen years, and removed to Norway, 
Herkimer Co., where he died at the age of sixty-five. His 
wife also died there, in 1832, at the age of seventy-two. 
Their children are Mrs. Joshua Benjamin, of Norway; 
Wright, of Norway, afterwards of Oswego ; Humphrey, of 
Wayne County ; Antrace ; Cynthia ; Mi-s. Phineas Randall, 
of Pennsylvania; George, of Alfred, Allegany Co., N. Y. ; 
Samuel, of Norway ; David, subject of this sketch ; Josiah, 
of Alfred; and Mrs. James Baker; of whom only two are 
living in 1879, — Josiah and David. 

Mr. Sherman remained at home until he was twenty-six 
years of age, and received a fair common-school education. 
At that age he married Minerva, daughter of Luther and 
Clarissa Ilorton, of Norway, Herkimer Co. He carried on 
farming on his father's farm until 1841, with the exception of 
a few years spent working at the carpenter and joiner trade, 
at which time he removed with his family and settled in 
the town of Greenwood (now West Union), purchasing two 
hundred and seventy-five acres of land, mostly timbered, to 
which he has made additions since of several hundred acres ; 
and his farm now eompris*es some six hundred and forty 
acres, located in the northwest part of the town, it being the 
largest farm in one body, occupied by one man, in the town. 



/ 




^ .c^iyV-\^ ^yU^^^r-i^^^^i--^-^ ^(/l 



i^ 



He has been, since his settlement in the town, not only 
a representative farmer, but leading in all public enterprises 
for the benefit of the people, and interested in local and 
State legislation. 

In 1845 he represented his town on the Board of Super- 
visors, and held that office for thirteen years in succession, 
except one. For two years he officiated as assessor, and 
since 1847 has been postmaster at West Union, receiving 
his first appointment under Postmaster-(!enoral Johnson. 

Mr. Sherman was identified with the Democratic party 
in his middle life, and a quite active exponent of its prin- 
ciples, but being a strong anti-slavery man, and opposed to 
the extension of slavery in the Territories, in 1856 supported 
Gen. John C. Fremont for President of the United States, 
and has since been a member of the Republican party. He 
was early in life a member of the Free-Wili Baptist Church, 
as also was his wife, but since his residence in Steuben 
County has been a liberal contributor to other denomina- 
tions, and of kindred interests. Mr. Sherman is a plain, 
unassuming man, unswerving in principles of justice, a man 
of correct habits, and possessed of strict integrity in all the 
relations of life. Mrs. Sherman died May 5, 1867, aged 
sixty-one, having been born on the day of the great eclipse, 
in 1806. She was a woman of great self sacrifice wherever 
duty called, and possessed strong sympathy for those in 
need, and during the latter part of her life was a very de- 
voted Christian. 

Their children are Mrs. J. C. Green, of Alfred Centre; 
Mrs. Milo Burdick, of Alfred Centre; Mary, wife of Hon. 
Aivin C. Barney, of West Union ; and Eugene. Eugene, 
only son, married Christy Forbes, of Iowa, and resides upon 
a part of the homestead formerly owned by Mr. Sherman, 
and, with his brother-in-law, Mr. Barney, carries on the 
farm, of which they are now the owners. 



WHEELER. 



GENERAL DESCRIPTION. I 

The town of Wheeler was formed from Bath and Pratts- 
burgh, Feb. 25, 1820, and was named from Capt. Silas 
Wheeler, the first settler. A part of Avoca was taken off 
in 1843, and a part of Urbana in 1839. It lies in the 
interior of the county, northeast of the centre, and has a 
high, rolling surface, in many places of great variety and 
picturesqueness, and richness of soil, particularly in the 
valleys. The farms are among the finest in the county, 
and under a high state of cultivation, the soil being a clayey 
and shaly loam, well adapted both to pasture and tillage. 
The principal streams are the Five- and Ten-Mile Creeks, 
and some small lateral tributaries. 

EARLY SETTLEMENT. 

Capt. Silas Wheeler, in honor of whom the town was 
named, was the fir.st permanent settler. He was a native 
of Rhode Island, but then I'ecently from Albany Co., N. Y. 
He was a soldier of the Revolution, and was with Benedict 
Arnold in his perilous march through the forests of Maine, 
and at the assault of Quebec stood near Montgomery when 
he fell. He was four times taken prisoner, — twice by land 
and twice upon the high^seas as a roving privateersman. 
After his second capture upon the coast of Great Britain 
he was confined in jail at Kinsale, Ireland, and condemned 
to be hanged as a pirate. He escaped by the aid of a 
friendly Irishman and of the distinguished orator and 
statesman. Henry Grattan. Mr. Grattan procured for him 
a passport, protected him from press-gangs and the police, 
and secured for him a passage to France, whence he re- 
turned to America. He settled in the town of Wheeler 
(then included in Bath) in 1799. 

Capt. Wheeler's first trip to mill is worthy of record, as 
it gives an insight into the hardships and privations of the 
new settler. There were at this time three mills in the 
neighboring towns, viz., at the Friends' settlement, at 
Naples, and at Bath. The mill at Bath was not running 
for want of something to grind. Capt. Wheeler's first busi- 
ness was to make a cart, which he did after the most primi- 
tive style j the wheels were sawn from the end of a log of 
curly maple, the box was made to correspond, and with a 
yoke of oxen attached to this vehicle he started for Naples. 
Two pioneers went before with axes to clear the road, while 
the captaiu with his bovine vehicle, bounding over logs and 
stumps, and floundering through the bushes, followed. 
The first day's march was six miles, the second brought 
them to their destination. Capt. Wheeler was famous 
throughout all the land for his anecdotes, and many an 
otherwise weary hour has been beguiled by listening to his 
adventures. He died in 1828, aged seventy-eight, with his 
son, Grattan H. Wheeler, on the property now owned by 
440 



his grandson, G. H. Wheeler. The Gulf road to Bath was 
opened by Capt. Wheeler, and the Kennedyville road was 
opened a year or two afterwards. His children were two 
twin daughters, Ruth and Sarah, and a son, Grattan H. 
Wheeler. 

Col. Grattan H. Wheeler, the son of Capt. Silas Wheeler, 
was an extensive farmer and lumberman. He was always 
interested and largely identified with public afiairs, also 
a successful politician. Besides filling with energy and 
public spirit various town offices, he represented his dis- 
trict in the Assembly from 1823 to 1827, and mainly 
through his efibrts in the Legislature the property qualifi- 
cation of town officers was materially modified. He after- 
wards held the office of State Senator, and while discharg- 
ing its duties, was elected Representative in Congress, in 
which capacity he served from 1831 to 1835. Col. Whee- 
ler was a useful and benevolent citizen. At one time he 
owned 3000 or 4000 acres of land. He died on the farm 
on which his father settled, about 1851. His children by 
his first marriage were Sallie, Silas, and Grattan H., and by 
his second marriage, Fannie, Eliza, Ruth, Adelia, William, 
and Addison. 

Nathan Rose, who married Ruth Wheeler, settled in 
1804, and made the first clearing on that part of the 
property now owned by 0. F. Marshal, known as the 
Rose farm, on the west side of the creek. He was a 
farmer by occupation, and a great lover of hunting and 
fishing. The game taken on such occasions he often 
divided with his neighbors. He moved to Michigan in 
the spring of 1834. His children were Polly, Wheeler, 
Fanny, Sarah, Fruman, Rebecca, Palmer, Gardner, Fred- 
erick, Mahula, DoUie, and John. 

William Holmes, who married Sarah, daughter of Capt. 
Silas Wheeler, settled and made the first clearing on the 
farm where Ira P. Barney now lives, about 1804. He 
was a shoemaker by trade, but devoted his time chiefly to 
improving his farm. He died on the same farm. His 
children were Betsey, Henry G., Lucy, Samuel, Polly, Ruth, 
Harriet, and Silas. 

Levi Gray was the first settler on the farm now occupied 
by E. Hathaway. He was the first postmaster in the town, 
about 1816, on the same farm. The mail was then car- 
ried on horseback from Bath to Geneva. He was justice 
of the peace before the town of Wheeler was erected, and 
the first town clerk in the town of Wheeler. His children 
were Samuel, Daniel, Jane, Frank, Harry, Eunice, Larron, 
Elizabeth, Lucretia, and Richard. 

GEN. OTTO P.. MARSHAL. 

Otto Frederick Marshal was born in Ziesar, kingdom of 
Prussia, on the 14th of August, 1791, and came in com- 



TOWN OF WHEELER. 



441 



pany with his father, Daniel Marshal (then a widower), to 
New Yorii, in 1799, whence they removed to Utica, in 1801, 
and thence to the town of Wheeler, on the 22d of February, 
1810, settling on a farm purchased by the senior Mr. Marshal 
of Valentine Bear, of Bath, in the year 1805. Gen. Marshal 
is a farmer by occupation. He has always been interested 
in public affairs, and a strong advocate, both in theory and 
practice, of a judicious and economical management of the 




^/)k !z4J//ia^ 



/? 



same. He has held at different times various town offices, 
among them those of supervi.sor, justice of the peace, and 
assessor. He served his county as superintendent of the 
poor at different times, beginning with his first appoint- 
ment, in 1835. He represented his district in the State 
Legislature in 1847. He was a commissioner of deed.s many 
years, appointed postmaster in 1837, and now holds the ap- 
pointment of notary public. He was an interested and 
prominent member of the military organization of the 
State. He was corporal in 1810, and has held every office 
in the regular line of promotion from that position to the 
rank of major-general, to which office he was commissioned 
June 29, 1832, and the duties of which he faithfully dis- 
charged until he resigned, April 9, 1845. He was present 
as a commissioned officer at the execution of Robert Doug- 
lass, in Bath. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church, 
in which society he has been elder and trustee many years. 
He now lives on the same farm where he fiiTst settled, at the 
age of eighty-six, surrounded by the fruit.s of his labor. 

His children are Eliza Ann, Sarah D , Frederick, Francis, 
and F. J., the last of whom now lives with his father on 
the same farm. 

He has always taken an active interest in the agricul- 
tural affairs of his county and State, and has held places on 
important committees in the agricultural organizations of the 
county and State. 
56 



George Renchan came from Albany County at an early 
day, and settled on the north part of the J. H. Wheeler 
property, known as the Renchan farm. He built a log 
house on the flat west of the Prattsburgh road. Afterwards 
a house was built on the same road. At one time an Indian 
camp stood just north of Renchan's house, on the flat. 
Their relations with the Indians were always friendly. Mr. 
Renchan's experience with wild animals was frequent and 
troublesome. Mr. Renchan died in the service of his 
country, in the war of 1812, on his way to the front, leav- 
ing his widow to encounter alone the difficulties of her 
pioneer home. 

J. C. Overhiser came from Otsego County, in 1811, and 
settled on West Creek, where Chester A. Overhiser now 
lives. He saw his farm cleared up and improved. He was 
a farmer by occupation and a member of the Methodist 
Church. He died in the town of Wheeler, May 13, 1871, 
in the ninetieth year of his age. He was the parent of 
the following eighteen children, all of whom are now living : 

James L., born April 7, 1S15. 
M;iry, born Oct. 3, ISIG. 
Harry, born Jan. 29. 1S18. 
Manilla, born Sept. 16, 1819. 
Chester A., born Feb. 27, IS21. 
Andrew P., born Aug. 14, 1822". 
William S., born April 14, 1824. 
Seth A., born June 9, 1825. 
Micha S., born Nov. 26, 1S26. 



Sabra E., born Feb. 19. 1828. 
John C, born Aug. 19, 1829. 
Joseph S., born Nov. C, 1831. 
Abram T., born Oct. 9, 1832. 
Slunian D., born April 4, 18,34. 
Catherine, born Jan. 18, 1836. 
Martha A., born Oct. 9, 1837. 
Levi B., born Feb. 12, 1840. 
Sarah A., born March 4, 1843. 



The following were old settlers in the north half of the 
town of Wheeler, formerly part of Prattsburgh. Mr. 
Lakin settled the place now owned by B. V. Lewis ; George 
Raymond where Carl Stickney now lives. In " Mutton 
Hollow," Jenks Young, Thomas Cuming (father of the late 
Mrs. John French) settled. Philip Beenicr was a resident 
there in 1810. Uriel Chapin settled on the place after- 
wards bought by Col. Grattan H. Wheeler. He was a 
son-in-law of Capt. Joel Pratt, and kept the first school in 
Wheeler. He was a large dealer in stock, having a farm 
of three hundred and twenty acres, now owned by the heirs 
of Grattan H. Whesler. 

William Rowley settled on the north part of the farm 
now owned by George Renchan, and lived there in 1810. 
The farm was then owned by his father-in-law, Daniel Ray- 
mond. 

On the west hill lived Andrew Harris, on the farm now 
owned by George Bull. Noah Stephens was an early set- 
tler on the farm now owned by Isaac D. Noxon, and John 
Clark on the farm now owned by Jesse .Merritt. 

Capt. Silas and Grattan H. Wheeler built a saw-mill in 
the south part of the town, on the farm now owned by J. 
Butts, about 1809. They afterwards sold to Gen. George 
McClure, and he sold to Dugald Cameron, and Cameron to 
Geo. W. Taylor, his brother-in-law, who established there 
a grist-mill, distillery, and ashcry, and operated for some 
considerable time with success. Taylor was a man of much 
enterprise. He w;is at one time a prominent merchant of 
Bath. 

In the south part of the town, formerly lying in the 
town of Bath, Reuben Montgomery was an early settler 
(about 1806), on the farm now owned by the widow of S. 
H. Rose. 



442 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Mitchellville, in the southeast part of the town, contains 
about twenty buildings. About 1840, George D. Mitchell 
erected a store and saw-mill there and operated these for a 
time successfully. E. F. Bliven is the present store-keeper. 

A shingle-mill is now riin there by Henry Squires. 

Abram Cranmer settled on West Hill about 1808. 
After occupying various lands in the town, he finally set- 
tled and cleared the farm on which he now lives, on West 
Creek. He is a carpenter by trade, but gave an industri- 
ous attention to farming. He is a member of the Baptist 
Church, and now lives on the same farm, at the age of 
ninety-three years. 

The first school-house in the territory now known as the 
town of Wheeler was a frame building, .which stood on the 
farm now owned by Ephraim Anils, on a part of the ceme- 
tery lot. The second school-house was a log building, on 
the Daniel Baker lot, now owned by John French. 

The present building there is the third house and was 
built by the job by Richard Gray, J. F. Marshal, Trustee. 

The first school-teacher was Uriel Chapin. Capt. Wheeler 
built the first saw-mill, in 1802, and set the first nursery on 
the old Wheeler farm on the east side of the road. John 
Beals kept the first inn before and during 1820, and Cor- 
nelius Y^ounglove the first .store, in 1835. 

Rev. E. Eggleston (Baptist) was the first preacher. 

The first birth in town was that of William, son of Jona- 
than Barney, Nov. 1, 1801, and the first death was that of 
the same child, Dec. 1, 1802. Levi Gray was the first 
postmaster ; second postmaster was Daniel Gray ; third 
postmaster, O. F. Marshal ; and the fourth and present 
pastmaster, Ephraim Aulls. 

The following are the present business interests of 
Wheeler : Renchan & Son, feed and saw-mill ; Thomas 
Van Tayle, saw-mill ; Thomas Plan.sett, hotel and grocery ; 
S. Bailey, blacksmith ; Mortimer Langley, blacksmith ; W. 
Bailey, wagon-maker; Anna Williams, school-teacher; 0. 
F. Marshal, notary public; D. Z. Gibbs, steam-mill; 
Ephraim Aulls, postmaster. 

Daniel Raymond settled on the George Renchan farm, in 
1804. Among his children were the following : Joel, Mrs. 
Burt, Mrs. Rowley, Hannah Haucks, Silas George, Rufus, 
Daniel, Alva, Alanson, Lucy, Roswel. Hannah Haucks 
died in the town, Jan. 5, 1879, at the age of ninety-six 
years eleven months and nineteen days. 

Jonathan Barney settled on the farm on which P. F. 
Myrtle now lives, about 1800. He there made the first 
clearing, and erected the first building. He was a farmer 
by occupation, and held some town offices. He entered the 
war of 1812 as captain, and was promoted to the rank of 
major. He died on the farm now occupied by J. P. Barney, 
about 1852. His children were David, Darius, Eliza, 
Ephraim, Nathan, Burt, Ira P., Thomas, Sarah, Jane, and 
Mary Ann. 

Furman Gardner came from Albany County, in company 
with Capt. Silas Wheeler, at the age of seven years. He 
afterwards settled, and made the first clearing on the lot 
where Don Wheeler now lives. He afterwards cleared the 
farm, and erected the first building where his son, Wm. 
Gardner, lives. He was an honest, industrious citizen, and 
died on the farm he cleared. His children were Sarah, 



Silas, Rebecca, Addison, Henry, William, Thomas, Harriet, 
Benjamin, Polly. 

Henry Chichester came from Otsego County, in 1812, 
with his widowed mother, one brother, and three sisters, 
and settled on the Henry Grace farm, in the town of Wayne, 
county of Steuben, where John Lay, a short time before, 
had made the first clearing. He afterwards moved on the 
Bans Knapp farm, same town, where Groves Soles had been 
the first settler before him. Thence he moved into the town 
of Wheeler, in 1847, on the farm where he now lives. 

Thomas Aulls settled with his father, William Aulls, in 
the town of Urbana, on the Benjamin Decker farm, in 
1793, and about 1800 removed to the farm in the town of 
Wheeler, now occupied by his son, Ephraim Aulls. He 
there made the first clearing, and erected a log house and 
afterwards made a frame addition thereto. He gave dili- 
gent attention to clearing and improving his farm. He was 
the first justice of the peace in that part of the town of Bath 
afterwards set off to Wheeler. He was a good man and a 
member of the Presbyterian Church, and died on the farm 
he settled, about 1847. His children were Polly, William, 
Samuel, Hiram, Ephraim, Joseph, and Sarah. Ephraim 
has always lived on the same farm, and has been postmaster 
at Wheeler Centre some forty years. 

Albertus Larrowe came from New Jersey in 1800, and 
settled on the farm now occupied by his son Albertus. He 
built a log house near the present dwelling, and cleared the 
most of his land. He was a successful former, and died 
on the same farm in 1857. His children were John, 
Eliza, Sarah, Catherine, Minerva, Jane, Charlotte, Jacob, 
James, Albertus, Jonathan B., Franklin, Charlotte. Jacob 
Larrowe was judge of Steuben County, and died in Ham- 
mondsport, March, 1878. 

Philip Myrtle came from Pennsylvania, and settled on 
the farm now owned by D. Z. Gibbs, about 1800. He 
cleared the most of the farm, and built the first saw-mill 
there and the present buildings. He was a good and honest 
citizen. He died on the same farm at about sixty years of 
age. His children were Betsey, Margaret, Susan, Sarah, 
Catherine, Lydia, Aiigeline, Eliza, Benjamin, Henry, Fred- 
erick, and .^Iarilla, all of whom are now living. 

CIVIL LIST OF THE TOWN. 

At the first town-meeting, held in 1821, Thomas Aulls 
was elected supervisor. He was re-elected in 1822. lu 
1823, Grattan II. Wheeler was elected, and was succeeded 
by Thomas Aulls again in 1824. How long Mr. Aulls 
continued to serve as supervisor we have no means of know- 
ing. The records show no other name till 1830, when 
Jonathan Barney was elected. From that time we have 
the list of the principal town ofiicers as follows : 

Supervisors. Town Clerks. CoHectors. 

1830. Jonathan Barney. (No record.) Hiram Rose. 

1831. Thomas Aull.s. " " " " 

1832. Jonathan Barney. •* " ** ** 

1 833. Seth Wheeler. " " " 

1834. " •' " " " " 
1S35. Jonathan Barney. " " " " 

1836. " " Piatt P. Smith. " " 

1837. " ' " " " " 

1838. " " Ephraim Aulls. Jacob Thompson. 
I 1839. S. H. Rose. " " " " 



TOWN OF WHEELER. 



443 



JUSTICES OF THE PEACE. 

The record of the election of Justices of tlie Peace for the town has 
been kept since 1S3G. 



Those elected since that date arc as follows : 



1836. Levi Gray. 

Abram 1. Quackenbush. 

1837. Levi Gray. 
Sherman Rose. 

1838. Sherman Rose. 

1839. Selah EMis. 
18i0. John E. Gunsolus. 

Seth Wheeler. 

1841. Ira P. Barney. 

1842. Sherman 11. Rose. 

1843. Seih Wheeler. 

1844. John E. Gunsolus. 

1845. Ira P. Barney. 

1846. Hiram Van Pelt. 

1847. Grattan II. Wheeler. 

1848. James Wagoner. 

1849. Ira P. Barney. 

1850. Henry Chichester. 

1851. Isaac Cranmcr. 

1852. George A. Wise. 

1853. James AVagoncr. 
Ira P. Barney. 

1854. Duniel Gray. 

1855. Caleb Allen. 



1856. James Wagoner. 

1857. Nelson Clark. 
Simeon Wagoner. 

1858. Daniel Gray. 

1859. Caleb Allen. 

1860. H. Y. M. Charlesworth. 

1861. Julius Stickney. 

1862. Ira P. Barney. 

1863. Isaac Cranmer. 

1864. No record. 

1865. Henry K. Squires. 

1866. Julius Stickney. 

1867. Isaac Cranmcr. 

1868. U. Y. M. Charlesworth. 

1869. Martin V. Clark. 

1870. Don D. Wheeler. 

1871. Isaac Cranmer. 

1872. Simeon Wagoner. 

1873. Thomas Aulls. 

1874. Eugene Clark. 

1875. Oliver R. ¥ox. 

1876. Willard Eels. 

1877. E. T. Bliven. 

1878. Chas. M. Renchan. 





Supervisors. 


Town Clerks. 


Collectors. 


1840. 


Ilosea Longwell. 


Ephraim Aulls. 


Erastus Rose. 


1841. 


" 


Piatt P. Smith. 


a a 


1842. 


0. F. Marshall. 


" " 


D. D. Thompson. 


1843. 


" 


H. N. Rose. 


a 


1844. 


" 


Edmund P. Smith. 


a a 


1845. 


H. N. Rose. 


Erastus Rose. 


James J. Maxfield. 


1846. 


Jonathan Barney. 


" 


Daniel D. Lewis. 


1847. 


H. H. Rose. 


Geo. A. Banter. 


Joseph Hankerson. 


1848. 


J. E. Gunsolus. 


" 


George Renchan. 


1849. 


a it 


Piatt P. Smith. 


Adam Banter. 


1850. 


Benjamin Myrtle. 


Geo. C. Wise. 


James E. Taylor. 


1851. 


ti (i 


" ■' 


H.Y.M. Charlesworth. 


1852. 


Grattan H.Wheeler 


Josiah Guiwils. 


George Renchan. 


185.3. 


Dan. D. Thompson. 


tt ti 


John C. Wiliiams. 


1854. 


" •' 


James E. Taylor. 


a a 


1855. 


Ira P. Barney. 


Edward Y. Knajip. 


AVilliaui Thompson. 


1856. 


Daniel Gray. 


James E. Taylor. 


Jacol) Lewis. 


1857. 


Ira P. Barney. 


a 


a 


1858. 


" " 


a 


Orville Thompson. 


1859. 


Daniel Gray. 


0. F. Marshal. 


C. A. Overhiser. 


1860. 


.James Derrick. 


James E. Taylor. 


Hamiltou llaide. 


1861. 


Daniel Gray. 


F'kl'n J. Marshal. 


'• 


1862. 


James Derricli. 


James E. Taylor. 


Wm. N. Thompson. 


1863. 


" 


.. 


" 


1864. 


" •< 


" 


Lemuel H. Lewis. 


1S65. 


S. II. Rose. 


D. D. Lewis. 


" 


1866. 


Daniel Gray. 


•' 


Frank M. Bauter. 


1867. 


" 


Fred'k Uawkinson. 


L. B. Overhiser. 


1868. 


■' " 


•' " 


William Jolly. 


1S69. 


J. II. Lewis. 


Rieh'd M. Tompsoi 


. David Bauter. 


18(11. 


Julius Stickney. 


■' 


.Tohn Robards. 


1871. 


H It 


George Lewis. 


.-Viva Aber. 


.1872. 


Lemuel II. Lewis. 


William Gardner. 


Charles Cranmer. 


1873 


L. H. Wheeler. 


" 


Charles M. Coatcs. 


1874 


William Gardner. 


Edgar Hathaway. 


Harvey Castor. 


1875. 


li ii 


" '• 


Levi Jolly. 


1876 


Thomas Aulls. 


.< a 


H. S. Overhiser. 


1877. 


ii •( 


George E. Derrick. 


A. J. Crans. 


1878 


a li 


1. a 


Joel Thompson. 



CHURCHES. 
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF WHKELER. 
For many years after tlic settlement of the town there 
was no stated public worship. A missionary or neighbor- 



ing minister occasionally held meetings there ; David liar- 
rower occasionally preached in an early day, James Ilotchkin 
also preached in 1815, on West Hill, and David Iliggins in 
the east part of the town, on the creek. In 1824, Beriah 
Hotchkin preached in the town during one year every 
alternate Sabbath. In that year a church was organized 
with members taken from the churches of Bath and 
Prattsburgh, Aug. 30, 1825. It was received under the 
charge of the Presbytery of Bath. In 182G it consisted of 
23 members. Afterwards discordant feelings arose in 
the church, and meetings were discontinued, but subse- 
quently application was made to the Presbytery for the 
formation of a new church. A committee was appointed, 
among whom were.llev. Messrs. Higgins and Budd. The 
committee met Oct. 19, 1831, and organized a church, 
consisting of 5 male and 4 female members, under the 
name of Centre Wheeler Church. Ten members more 
were received from the original church. In 1832 a legal 
organization was effected, under the name of the First 
Presbyterian Society of Wheeler, and the following trusters 
were elected : Harry Read, Albert Wilcox, Reuben C. 
Montgomery, Cornelius Younglovc, Otto F. Marshal, and 
Levi Gray. 

June 18, 1832, Thomas Aulls was appointed treasurer 
and T. W. Hitchcock clerk. The .same year a new church 
was erected by Samuel Aulls, at a cost of §600, on a site 
between the house of Ephraim Aulls and the ])resent hotel. 
given by Thomas Aulls. The house has since been moved, 
and is now used for a blacksmithsliop. In February, 1833, 
Rev. James Hotchkin commenced preaching, and was in- 
stalled pastor the ITtli of the following September. He 
continued pastor till Feb. 17, 1837. Rev. Elijah Wollage 
officiated in 1838-39. Rev. Flavel S. Gaylord preached 
afterwards two or three years. The society built another 
house, in 1867, on the present site, at a cost of something 
over S2000. It was dedicated Sept. 7, 1870. Rev. James 
M. Pratt preaching the sermon from Psalms Ixix. 9. Rev. 
Mr. Palmer made the dedication prayer. Service has been 
held there with some intermission to the present time. 

The present trustees are Wm. Gardner, D. Z. Gibbs, E. 
Aulls, O. F. Marshal, Orville Raymond, and Henry Chi- 
chester. 

FIRST METHODIST EPISCOPAL CUURCU OP WHEELEIl. 

In the early history of the society, meetings were held in 
the Cole school-house, just south of the present church. 
The class w;is at time a part of the Avoca charge. About 
1845, Joseph H. Tultlc, pastor, and John A. Bauter, 
George Bauter, George Shcppard, Hiram Rose, John Over- 
heiser, were the trustees. The society, having received a 
deed of the present site of Erastus Rose, proceeded to 
erect a church building thereon, at a cost of about S800, 
by George Renchan, carpenter. The building was again 
painted, about 1861, by A. Ballard, of Hammondsport. 
C. L. Gifibrd was pastor. The class was attached to the 
Kanona charge about 1801, where it remained until 1872, 
when it was united with the class at Wheeler Centre and 
the class at the Hemlocks, and a new charge or circuit 
thereby created. 

The number of Sabbath-school scholars at present is 



444 



HISTORY OP STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



about 30. The Bible-claSs numbers about 25. Present 
trustees are D. D. Lewis, Nathan Rose, and Robert Webb. 
Pastors, since separated from Kanona charge, J. H. Du 
Bois, two years; H. 0. Abbot, one year; G. J. Du Bois, 
one year; Geo. W. Moxey, one year, and Chas. P. Patterson. 

METHODIST EPISCOPAL SOCIETT OF WHEELER CENTRE. 

The Methodist Episcopal society at Wheeler Centre 
formerly belonged to the Kanona charge. At one time it 
held meetings in the building now occupied by S. Bailey as 
a blacksmith shop. 

A separate charge was organized in 1872 at the Western 
New York Conference, in Rochester, from the Wheeler 
Centre Class, the Hill Cla.ss, and the class at the Hemlocks. 
A. F. Morey, Presiding Elder; J. H. Du Bois, Pastor. 
The first trustees were D. G. Lowe, John Scott, P. F. 
Myrtle, David Ackerson, J. W. Searles, and John Eckler. 
Class-Leader, Horace Palmer. 

The first marriage was that of Frank AuUs to Miss Elva 
Gay. J. H. Du Bois oflSciating minister. The first baptisms 
were in October, 1872, as follows : P. F. Myrtle, David Ack- 
erson, Daniel Benedict, Charles Searles, and Eliza Brewer, 
by A. P. Morey. Fourteen persons have since been re- 
ceived in tlie church by baptism. Thirty-eight persons 
belonged to the church since the organization. 

In 1874 the society bought the present parsonage-lot, of 
P. F. Myrtle, for $650. The dwelling was enlarged by 
inclosing the front upright part, in 1877, at a cost of about 
§450. Albert Richards, carpenter. 

The number of Sunday-school children is about 0. Su- 
perintendents and teachers about 12. Present class-leader, 
W. Edwin Coats Present trustees, P. F. Myrtle, A. P. 
Overheiser, John Eckler. Pastors since organization, 1872 : 
J. H. Du Bois, two years ; H. O. Abbott, one year ; G. J. 
Du Bois, George Moxey, and Chas. Patterson. 

MILITARY RECORD OF WHEELER. 

Williams, Seabury, private, 23(1 Inf., Co. A; enl. April, 1S61, two years; killed 

at Autictara, Sept. 17, 186>. 
How, Eli^lia, private, 23d Inf., Co. A; enl. April, 1861, two years; digch. June, 

18C:i, at Elmira. 
Smith, Charles, private, 23d Inf., Co. A; enl. April, 1861, two years ; re-enl. in 

14tli H. Art. 
Couch, Geo , Jr., private, 34th Inf., Co. I ; enl. May, 1861, two years. 
Waide, Charles, private, 34th Inf., Co. I; enl. May, 1861, two years; dlsch. for 

disability, Ang. 1861. 
Gray, Aaron, private, 34th Inf., Co. I ; enl. May, 1861, two years ; re-enl. in 46th 

Pa. Regt. 
McGuinnis, Henry, private, 1st N. Y. Art., Co. E; enl. Aug. 19, 1861, two years. 
McGuinnis, Matthew, private, Ist N. Y. Art., Co. E; enl. Ang. 1861, two years. 
Townsend, Elijah, private, Ist N. Y. Alt., Co. E; enl. Aug. 1861, two years. 
Ingesoll, Gilbert, private, 1st N. Y. Art., Co. E; enl. Aug. 1861, two years; 

re-enlisted. 
Armstrong, Isaac H., private, 102d Inf., Co. D; enl. 1862, three years; re-enl.; 

discli. at end of the war. 
Armstrong, Eliphalet, private. lU2d Inf., Co. D ; enl. 1862, three years ; re-enl.; 

discli. at end of the war. 
Armstrong, Wm. W., 102d Inf., Co. D; enl. 1802, three years; re-enl.; disch. 

at end of the war. 
Crocker, Peter, 102d Inf., Co. D; enl. 1862, three yeare. 
Pelham, John, private, 10th Cav., Co. G; enl. Oct. 12, 1861, three years; disch. 

fur disability, Sept. 1862. 
Welch, Wni., 10th Cav., Co. G; enl. Oct. 12, 1861, three years; disch. July, 1865. 
Townsend, Asbury Peter, 14th H. Art., Co. E; enl. 1862, three years ; disch. for 

disability ; re-enlisted. 
Billings, Otis, private, Wlieeler's Battery; eul. Aug. 10, 1.961, three years; 

killed at Gettysburg, July 3, 18C3. 
Billings, Wallace, private, I4Ist Inf., Co. E ; enl. Sept. 1804, one year ; disch. Avg. 

8, 1805, near Washington. 
Stevens, Jesse Everett, piivate, 107th Inf., Co. G ; enl. Ang. 2, 1802, three years ; 

killed at Antietam, Sept. 17, 1862. 



Everett, Wm. L., private, 107th Inf., Co. G; enl. .Aug. 2, 1862, three years; killed 

at Anliotani, Sept. 17, 1862. 
Harris, Edwin BL, private, 107th Inf., Co. G; enl. July, 1862, three years ; disch. 

June 5, 1805. 
Brewer, Nelson .lames, private, 107th Inf., Co. G ; enl. July, 1862, three years ; 

disch. at Elmira, Jnne, 1865. 
Kelly, Edwin, private, 107th Inf., Co. G; enl. Aug. 1862, three years; disch, 

at Elmira, June, 1805. 
Brewer, Henry, jtrivate, 107th Inf., Co. K : enl. .Aug. 1862, three years; died in 

hospital at Harper's Ferry. 
Jordan, Henry, private, lOl^^t Inf., Co. A ; enl. Aug. 22, 1862, three years; disch. 

Nov. 1865. 
Remer, William, private; enl. Jan. 2, 1862, three years; wounded at Fort 

Fislier; died Feb. 8, 1865, in hospital at Fort Schuyler. 
Allen, James, private, 14lst Inf , Co. E; enl. Ang. 1862, tlireo years; disch. at 

Cincinnati, July, 1865. 
Allen, Wm. S., 141st Inf., Co. E ; enl. .Aug. 1802, three years; died in hospital 

at Nashville, Tenn. 
Baker, Samuel, private, 101st Inf., Co. A ; enl. Aug. 1802, three years ; disch. at 

Elmira, Nov. 1805. 
Aulls, Thoma-i, private, 189th Inf., Co. C; enl. .Aug. 1864, one year; disch. 

May, 1805. 
Harris, Andrew Jackson, private, 107th Inf., Cj. G ; enl. July, 1862, three years ; 

disch. Jnne, 1865. 
Morse, Garret G., private, 22d Cav., Co. G; enl. Jan. 1864, three years; disch. 

Ang. 1865. 
Jordan, Solomon, private, 161st Inf., Co. A ; enl. Aug. 22, 1862, three years ; 
disch. Aug. 29, 186!, for disability ; re-enl. 189th Inf., Co. G, Aug. 1861, 
one year; disch. May 19, 1865, at Alexandria. 
Pelham, Clinton, private, 161st Inf., Co. A; enl. Aug. 1862, three years: disch. 

Oct. 1S65. 
Jordan, John, private, 22d Cav., Co. G; enl. .Ian. 1864, three years; disch. at 

Rochester, Aug. 1865. 
Jolly, Wm., Corp., leist Inf., Co. A ; enl. .\ug. 14, 1862, three years ; disch. at 

Port Jefferson, Sept. 20, 1805. 
Borden, John, private, Ulst Inf., Co. E; enl. Aug. 20, 1862, three years; 
wounded at Resaca, Ga., May 15, 1864; disch. at Jefferson hospital, Nov. 
24, 1864. 
Barrett, Joseph, private, IClst Inf., Co. G ; enl. Jan. 2, 1864, three years; disch. 

at Tallahassee, Nov. 12, 1805. 
Horton, John, priv.ate, 189th Inf., Co. C; enl. Aug. 1864, one year; disch. at El- 

mira, Jnne, 1865. 
Wygant, Harvey E., piivate, 86th Inf., Co. C; enl. Aug. 12, 1862, three years ; 

disch. June, 1865. 
Wallace, Caleb L., private, 22d Cav., Co. G ; enl. Dec. 23, 1863, three years ; taken 
pris. June 23, 1804, within eleven miles of Ricliniund, confined a short 
time in Lildiy prison, removed to Andersouville, and died of starvation, 
Nov. 26, 1865. 
Barrett, Grattan Henry, private, 161st Inf., Co. C ; enl. Dec. 1863, three years ; 

slightly wounded at Mansfield ; disch. at Tallahassee, Nov. 1865. 
Palmer, Horace, 1st sergt., lOlst Inf., Co. A; enl. Ang. 17, 1862, three years ; 

disch. at Tallahassee, Fla., Nov. 12, 1865. 
Coats, Sylvenns, private, ISOth Inf, Co. H; enl. Sept. 15, 1865, one year. 
Earl. Benjamin, private, IClst Inf., Co. .A; enl. Aug. 21, 1862, three years; disch. 

at Port Jefferson, Sept. 20, 1865. 
Storms, Charles Henry, private, 107th Inf., (Jo. K; eul. Aug. 11, 1802, three 
years : taken sick and removed to general field hospital at Chattanooga ; 
died June 19, 1804. 
Overhiser, Levi Barney, private, 107th Inf., Co. K ; enl. Aug. 11, 1862, three 
years; taken pris. in Georgia, confined a short time in Florence; ex- 
changed ; disch. at Elmira, June, 1865. 
Overhiser, Joseph Story, private, 22d Cav., Co. G; enl. Jan. 1804, three years; 

disch. at Rochester, Ang. 6, 1865. 
Lockwood, Charies Fletcher, private, 16Ist Inf., Co. A.- enl. .Aug. 22, 1862, three 
years; trans, to Ifit Dragoons, Dec. 1862; disch for disability; re-enl. loth 
Cav., Co. G, Jan. 1804, three years; disch. Dec. 31, 1864, on account of 
wounds and disability. 
Lockwood, Lebens Drew, private, 22d Cav., Co. G; enl. Dec. 1863; died at 

Lincoln hospital, Washington. 
Strong, Byron Pete, private, 7Gth Inf.; must. Sept. 1863, three years ; sub. for 
John G. Webb ; dieil in V. S. gen. hosp.. Armory Square, April 22, 1864. 
House, Menzoe, private, 107th Inf., Co. I; enl. Aug. 11, 1802, three years; taken 

pris. at Rutledge, Ga. ; paroled ; disch. June, 1805. 
House, Peter Abram, private, 107lh Inf., Co. I; enl. Aug. 11, 1802, three years; 

disch. June 22, 1805, at York, Pa. 
House, Wm. Ambrose, private, 161st Inf., Co. I; enl. Aug. 1802, three years; 

disch. Sept. 1865. 
House, Martin V., private, 189th Inf. ; enl. Sept. 1864, one year ; disch. June 5, 

1865, near Washington. 
DiUenbeck, Stephen, private, 161st Inf., Co. I; enl. Aug, 1862, three years; 

disch. Oct. 16, at Elmira. 
Clark, Wm. E., private, 161st Inf., Co. A; enl. Aug. 1862, three years; disch. 

Oct. 1805. 
Clark, Martin V., 70th Inf., Co. H; drafted July 14, 1803, three years; disch. in 

91st Regt., July 3, 1865. 
Lewis, George, private, lOlst Inf., Co. A; enl. Aug. 1802, three years; disch. 
Oct. 17, 1805. 



TOWN OF WOODHULL. 



445 



Maxfield, Godfrey, private, 161st Inf., Co. A; enl. Aug. 1862, three years; diach. 

Oct. 1865. 
Van Pelt, Alexander, private, 107th Inf., Co. K ; enl. Aug. 21, 1862, three years ; 

disch. for disability, Sept. 7, ISO J. 
Wheaton, Charles L.. private, 16l3t Inf., Co. A; enl. Aug. 1862, three years; 

taken prie. ; died April 16, 1864. 
Willard, Sugar, private, IGlst Inf., Co. A; enl. Sept. 1862, three years. 
Garvey, Henry William, private, IGlot Inf., Co. A; enl. Aug. 1862, three years; 

discli. June 10, 18G4, at Elmira. 
Blakesley, Joel, IGlst Inf., Co. A ; enl. Aug. lSr.2, three years. 
McChesney, Lucas, private, 16lBt Inf., Co. A; enl. Aug. 1862, three years; disch. 

Oct. 1865. 
Stratton, Edward, private, IGlst Inf., Co. A; enl. Aug. 1862, three years ; killed 

at Port Hudson, May 27, 1863. 
Brush, John, private, 161st Inf., Co. A; enl. Aug. 1SG2, three years; disch. Sept, 

20, 1865. 
Upthegrove, Clark, private, 161st Inf., Co. A ; enl. Aug. 1SG2, three years; came 
home on furlough, Nov. 5, 18G2; taken sick with typhoid fever, and died 
Dec. 1862. 
Stryker, Frank, private, 107th Inf., Co. G; enl. Aug. 18G2, three years. 
Weaver, George, private, 189th Inf., Co. G; enl. Aug. 1SG4, one year; disch. 

June 30, 16C5, at Alexandria. 
Bellinger, George, private; enl. Jan. 1864, three years. 
Taylor, Sylvenua P., private, 161st Inf., Co. A ; enl. Jan. 1864, three years; taken 

sick ; died July 25, 18Gi, at University hospital, New Orleans. 
Couch, Charles, private, IGlst Inf., Co. A ; enl. Jan. 18C4, three years; died in 

hospital at New Orleans, Aug. 2+, 1864. 
Shults, Kzeriah, private; enl. Jan. 1864, three yeai-s. 
Briggs, George A., private ; enl. Jan. 1864, three years, 
Greek, Wra., private ; enl. Feb. 1864, three years. 
Rtymond, Wm., private ; three years. 
Hamill, Philip, private; three years. 
AVheeler, Wm. Henrj', private, 189th Inf., Co. C; onl. Aug. 1864, three years; 

disch. June 8, I860. 
Cooke, Harvey Edward, private, IGlst Inf., Co. A ; enl. Aug. 1862, three years; 
disch. Jan. 1863, lor disability; re-eul. Sept. 18C3, 1st Vet. Cav., Co. F; 
disch. July 29, 1865. 
Toby, Ransfurd, eul. April, 1864, three years. 
Wilkins, Robert, enl. April, 1864. 
Paris, Tyler, private, 107th Inf., Co. G, enl. July 22, 18G2, three years ; wounded 

in left knee ; disch. June 5, 1865, at Elmira. 
Brtmer Hial, eul. May, 18G4, three years. 

Delany, Palscy, enl. Aug. 1862, three years; sub. for Franklin J. Marshal. 
Connelly, Daniel, must. Sept. 18G4, three years; sub. for James P. Streight. 
Murphy, John, must. S^pt. 1864, three years ; sub. for Lf nuiel Lewis. 
Owooney, John, must, Sept. 18G4, three years; sub. for Nathan Rose. 
Douglass, David, must. Sept. 1864, three years ; suh. for Richard M.Thompson, 
Kelsey, Francis, must. Sept. 1864, three years ; sub. for John H. Priiie. 



Bagley, Charles F., must. Sept. 1864, three years; sub. for Philip Prine. 
Saleman, George, must. Sept. 1SG4, three years; sub. for David H. Prine. 
Welch, George, must. Sept. 1S64, three years; sub. for George E. Derrick, 
Taylor, George W., must. Sept. 18G4, three years; sub. fur Orville Thompson. 
Shuits, Meriin, private, 189th Inf., Co. C; enl. Sept. 1864, one year; disch. 

June, 1865. 
Cooper, Ira, Jr., private, 189th Inf., Co. C; enl. Sopt 18G4, one year; diach. at 

Elmira for disability. 
White, Wm., private, 189th Inf., Co. C; enl. Sept. 18G4, one year; disch. June, 

1865. 
Morrison, David Henry, private, 189th Inf. ; enl. Sept. 1804, one year; disch. 

June, 18ii5. 
Ackerson, John, enl. Sept. 1864, one year; disch. Nov. 1864. 
Read, Mortimer W., sergt., 189lh Inf., Co.C; enl. Aug. 18G4, one year; disch. 

June. 18C5. 
Gray, Charles Muuson, private, 189th Inf., Co. C; enl. Aug. 1864, one year. 
Welch, Benjamin S., private, 14l8t Inf., Co. K ; enl. Sept. 3, 1864, one year; 

died Dec. 9, 1861, of typhoid fever. 
Cormie, Robert J., private, ISOth Inf., Co.C; enl. Sept. 1864, one year; disch. 

June, 1865. 
Simons, Alvii D., private, 189th Inf., Co. C; onl. Sept. 1864, one year; disch. 

June, I860. 
Ilina, Peter, private, Hist Inf., Co. H; enl. Sept. 1864, one year; disch, June 

8, 1S65. 
Churchill, Daniel, private ; enl. Sept. 1864, one year. 
Keeper, Waddetl L., private ; enl. Sept. 1864, one year. 
Hark, Chai les, private ; enl. Sept. 1864, one year. 
Hickory, David J., private ; eul. Dec. 18G4, one year. 
Preston, George, enl. Dec. 16, 1864, three years; sub. for Thomas J. Gray. 
Robeshaw, Ciiailcs, enl. Dec. 17, 1SG4, three years; sub. for Richard Gray, 
Castor, Charles, private, 107th Inf., C». K; enl. Aug. 11, 1SG2, three years; 

wounded May 25, 18C4, at New Hope Church; disch. May 30, 18C5. 
Dowd, Ira C, private, 141st Inf., Co. C; enl. Aug. 1862, three years; died in 

Georgia, Dec. 1SG4. 
Irons, Emir A., private, 141st Inf., Co. E; enl. Aug. 1802, three years ; disch. 

July 6, 1864. 
Brown, John Wesley, 107th Inf., Co. G ; enl. Aug. 18G2, three years; disch. for 

disability. 
Warner, Franklin, private, 141st Inf., Co. G; enl. Aug. 1862, three years. 
Drake, Edwin, private, IGlst Inf., Co. A ; enl. Aug. 1S62, three years. 
Krants, Moses, private, 107th Inf., Co. G ; enl. Aug. 1862, three years. 
Blakesley, Robert, private, IGlst Inf., Co. I; eul. Aug. 1862, three years. 
Billings, Elisha, private, 107th Inf.; enl. Aug. 1802. 
Allen, Elijah Read, private, Capt. Mowers; three years. 
McNeal, Lyman, private; enl. Sept. 18G2, three years; brought home, Aug. 

I8G0 ; died. 
Shaut, Franklin, drafted, 18G3. 
Mowers, Belden, private, IGlst Inf.; enl. Aug. 1862, three years. 



WOODHULL. 



GENERAL DESCRIPTION. 
This town occupies a central position upon the .southern 
border of the county. Its surface is a hilly upland, varie- 
gated with forests and cultivated farms. The principal 
stream is the Tuscarora Creek, which flows east through 
the northerly part of the town. The general character of 
the soil is that of a clayey and gravelly loam, and is good 
land for agricultural purposes. 

EARLY SETTLEMENT. 
Laying back from the river- valley, and off the line of 
general travel, the town of Woodhull presented but little 
inducement to the permanent settler in its first years of oc- 
cupation. Some venturesome hunter, who had found his 
way over the hills south of the Canisteo, discovered among 
the dark hemlocks of the Tuscarora hills a beautiful little 
valley, thinly covered with groves of maple, oak, and hem- 
lock, and inhabited by countless herds of elk and deer. It 



seemed to be a hunter's paradise. To the east, a gently- 
sloping hill-side occupied the space between two streams 
which, uniting at its base, formed the South branch of the 
Tuscarora Creek. Westward, a point of land at the lower 
end of the valley left barely room for the stream— some forty 
yards in width— to find its way out. Continuing towards 
the east in its general course, sometimes filling the narrow 
space between the hills, and again opening at the mouth of 
some smaller tributary into a level valley, so obstructed in 
its course by fallen trees as to be almost impassable in itfi 
downward course of 700 feet, it finds an outlet through the 
Tuscarora Valley into the Canisteo River, twelve miles dis- 
tant. The first inhabitants of this town were men who 
lived for the pleasure of the chase, and found their way 
into this secluded spot with their families, only to leave on 
the approach of a more permanent settlement. 

In 1804, Pauicl Johnson, father of Ashcr Johnson, first 
supervisor of Woodhull, and for a number of years a prom- 



446 



HISTOKY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



inent citizen, settled on the South branch, about a mile west 
of the present village of Woodhull.* Mr. Johnson was the 
first permanent settler within the bounds of the present 
town, and was supervisor of the old town of Troupsburgh, 
which then included a portion of WoodhuU until 1812. 

Spears and Merlin entered four hundred acres of 

land each, on the left bank of the Tuscarora, and Mr. Merlin 
did some chopping on the west end of Col. Jeffrey Smith's 
farm, in the north part of the village, but abandoned it with- 
out making any settlement. In the spring of 1805, Bethuel 
Tubbs, father of Joel and Zebulon Tubbs, eame up the 
frozen creek, upon the ice, and located upon the North 
branch, a short distance above the point. During the same 
year. Squire Wilkes located on the hill near the point, 
Caleb Colvin coming about the same time and locating near 
him, and Josiah Styles settling on the Cook place. Stephen 
Dolson, Brcakhill Patrick, Wm. Martin, and Bethuel Tubbs 
settled back, on the west of the point. These settlers did 
little more than to build themselves cabins and open com- 
munications with the outer world by way of the creek. In 
March, 1806, Caleb Smith, a native of Orange County, 
who had recently settled at Southport, Chemung Co., sold 
his improvement at that place, and with the proceeds 
($1300) ascended the Tuscarora with his family of nine 
children, for the purpose of establishing a mill at the new 
settlement. He purchased ten acres of land immediately, 
as a freehold, and commenced work upon his mills. A 
dam was built across the narrow outlet of the creek, at the 
lower end of the valley, and two separate mills were erected, 
a saw- and a grist-mill. The grist-mill was built of logs, 
and the stones were taken from the bed of the stream near 
by. During this year the settlement increased, Joshua 
Green, Asel Styles, and Henry Martin locating half a mile 
north of the creek, towards Jasper. Lekins Clark, Daniel 
Cortright, a Mr. Mynear, and Mr. Laton settled up the 
South branch in the order named. Several of the South 
branch families only remained while game was plenty, mak- 
ing but little improvement. 

Samuel Smith, whose place was on the point occupied by 
the academy, came in 1807. The grist-mill was burned 
the year after it was built, and the next year the dam and 
saw-mill was carried away by high-water. These were the 
first mills in the town. The first birth recorded is that of 
Polly, daughter of Samuel Smith. Levi Rice and Cynthia 
Tubbs, Zebulon Tubbs and Sally Rice, and Abner Thomas, 
who taught the first school, and Esther Tubbs were the first 
couples married in the town. The first death was that of 
adaughter of Stephen Dobson, in 1808. The first meetings 
were held at the house of Daniel Johnson, a Rev. Mr. Jones, 
of Elmira, preaching. During the same year a school-house 
was built of hewn logs, two miles up the creek, towards an- 
other settlement, Abner Thomas teaching the first school. 
The first settlers who came were poor, and subsisted mainly 
by hunting and fishing. What clearing was done they did 
in the easiest way, cutting out the scattering underbrush 
and smaller timber, and girdling the hemlocks. The more 
energetic, but less experienced, cut a ring around the hem- 



« At Woodhull, on the South Branch of the Tuscarora, the two 
streams above are known as the North and South blanches; the North 
branch being the main stream. 



locks to the depth of three or four inches, to make sure 
their death. If large trees stood where a fence was wanted, 
they were felled, and brush was freely used to piece out the 
distance between them. Limbs and dead trees were con- 
stantly falling upon the growing crops, and the shade of the 
surrounding forest caused wheat to smut badly. Rye was 
a surer crop, and was the staff of life for many years. Work 
was to be had on the river, payable in grain, and if the 
harvest was too far off to suit the family appetite, wheat and 
corn could be had of the river formers, payable after har- 
vest, with a peck on each bushel for interest. Interest 
may have been high, but the unfortunates were rarely 
brought before the power of the law. 

The boys had their annual trip to the river in the fall to 
get butternut bark for coloring their winter clothing. Buck- 
skin was worn, some of the girls even appearing at school 
with buckskin waist and coarse woolen skirt. Home-made 
shoes, made from leather tanned on shares away down the 
river, and called " leggins,"' were common. An old settler, now 
a man of wealth and influence, tells of the pride with which 
he donned his first cotton shirt, made of coarse, dark, three- 
quarter cloth at a cost of 50 cents a yard. Many of the 
early settlers becoming discontented, abandoned their lands, 
which, growing up to grass, made pasture for the cattle of 
those who remained. In 1812, the death of Mr. Johnson 
and five of his family from a fever which appeared general, 
scared off some of the settlers who thought the locality to 
be unhealthy. 

George Martin built the second mill during this year, 
farther down the creek. There was a little further settle- 
ment before 1821, when Seth Peirce opened the road which 
still bears his name. This road, commencing on the Can- 
isteo River, was cut through the heavy timber south in as 
direct a course as possible, passing through an unbroken 
forest to the valley where now is Woodhull village, continu- 
ing south to near the Pennsylvania line. The object of 
this road appears to have been to induce settlement, and 
was in a slight degree successful. Mr. Peirce received from 
the Pulteney oflice some lands near the south end of the 
road, laid out a four corners, and built throe or four log 
houses. He also chopped over 30 or 40 acres of land, but 
never moved there. Peter Smith, who helped make the 
road, his wife cooking for the hands, was induced to remain 
for a while at the opening, but it was finally abandoned. 
Wm. Wildrich and William H. Sly now own the fine farms 
upon which this first effort at settlement proved a failure. 

Mieajah Sherwood, fiither of the late Hon. Henry Sher- 
wood, of Corning, Hiram Sherwood, of Jasper, and Wm. 
M. Sherwood, of Woodhull, made the first opening on 
this road south of Woodhull, a mile and a half from the 
village, in 1821, building his first house upon a large hem- 
lock which he felled across the hill. His second or per- 
manent house still stands above the road near the watering- 
trough, its heavy door and little old-fashioned windows 
looking forth from beneath the broad, old-fashioned open 
"stoop," over which projects at least a third of the roof of 
the house. Hero the old pioneer died, in 1843. John 
Stone and Hugh Boyd opened farms adjoining, south, in 
1822, and soon after, others, from Pulteney, settling south 
and southeast, gave the locality the name of Pulteney Hill. 



TOWN OF WOODHULL. 



447 



To the norlh, Mr. Hovnockei- and James Williams at- 
tempted a settement on the present Bebout place, but find- 
ing it too far back, and water scarce in the dry season, Mr. 
Williams moved down on the Tusoarora Creek, and made 
the first permanent settlement between " Rowley's" and 
Woodhull village, selling his place on the Hill to Asel 
Bears in 1825. The same year (1S2G), Worcester Perry 
moved on to the place where he still lives, at the foot ai' 
the hill south overlooking Hedgesville ; Thomas Hedges 
coming the same week. The Peirce road does not appear 
to have been used previous to tliis time, as Mr. Perry spent 
a whole week in opening it so that he could get through 
with his wagon. 

Building a log cabin 16 feet in length, and flooring it 
with two lengths of rough puncheons split from a pine near 
by, Mr. Perry worked through the first year surrounded 
by difficulties. A friend stopping with him, late in the 
fall, went out in the night to shoot a bear, and killed one 
of his cows. The other one soon became injured in the 
woods, and had to be killed. In the depth of winter, during 
a terrific snow-storm, while his neighbor, Mrs. Hedges, was 
awaiting her husband's return from the mill, a large maple- 
tree he was chopping near the house fell crosswise of the 
kerf, and striking upon his house, broke in the entire roof, 
throwing the debris upon the women and children, and de- 
molishing his winter's supply of provisions which were stored 
in the loft. In their haste to escape, the two choppers fell 
over each other beside the stump, and barely escaped being 
buried beneath the huge trunk. Happily no one was in- 
jured. Moving his family to neighbor Hedges', he found 
employment for the winter in rebuilding and preparing for 
the coming work of spring. 

There were then but the families of Samuel Smith, Mar- 
tin Harding, and Henry Harding, a mile west; and no 
other family between the Canisteo and Woodhull villages 
in the north part of the town. 

As early as 1825, Andrew Colgrove bought and made 
shingles to run down the river, making them on his land 
and drawing them north to the South branch, and thence 
down the Tuscarora to Addison. This was the only lum- 
bering done previously to 1833, sawed boards being drawn 
from the Cowanesque Valley at that late date. Immense 
quantities of good timber were burned while clearing. 

Woodhull did not become a business centre until Joseph 
Tubbs, who kept the first tavern a mile up the point at the 
old cross-roads, moved down to the present locality in 1833, 
and Sylvester Tousey, John Stone, and Calvin Searle 
opened the first store in the town, when it began to assume 
some importance to the surrounding country. In 18.Ja a 
blacksmith-shop was opened, and Ichabod C. Leach built 
and opened the first permanent store ; S. V. Lattimer, 
Col. Jefi'rey Smith, and his brother, Alfred Smith, being 
the principal movers in developing the resources of the 
town. 

In 1844 a foundry for the casting of farming implements 
was established by Warner & Gardner, and in 1851 the 
village boasted three stores, one of which was conducted by 
Hamilton Marlatt, son of one of the early settlers, who is 
still in business; a church, a post-office^ and about a dozen 
residences, within a stone's throw of (he woods on three 



sides. A mail-route was established before the organiza- 
tion of the town, Isaac Goodsell carrying the mail through 
by way of Woodhull once a week on horseback. 

At the head of Elk Creek, a branch of the Tuscarora 
from the south, in the east part of the town, is the Free- 
Will Baptist church, and beside it is the old cemetery 
where were buried the earlier settlers in the southern part 
of Tuscarora and Woodhull. The first settlement in the 
southern part of the town was made in this beautiful little 
valley, in 1827, by John Brimmer, who.so log cabin has dis- 
appeared, and in its place part way up the hill stands the 
handsomest residence in that part of the town, whose owner 
and occupant, Adolphus Harrison, is the son of one of the 
early pioneers. Daniel Christeon came the next year, and 
opened a clearing near the Hurd place, half a mile farther 
south. 

. In 1832, when Alvinza Foote came into the valley, there 
were but five or six families in the region, Wm. Lewis 
being the last one towards the State line. In the valley 
were Eli Terry and James Christeon. It was impossible 
to get wagons through the roads, and all travel w;»s done 
on sleds. Mr. Foote, one of the early religious workers 
and the first deacon of the church, still lives where he first 
settled. He is father of Truman B. and Albert Foote, who 
are well-known citizens. Toward the centre of the town, 
on the higher land, there was no settlement previous to 
1835, except the old Rozier Mill, until you reach Peirce's 
road ; most of the southern part of the town having a very 
recent date, and the greater portion of the clearing having 
been done in the last twenty years. The telegraph road 
from Addison to Osceola, Pa., passes up the valley of this 
creek. 

Caleb Smith, who was seven years a magistrate before the 
formation of the town, was the first postmaster. Joseph 
Tubbs was succeeded at his death by his son, Silas H. Tubbs, 
whose influence is as much felt in business circles as any 
man in that part of the county. The village was laid out 
in lots, in 1834, by Henry Wombough, Sr. Col. Jeffrey 
Smith, who has been intimately connected with the town 
since his early manhood, was successively ensign, paymaster, 
adjutant, major, and colonel, in the old days of general train- 
ins, first town clerk of the town of Woodhull, and twice elected 
to the State Legi.slature,— in 1844 by the Democrats, and in 
18C0 by the Republican party. Possessed of great firmness 
of character and temperance habit.«, he well sustains the 
weight of his seventy-eight years, still occupying the farm 
upon which he started in life. He is a son of Caleb Smith. 

VILL.VGE OF WOODHULL. 
The present village is located just below the point formed 
by the high land between the two creeks, and contains some 
450 inhabitants. Looking from this point down stream to 
the east, the valley is visible for two miles down the Tus- 
carora Creek, the sloping hill-sides dotted here and there 
with modern farm-houses, occupying the entire scope of 
vision. Far off in front is a dark strip of hemlock timber 
upon the top of the highest ground in sight. Near by, 
just beyond the village, a knoll projects from the hill-side 
half a mile away, its top at the height of the tree-tops in 
the valley. This is the cemetery, white with the marble 



448 



HISTOIir OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



sentinels standing guard over the inhabitants of the past. 
Here rest many of the earlier settlers. Just to its left is 
the most conspicuous residence in the place, and finest in 
the town, — that of William M. Sherwood, son of the oldest 
settler in the central part of the town. This land was 
entered by Caleb Smith, before any other improvement or 
opening had been made within your present scope of vision 
than a couple of acres of ragged chopping near where the 
church on your left sits back into the hill-side, above the 
creek. This chopping was the only evidence of civilization 
which greeted the eyes of Mr. Smith when he came with 
his fomily, in 1806. The few straggling apple-trees between 
the village and the cemetery on the flat are the remains of 
the first orchard planted in the town, and were raised from 
the seed and transplanted. Just below, in the little space 
beyond the orchard was the first house, and at the point 
beyond stood the little log grist-mill, with its huge fireplace. 
The few rods between the orchard and the foot of the hill 
was a swamp in " those days." The brown, one-story build- 
ing, just beyond the church at your feet, is the town-hall, 
and occupies the spot where hung the huge kettles of the 
sugar-camp, when the Smith boys, now respected old men 
with grandchildren, gathered sap from the maple-sugar bush, 
which has since been cut down to make way for the village. 
On the right, a dense wood of maple and hemlock comes 
down to the foot of the hill and extends away beyond ; the 
road passing to the right up the hill, leads through the 
woods to the old Sherwood place and Pulteney Hill, where 
were made the first settlements in the town, farther south 
than those on lands visible around and in front of you. 
The business part of the village is on both sides of the Tus- 
carora, which is spanned by a bridge on Main Street, on 
which street most of the business houses are located. The 
large building close in front of you, on the point, is the 

"WOODHULL ACADEMY AND UNION SCHOOL. 

This institution adds much to the importance of the vil- 
lage, obtaining its students from this and the surrounding 
towns to the south and west. It was built in 1868, by 
subscription, at an expense of $4000, and was originally 
designed as an academy. Hamilton Marlatt and Orin B. 
Baxter were the original movers in its erection, Mr. Marlatt 
donating the grounds, comprising one acre of land, in the 
most conspicuous part of the village. It was incorporated 
under the general law, but in 1877 the property was deeded 
to the district for a union free-school building, with an 
academic department. The first principal was Prof. Jef- 
freys, of New Berlin. D. H. Cobb was principal for eight 
years, and was succeeded by Prof Baldwin. Present prin- 
cipal, Emmett Maxon, late of Alfred College, Allegany 
County. The entire attendance is over 200 students. 

The mercantile business of Woodhull is of more import- 
ance than that of any other place of its size in the south- 
western part of the county. Wool, butter, and honey are 
shipped from this point in large quantities, and goods 
brought in by way of Addison, which is the principal ship- 
ping-point, regular express-wagons running to that place, 
carrying goods a distance of twelve miles for §3 per ton. 
Daily mail-stages pass through, connecting Troupsburgh 
and Jasper with Addison. There are now in the village 



more than twenty stores, besides the usual trades, including 
five blacksmith-shops. The place also sustains three law- 
yers, a large hotel, capable of entertaining between 40 and 
50 guests, and two churches. To the old foundry has 
been added a wool-card and shingle-mill. In 1858, James 
Baldwin built the large steam flouring-mill at the south 
end of Main Street, near the furnace. A cheese-factory 
near the village, the first in the town, was built in 1874> 
by Henry Cobb, its management thus far proving the 
eventual success of this industry here. The old school- 
house near the centre of the village has been appropriated 
for a town-hall. In 1871, Charles Adams started the 
Woodhull News, a four-page, four-column weekly news- 
paper, at $1.25 a year, and secured a circulation of over 
200, but abandoned the enterprise for a larger place the 
next year. 

Hedgesville, four miles north, bears the name of its first 
owner, Thomas Hedges. It contains two stores, a large 
steam flouring-mill and saw-mill, which were built in 1874, 
and some sixteen dwellings. Mail is received Tuesdays, 
Thursdays, and Saturdays, from Rathboneville, six miles 
distant. The Presbyterian and Methodist Episcopal Union 
cliurch is located here. The East Woodhull post-office is 
five miles east of Woodhull village, at a private house. 

ORGANIZATION. 

The town of Woodhull was formed from Troupsburgh 
and Addison, Feb. 18, 1828, and in 1856 a portion was 
taken ofi^ the north end and joined to the town of Rath- 
bone. It takes its name from Gen. Nathaniel Woodhull, 
one of the heroes of the Revolutionary war. At the first 
town-meeting, held at the house of Asher Johnson, Feb. 
18, 1827, Asher Johnson was elected supervisor, Jefirey 
Smith town clerk, Stephen Kent collector, Zebulon Tubbs 



Supervisors. 

1828. Asher Johnson. 
1829. 

1830. " 

1831. David Edwards. 

1832. " 

1833. " " 

1834. " •' 

1835. " " 

1836. " 

1837. " " 

1838. Stephen Kent. 

1839. " •' 

1840. " " 

1841. David Edwards. 

1842. " " 

1 843. " " 
1844. 

1845. Christopher Marlatt. 

1846. " " 

1847. " " 

1848. " " 

1849. Silas G. Tubbs. 
1S50. 

1851. S. V. Lattimer. 

1852. " " 



LIST OF TOWN OFFICERS. 

Town Clerkg. Collectora. 

Jeffrey Smith. Levi Tubbs. 



Calvin Searl. 



Stephen Kent. 



(No record.) 



it ti 



Harry M. Harder. 
t( it 

Nelson Perry. 

a ti 

Joseph R. Peeso. 

Christopher Marlatt. 
tt tt 

It tt 

"Worcester Perry. 



D. H. ■Williams. 

E. L. Stroud. 



S. V. Lattimer. 
Andrew S. Smith. 
Wm. S. Edwards. 
Andrew S. Smith. 

Joseph R. Peeso. 
Edward Lanning. 
Joseph R. Peeso. 



""" Destructive fires, in 1806 and 1875, burned the entire business 
parts of the village of Woodhull, on both occasions destroying the 
records in the town clerk's ofSce. 



TOWN OF WOODHULL. 



449 





Supervisor. 




Town Clerks. 


1853. 


Jeffrey Smith. 




(No record.) 


1854. 


Asa Arnold. 




ti ti 


1855. 


S. V. Latliraer. 




tt tt 


1866. 


A. J. C. Edwards. 


tt tt 


1857. 


n n 




tt tt 


1858. 


S. V. Lattimer. 




tt tt 


1859. 


" 




tt tt 


1860. 


Nelson Perry. 




H. Kurd. 


1861. 


" 




A. S. Smith. 


1862. 


S. V. Lattimer. 




(No record.) 


1863. 


" 




« 


ISOt. 


Halscy Swarts. 




A. Smith. 


1S65. 


J. K. Strock. 




(No record.) 


1866. 


D. H. Williams 




tt ti 


1867. 


Jas, Carpenter, 


Jr. 


tt tt 


1S68. 


J. S. Warner. 




D wight R. Cowley 


18R9. 


H It 




• ( (( 


1870. 


•< 




1. 


1871. 


H. S. Williams. 




W. W. Wright. 


1872. 


" 




J. E. McCaig. 


1873. 


William Carpenter. 


E. M. Hathaway. 


1874. 


" 




tt 


1875. 


'• 




W. W. Wright. 


1876. 


.Silas G. Tubbs. 




.< 


1877. 


tt it 




it 


1878. 


Coral Morgan. 




Charles P. Slater. 






JUSTICES OP THE PEACE 



Collectors. 

Joseph R. Pecso. 

ti tt 

John A. Boyd. 
Joseph R. Peeso. 



H. II. Van Orsdale. 
L. D. Wiley. 
Harmon P. Matson. 
it tt 

L. D. Wiley. 
Edwin F. Smith. 
Austin Simons. 
William Bartle. 



1849. H. S. Williams. 
1851. Joseph Fenton. 
1853. H. S.Williams. 
1855. .loseph Fenton. 

1859. Lewis D. Wiley. 

1860. W. H. Sly. 

1861. C. M. Griswold. 

1864. D. Williams. 

1865. S. Harrison. 
•1866. A. S. Smith. 



Phineas Tuttle. 
James W. Marlatt. 

W. P. Wilson. 
John S. Andrus. 
Charles Calkins. 



1868. R. H. AVilliiims. 

1869. J. P. Stroud. 

1871. L. V. Payne. 

1872. C. G. Herrington. 

1873. C. M. Griswold. 

1874. L. V. Payne. 

1875. R. H. M.ason. 

1876. Sanford Newell. 

1877. Caleb G. Herrington. 

1878. W. W. Wright. 



CHURCHES. 



PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 



The Presbyterian Church of Woodhull was organized by 
Rev. Isaac Flagler, of Hammondsport, at the schoolhouse, 
near Worcester Perry's, Oct. 15, 1831, adopting the Con- 
fession of Faith and Covenant of the Bath Presbytery. 
The original members were Allen Sheldon and wife, Frank- 
lin B. Hubbard, Chauncey P. Hubbard and wife, Obed 
Hathaway and wife, Catherine Pomeroy, Martin White- 
man, Hannah Gulick, Dorotha Whiteman, Thomas Hedges, 
Mary Shumway, Hannah Smith, Elizabeth Stroud, and 
Lyman Morrell and wife. Allen Shelden and C. P. Hub- 
bard were chosen elders and F. B. Hubbard clerk. 

Their pastors were, in 18.31, Revs. Warren Day, 

Pomeroy; 1832, Rockwell White; 1833-34, Orrin John- 
son ; 1835, John Gray ; 1838, D. B. Booth, James Cressy ; 

1846, AV. B. Stowe, M. Welles; 1860, Baldwin; 

1866-72, Alexander Gulick ; 1872, James W. Ball ; 1873, 
Albert W. Hubbard ; 1873-75, J. W. Beecher. 

The Methodist Episcopal Society united with them in 
building a union church at Hedgesville, which was dedi- 
cated by the Methodist Presiding Elder in 1861. The 
present membership is about 40. 

There is also an organization in the southeast part of the 

town, holding meetings in the Baptist church on Elk Creek. 

This society was organized Sept. 1, 1865, and numbers 13 

members. Rev. Mr. Sturgis, of Addison, preached first ; 

57 



afterwards Revs. Kennedy, Brown, Joseph Long- 
ley, John Boal, Wm. A. Hubbard. Present elders : L. 0. 
Walker, H. Cilly. 

The Presbyterian Church received the Pulteney donation 
of 100 acres of land for first church organization in the 
town. 

THE FREE BAPTIST CHURCH 

held services at the hou.scs of the settlers before 1832, and 
about 1834 a society was formed, and after the Foote school- 
house was built held meetings there. The first members of 
the organization were Deacon Ransom Northrup and wife, 
Aboiza Foote, Daniel Campbell. There were only 7 mem- 
bers. Elder Crow preached to thorn and also Wra. Mack. 
The deacons were A. Foote, D. Campbell. 

The second Free- Will Baptist Church was re-established, 
after a suspension of some years, Feb. 18, 1852, at the 
house of Heman Greenslate, who was made clerk. Rev. 
Simon T. Aldrich and Rev. Wm. Jlack were present. 
Eleven persons were formed into a society, among whom 
were Warren Stephen, Benedict and Laura Northrup, Levi, 
Washington, and Polly Benedict, Bucklin Wood, Geo. 
Mack, and Amy HarrLson. Warren Northrup was the 
first deacon. 

A church was built, at an expense of S2000, and dedi- 
cated in August, 1875, by Rev. S. Aldrich, of Elmira. 
Trustees : Amos S. Sprague, William Mack, Salmon Har- 
rison. The first funeral held in the now cliurch was tiiat of 
Hannah, wife of Isaac Benedict, one of the oldest members. 

The present officers are Orvill A. Hurd, Clerk; Edward 
Northup, Salmon HarrLson, Orvill A. Hurd. Present mem- 
bership, 47. Pastors: Revs. Wni. Mack, Levi C. Warri- 
ner, B. F. Mack, Geo. Knapp, John W. Brown, Daniel 
Hunt, Wm. Peck. 

WOODHULL BAPTIST CHURCH. 

On the 20th of November, 1835, 20 persons assembled 
at the house of John Kent, half a mile above the present 
village of Woodhull, and organized themselves into the First 
Baptist Cliurch of Woodhull. Their names were Seth Bax- 
ter and wife, John Kent, wife and daughter, afterwards wife 
of William P. Myers, Ira Smith and wife, Stephen Kent, 
Ephraim Wood and wife, Samuel Stone, Wm. Martin and 
wife, Maria and Emma Edwards, Philena Marce, Lucy A. 
Dodge, Ebenezer Gardner, Samuel Cooper and wife. Ste- 
phen Kent was appointed clerk, and John Kent deacon. 
A council of neighboring churches was called, which met 
with them Jan. 13, 1836, with Rev. J. B. Chase, modera- 
tor ; and after due examination they were accepted by that 
council. Stephen Kent, aged seventy-five years, is the only 
one of the original members now living. 

There was no settled pastor until 1840, Deacon John 
Kent, a licentiate, preaching when no one happened along 
to supply their pulpit. Rev. John Goff and Rev. Mr. Finch 
were early preachers. Rev. Thomas VV. Colby was the first 
settled pastor. In June, 1849, 17 members withdrew, and 
formed themselves into an organization called the Newville 
Church. In March, 1858, through the efforts of Rev. 
George Balconi, both churches disbanded and united in 
the formation of a now church, under the name of the Union 
Bapti.st Church of Woodhull. This church has been well 



450 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



sustained since its organization. The following have served 
as pastors: 1838, Rev. Mr. Lewis; 1840, Rev. Thomas 
W. Colby; 1842, Warren Wright; 1845, P. Colgrove;_ 
1847, Levi Stone; 1850, Ransom Marvin; 1857, George 
Baleom; 1858, A. Tilden ; 1861, G. Crocker; 1863, A. 
Tildcn, W. Capron; 18G4, G. Crocker; 18G6, C. W. 
Brooks; 1870, A. W. Brasted ; 1873, J. E. Bell; 1874, 
C. K. Bunnell. Present pastor, W. J. Belts. William 
Smith, Ira Thomas, L. C. Warriner, L. H. Evarts, A. W. 
Wilcox, and D. Potter have been licensed to preach, and 
William Smith and Warren Rice have been ordained by this 
church. John Stroud, James W. Miller, S. H. White- 
head, and A. W. Wilcox are the present Deacons; H. P. 
Matson, Clerk; Robert H. Ma.son, Stephen Kent, James 
W. Miller, Trustees. 

In 1856, a church was built, the pastor, Rev. Mr. 
Marine, working himself upon it as carpenter, and also aid- 
ing the church by contribution. The present membership 
is 107. Tlie society owns a parsonage adjoining the church. 

METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH. 

The early settlers held their first meetings at the house 
of Bethuel Tubbs, long before any society was formed. The 
first regular preacher was Rev. Mr. King, who traveled on 
horseback, making his circuit once in four week.s. In 1846, 
a church was built at Woodhull village, Alfred Smith do- 
nating the land and much of the means. The trustees were 
Alfred Smith, P. H. Tubbs, C. F. T. Locke, F. D. Brown, 
and Philo Jlillard. The preaching has been supplied, and 
in most eases irregular, no record having been kept by the 
society. Revs. Colston, Ashworth, Abbott, Rourk, De Puy, 
Peck, Thomas, and Wm. Potter have preached to them. 
The present membership is 74. Rev. John Knapp, Pastor; 
Milton Gool, Class-Leader; David Coryell, Edwin Smith, 
Willis Stroud, Emniett Calvin, Myron P. Wilson, Stewards; 
David Coryell, H. Swartz, Edwin Smith, Myron P. Wilson, 
William Hopper, Trustees. 

A second organization was formed at Hedgesville, in 1 848, 
and in 1861 a union church was built; Joel Eggleston 
and William Geer being trustees for the Methodist, and 
Thomas Hedges, Wheeler Perry, C. P. Hubbard, trustees 
for the Presbyterian society. Revs. Colston, Ashworth, 
Clark, Wni. Potter, Wisner, Brooks, Cameron, Roza, Ryen- 
vault. Brown, Merrett, Haskell, Peck, J. H. Blades, and 
Wm. Bartle, present pastor, have preached to them. 

Present Officers.- — Class-Leaders, Joel Eggleston, Francis 
Howard ; Stewards, Alfred Alien, Peter Sanford. Present 
Trustees of the church : Methodist, Wm. Geer, Joel Eggle- 
ston, George Lawrence ; Presbyterian, Chauncey P. Hub- 
bard, Wm. M. Sherwood, Robert Knox. 

MILITARY RECORD OF WOODHULL. 

Smith, Eilwiii Faiwen, Isl liciit., 34th N. Y. Inf., Co. E; cnl. April 27, 1851, 

two years ; pro. to 1st lielit. ; disch. for ilisal>ility. 
WiUrick, George W„ 1st lieut., 34th N. Y. Inf.. Co. E: enl. April 27, 18G1, two 

years; res. Blarch, 1SG2. 
Rhinevaiilt, Newton, private, 34tli N. Y. Inf., Co. E ; enl. April 27, 1801, two 

years. 
Baldwin, Horace D., private, 34th N. Y. Inf. , Co. E; cnl. April 27, 1801, two 

years ; discli. Sept. 1, 1801, for disahility. 
Smith, Farfield John, priv.ate, .34th N. Y. Inf , Co. E ; enl. April l7, 1801, two 

years; discli. Juno 30, 1803, for disability. 
Mayo.Thonjas, private, 34tli N. Y. Inf, Co. E ; enl. April 27, 1801, two years. 
Kdwards, Stephen, priv., 34th N. Y. Inf., Co- E ; must. June 15, ISGl, two years. 



Johnson, Daniel, private, .34th N. Y. Inf., Co. E; enl. June, 1861, two years. 
Hawley, George, private, 34th N. Y. Inf., Co. E ; enl. April 27, 1801, two years; 

killed in hatlle. 
Coryell, ArchiLald, piiv., .34Ih N. Y. Inf, Co. E; enl. April 27,1801, two years. 
Ilaskin, Lei oy, private, 34th N. Y. Inf., Co. E ; enl. April 27, 1801, two years. 
Lewis, Solomon, private, 34th N. Y. Inf. 
Johnson, Thomas, private, 34th N. Y. Inf. 

Rhinevault, S. G., niaj., 80th N. Y. Inf., Co. K ; enl. Sept. 10, 1861, three years. 
Wildrick, John W., eapt., SOth N. Y. Inf., Co. K ; enl. Sept. 10, 1861. three 

years ; pro. to 1st lieiit. and eapt. ; died at Falmouth, Va., Dec. 8, 1862. 
Warner, John N., eapt., 8tith N. Y. Inf., Co. K ; enl. Sept. 10, 1801, three years ; 

l)ro. to eapt. ; killed in battle of Gettysburg, July 2, 1802. 
Stroud, John M., piiv., 80th N. Y. Inf., Co. K; enl. Aug. 17, ISGl, three years; 

disch. Oct. 2S, 1802, for disability. 
Butler, Franklin, private, 80th N. Y. Inf., Co. K ; enl. Aug. 17, 1801 ; died in 

hosp. at Camp Good Hope, March 29, 1862. 
Butler, Edward, priv., 80(h N. Y. Inf., Co. K ; enl. Ang. 17, 1801, three years ; 

disch. for disability, Jan. 14, 1803. 
Simons, Austin, i.rivate, SOth N. Y. Inf., Co. K ; enl. Sept. 8, 1801, three years ; 

wounded in arm (amputated) ; disch. Oct. 7, 1863, for disability. 
Fisk, Charlemagne, private, SOth N. Y. Inf., Co. K ; enl. Aug. 17, 1801, three 

years; wounded at second Bull Run, at Fredericksburg; and at Spott- 

sylvania ; re-enl. Co. F, Dec. 21, 1803 ; disch. July 4, 1865, by order 84. 
Bartbs, William, priv., SOth Kegt., Co. K; cnl. Dec. 21, 1803, three years; 

wounded at Wilderness and at Petersburg ; disch. June 0, 1865. 
Stryker, Rufus, private, SGth N. Y. Inf., Co. H; enl. 1802, three years; died 

in hosp.. May 13, 1862. 
M.aihMt, Andrew Jackson, qm.-sergt , 86th N. Y. Inf.. Co. C; enl. Oct. 13, 1801, 

throe years; re-enl. SOth N. Y. Inf., Co. C, Dec. 31, 1863, three years; 

disch. May 3, 1805, for disability. 
Rounsville, John Evans. 2d Corp., SGth N. Y. Regt., Co. K; enl. Aug. 17, 1601, 

three years; re-enl. 80tli N. Y. Eegl., Co. K, Dec. 31,1864, three years; 

disch. July 4, 1805, by general order 84. 
Fisk, Bullen Jabez, priv., 80lh N. Y. Inf, Co. K ; must. Aug. 17. 1801 ; wounded 

at second Bull Run ; killed at Gettysburg, July 2, 186.3. 
Simons, Wesley, Corp., 80lh N. Y. Inf., Co. K ; cnl. Nov. 18, 1861, three years ; 

wounded at Cliancellorsville and at Mine Run ; re-enl. 66th N. Y. Inf, 

Co. K, March 5, 1804. 
■Williams, Lester A., private, SOth N. Y. Inf, Co. K; enl. Aug. 30, 1801, three 

years; re-enl. SGth N. Y. Inf., Co. K, Dec. 31, 1863; disch, June 27, 1865, 

by general order. 
Calvin, James C, private, SOth N. Y. Inf; enl. Nov. 3, 1861, three years; died 

in hosp. at Camp Good Hope, May 31, 18G2. 
Calvin, George W., private, 8Clh N. Y. Inf, Co. H; enl. Nov. 3, 1861, IhreB 

years ; killed at Locust Grove, Nov. 27, 1803. 
Calvin, Silas R., private, 8Cth N. Y. Inf, Co. H; enl. Aug. 15, 1802, three years ; 

died at Washington, April 22, 1803, of sm.illpox. 
Fiik, Horace, rorp., 8Cth Int., Co. K, three years ; disch. Nov. 14, 1804, expira- 
tion of time. 
Lanning, Robert, private, SClh N. Y. Regt., Co. K ; must. Aug. 1802 : died July 

3, 1802, at Gettysburg, of wound received at Fredericksburg. 
Lanning, William, private, SOth N. Y. Regt., Co. K; died May 20, 1863, near 

Washington, D. C. 
Brown, Charles F., private, SClh N. Y. Regt.; enl. Aug. 1861, three years. 
Barnes, Jerome, private, SOth N. Y Regt., Co. K ; enl. Aug. 10, 1861, three 

years; disch. March 20, 18G4, for disability. 
Belcher, William, private, 8Cth N. Y. Regt. 
Buckley, Edwin B., private, 8Gth N. Y. Regt. 
Cleveland, Stratton, private, SOth N. Y. Regt., Co. K ; enl. Aug. 12, 1801, three 

years ; trans, to 2d Bat. Vet. Res. Corps ; disch. April 28, 1804 ; re-enl. for 

Canton, Mass., three years; disch Nov. 20, 1865, by reason of general 

order 155, A. G. 0. 
Drake, Elias, private, SOth N. Y. Begt., Co. K; enl. Nov. 6, 1861, three years; 

died April 12, 1802. 
Newman, George W., 3d sergt., SOth N. Y. Regt. ; died May 18, 1863, at Potomac 

Cieek hosp., of gunshot wound, 
rutnani, Alonzo G , private, SOth N. Y. Regt., three years; served lime out. 
Wiley, James A., private, SOth N. Y. Regt. ; died. 
Slater, Charles P., private, SOth N. Y. Regt. ; cnl. Aug. 1801, three years ; flfer ; 

re-enl. Dec. 31, three yeare. 
Marlatt, Willard, priv., SOth N. Y. Regt., Co. C; enl. Oct. 15, 1861, three years ; 

disch. Oct. 13, 1862, for disability. 
Clemens, Daniel, private, SOth N. Y. Regt., Co. H; enl. Oct. 24, 1801, three 

years; trans, to Vet. Res. Corps. 
Clemens, John, private, 86th N. Y. Regt., Co. H ; enl. Oct. 24, 1861, three years ; 

re-elil. vet., Dec. 20, 1804 ; disch. July 14, 1805, by general order. 
Newman, Russel Titus, private, SOlh N. Y. Regt., Co. K; must. Sept. 10, 1861, 

three years ; disch. March 31, 1802, at Camp Good Hope, D. C. 
Haskill, Riley R., priv., SOlh N. Y. Regt., Co. K; enl. Nov. 0, 1861; died March 

22, 1803, at Falmouth, Va., of consumption. 
Lanning, Henry L., private, SOth N. Y. Regt., Co. C ; enl. Jan. 1, 1864, three 

years; disch. for disability. May 3, 1805, at Washington, D. C. 
Carpenter, James, Jr., priv,, SOlh N. Y. Regt., Co. K ; must. Sept. 4, 1861, three 

years; trans, to Co. H, and elected 2d lieul., March 8; disch. May 8, 1862. 
S.ample, Leioy, SOth N. Y. Regt, Co. C ; must. Nov. 0, 1801, three years; died 

March 2, 1802. 
Sample, John, Jr., private, SOth N, Y. Regt., Co. C; must. Nov. 6, 1861, three 

years ; disch. .\pril 15, 1862, at Georgetown, D. C. 



TOWN OF WOODHULL. 



451 



Touuer, Henry C, piivato, 80lh N. Y. Regl., Co. C ; must. Nov. C ; died Dec. 14, 

1802. 
SchoonoviT, William A., pvivatp, 8Cth N. Y. Regt., Co. H; must. Nov. 6, 1861, 

three years ; discli. at Wasliiiiglon, D. C, Oct. 8, 18G4. 
Baxter, Pliilo N., private, 80tli N. Y. R'gl. ; cnl. 18CI, three years. 
Kelly, Geoige, private. SGth N. Y. Regt. ; eill. 18r,l, three years; discharged. 
BIy, Stephen, private, 8Clh N. Y. Regt.; enl. 1801, three years. 
Cook, Jatnes !>., 8Gth Regt. ; three years. 

Medbern, Lucias, private, SCth N. Y. Uegt.; enl. Feb. 1, 1804, three years. 
Wood, Harry, private, SGth N. \. Vols. ; enl. Feh. 1, 1804, three years. 
Johnson, Asapli, private, SGth N. Y. Vols. ; enl. Dec. 23, 180:1, throe years. 
Adams, Calvin ; enl. Dec. 21), 18G:t, three years ; dead. 
Cook, Horace, private, SGth N. Y. Regt., Co. H; enl. 18G1 ; died in N. Y. Hosp., 

of chronic diarrhoea. 
HcPhcrson, Henry, private, 8Gth N. T. Vols. ; enl Dec. 31, 1803, three years ; died 

in army. 
Thomas, Lyman P., private, SGth N. Y. Vols.; enl. Dec. 31, 18G3, three years. 
Merririg. Samuel, private, SGth N. Y. Vols. ; enl. Dec. 31, 1803, three years. 
Dawley, Win. H. ; enl. Feh. 17, 1804, three years. 
Bronny, James Edwin, priv., IGlst N. Y. Vols.; enl. Aug. 21, 1863, three years; 

disch. Oct. 16, 18G.> ; e-tpiration. of tei'm. 
Atwood, Unal, private, Ist N. Y. Inf., Co. G; cnl. Jan. 1, 1802, two years ; disch. 

May 8, 1803, for disability. 
Grummon, Zenas, private, 1st N. Y. Regt., Co. G; enl. Jan. II, 1862, sixteen 

months ; wounded at Charles City Cross-Roads ; disch. May 25, 1863 ; 

expiration of term. 
Grummon, Samuel Leonard, private, 1st N. Y. Regt., Co. G; enl. Jan. 11, 1862, 

sixteen months ; re-eiil. Ist X. Y. Vet. Cav.; missing May, 18G4; reported 

hung by guerrillas. 
Grunimons, Aniliew Jackson, private, 2d Vet. N. Y'. Cav. ; enl. Jan. 1803, three 

years ; re|K>rled died on gov. transport on his way home on furlough. 
De Merandeville, Wm., private, 6(lth N. Y. Kng., Co. M ; enl. Jan. 4, ISC !, three 

years, 
(^ilegrove, Samuel Edwin, private, 161st N. Y. Vols., Co. H ; enl. Aug. 8, 18G2, 

three years ; disch. Oct. U, ISGo, by order 84. 
Griswuld, Chester M., musician, lOlli N. Y. Cav., C!o. F ; cnl. Dec 13, 1801, three 

years; discli. Dec. 12, 1804; expiration of term. 
Bump, Albert, private, IClst N. Y. Regt., Co. H; enl. Oct. 27, 1SG2, three years; 

died at EIniira, Nov. 1862, in iiosp. 
Smith (Granger), F.phraim, private, 50th Eng. ; enl. 1801, three yeai-s ; disdi. 

1803, for disability. 
Colgrove, Albert, private, 161st N. Y. Inf., Co. II : enl. Oct. 27, 1802, three years ; 

disch. Oct. 10, 1805, by general order. 
Whiled, John, private, lOIstN. Y. Regt., Oo. H; enl. Aug. 18,1802, three years; 

disch. Aug. 10, 1805, for disability. 
Olin, Edward, priv.ate, let Pa. Rifles (Bucktails), three years; disch. Dec. 20, 

18G2, for disability ; died soon after. 
Huestcd, George 0.,sergt., 107th N.,Y. Regt.. Co. F; enl. July, isoi, three years ; 

disch. March, 18G2. 
Wood, Luzon L., private, IClst N. ¥. Regt., Co. H; enl. Oct. 27, 1862, three 

years ; disch. Oct. 1805. 
Delong, William, private, 161st N. Y. Regt., Co. H; eul. Aug. 1, 18C2, three 

years ; disch. Oct. 27. 1865. 
Colegrove. David, private, IGlst N. Y. Regt., Co. H; enl. Oct. 27, 1862, threa 

years; disch. Oct. 1805. 
French, Roswell, private, Ist N. Y. Inf., Co. E; enl. Juno 13, 1862, seventeen 

months ; disch. April, 180-', for disability. 
French, Stephen, private, 1st N. Y. Inf., Co. E; enl. Jan. 15, 1802, seventeen 

months; disch. May, 1863, expiration of term; reeni 50lh Eng., Jan. 

1, 1864, three years ; disch. June, 1865, by order. 
Colegrove, William, private, 161st N. Y. Regt , Co. U ; enl. Aug. 18, 1802, three 

years; disch. May, 1863, for disability. 
Lewis, Samuel, private, 107th N. Y. Inf, Co. C ; enl. Aug. 5, 1802, three years; 

disch. March 7, 1863, for disability. 
Tubbs, James H., priv., lOlst N. Y. Inf, Co. H ; enl. Aug. 22, 1802, three years ; 

disch. Sept. 20, 1805; expiration of terra. 
Mattin, Peter, private, lOlst N. Y. Inf., Co. H; must. Aug. 11, 1862, three 

years ; disch. Sept. 20, 1865 ; expiration of term. 
Cleveland, Stratton. 

Dawley, Hezekiah, private, 8Gth N. Y. Vols., Co. H ; enl. 1861. 
Gee, Ephraim S., private, 188th N. Y. Vols., Co. E. 
Hutchinson, 11. Ross, private; enl. 1862. 
Merandeville, David D., private. 
Brownell, Asa, private. 
Crane, John, private ; enl. 1862. 
Watson, George D., private; enl. 1802. 
Wfttson, Alpheus D., private; enl. 1862. 
Linch, filelvin, private. 
Quick, Franklin, private. 
Kinney, Samnel, sergt., lOTth N. Y. Kegt., Co. G ; enl. June 17, 1862, three 

years ; shot at Atlanta, Ga., Aug. 17, 1801 ; died Aug. 18, 1864. 
Kinney, Ira, private. Hist N. Y. Regt., Co. G ; enl. Aug. 19, 1862, three years ; 

died of camp fever and chronic diarrhoea, at Stephenson , Ala., Nov. 3, 1864. 
Maatio, Abram, Corp., IClst N. Y, Regt., Co. H ; enl. Jan. 30, 1864 ; disch. Nov. 

13, 1865, by general order. 
Williams, George, private, 5th N. Y. H. Art.; enl. Deo. 23, 1863, throe years. 
Brownell, Jesse, private, 2d Vet. Cav. ; enl. Dec. I, 1863, three years. 



Miller, Oscar F., private, 2d Vet. Cav.; cnl. Dec, 10, 18C3, three years. 

Kisk, John D., private, 2d Vet. Cav., Co. G ; enl. Dec. 22, 180 S, three yean; died 

Nov. 24, 1864. 
Sunford, Peter F., private, 2d Vet. Cav. ; enl. Dec. 1, 1863, three years ; died io 

camp, Sept. 2, 1804. 
Dan ley, Levi, private, 2d Vet. Cav., Co. G ; cnl. Doc. 22, 18G1, three yeara. 
Miller, Sobiuion B., pi ivate, 2d Vet. &iv. ; eul. Dec. 1, 1803, three years. 
Griswuld, Fninktin N-, private, 2d Vet. Cav. ; eul. Dec. 21, 1803, three years. 
Blend, Horace, private, 2d Vet. Cav. ; eul. Jan. 4, 1864, three years. 
De Merandeville, William, private, 5Uth Eng.; oul. Jan. 1, 18ti4, three years; 

died of fever. May 8, 1804. 
Edwards, George, priv., 50th Eng. ; enl. Jan. 4, 1SC4, three years; disch. Jimo 

24, at close of war. 
Atwood, Mo^es L., private, 50th N. Y. Eng. ; cnl. Jan. 4, 18C4, three years. 
McCoIlnm, Peter, private, 2d Vet. C^vv.; cnl. Jan. 4, I8CI, three years. 
Willson, Myron P., private, 2d Vet. Cav.; cnl. Jan. 1, 1804, three years; disch. 

Nov. 8, 18G5; expiralion of service. 
Buck, David A., private, 50lh Eng.. Co. M ; enl. Jan. 1, 1804, threo years ; disch. 

June 13, 1805. 
Sample, George, private, 50th Eng., Co, M ; enl. Jan. 4, 1804, threo years. 
Blend, Taylor, private, 2d Vet. Cav.; enl. Jan. 4, 1804, three years. 
Haxtiui, Alonzo H., private. lulU II. Art ; cnl. Jan. 4, 1864, three years. 
Dawley, Hosca (sub.), private. Gist N. Y. Regt., Co. B; enl. Aug 8, 1804, one 

year; wounded near Petersburg; disch. Sept. 1865. 
Brown, Edwin G. (sub), private, lu4lh N. Y. Inf., Co. F; enL Aug. 8, 1861, one 

year; disch. Juno 7, 1SC5. 
O'Bryau, Thomas, private, oOth Eng. ; enl. Aug. 20, 1864, one year. 
Simons, Albert II., private, 50tU N. Y. Eng., Co. I; enl. Aug. 19, 1864, one year ; 

in service two months. 
RichardM, John \V., private, 5(lth N. Y. Eng.; enl. Aug. 19, 1804, one year. 
Richards, Archibjild, private, 50tli N. Y. Eng. ; enl. Aug. 20, 1864, one year. 
Rice, Silas W., private, 50lh N. Y. Eng. ; enl. Aug. 20, 1864, one year. 
HowanI, Willi.im, private, 60lh N. Y. Eng. ; enl. Aug. 20, I8C4, one year. 
Sample, Levi, private, .50tli N. Y. Bug.; enl. Aug. 20,1804, one year ; died July 

15, 1805. 
Howard, Clinries, private. 50th N. Y. Eng.; enl. Aug. 20, 1804. 
Biirtlett, Welcome, private, Soth N. Y^. Eng. ; enl. Aug. 20, 1804, one year. 
Jones, James T., private, ."iOth N. Y. Eng., (Jo. I; enl. Aug. 20, 1864, one year; 

died in field hosji. front of Petersburg, Oct. 21, 1805. 
Brooks, Marion U., private, Ist N. Y. Cav.; enl. Aug. 2>, 1801, one year; teu 

monlhs in service. 
Martin, John H., private, Ist Vet Cav.; enl. Aug. 20, 1SG4, one year; disch. 

June G, by genenil order. 
Moore, Erastus N , private, 1st Vot. Cav.; enl. Aug. 23, 1861, one year. 
Cummings, Noinian W., private, 1st Vet. Cav.; enl. Aug. 2.'>, 1801, o.io year. 
McFarland, Wm. B , private, 1st Vot. Cav. ; enl. Aug. 24, 18C4, one year. 
Stillwell, Edgar, private, 501h N. Y. Eng. ; cnl. Aug. 31, 1864, one year. 
Fisk, Daniel B., private, Siith N. Y. Eng.; enl. Sept. 1, 1864, one year. 
Page, Erastus, private, 5fllh N. Y. Eng.; eul. Sept. 1, 1SG4, one year. 
Ives, Titus D., private, .5Mth N. Y. Eng.; enl. Sept. 1, 1864, one .vear. 
Cook, John R., private, 5(th N. Y. Eng. ; enl. Aug. 20, I8G4, ono year. 
Brown, William, private, 5uth N. Y. Eng.; cnl. Aug. 23, 1864, ono year. 
Cook, James D., private, 60th N. Y. Eng. ; enl. Aug. 29, 1804, ono year. 
Thomas, S\ Ivanus, private, 50th N. Y. Eng.; enl. Aug. 29, 1804, one year. 
Potter, Newt.jn, private, 50tli N. Y. Eng. ; enl. Aug. 27, 1864. 
Halleck, Abram, private, OOth N. Y. Eng. ; enl. Ang. 29, 18C4. one year. 
Cook, Thomas M., private, 1st X. Y. Vet. Cav.; enl. Aug. 27. 1804, ono year. 
Ordway, Bcatha, private, Isl N. Y. Vet. Civ.; enl. Aug. 27, I8C4, oue yoar. 
Potter, William, private, 1st N. Y. Vet. Cav.; enl. Aug 27, 1804, one yoar. 
Conk, Ilufns, private, let N. Y. Vot. Cav. ; enl. Aug. 27, 1864, ono year. 
Cook, James P., private, 1st N. Y. Vet. Cav.; enl. Aug. 27, 1804, one yoar. 
Cook, Jerome B., private, Ist N. Y. Vol. Cav.; enl. Aug. 25, 1801, one year. 
Simons, Richard M., private, Ist N. Y. Vot. Cav. ; oul. Sept. 3. 1864, ono year ; 

disch. June 29, 1803, by special order. 
Cook, David, private, 1st N. Y. Vet. Cav. ; onl. Aug. 29. 1884, ono year. 
Fuller Philander, private, oOth N. Y. Eng. ; enl. Aug. 30, 1804. ono year. 
Jones, Cvnis W., private, 161st N. Y. VoN. ; enl. Aug. 17, 1864, one yc:.r. 
Halt, George A., private, IGlst N. V. Vols.; enl. Aug. 17, 18GI, one year. 
Stephens, George (sub ), private ; enl. Nov. 10. three years. 
Graves, Horace M., private, 7Cth N. V. Regt, Co. A; drafted July 18. 1863. 

three years; wounded at Wilderness; disch. May 28, 18G5, by general 

order. 
Sullivan, Michael, private ; drafted July 18, 1SC3, three years. 
Grummonds, Orin F., private, 97th Regt.; drafted July 18, 1863, throe yoar.; 

disch. Dec. 12, 1803, for disability. 
Simons, Richard W., priv., 50.h Eng., Co. I; d™ft«i July 18. 1883, thro, yoars ; 

disch. Nov. 18, 1803, for disability. 
Gardiner, Aaron, private ; ilmncd July 18, 1863, three yoais. 
Strait, Abram, private ; drafted July 18, 180.3, threo years. 
Paine, John II., private ; dralteil July 18, 1803, three years. 
Simons, Wato C, private, 70th N. Y. Regt., Co. D; drafted July 18. 18G3, thra. 

years ■ wounded at Wilderness ; disch. May 20, 1803, for disability. 
Calkins, Charles, private; drafted July, 1803, threo ye.ts; wounded by accl- 

dental discharge of gun ; disch. Sept. 16, 186.5, by general order 116. 
Calvin, Stephen, Jr., private ; drafted July 18, 1863, threo years. 
Brimmer, Gilbert, private ; drafted July 18, 1863. 
Van Cavon (sub.), Abram, private.; drafted July 23, 1863, threo yo«s. 



STATISTICAL DIEECTORY 

OF CITIZENS OF STEUBEN COUNTY WHO HAVE AIDED IN THE PUBLICATION OF THIS WORK. 



ADDISON. 

Afiiswortb, H. R., Physician, p. o. add. Addison. 

Angle, S. L., Book-Keoper, b. New York, S.185G, p. o. add. Addison. 

Brewster, G. B., farmer, li. Npw York, s. 1848, p. o. .idd. Addison. 

Brooks, Eraatus, Retired, b. Massachusetts, s. 183U, p. o. add. Addison. 

Baldwin, James, Banker, b. Pennsylvania, s. 1836, p. o. add. Addison. 

Baldwin, Henry, Farmer and Manufacturer, b. Pennsylvania, s. 1836, p. o. add. 

Addison. 
Brown, R. P., Physician, b. Pennsylvania, s. 1848, p. o. add. Addison. 
Birdseli, 11. H., Justice of Peiice, b. New York, 8. 1832, p. o. add. Addison. 
Brady, J., Catboh'c Clergyman, b. Ireland, s. 1872, p. o. add. Addison. 
Brown, J. M., Merchant, b. New York, s. 1841, p. o. add. Addison. 
Bluke^lce, B., Physiciun, b. New York, s. 1831, p. o. add. Addison. 
Blakeslee, Bradley. 

Crane, A. G,, Wannfactiirer, b. New York, a. 1857, p. o. add. Addison. 
Djirrin, D. M., Lawyer, b. New York, s. 1849, p. o. add. Addison. 
Deninny, J. W., Lawyer, b. New York, 8. 1820, p. o. add Addison. 
Gillett, J. D., Farmer, b. Connecticut, s. 1833, p. o. add. Addison. 
Hill, C. D., Manufacturer, p. o. add. Addison. 
HoUi,^, Geo. H., Fditur, b. New York, p. o. add. Addison. 
Jones, Cul. J. E., Farmer, b. New York, r, lS;il, p. o. add. Addison. 
Jennings, L. A., Merchant, b. New York, s. 1836, p. o. add. Addison. 
Jenning.s, S., Saloon-Keeper, h. New York, s. 1834, p. o. add. Addison. 
Jonea, Robeit, Barber, s. 1864, p. o. add. Addison. 
Lattimer, S. V., Banker, b. Pennsylvania, s. 1828, p. o. add. Addison. 
Meade, K. S., Jlaiiufiiclurer, b. New York, s. 1857, p. o. add. Addison. 
BIcKay, 11. €., Manufacturer, b. New York, 8. 1851, p. o. add. Addison. 
Pa.\ton, Thomas, Miller, b England, g, 1840, p. o. add. Addison. 
RiU'S, James II. 

Rife, F. F., Minister, b. New York, s. 1872, p. o. add. Addison. 
Short, R.. Black.smith, b. New Yi.rk, s. 1829, p. o. add. Addison. 
Smith, W. A., Merchant, b. New York. a. 1836, p. o. add. Addlsun. 
Stiatton, G. W., Tanner, b. New York, s. 1865, p. o. add. Addisun. 
Young, F. E., Pilot, b. New York, s. 1812, p. o. add. Addison. 



AVOCA. 

Arnold, L., Farmer, b. WaKhington Co., N. Y., s. 1837, p. o. add. Avoca. 

Arnold, A. J., Farmer, b. Steuben Co., N. Y., s. 1852, p. o. add. Avoca. 

Baldwin, I. W., Farmer, b. Steuben Co., N. Y., 1846, p. o.add, Avoca. 

Barney, F. N., General Merchandise, b. Steuben Co., N. Y., s. 1847, p.-o. add. 
Avoca. 

Bouton, v., Farmer, b. Steuben Co., N. Y., s. 1846, Goflf's Mills. 

Chase, N. B., Farmer and Broker, b. Steuben Co., N. Y., s 1814, p. o. add. Avoca. 

Cotton, Thomas, Farmer, b. Steuben Co., N. Y., s. 1831, p. o. add. Avoca. 

Collier, L H., Farmer and Builder, b. Green Co., N. Y., 8. 1815, p. o. add. Avoca. 

Carrington, Joel (Retired), b. >Vashington Co., N. Y., s. 1826, p. o. add. Avoca. 

Dillinback, Henry, Cheese-Maker, b. Montgomery Co., N. Y., s. 1868, p. o. add. 
Kanona. 

Edwards, Solomon, Farmer, b. Montgomery Co., N. Y., s. 1824, p. o. add. Avoca. 

Haakin, Isnac J., Farmer, b. Saratoga Co., N. Y., a. 1827, p.o. add. Avoca. 

Keelcr, E., Famier, b. Steuben Co., N. Y., s. 1822, p. o. add. Wallace. 

Kclsey, W. F., Keeper of Inbred Hnrabletonian and Messenger Stallions, b. Ot- 
sego Co., N. Y., s. 1825, p. 0. add. Avoca. 

Mackio, Robert, Fanner, b. Glasgow, Scotland, 8. 1824, p, o. add. Avoca. 

Patterson, C, I'hysiciun and Surgeon, b. England, s. 1830, p. o. add. Avoca, 

Parkhill, A. T., Lawyer, b. New York, a. 1829, p. o. add. Avoca. 

I'almer, S. IL, Farmer and Justice of the Peace, b. New York, s. 1835, p.o. add. 
Avoca. 

Reynolds, V. L., Druggist, b. New York, 8.1844, p.o. add. Wallace. 

Robotds, Daniel L., p. o. add. Avoca. 

Rice. J. W., Farmer, b. New York, s. 1842, p. o. add. Neal'a Creek. 

Smith, 0. S., General Merchandise, b. New York, a. 1816, p. o. add. Avoca. 

Spooner, A. M., Lawyer, b. New York, e. 1852, p. o. add. Avoca. 

Slattery, William T., General Merchandise, b. New York, s. 1852, p. o. add. 
Wallace, 

Tuckfir, Smith, Farmer and Lumberman, b. New York, s. 1825, p. o. add. 
Wallace. 

4.'>2 



BATH. 

Allison, Cbas. S., Merchant Tailor, b. England, a. 1859, p. o. add. Batb. 

Allen, W. W., Banker, b New York, a. 1835, p. o. add. Bath. 

Aber, Tbeo. J., Grocer, b. New Jersey, s. 1830, p. o. add. Bath. 

Aber, Edward E , Grocer, b. New York. a. 1853, p. o. add. Bath. 

Averell, Oscar J., Contractor, b. New York. s. 1836. p. o. ndd. Bath. 

Bennett, C. H., Physician and r^urgeon, b. New York, s. 1843, p. o. add. Batb. 

Black, James W., PbystciaB and Siirgw>n, b. New Vui k, s. 1829, deceased. 

Brundage, A. C, Farnwr, b. New York, s. 1837, p. o. add. Bath. 

Brundage, Jesse, Farmer, deceased. 

Brundage, Mrs. Sarah, Fanner, b. New York, a. 1809, p.o. add. Bath. 

Brundage, Capt. Monroe, b. New York, a. 1836. drceuctl. 

Brundage, G. H., Fsirmer and Stock Grower, b. New York, a. 1834, p. o. ndd. 

Bath. 
Barton, M. V., Carriage Manufacturer, b. New York, a. 1835, p. o. add. Bath. 
Burns, Wm. S., Capt. 4tb Mo. Cav., Book-Keeper, with I. & J. Davenport, b. 

New York, s. 1868, p. o. add. Bath. 
Brother, Henry, Merchant and Miller, b. Maryland, a. 1827, p. o add. Bath. 
Bull, Mrs. Lncinda, b. New Hampshire, s. 1818, p. o. add. Baih. 
Bull, Henry G.,s. 1844. 
Bowlby. John A., Ftfrraer and Dealer in Fine Stock, b. New York, a. 1839, p. o. 

add. Biitli. 
Btyan, Joshua W., Farmer, b. New York, a. 1826, p. o. add. Savona. 
Bilker, Juhn R,, Miller, Kanoi-a Mills, b. New York.s. 1857. 
Campbell, C. W., Clerk, b. New York, s. 1818. p. o. add. Washington, D. C. 
Cook, E. C, Banker, b. New York, s. 1835, p. o. add. Bath. 
Cruttenden, A. H., Physician and Surgeon, b. New York, b. 1856, p. o. add. 

Bath. 
Coss, D. M., b. New York, a. 1818, p. o. add. Bath. 
Carrington, Eli, Farmer and Keej'cr of County Poor-House, b. New York? b. 

1824, p. o. add. Bath. 
Carpentpr, F. P., Farmer, b. New Yo.k, s. 18G8, p. o. add. Kanona. 
Crozier, Eliza C, Farmer, b. New York, a. 1830, p. o. add. Batb. 
Dolson, J. S., Postmaster, Physician and Surgeon, b. New York, a. 1825, p. o.add. 

Bath. 
Davenport, John, Dealer in Western Landa, b. New York, a. 1835, p. o. add. 

Bath. 
Davenport, Ira, b. New York, a. 1841, p. o. add. Bath. 
De Peyster, Augustus, b. New York City, s. 1871, p. o. add. Bath. 
Ellas, Cbas. A., Druggist, b. New York, ». 1848, p. o. add. Bath. 
Ellas, A. F., Farmer, b. Massachusetts, s. 1815, p. o. add. Bath. 
Emery, I. W., Baptist Clergyman, h. Vermont, s. 1863, p. o. a<ld. Bath. 
Erwin, Gen. F. E., Farmer, b. New York, s. 1806, p. o. add. Hath. 
Edwards, Jas. U., Mason and Farmer, b. New York, s. 1813, p. o. add. Bath. 
Ferris, A. P., Lawyer, b. Now York, s. 1823, p. o. add. Bath. 
Faucelt, Henry, Insurance .\geht, b. New York, a. 1833, p. u. add. Bath. 
Ferris, Delan-^on, Farmer, b. New York, s. 182S, p. o. add. Bath. 
Frink, Elan, Farmer, in War of 1812, b. Massachusetts, s. 1817, p. o. add. Bath. 
Grant, B.'F., Homoeopathic Physician and Surgeon, b. New York, a, 1827. p. o. 

add. Batb. 
Gilmore, Peres, Tailor and Hotel-Keeper, now Money-Loaiicr, b. Vermont, ». 

1S17, p. o. add. Bath. 
Hull, H. S., Editor and Publisher, b. New York, s. 18'>4. p. o. add. Bath. 
Howell, Wm. E., Banker, b. New York, a. 1835, p. o. add. Bath. 
Howell, D. C, Banker, b. New York, s. 1818, p. o. add. Bath. 
Hillman, J. H., Photographer, b. England, b. 1875, p. o. add. Bath. 
Hodgman, L. D., Merchant, b. New York, a. 1843, p. o. add. Bath! 
Haverling, Geo. S., Farmer, b. New York, b. 1810, p. o. add. Bath. 
Uardenbrook, Richard t<l Sons, Foundry and Hardware Merchants, b. New Jer* 

sey, a, 1845, p. o. add. Bath. 
Howard, 0. R., Clergyman, b. New York, s. 1857, p. o. add. Bath. 
Halsey, Peter (Retired), b. New York, s. 1837, p. o. add. Balh. 
Hodge, Jacob N., Mechanic, b. New York, a. 1862, p. o. add. Bath. 
Hodge, Rebecca E., b. New York, s. 1833, p. o. ndd. Bath. 
Houeyman, Austin, Farmt-r, b. New Jersey, g. 1863, p, o. add. Bath. 
Hardenbrook, Frank, Farmer and Justice of the Peace, b. New York, s. 1845, 

p. o. add. Savona. 
Hunter, Geo., Farmer, b. New York, s. 1333, p. o. add. Bath. 
Knight, G. E., Druggist, b. New York, a. 1863. p. o. add. Bath. 



STATISTICAL DIRECTORY. 



45:^ 



^, 



Ka-si)n, A., Physician nnd Stirgeon, b. New York, s. 1852, p. o. add. Bath. 

KingsK'y, Chns. F., Lawyer, b. New York, 8. 1835, p. o. atld. Bulh. 

Lewis, S. G., County Treasurer, b New York, 8. \SM, p. o. add. Bath. 

Laidlaw, Jno. R., Prop, of Nicliols House, b. New York, e. 1874, p. o. add. Bnlh. 

Le Gro, S. I)., Fttrmer, b. Nt-w York, a. 18;J4, p. o. add. Biith. 

Look, Sylvesior, Et.-lectic Physician and Surgeon, b. Now York, 8. 1810, p. o. 

uild. Bath. 
Longwell, Chus. S , Farmer, b. New Jersey, e. 18G8, p. o. add. Bath. 
McMaster, Guy H., Lawyer, b. New York, 8. 1830, p. o. ndd. Bath. 
McCall, A. J., Lawyer, b. New York, s. 1810, p. o. add. Bath. 
Miller, M. Ituniejey, Lawyer, b. New York, b. 1848, p. o. add. Bath. 
Merrell, I. J , p. o. add. Bath. 

Morse, Lew is, Farmer, b. New York, s. 1852, p. o. add. Savona. 
McKlwee, Henry, Farmer, b. New York, a. 1S04, p. o. add. Savona. 
McElwee, Samuel, Farmer, b. New York, s. 1812, p. o. add. Savona. 
Moore. Jame.", Agent, b. New York, a, 1810, p. o. add. Savona. 
Nichols, Wm. M., Lawyer, b. New York, 8. 1822, p. o. add. Bath. 
Nichols, W, v., Mercliant, b. New York, 8. 1862, p. o. add. Bath. 
Noble, M. \V., Farmer and Gmpe Grower, b. New Yolk, 8. 1817, p. o. add. Bath. 
Noble, Edward, Farmer and Dairyman, b. New York, s. ISiil. 
Noble, Mi8. Edward, Farniei, b. New Yoi k, s. 1858, p. o. add. Bath. 
Obert, C. B., Merclmnt, b. New York, s. 18G6, p. o. add. Bath. 
Oatrander, Edward E., Commission Merchant, b. New York, a. 1831, p. o. add. 

Savona. 
Ferine, H. \V., Merchant, b. New York, s. 1838, p. o. add. Bath. 
Parkhurst, J. F., Lawyer, b. Pennsylvania, s. 18G3, p. o. add. Bath. 
Piatt, .lames M., Presbyterian Clergyman, b. Pennsylvania, s. 1831, p. o. add. 

Bath. 
Pnrdy, F. S., Dealer in Paints and Oils, b. New York, s. 1867, p. o. add. Bath. 
Parker, Gi-o. II., Deputy Clerk, b. New York, s. 1855, p. o. add. Bath. 
Parkinson, E. C, Supt. of Soldiers' and Sailors' Home, b. Iieland, 8. 1878, p. o. 

add. Bath. 
Kutherford, Thos. R., Cicrk, b. Ireland, 8. 1851, p. o. add. Bath. 
Buggies, W'ni. B., Lawyer and Deputy Attorney-General, b. New York, 9. 1827, 

p. o. add. Bath. 
Rumsey, D.ivid, Jtistice Supreme Court, p. u. add. Bath 
Runisey, William, Lawyer, b. New York, s. 1841, p. o. add. Bath. 
Ruble, Reuben E., Lawyer, b. New Y >rk, s. 184:*., p. o. add. Bath. 
Read, Wm. II., Farmer, b. New York, ». 1817, p. o. add. Bath. 
Read, Juhn II., Physician and Suigeon, b. New York, s. 1820. 
Read, Mrs. Juhn II., b. New York, s. 1825, p. o. add. Bath. 
Rider, Lorenzo N., Farmer, b. New York, a. 1817, p. o. add. Bath. 
Read, I>Hvid V., Farmer, b. New Jeisey, 8. lS:i5,p. o. add. Kanona. 
Sherwood, F. D., SlieiitT, I.. New York, 8. 18:16, p. o. add. Batli. 
Sebiver, C. L., Dentist, b. New York, s. lS5r>, p. o. add. Bath. 
S'lover, J, R., Pliysician, Surgeon, and Dentist, s. 181S, p. o. add. Bath. 
Sutherland, Jolin. Druggist, b. London, England, s. 1849, p. o. add. Balh. 
Smith, Ii-a P., Physician, b. New York, 8. 18 ;5, p. o. add. Bath. 
Sedgwick, W. P., Jeweler, b. New York, a. 1S37, p. o. add. Bath. 
Shannon, Robeit, Merchant and Farmer, b. Ireland, a. 1831. 
Smith, John L., Farmer and Stock Grower, b. New York, s. 1823, p. o. add. Bath. 
Smith, John J., Farmer, b. New York. s. 1802, p. o. add. Bath, 
Smith, Jane R., Farmer, b. England, s. 1819, p. o. add. Bath, 
Smith, Andrew J., Farmer, b. New York, 8.1827, p. o. add. Bath. 
SJiattuck, 0. W., Superintendent of DaveTiport Hom*-, b. New Hampshire, s. 

1877, p. o. add. Bath. 
Strait, John, Farmer, b. New York, s. 1SG5, p. o. add. Bath. 
Shepard, Wm. 11., Hardware Merclmnt, b. New York, s. 1861, p. o. add. Bath. 
Tharp, P. P., Clothier, Tharp & Clark, b. New York, p. o. add. Balh. 
liODipson, George W., Farmer and Thnisber, b. New York, s. 1819, p. o. add. 

Bath. 

Underbill, A. L., Editor and Publisher, b. New York, s. 1845, p. o. add. Bath. 
Wagner, M. T., Insurance, b. New York, s. 1832, p. o. add. Bath. 
Wilison. W. W., Merchant, b. New York, a. 1857, p. o. add. Bath. 
Wilkes, Robert B., Farmer and Stock Grower, b. Ireland, a. 1831, p. o. ndd. 

Bath. 
Wilkes, Hjirriet M., Farmer, b. New York, a. 183G, p. o. ndd. Bath. 
Wilkes, B., Merchant and Farmer, b. Ireland, s. 1831, p. o. add. Bath. 
Willianig, H. B., ex-Merchant, Farmer, and Produce Dealer, b New York, s. 

1834, p. o. add. Bath. 
Woodbury, James, Farmer and Carriage Ironer, b. Vermont, a. 1850, p. o. odd. 

Bath. 
Warden, James, Physician and Surgeon, b. New York, deceased. 
Ward, C. W., b. New York, s. 183G, p. o. add. Bath. 



BRADFORD. 

Aulls. Frank, Lumber Merchant, b. New York, s. 1840, p. o. add. Bradford. 
Axtell, John B., Farmer, b. New York, n. 1828, p. o. add. Bradford. 
Axtell, F., Farmer, b. New York, a. 18 :!4, p. o. aud. Bradford. 
Barkley, Franklin, Farmer, b. New York, s. 183;J, p. o. add. Bradfoi d. 
Bennett, Lewis, Farmer, b. New York, s. 1834, p. o. add. South Bradford. 
Bennett, E. W., Farmer and Stock-Growcr, b. N«w York, •. IS-'M, p. o. add. South 

Bradford. 
Chubb, Ira, Farm r. b. New York, s. 1845, p. o. add. South Dradfoid. 



Decker, James, Farmer, b. Pcnnsylrania, ». 1829, p. o. a»ld. Bradford. 
Eveland, Alonzo, Farmer, b. New York, s. 1840, p. o. odd. Bradford. 
Easterbrook, Isaac, Episcopal Clergyman, b. New York, b. 1823, p. o. add. Brad* 

ford. 
Ferris, Susan J., b. New York, a. 1847, p. o. add. Bradford. 
Gillmor, Jas. M., Farmer, b. New Ynrk, s, 1833, p. o. ndd. South Bradford. 
Giveans, Geo. T., Farmer, b. New Jersey, s. 1859, p. o. add. Bradford. 
Giveans, J. H., Farmer, b. New .lereey, h. 1859, p. o. add. Bnutford. 
Havens, John V., Farmer, b. New York, 0. 1842, p. o. add. South Broitfurd. 
Hedges, Willi.im, merchant, b. New York, a. 18:19. p. o. add. Bnullord. 
Kishpaugh, John P., Fanner, b. New Jersey, a. 1846, p. o. add. South BnidfonJ. 
Knapp, W E., Teacher, b. New York, a. 1852, p. o. add. Biadford. 
Longwell, Ilosea, Farmer, b. New Jersey, 9. 1822, p. o. ndd. Bnidrord. 
Matbew.'t, Nathaniel, Farmer, b. New York, s. 1S:12, p. o. add. Bradford. 
Mathews, Wm,, Farmer, b. New York. a. 1838, p. o. add. South BradCird. 
Munson, Jesse, Sr., Mill Lumber, Farmer, Merchant, b. Vermont, p.o. odd. WII- 

liumsport, Pa. 
Munson, Jesse, Merchant and Miller, b. New Y'ork, a. 1832, p. o. odd. Bradford. 
Myers, Geor^je H , Farmer, b. New York, s. 18;i8, p. o. add. Bmdford. 
Morris, John, Farmer, b. New York. b. 18.19, p.o. add. Bmdford. 
Phelps, Elizabeth, b. New York, s. 1S3G, p.o. add. Bnulturd. 
Rapalee, Emstns, Farmer, b. TsVw Y'ork,8. 1859, p. o. add. Biadford. 
Stedgo, J. II., Farmer, b. Now York, s. 18GI, p. o. add. South Bntdford. 
Sexton, Norman, Farmer, b. Connecticut, r. 1831, p. o. ndd. South Bmdford. 
Switzer, Lawrence (Retired), b. New York, p. o. add. Bradfoid. 
Swit/cr, Mrs. B. B., Farmer, b. New York, s. 1820, p. 0. add. Bradford. 
Switzer, B. B., Farnur, b. New York. s. I8.'»l, 1.. o. add. Bradford. 
Switzer, John C, Fanner, b. New York, s. 18H, p. o. itdd. Bradford. 
Scott, Thomas R. {Retired Farmer), 1». Maryland, s. IS05, p. o. add. Bnidfur.1. 
Thomas, Evan F., Farmer, b. Pennsylvania, a.l82T, p. o. add. Biadford. 
Trumbull, Augustus A., Fanner, b. New Y^ork, s. 18t1,p. o. add. Sonora. 
Walling, E. L , Fanner, b. New Y^ork, s. 185;i, p. o. ndd. South Bradford. 
Ward, John L., Pro|)rietor of Bradford House, b. New York, p. o. add. Bradford. 
Wortman, Elijah, Farmer, b. New York, s. 1831, p. o. odd. South Bradford. 
Zimniermun, M. V , Grain Inspector, b. New York, ::•. 1839, p. 0. add. Bradford. 



CAMERON. 

Dickey, J. E., Postmas-ter and Agent New York, Lake Erie and Western Rail* 

road, b. New York, b. 1841, p. 0. add. Cameron. 
Fairbanks, Geo., Farmer, b. New York, 8. 1830, p. o. add. Cameron. 



CAMPcELL. 

Biirtlrtt, W. W., LiiDiberinan, Fanner, and Stock Dealer, li. Massacliusctu, l. 
ISSS, p. o. aUd. Mcad'ij Creek. 

Balcuni, John, Farmer, b. New York, s. 1834, p. o. add. Cnrlisvillc. 

Barrt'tl, Wai-ren, Farmer, h. New York, s. 1845, p. o. add. Campbelltown. 

Barrett, AuioB C, Farmer, and Soldier in Co. I. 80th Begt., N. Y. S. Vi.b., b. 
New York, 8. 1845, p. o. add. Cooper's Plains. 

Bemis, C. II , Lumber and Grist-Mill, b. Maseachuselts, 5. 1849, p.o. add. Camp- 
belltown. 

Bideler, Isatic, Farmer, b. Pcnncylvania. 

Bidder, Esther J., b. New York 

Bideler, Martin V., Farmer, b. New York, 8. 18;i5, p. o. add. Cooper's Philuj. 

Bideler, Adelia E., b. New York,*. 184(1, p. o. add. Coopei's Plains. 

Bideler, Artliiir I., b. New York, s. 1802, p. o. add. Cooper's i'laina. 

Bidder, Mary A., b. New York, «. 1804, p. o. add. Cooper's Plains. 

Biilelor. John, Farmer, b. Pennsylvania. 

Campbell, Geo. W., Merchant, b. New York, p. o. add. Campbelltown. 

Cass, Clias. (Retired), Postmaster, b. Canada, s. 18^7, p. o. add. Campbelltown. 

Clawsoii, J., Merchant, b. New York, 8. 1841, p. o. add. Campbelltown. 

Crisler, Edgar, Farmer, b. New York, s. 1852, p. o. add. CoO|ier'» Plains. 

Curtis, D. B., Farmer and Lumberman, b. Connecticut, 8. 1857, p. o. add. Cnrti«- 
ville. 

DibI I;, Ira F., Farmer, b. New York, s. 1867, p. o. add. East Campbell. 

Hole, .beck. A., Farmer, b. New York, s. 184G, p. o. add. Curtis. 

Hamilton. John D., Farmer, b. New York, s. 184;!, p. o. add. Campbelltown. 

Ilinigh, C. B., Farmer, b. New York, e. 18:16, p. o. add. Cooper's Plains. 

Knox, Chas. A., Farmer and Stock Dealer, b. New Y'ork, 8.1838, p.o. add. Camp- 
belltown. 

McCay, Jas S., Superintendent of Connty Farm, Merchant, and Miller, b. Ire- 
land, s. 183", p. o. add. Campbelltown. 

Mills. Ilcnry, Farmer, b. New York, s. 1826, p. o. add. Campbelltown. 

Mills, Mrs. Mary, b. New Yoik, «. 1841, p. o. add. Campbelltown. 

Notes, Squire, Farmer, b. Now York, s. 1850, p. o. add. Campbelltown. 

Nolcs, Edgar Deh«, Soldier in 37tb Rcgl., N. Y. Vols., b.New York.s. 1842, p.o. 
add. Campbelltown. 

Overhiser, E. A., Phy«iclan, b. Now York, s. 1850, p. o. add. Campbelltown. 

Quick, Aaron, Fariucr, b. New York, s 1842. p. o. add. Cooper's Plains. 

Quick, Mrs. Olive F., b. New York, s. 1841, p. o. add. Coopers Plains. 

Quick, Mason H., b. New York, s. 1864, p. o. add. Cooper s Phiins. 

Quick, Mary L., b. New York, s. 1870, p. o. add. Coopers Plains. 



454 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Runner, John, Farmer, b. New York, s. 1821, p. o. add. Campbelltown. 

Short, Silas L., Farmer and Lumberman, b. New York, s. 1850, p. o. odd. East 

Campbell. 
Stevens, Juniis (Retired), b. New York, a. 1805, p. o. add. Campbelltown. 
Stevens. Benjamin, Farmer, b. New York, a. 1805, p. o. add. Campbelltown. 
Stevens, Levi \V., Farmer, b. New York, 8. 1820, p. o. add. Campbelltown. 
Stevens, Hiuinoo, Farmer and Blacksmith, b. New York, s. 1833, p. o. add. East 

Campbell. 
Sutherland, Geo. R., Merchant and Member or Assembly, b. New York, s. 1SG5, 

p. o. ftdd. Campbelltown, died Oct. 2o, 1878. 
Swilzer, Jacob, Farmer, b. Pennsylvaniii, 8. 1820, p. o. add. Campbelltown. 
Switzer, Mrs. Mary A., b. New York, b. 1820, p. o. add. Campbelltown. 
Velio, Franklin, Furmer and Soldier, 109th Regt., N. Y. S. Vols., b. New York, 

p. 0. add. East Campbell. 
Wilcox, Bradford, Farmer, b. New York, b. 1845, p. o. add. East Campbell. 
Williams, Mifi. E. B., b. New Yurk, b. 1848, p. o. add. Campbelltown. 
Wixson, Lewis, Farmer, b. New York, b. 1817, p. o. add. CHmpbelltown, 
Wixson, M. B., Farmer, b. New York, s. 1852, p. o. add. Camplielltown. 
Woodward, Gemane P., Farmer, b. New Yoik, b. 1851, p. o. add. East Campbell. 



CANISTEO. 

Allison, M., President of Bank of Canisteo, b. New York, s. 1828, p. o. add. 

Canisteo. 
Allison, Isaac, Mannfactiirer of Boots and Shoos, b. Now York, s. 1826, p. o. add. 

Canisteo. 
Bnrrill, A. M., Attorney, b. New York, s. 18G0, p. o. add. Canisteo. 
Baldwin, Helen (Retired), b. New York, s. 1808, p.o. add. Canisteo. 
Bennett, W, W., Mt>rcbant and F:irmer, b. New York, p. o add. Canisteo. 
Brisco, C. C, Sash Finislier, b. Pennsylvania, s. 187G, p. o. add. Canisteo. 
Burnhain, J. U., Machinist, b. New York, s. 1838, p.o. add. Canisteo. 
Beckwitb, II. C, Clerk at Depot, b. New York, s. 184G,p. o.add. Canisteo. 
Bell, W. W., Cashier in Bank uf Canisteo, b. Pennsylvania, a. 1876, p. o. add. 

Canisteo. 
Bilker, Jeremiah (Retired), b. New York, b. 1791, p. o. add. Adrian. 
Baker, Asa M,, Farmer, b. New York, s. 1824, p. o. add. Adrian. 
Bennett, Alunzo, Farmer and Insurance Agent, b. New York, b. 1826, p. o. add. 

Canisteo. 
Carter, George W., Farmer, b. New York, s. 18S9, p. o. add. Canisteo. 
C^lgrove, H. J., City Pulice, b. New York, b. 1SG9, p. o. add. Cani=teo. 
Carter, John, Real Estate Dealer, b. New York, s. 1840, p. o. add. Canisteo. 
Cheney, H. C, Propr, of Cani-teo House, b. New Hampshire, s. 1874, p. o. add. 

Canisteo. 
Carter, H. St Son, Manfrs. of Agricultural Impt'ts, b. Now York, a. 1873, p. o. 

add. Canisteo. 
Cook, Abram, ('urpenter, b. New York, s. 1874, p. o. add. Canisteo. 
Crane, D. F., Marble Manufictnrer, b. New York, a. 1808, p. o. add. Canisteo. 
Consalua, J. H,, Farmer, b. Now York, s. 1842, p. o. add. Canisteo. 
Carney, William, Farmer and Livery, b. New York, ». 1870, p. o. add. Canisteo. 
Carter, A. J., V. M. and Agent for N. Y., L. E. & \V. R. R., b. New York, s. 185G, 

p. o. add. Canisteo. 
Crandall, W. M., Sash- and Blind-Factory, b. PetrnHylvanin, a. 1873, p. o. add. 

Canisteo. 
Crane, Harrison, Sash- and Blind-Fuctory, b. New York, s. 1874, p. o. add. Can- 
isteo. 
Carter, J. D., Founder and Machinist, b. New York, s. 1875, p. o. add. Canisteo. 
Corbett, D. C, Dealer in Boots and Shoes, Crockery, Groceries, and Provisions, 

h. Massachusetts, s. 1871, p. o. add. Catiistoo. 
Carter, Daniel L., Farmer, b. New York, s. 1844, p. o. add. Canisteo. 
Cook, L. A., Fairner and Lumberman, b. New York, s. 1830, p. o. add. Canisteo. 
Do Lwny, J. M., Door Finisher, b. New York, s. 1870, p. o. add. Cunisteo. 
Davison, L,, Merchant, Lumberman, and Farmer, b. Now York, s. 1851, p. o. add. 

Caniatco. 
Davison, A., General Merchant, b. New York, s. 1851, p. o. add. Canisteo. 
Dorenius, T. C, Sash-, Blind-, Door-Maker, and Glazier, b. New Jersey, s. 1875, 

p. 0. add. Ciinisteo. 
Davifl, G. L., Book-Keeper in Bank of Canisteo, b. New York, s. 1852, p. o. add. 

Canisteo. 
Eason, Smith, Supervisor and Farmer, b. Massachusetts, s. 1848, p. o. add. Can- 
isteo. 
Edson, C. II., Grist-Mill, b. New York, 3. 1872, p. o. add. Canisteo. 
Eason, Mrs. Hart, Farmer, b. Vermont, a, 1840, p. o. add. Canisteo. 
Eaaon, Richard A., Tinsmith, b. Massachusetts, s. 1853, p. o. add. Canisteo. 
Ellison, M. D., Physician and Surgeon, b. Pennsylvania, a. 1877, p. o. add. Can- 
isteo. 
Eatee, D. M., Principal of Canisteo Academy, b. New York, b 1876, p. o. add. 

Canisteo. 
Ford, C. L., Foreman of Sash- and Door- Fact-try, b. Pennsylvania, b. 1873, p. o. 

add. Caniateo. 
Gilbert, L. H., Foreman of Chair-Factory, b. New Hampehiie, s. 1874, p. o. add. 

Canisteo. 
Gray, E. L., Mason, b. New York, s. 1851, p. o. add. Caniateo. 
George, Mre. Mary, Gents' Furnishing Goods and Hair Work, b. New York, s. 

1871, p. o. add. Ciinisteo. 
Green, Frank, Railroad Man, b. New York, s. 1855, p. o. add. Canisteo. 



Garrison, N. M,, Carp'Miter and Builder, b. New York, s. 1850, p. o. add. Can- 
isteo. 

Goff, 0. B., Railroad Man, b. New York, s. 1875, p. o. add. Canisteo. 

Hallett, P. J., Attorni'y, •'. New York, s. 1853, p. o. add. Canisteo. 

Hall, L. E., Bunt- and Shoemaker, b. New York, s. 1867, p. o. add. Canisteo. 

Hallett, Sylvester, Farmer, b. New York. s. 1828, p.o. add. Adrian. 

Hammond, Burdette, Boots and Shoes, b. New York, s. 186G, p. o. add. Caniateo. 

Hallett, Wilaon, Farmer, b. New York, a. 1817, p. o. add. Canisteo. 

Hargrave, J. B., Teacher, b. New York, s. 1854, p, o. add. Cani-fteo. 

Jennings, S. II., Editor of C(ini$teo Times, b. Now York, a. 1877, p. o. add. Can- 
isteo. 

Jeffers, 0. P., Mason, b. New York, b. 1S72. p. o. add. Canisteo. 

Jacobs, L., Barber, b. New York, s. 1878, p. o. add. Canisteo. 

Jeffers, John N., Mason, b. New York, s. 1848, p. o. add. Canisteo. 

Lain,C. H., Manufacturer of Cooperage, b. New York.s. 1808, p.o. add. Canisteo. 

Langlfy, D. W. (Retired), b. New York,8. 1839, p. o. add. Canisteo. 

Langley, Hannah E. (Retired), b. Massachusetts, b. 184G, p. o. add, Canisteo. 

Lain, A. B., Carpenter and Join<T, b. New York, s. 1871, p. o. add. Canisteo. 

McCaig, J. E., Druggist and Exporter to Africa, b. Scotland, s. 1871, p. o. add. 
Canisteo. 

Mead, William H. (Retired), b. New York, s. 183G, p. o. add. Caniateo. 

McLean, William, Furmei-, b. New York, 8. 18G0, ji. o. add. Canisteo. 

Osborn, Georgi! E., Door-Maker', b, New York, s. 1872, p. o. add. Canisteo. 

Ordway, William H.. Farmer, b. New York, s. 1819, p. o. add. Canisteo. 

Pickett, Benjamin, Physician, b. New York, a. 1836, p. o. add. Canisteo. 

Phillips, H. It., Dentist, b. Pennsylvania, p. o. add. Caniateo or Westfield, Pa. 

Preston, G. H., Dentist, b. New York, s, 1878, p. o. adil. Canisteo. 

Riddell, George, Physician, b. Massiu-liusetts, s. 1837, p. o. add. Canisteo. 

Riddell, William, Merchant, b. Maasachuselts, a. 1837, p. o. add. Canisteo. 

Riddell, Scott, Furniture and Undertaker, b. New York, a. 1855, p. o. add. 
Canisteo. 

Reyncdds, Thomas S., Door-Maker, b. New York, s. 1846, p. o. add. Canisteo. 

Soub', Eli, Attorney, b. New York, s. 1851, p. o. add. Canisteo. 

Samons, Miner, Farmer, and Lumberman, b. New York, a. 1819, p. o. add. 
Canisteo. 

Stewart, E. E., Groceries and Provisions, b. New York, S.18G3, p.o. add. Canisteo. 

Soely, .lames L., Photographer, b. New York, s. 1873, p. o. add. Canisteo. 

Stone, Mrs. E. C, Millinery, b. New Yoi"k, s. 1875, p. o. add. Canisteo. 

Stephens, W. E., Farmer, b. New York, s. 1840, p. o, add. Canisteo. 

Stephens, Roxey (Retired), b. New York, s. 1808, p. o, add. Canisteo. 

Stephens, Mordecai (Retired), b. New York, s. 1810, p. o. add. Canisteo. 

Stephens, J. C, Farmer, b. New York, s. 1816, p. o. add. Canisteo. 

Stephens, Geoi-gw H., Farmer, b. New York, a. 1803, p. o. add. Caniateo. 

Stephens, Caleb, Farmer, b. New York, s. 1828, p. o. add. CanUteo. 

Stephens, Phineaa 0., Farmer, b. New York, b. 1817, p. o. add. Caniateo. 

StepheTis, George J., Fanner, b. New York, s. 1824, p. o. add. Canisteo. 

Stephens, Dewitt C, Farmer, b. New York, a. 1817, p. o. add. Canisteo. 

Stevens, W. C, Book-Keepcr, b. New York, a. 1872, p. o. add. Canisteo. 

Taylor, W. B., Merchant, b. New York, a. 1824, p. o. add. Canisteo. 

Taylor, M. L., Chair Manufacturer, b. New York, s. 1849, p. o. add. Canisteo. 

Taylor, H. S., Chair Manufacturer, b. New York, s. 1851, p. o. add. Canisteo. 

Thoniaa, Mra. M. C. (Retired), b. England, a. 1855, p. o. add. Canisteo. 

Travis, Charles B., Farmer, b. Pennsylvania, s. 1806, p. o. add. North Jasper. 

Vorhis, A. B., Sarfh, Door, and Blind Manufacturer, b. New York, a. 1863, p. o. 
add. Canisteo. 

Van Orman, I. A., Wood Work and Pattern Maker, b. New York.s. 1847, p. o. 
add. Canisteo. 

Whitakor, R. W., Planing-Mill, b. New Jersey, s. 1870, p. o. add. Canisteo. 

Whitely, Betsey J., Grocery, Music-Teacher, and Preaching, b. New York, 8. 
1869, p. 0. add. Canisteo. 

Warren, J. M., Druggist, b. New York, s. 1873, p. o. add. Caniateo. 

Weed, L. P., Farmer atid Lumberman, b. Connecticut, s. 1854, p. o. add. Canisteo. 



CATON. 

Bahcock, Julinn, Merchnnt, b. New York, s. 1845, p. o. mid. Caton. 

Brown, Alexander, Farmer, b. New York, 8. 1853, p. o. add. LawrenceviUe, Pa. 

Barnard, U. A., Farmer, b. New York, s. 1837, p. o. add. Corning. 

Barnard, G W., Surveyor, b. Now York, a. 1834, p. o. add. Corning. 

Barnard, C. D., Lumber Dealer, b. New York, s. 1834, p. o. add. Corning. 

Braee, J. W., Farmer, b. New York, 8. 185;, p. o. add. Caton. 

Buchanan, James II., Farmer, b. New York, s. 1851, p. o. add. Seely Creek, 

Scliuyler County. 
Deyo, Alonzo, Farmer, b. New York, ». 1847, p. o. add. Caton. 
Gilbert, William D., Merchant, b. Connecticut, 8. 1840, p. o. add. Caton. 
Gilbert, J. A., Farmer, b. New York, 8. 1839, p. o. add. Caton. 
Gillett, George, Farmer, b. New York, >. 1830, p. o. add. Caton. 
Gillett, John, Farmer, b. New York, b. ISUl, p.o. add. Caton. 
mil, Charles E., Farmer, b. Now York, 8. 1852, p. o. add. Caton. 
Hern, John, Farmer, b. England, 8. 1877, p. o. add. Lawrenceville, Pa. 
Hubbard, Philip, Farmer, b. England, 8. 183-', p. o. add. Caton. 
Holmes, W. H., Farmer, b. New York, s. 1853, p. o. add. Caton. 
Hunt, William II., Farmer, b. New York, s. 1850. p. o. aild. Caton. 
Johnson, L. G., Farmer, b. Connecticut, p. o.add. Caton. 
Jones, Philo, Farmer, b. New York, 8. 1860, p.o. add. Caton. 



STATISTICAL DIRECTORY. 



Lnrisoii, Oscar, Farmer, b. Tioga Co., p.,., «. 18G4, p. p. „,i,|. L;i»renceville, Pa. 

Maltesoii, W. 0., Teacher, b. New York, ». 1844, p. o. adil. Caton. 

Miller, \V. 11., Fanner, b. New York, ». 1830, p. u. aiUI. Citon. 

Riclmrcl, L. S., Farmer, b. New York, s. 1835, p.o. aild. Oiloii. 

Slliilh, E. 0., Farmer, b. New York, s. 1824, p. o. add. Caton. 

Smith, Tims, Farmer, b. New York, ». 18C5, p. o. add. C'alori. 

Schlllt, Andrew, Physician, b. New York, s. 18:15, p. o. add. Caton. 

Shiirp, William, Clergyman, b. Connecticut, b. 1874, p. o. add. Caton. 

Slranss, Edniond, Farmer, b. New York, s. 1SG7, p. o. add. Catou. 

Spinney, John, Farmer, b. Nova Scotia, ». 1874, p. o. add. Calon. 

Tubey, \V., Kiirmer, h. New Yoi k, «. 1853, p. o. add. Calon. 

Vogel, Mina, Dressmaker, b. New York, b. 18.>1, p o. add. Caton. 

Walden, James, Farmer, b. New Ynik, «. 18.i7, p. o. add. Caton. 

Wellman, John K., Farmer, h. New York, s. 18M, p. o. add. Corning. 



COHOCTON. 

Armstrong. T. C, Farmer, b. Moalgomery Co., N. Y., «. 1816, p. o. add. Co- 

hocton. 
Adams, Asa, Drugs and Medicines, b. Krio On., N. Y., s. 184G, p. o. «dd. Blood's 

De|K)t. 
Bentley, K. W., Farmer, b. Steuben Co.. N. Y., s. 1852, p. o. add. Cohoctoii. 
Bamos, Irn F., Farmer, b. Steuben Co.. N. Y., ». 1854, p. o. add. Neal'a Creek. 
Carp.-nter, W. A., Prop, and E-l. of Timet, b. Steuben Co., N. Y., s. 1857, p. o. 

add. Cuboctnn. 
Clayson. Lewis Farmer, b. WestcheRter Co., N. Y., 8. 1840, p o. add. Wnj'lnnd. 
Clayson, R. 11., Fm mer, b. Steuben Co., N. Y., s. 1842, p. o. add Wiivland. 
Crawford, J. N., Farmer, b. Yiites Cd., N. Y., a. 1840, p. „. ,idd. IJb..id'.-4 Depot. 
Clark, J. r., Fanner, Hay and Stnuv Dealer, b. Cuyiiga Co., N. Y., a. I8;J7, p. o. 

add. Oobocton. 
Cleland, .lames, Fnrmer, b. Onondaga Co., N. Y., h. l^O.'i, p. o. add. Cohocton. 
Drake, Louis F., Merchant, b New York, p. o. adil. C^dioctun. 
Dewey, Hiinm, Farmer, b. Saratoga Co., N. Y., s. 181W, p. o. add. Cohocton. 
Edmonds, .lesse, Farmer, b. Coniicclieut, s. 1851, p. n. ndd. Cohocton. 
Foils, Philip, Farmer, b. Prussia, s. 1846, p. o. add. Cohocton. 
Foster, K. F., Farmer, b. Orange Co., N. Y., s. 1829, p. o. add. Cohocton. 
Flint, Jerome D., Farmer, b. Steuben Co., N. Y., s. 1840, p. o, add. Coliocton. 
Fowler, F. C, Farmer, b. Steuben Co., N. Y., s. 1851 p. o. ndd. N. Cohocton. 
Green, John, Farmer, b. Ontario Co., N. Y., s. 18C0, p. o. add. Cohocton. 
Gibson, G. M., Farmer, b. Onrario Co., N. Y., s. 18;i7, p. o.add. N. Coliocton. 
Harris, M. W., General Merchandi^e, b. Ontario Co., N. Y., s. 1845, p. o. add. 

Cohocton. 
Harris, T. N., General Merchandise, b. Ontario Co., N. Y., b. 1842, p. o. add. 

Cohocton. 
Hoig, B. S., Farmer and Manufacturer of Lumber, b. Montgomery Co., N. Y., 

e. 1816, p. o. add. Cohocton. 
Harter, Leonard, Farmer, b. Steuben Co., N. Y., s. 1825, p. o. add. Cohocton. 
Hann. Jacob, Farmer, b. Baden, Germany, s. 184;t, p. o. add. Cohocton. 
Healy, L. B.. Physician and Surgeon, b. Stenben Co., N. Y., s. 1832, p. o. add. 

Cohocton. 
Healy, B. S., Farmer, b. Steuben Co., N. Y., s. 18A5, p. o. add. Cohocton. 
Johnson, .1. K., Painter, b. Sleuhen Co., N. Y., s 1852, p. o. add. Blood's Depf)t. 
James, S., Farmer, b. New York City, a. ISlfi, p. o, add. Cnhocton. 
Iianghlin, M , Tailor, b. Ireland, s. 187G, p. o. add. Cohocton. 
Lawrence, R. L., Veterinary Surgeon, h. Ireland, s. 1878, p. o. add. Blood's 

Depot. 
Magoon, Isaac, Retired, b, Vermont, s. 1841, p. o. add. N. Cohocton. 
Moulton, R. P., Farmer, b. Steuben Co., N. Y , s. 184n, p. o. add. N. Cohocton. 
Moulton, n. M., Milliner, b. Steuben Co., N Y., s. 1820, p. o. add. N. Cohocton. 
Peck, M. A., General Merchandise, b. Steuben Co., N. Y., s. 1834, p. o. add. Co- 
hocton. 
Rex, Jacob, Farmer, b. Pennoylvania, s. 1847, p. o. add. Cohocton. 
Rex, William H., Farmer, b. Seneca Co., N. Y., a. 1847, p. o. add. Cohocton. 
Bice, Robert C, Farmer, b. Steuben Co., N. Y , a. 18:tl, p.o. add. NrHl's Crerk. 
Reynolds, J. M., Dealer in Watches, Clocks, and Jewelry and IMatcd Ware. b. 

Steuben Co., N. Y., a. 1847, p. o. add. Cohocton. 
Shattnck, H. S., Cooper, b. Stenben Co., N. Y., a. 1827, p. o. add. N. Cohocton. 
Stanton, Abel, Farmer, b. Steuben Co., N. Y., a. 1820, p. o. add. Cohocion. 
Searle, O. S., Lawyer, b. Cattaraugus Co., N. Y., s. 1871, p. o. add. Cohocton. 
Tyler, C. M., Farmer, b. Steuben Co., N. Y.. s. 1854, p. o. add. Blood's Di-pot. 
Tyler, hyrou A., Farmer, b. Ontario Co., N. Y., s. 1842, p. u. add. Blood's Depot. 
Tyler, Milan J., Uetii^ed Farmer, b. Ontario Co., N. Y., «. 1842, p. o. add. Blood'* 

Depot. 
Vandewarken, Peter (Retired), b. Montg4imery Co.,N. Y., h. 1832, p.o. add. Riker 

Holbiw. 
Wait, David S., Fanner, b. Stenben Co., N. Y., s. 1826, p. o. add. Blood's Depot. 
Weld, Dwighf, Farnftr, b. Steuben Co., N. Y., s. 1840, p. o. add. Blood's Depot. 
Wetmore, K. II., General Merchandise, h. Onlario Co., N. Y., s. 1857, p. o. add. 

Blood's Depot. 
Wing, E. II., Fanner, b. Steubt-n Co., N. Y., a. 1824. p. o.add. Bb>od'M Depot. 
Wells, E. O., Photographer, b. Pennsylvania, a. 1871, p. o. ndd. Cohocton. 
Warner '^'homaa, Lumber Dealer, b, 91iissHchusetlB,8. 1861, p^o. add. Gobocton. 



CORNING. 

Austin, James A., Farmer, b. New York, s. 1852, p. o. add. Coming. 

Bradley, George B.. Lawyer, b. New York. s. 1848, p. o. add. Coming. 

Brown, Frank B., Publisher of Corning Dnnocr.il, b. New York. •. 18M, p 
add. Corning. 

Brown, D. F., Lawyer, b. New York. s. 1840, p. o. add. Corning. 

Beals, F. D., Dentist, b. Massachusotto, s. 187C, p. o. add. Corning. 

Bryan, E. W., Physician, b. New York, a. 1877, p. o. add. Coming. 

Bannister, E., Farmer and Proa, of Village, b. New York, s. 1857, p. o. a 
Corning. 

Balcom, Rev. Benj. F., Farmer and Clergyman, b. New York, a. 1828, p. o. a 
Painted Post. 

Bedlent, J. II., Farmer, b. New Y^rk, s. 1834, p.o. add. Corning. 

Bediei.t, Mrs. E. A., b. New York, s. 1802. p. o. add. Corning. 

Burt, Juhii M,, Farmer, b. New York, s. 1854, p. o. add. Big Flat. 

Cole, C. S , Insurance Agent, b. New York, s. 185;t, p. o. add. Corning. 

Cooper. George W., Publisher of Corning /nd«/>Md<n(,b. MasaachuMHB,.. i; 
p. o. add. Corning. 

Cowan, Nelson, Coal Dealer, b. New York, a. 1838, p. o. add. Coming. 

Caulkins, Friend, b. Cunneclicut, s. 1848, died April 17, 1874. 

Cttulkina, Peter W., Carpenter and Joiner, b. Pennsylvania, a. 1848, p. o. a 
Corning, 

Caster, Wm., Farmer and Lumborman, b. New York, a. 1842, p.o. add. Cornl 

Code, Nathan, Farmer, b. New York, b. 1872, p. o. add. Corning. 

Drake, F. N., President of Tioga Railroad Company and Blos^burg Coa) Ck 
pany, b. Vermont, s. 18;>4, p. o. add. Corning. 

Drake, D. S., Supt. uf Blossburg Coal Company, b. New York, s. 18G1, p. o. i 
Corning. 

Dickenson, E. L., Confectioner, b. New York, s. 186:J, p. o. add. Coming. 

De Wolf, George E., Fiirmer, b. New York, s. 1853, p. o. add. Corning. 

De Wolf, William A., Farmer, b. New York, s. 1810, p. o. add. Curulng. 

De W<tlf, Iliram, Farmer, b. New York, decr-niicd. 

De W<dr, Peter .1., Fiirmer, b. New York, p. o. a^ld. Corning. 

English, K. (;., Lawyer, b. New York, a. 1837, p. o. add. Corning. 

Ea-terbrooks, John A., Farmer, b. New York, s. 1819, p. o. add. Coming. 

Edger, Williiim F., Farmer, b. New York, «. 1818, p. o. add. Gibson. 

Edger, Fninkie I., b. New York, s. 1849, p. o, add. Gibwm. 

Ellison, C. B., Firmer, b. New York, s. 1854, p. o. add. Corning. 

Fuller Bros., Props, of Dickens4>n House »lnc© 1803, p. o. add. Corning. 

Fondcrson, F. A., Dentist, b. New York, a. 185<», p. o. add. Corning. 

Field. Lovasso, Marlrle Denier, p. o. add Corning. ' 

Frymire, Samuel, Blacksmith, b. Ciinada, s. 1850, p. o. ndd. Corning, 

Fero, D. K., Jeweler, b. New York, a. 1805, p. o. add. Corning. 

French, Mrs. M(-lis>a A., b. New York, a. 18,'(2, p. o.add. Corning. '^^^ 

Folnsbee, I:iaac, Farmer, b. New York, a. 1874, p. o. ndd. Corning. 

Fox, Cliarles J, Manufacturer of Lumber, b. New York, e. 1800, p. o. 
Painted Post. 

Greenfieh), C. E , Merchant, b. New York, s. 1846, p. or odd. Corning. 

Githler, M., Tanner, b. Germany, a. 1858, p. o.add. Painle«l Post. 

Graves. K. P.. Book-Keeper, b. New York, a. 1840, p. o. adil. Corning. 

Gorton, William, F;irmer, b. New York, s. 1822, p. o. adil. Corning. 

Gillette, William (Retired), b. New York, a. 1823, p. o. add. Coming. 

Gillette, Charles W., Farmer, b. New York, s. 1854, p. o. add. Corning. 

GofT, Henry, Jlerchant, b. New York, p. o. add. Corning. 

Goff, Stephen, Farmer, b. New York, «. 18.'»0, p. o. add. Con*.ing. 

Gilbert, A. J., liiverytuan, b. New York, a. 1840, p. o. add. Corning. 

Gorton, Peleg, Farmer, b. New York, «. 1H;'.2, p. o. add. Ct)rning. 

Gorton, S. 1) , Farmer, b. Niw Voik, s. 1814, p. o. add. Corning. 

Gorton, Hiram, Furmer, b. New York, a. 1805, p. o. add. Corning. 

Gorton, Uufu«, Farmer and Grocer, b. New York, a. 1830, p. o. add. Coming 

Gorton, Pliibindcr, Gn.>cer, b. New York, e. 1810, p. o. add. GlL«on. 

Gorton, Penjiimin, Boat Building and Boating, b. New York, a. 1825, p. o. ■ 

Gibson. 
Gorton, Benjamin, Mechanic, b. New York, a. 1813, p. o. add. Gibson. 
Huiigt-rfoid. J. N., Banker, b. New York, s. 1864, p. o. add. Corning. 
Heermans. J , Real (>tate .Agent, b. l*ennaylviihia, s. 1805, p. o. add. Oornin 
Hilcht-ock, George, Juaiice, b. NfW York, ti. ISM, p. o. add. Corning. 
Howell, C. G., Corning Oil C«>mpany, b. New Jeraoy, a. 1845, p. o. add. Coral 
Hadden, A., Lawyer, b. New York. s. 1832, p. o. add. Corning. 
Ilerrlngton, N. M., Physician and Surgeon, b. Now Yotk, a. 1844, p. o. a 

Corning. 
Houghton, Amory, Jr., Glass MannfactunT. b. Maasachusetta,*. 1808, p. o. a 

Corning. 
Hoare, John, Cut Glaxa 3Iannfacturor, b. Ireland, a. 1868, p. o. add. Corning 
llayl, S. T , Miller, b. New York, a. 18:J3, p. o. add. Corning. 
liny, A. I>., Farmi-r, b. New York, a. IS-U), p. o. add. Big Flat-. 
Hunt, Wm., Farmer and LuniU'rnmn, b. New Y'ork, a. 1842, p o. add. Coml 
Hare. John (Reiiifd), b. Pennsylvania, a. 1820, p o. ndd. Painted Post. 
Hare, William II., Jobber, b. Penmtylvniila, a 1835, p. o. add. Painted Pus* 
Ingorvoll, A. J., Prop, of Pine Wood Cure, b. New York, i. 1818, p. o. a 

Corning. 
J.iync", Kiigftie, Insurance, b. New York, a. 185G, p. o. add. Coming. 
Kendall, A. S., Lawyer, b. Mnsaachupetta, a. 1850, p. o. add. Coming. 
King, W. N.. Florist, b. New York, a. 1849. p. o. add. Girning. 
Kingsbury, L. C, Manufacturer and Fatiner, b. New York, a. 1864, p. o. a 
Corning. *■ 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



', Corning, Organized in 1873. 

p, Austin, Jr., Merthant, h. Pennsylvania, 8. 18r)9, p, o. add. Coming, 
ir, J. H., JewekT, b. New York, s. 1848, p. o. add. Corning. 
f, David M., Farmer, b. New York, s. 1S:J8, p. o. add. Corning. 
]enry C., Physician, b. New York, b. 18W, p. o. ndd. Corning, 
ney, James C, Farmer, b. New York, «. 1820, p. o. add. Corning. 
Jolin, Jr. (Ketired), b. Pennsylvania, s. 1827, p. o. add. Corning. 
Uigostiis S., Physician, b. New Y'ork, s. lS-12, p. o. add. Corning. 
, N. S., Farmer, b. New Y'ork, b. IS—, p. o. add. Big Flats. 
Leroy H., Farmer, b. New Y'ork, a. 1871, p. or^dd. Corning, 
ney, James, Jr., Farmer, b. Wisconsin, s. 1861, p. o. add. Corning. 
3. D., Lawyer, p. o. add. Corning. 

Henry B., Farmer, b. Rhode Island, s. 1832, p. o. add. Big Flats. 
Seorge W., Publisher of Corning Journal, b. New York, s. 1834, p. o. add. 
!)orning. 

, B. N., Fo!indry, b. Pcnn.sylvania, s. 1839, p. o. add. Corning, 
W. S., Physitinn, b. New York, b ISol, p. o. add. Corning, 
d, T. S., Merchant, b. Pennsylvania, s. 1838, p. o. add. Corning. 
trd, h , Uetiied, p. o. odd. CVirning. 

)mmelt B., [jawycr, h. Pennsylvania, s. 1868, p o. ndd. Corning. 
3on, S. C, Farmer, h. New Yu: k, s. 1862, p. o. add. Corning. 
, Wm. T., Blacksnnlh, b. Germany, s. 1854, p. o. add. Corning. 
lart, Cliarles, Faimer, b. New York, s. 1S56, p. o. add. Corning, 
lart, A., Farmer, b. New York, 8. 1870, p. o. add. Corning. 
% Alvali, Farmer, b. New York, 8. 1808, p. o. add. Corning. 
', Washington, Farmer ami Gardener, b. New York, s. 1843, p. o. add. 
^'orniiig. 

Pliney A., Teacher, b. New York, s. 1824, p. o.add. Corning. 
Oliver (Retired), b. Vermont, s. 1819, p. o. add. Gilison. 
'eter. Farmer, b. New York, s. 1844, p. o. add. Curning. 
Its. Catherine, b. New York^ s. 1844, p. o. add. Corning. 
indrew J,, Farmer, b. New York, s. 1850, p. o. add. Corning, 
r, George T., Lawyer, b. New York, s. 1841, p. o. add. Corning. 
Just. BI., Merchant, b. New York.s. 1834, p. o. add. Coming. 
1, E. (Retired), b. N^w York, s. 1826, p. o. add. Corning. 
i, N. L., Lumber Dealer and Canal Collector, b. New York, s. 1837, p. o. 
idd. Corning. 

k, M., Merchant Tailor, b. Germany, b. 1858, p. o. add. Corning. 
C. W., Merchant, b New York, 8. 184G, p. o. add. Corning. 
, Charles, Farmer, h. New Jersey, g. 1831, p. o. add. Big Flats. 
Henry P., Painter, b. New York, s. 1844, p. o. add. Corning, 
r, William A., Road Commissioner for sixteen years, b. New Y'urk, s. 
:841, p. o. add Corning. 

, Mrs. Lovisa A., b. Pennsylvania, s. 18C0, p. o, ndd. Big Flats. 
A. D., Farmer, b. New York, s. 18:i2. p. o. add. Corning, 
er, J.icob, Farmer, b. Germany, s. 18G8, p. o. add. (horning. 
I, John, Farmer, b. New Y'ork, s. 1832, p. o. add. Big Flats, 
on, Charles H., Lawyer, b. Massachiisetts, s. 1850, p. o. add. Corning, 
son, Thomas, Furniture Deahr, b. England, s. 1840, p. o. add. Corning. 
\V. D., Gents' Furnishing Goods, b. New York, s. 1854, p. o. add. Corning. 
Zerah, Merchant, b. New Yoik, b. Ici49, p. o. add. Corning. 
L., I'ainter, b. New York, s. 1848, p. o. add. Corning, 
er, Frank L., Moclianic, b. New York, a. 1859, p. o. add. Corning. 
John D., Co. A, 159th Regt, N, Y. S. V., killed Sept. I'J, 18G4, at Fisher's 
Hill. 

Adt^-line A., b. New York, s. 1S3G, p. o. ndd. Corning. 
, S. J., Farmer, b. New Y'ork, s. 1845, p. o. add. Corning, 
ey, Wm. F., Mannfiicturei-, b. New York, 8. 1847, p. o. add. Corning, 
eren, Mrs Elizabeth, p. o. add. Big Flats, 
us, Louis, p. 0. add. Painted Post. 

T, John, Farmer, b. New York. s. 18C5, p. o. add. Corning. 
tr, C. C. B., Merchant, b. New Hampshire, s. 1848, p. o. add. Corning. 
'gt'in. Q- ^V^- Banker, b. New York. s. 1854, p. o. ndd. Corning, 
igtoii, J. G., Book-Keeper, b. Vermont, s. 1854, p. o. add. Corning, 
tr, William, Insurance Agent, b. England, s. 1S5C, p. o. add. Corning, 
ms, F. A., Lawyer, b. New York, s. 1834, p o. add. Corning. 
, N. E , Merchant, b. New Y'mk, s. 1844, p. o. add. Corning, 
ley, A. J , Farmer, b. New York, s. 1832, p. o. add. Big Flats, 
ley. William, Farmer, b. New York, s. 1824, p. o. add. Corning, 
tt, Oraon E., Farmer, b. New York, s. 1855, p. o. add. Corning. 
tt, Frederick, Farmer, b. New York, «. 180G, died in 1873. 
tt, George, Farmer, b. New York, s. 1848, p. o. add. Corning. 



DANSVILLE. 

y, C. S., Physician and Surgeon, b. New York, s. 1843, p. o. add. South 
Dansvilie. 

, Philotna, Farmer, b. New York, 8. 1825, p. o. add. South Dansvilie. 
ck, Geo. G., Farmer and Postmaster, b. New York, s. 1836, p. o. add. Doty's 
Corners. 

on. P., Fanner, b. New York, s. 1822, p. o. add. South Dansvilie. 
;r, Simeon, Farmer, b. Pennsylvania, s. 1827, p. o. add. Arkport. 
ly, Morgan H., Fanner, b. New York, 8. 1824, p. o. add. Burns. 
ove, Henry, Farmer, b. New York, s. 18iJ7, p. o. add. Canaseraga. 
', Ja«;. B., .'armer, b. New Y^ork, s. 18^, p. o. add. South Dansvilie. 



Case, Jarvis P., Farmer, b. Connecticut, s. 1830, p. o. add. Arkport. 

Densmore, A., Farmer, b. New Y'ork, s. 1818, p. o. add. Ark|mrr. 

Day, Chauncy, Prop, of Rogersville Hotel and Farmer, b. New York, s. 1876, 
p. o. add. South Dansvilie. 

Ellis, Albert, Farmer, h. New York, s. 1848, p. o. add. Arkport. 

Eveland, Jacob (Retired Farmer), b. Pennsylvania, b. 1836, p. o.add. South Dans- 
vilie. 

Fritz, Elias, Farmer, b. Pennsylvania, s- 1825, p. o. add. Doty's Corners. 

Fritz, Wesley, Farmer, b. Pennsylvania^ s. 1824, p. o. add. Doty's Corners. 

Faulkner, John P., Farmer, b. New York, s. 1819, p. o. ad<l. South Dansvilie. 

Hcndep, John M., Farmer, b. Vermont, s. 1819, p. o. ndd. South Dansvilie. 

Healy, Byron, Lawyer and County Judge of Wyoming Co., b. Dansvilie, Steuben 
Co., 8. 1830, p. o. add. Warsaw, Wyoming Co., N. Y. 

Healy, Joshua, Farmer, b. New Y^ork, s. 1828, p. o. add. Doty's Comers. 

Heuly, William W., Genenil Produce Dealer and Grain Farmer, b. New York, 
s. 1822, p. 0. ndd. South Dansvilie. 

Jones, S. B., Farmer, b. New York, s. 1824, p. o. add. Burns. 

Jones, P. S., Postmaster, b. New York, b. 1818, p. o. add. Burns. 

Levers, John, Farmer, b. Pennsylvania, 8. 1839,- p. o. add. Dansvilie, Livingston 
Co., N. Y. 

Lemen, J. B., Farmer, b. New York, s. 1810, p. o. add. Dansvilie, Livingston Co., 
N. Y. 

McCollnm, Wm. H., Farmer, b. New Y'ork, b. 1827, p. o. add. Burns. 

McCartney, M. S., Farmer, b. New Y'ork, s. 1838, p. o. add. Dansvilie, Living- 
ston Co., N. Y. 

Oliver, Chas. (Retired), b. Vermont, a. 181G, p. o. ndd. South Dansvilie. 

Owston, Jonathan, Farmer, b. England, s. 1835, p. n. add. South Dansvilie. 

Shipman, Isaac, Farmer, b. New Jereey, s. 18(3, p. o. add. Arkport. 

Weber, Michael, Faimer, b. Germany, s. 1856, p. o. ndd. Arkport. 

Woolever, Jas. P., Farmer, b. N. Y., b. 1840, p. o. add. Arkport. 

Watkins, M. F., General Ticket -Agent Erie Railroad, b. New York, s. 1870, p. o. 
ndd. Burns. 

Williams, John J., Farmer, b. New York, s. 1841, p. o. add. D.uisviUe, Living- 
ston Co., N. Y. 



ERWIN. 

Bronson, Frank E-, Book-keeper, b. New York, s. 1856, p. o. -.uUl. Painted Post. 
Balconi, Lyman, Fanner, b. New Y'ork, s. 18:i5, p. o. add. Painted Post. 
Bennett, Ira P.. Real Estate, b. New York, s. 1834, p. o. add. Painted Post. 
Campbell, Philo (Retired), b. New York, s. 1808, p. o. add. Painted Post. 
Cooper, Arthur E.. Farmer, b. New York, s. 1848, p. o. add. Cooper's Plains. 
Cgvenhoven, Peter, Farmer, b New York, s. 1821, p. o. add. Erwin. 
Erwin, Francis, Farmer and Supervisor, b. New York, 8. 1834, p. o. add. Painted 

Post. 
Erwin. W. S., Farmer, b. New York, s. 1848, p. o. add. Painted Post. 
Erwin, Arthur, Farmer, b. New York, s. 1807, p. o. add. Addison. 
Erwin, John T., Farmer, b. New York, s. 18 — . p. o. add. Addison. 
Erwin, Chas. H. (Retired), b. New York. s. 1832, p. o.add. Painted Post. 
Farwell, Benjamin, Merchant, b. Massachusetts, s. 1820, p. o add. Painted Past. 
Goodsell, Isaac P. (Ketired), b. Pennsylvania, s. 1824, p. o. add. Painted Post. 
Gilbert, Mrs. Rachel E., b. New York, p. o. add. Painted Post. 
Hodgman, Warren S., Merchant Miller, b. New York, s. 1846, p. o. add. Painted 

PoBt. 

Hnl'baid, M. W., Lnnibei-man, b. New York, s. 1865, p. o. add. Painted Post. 
Iredell, Chas., Superintendent of Extract Works, b. Pennsylvania, s. 1864, p. o. 

ndd. Painted Post. 
Lovell, Calvin, Farmer, b. New York, s. 1850, p. o. add. Painted Post. 
Orcutt, Daniel, Drng;;isl, b. Connecticut, s. 1844, p. o. add. Painted Post. 
Orcutt, James t>., Drufrgist, b. New York, s. 1853, p. o. adiL Painted Post. 
Patterson, John M. (Retired;, b. New York, s. 1801, p. o. add. Painted Post. 
Piatt, C. F., Lawyer, b. New York, s. 1837, p. o. add. Painted Post. 
Pierce, Alson (Retired), b. Vermont, a. IS15, p. o. add. Cooper's Plains. 
Stanton, Ji lomo I., Merchant, b. Pennsylvania, s. 1866, p. o. add. Painted Post. 
Savory, Willis J. (Retired), b. New York, s. 1818, p. o. ndd. Painted Post. 
Short, Charles B., Lumberman, b. Pennsylvania, s. 1844, p. o. add. Painted Post. 
Tobias, James S., Attorney, b. New York, 8. 1832, p. o. add. Painted Post. 
Townsend, Eliza E., b. Pennsylvania, 8. 1803, p. o. add. Erwin. 
Tousey, Chester A., Hardware, b. New Y'ork, s. 1874, p. o. add. Painted Post. 
Yonng, F. E. (Retired), b. New York, B. 1808, p.o. add. Painted Post. 



FREMONT. 

Cotton, Henry, Farmer and Stock Grower, b. New Y'ork, s. 1820, p. o. ndd. Ste- 
phens' Mills. 

Stephens, E. G., Farmer and Mill Owner, b. New York, a. 1805, p. o. add. Ste- 
phens' Mills. 

Stephens, F. D., Fanner and Carpenter and Joiner, b. New Y'ork, s. 1813, p. o. 
add. Stephens' Mills. 



GREENWOOD. 

Atkins, William, Farmer, b. New Yorli, s. 1S32, p. o. add. Andorer. 
Alkjiis, Harriet, Farmer, b. New York, 8. 1842, p. o. add. Greenwood. 
Briindage, J. M., Druggist and Justice of the IVacc, b. Now York, s. 1830, p. o. 
add. C.eenwood, ^: 



STATISTICAL DIRECTORY. 



457 



Brundago, Mary I., Widow ..f Ismi?! M. llriiudagc, b. New York, a. 1835, p. o. 

acid. Greenwood. 
Davis, Jolin, Mcicliaiit, b. New York, s. 1875, p. o. add. Greenwood. 
Fisber, Mary SI., Widow of Gcorgo F. Fisher, 1«. New York, 8. 1835, p. o. add. 

Greenwood. 
Harrington, J. C. Blacksraith, b. New York, s. 18:19, p. o. add. Greenwood. 
Bellermaii. Matilda, b. New York, s. 1844, p. o add. UreenwiHid. 
Porter, Sjibrey. b. New York, s. 1852, p. o. add. Greenwood. 
Pease, LalTany, Farmer, b. Now York, 8. 1827, p. o. add. Greenwood. 
Rogere, Jolm, Karmer, b. New York, s. 18.')2, p. o. adii. Andovcr. 
Stephens, Riindal P, , Farmer and Cattle Dealer, b. New York, «. 1849, p. o. add. 

Greenwood. 
Taylor, Antoinette, b. New York. 8. 1834, ]>. o. add. Greenwood. 
Woodbury, Jos. B,, Producer of Petroleum Oil, b. New York, s. 1841, p. o. add. 

Greenwood. 
Williamson, Elias, Farm, and Lnni., b. New York, 8. 1831, p. o. add. Greenwood. 
Wood, William II., Farmer, b. New York, s. 1859, p. o. add. Greenwood. 



HORNBY. 

Aioisttr)tig, J. E., Fiirmer .iiid l.utnberriiau, b. New Yink, «. 1S44, p. o. add. 

Corning:. 
Adams, George, Farmer, h. New York, s. 1824, p. o. add. Hornby Forks. 
Burnap, C. U., Farmer, b. Xew York, s. 185U, p. o. add. Corning. 
Baxter, Mary J., Farmer, b. New York, s. 187S, p. o. add. Hornby. 
Covenboven, Daniel U., Farmer and Dairyman, b. New York, 8. 183U, p. o. add. 

Painted Post, 
Dunlap, ■William, Farmer, b. New York, 8. 1819, p. o. add. Corning. 
Eaaterbrook, P. A., Farmer and Mason, b. New York, 8. ]8;J1, p. o. add. Painted 

Post. 
Goodsell, Wm. L., Fami. and Mi-cbanic, b. New York, 8.1846, p. o. add. Hornby. 
Goodsell, George, Farmer, b. Pennsylvania, a. 1820, p. o. add. Corning. 
Hendrick, Ira B., Farmer, b. New York, p. o. add. Monterey, Schnyler Co. 
Hendrick, Muria. 1>, Farmer, b. New York, 8. 1826, p. o.add. Monterey, Schnyler 

Co. 
Henry, .Tolin N., Farmer, b. New York, s. 1828, p. o. add. Hornby. 
Lane, Eugene A., Farm, and Teacher, b. Now Y'ork, s. 18.'>0, p. o. add. Corning. 
Lilly, Willis S., Farmer, h. New York, «. 184o, p. o. add. Corning. 
Oldfield, Thomas, Farmer and Justice of the Peace, b. New York, s. 18;J1, p. o. 

add. Corning. 
Pond, E. A., Farmer, b. Connecticut, s, 1826, p. o. adil. Hornby. 
Rogers, George W., Farmer and Ket. Lumberman, b. New York, s. 1832, p. o. 

adil. Hornby. 
Roloson, Alfred, Farm, and Supervisor of Town, b. New York, a. 1832, p. o. add. 

Hornby. 
Roloson, Petfr, Farmer, b. New Jersey, 8. 1830, p. o. add. Corning. 
St. John, John, Farmer, b. Vermont, 8. 1817, j*. o. add. Hornby. 
St. John, F. 0., Farmer, b. Now York, s. 1829, p. o. add. Hornby. 
Stanton, J. Amnsa, Farmer and Trader, b. New York, s. 1848, p. o. add. Painted 

Post. 
Stephens, H. W., Farmer and Currier, b. New York, 8. 1869, p. o. add. Hornby. 
Sly, Georgf, Farm, and Lumberman, b. New York, s. 1815, p. o. add. Corning. 
Travis, Elislia, Soldier in 1812 and member of Baptist Clinrch sixty yeara, b. 

New York, s. 18.51, p. o. add. Monterey, Schnyler Co., N. Y^. 
Travis, Clara Gay, b. New York, 8. 1851, p. o.add. Monterey, Schnyler Co., N. Y_ 
Underwood, Orson L., Farmer, b. New York, s. 1826, p. o. add. Hornby. 
Van Hoi twick, George W., Farmer and Mechanic, b. New York, s. 1849, p. o 

add. Corning. 
Waason, Jolm B., Farmer, and Soldier fn Co. A, 14l3t Regt.. N. Y. S. V., Ii 

Ireland, s. 1850, p. o. add. Mead's Creek. 
Wasson, Catharine A., b. Ireland, s. 1856, p. u. add. Mead's Creek. 



HORNELLSVILLE. 

Adsit, ai., Banker, b. New York, s. 1S26, p. <>. add. Ilurnellsville. 

Alley, S. M., b. New York, b. 1848, p. o. add. Hornellaville. 

Adsit, Ch.arles, Cashier in Fir8t National Bank, h. New York, 8. 1843, p. o. add. 
Ilornellfiville. 

Allen, C. N., Engineer, b. Now York, s. 1858, p. o. add. Ilornellsrille. 

Akins, A. F., Conductor N. Y., L. E. and W. R. K., b. New York, 8. 1855, p. o. 
add. nornellsvillo. 

Boynton, G. L., Foreman, b. Massachusetts, s. 1S72, p. o. ad<l. Ilornellsvillc. 

Bonfley, J. I., Grocer, b. New York, s. 18G3, p. o. add. llornellsville. 

Boardman, L. S., Painter, b. Now York, 8. 1862, p. o. add. llornellsville. 

Baker. M. J., p. o. add. llornellsville. 

Bennett, II., Lawyer, b. New York, a. 181.% p. o. a<l>l. HornelNville. 

Bonliam, Wni. E., Lawyer, b. New York, 8. 1827, p. o. ad.l. llornellsville. 

Bemis, H., Lawyer, b. Vermont, 8, 18511, p. o. add. HornelUville. 

Benton, D. L., Lawyer, b. New York, 8. 184C, p. o. add. llornellsville. 

Belknap, D. K., Agent N. Y., L. E. and W. R. R., b. Pennsylvania, 8. 1873, p. o. 
add. Hornellsville. 

Brundage, B. L., Attorney, b. Now Jersey, 8. 1824, p. o. add. Hornellsville. 

Burnham, I. W., Dry Goods Merchant, b. New York, «. 183C, p.o. add. Hornells- 
ville. 
f,8 



Buringer, D. C, Ik»ik-keepor, b. New York, s. 1852, p. o. add. Hornellsville. 

Babcock, V. G., Banker, li. New York, 8. 1871, p. o. add. Haruellsville. 

Brown, A. E., Manager of Tolegraplj, b. Sew York, s. 1849, p. o. add. Hornells- 
ville. 

Boyden, Wm., Engineer, b. New York, 8. 18G,"., p. o. aild. IIornolNville. 

Bellivon, .lolin, Engineer, b. Can.idn, «. IftK), p. o. add. Ilornillsville. 

Brown, R. W., Builder, b. New Brunswick, s. 18CC, p. o. add. llornellBville. 

Bennett, Martha A., b. New York, 8. 1807, p. o. add. Hornellsville. 

Beach, James E., Assistant Engineer, b. New York, a. 18C5, ji. o. add. llornells- 
ville. 

Bollon, Enos, Engineer, b. Now York, 8. 18159, p. o. add. liornellaville. 

Burdick, Mrs. Jolin, b. New York, a. 1800, p.o. add. Almond. 

Crane, Nirom M., Banker, li. New York, ». 1845, p. o. add. Hornellaville. 

Cadogan, Charles, Grocer, b. New York, 8. 1838, p. o. add. noriiellavllle. 

Carle, Murray J., Dealer in llata and Caps, b. New York, s 1873, p.o. a<ld. llor- 
nellsville. 

Clark, F., Clergyman, b. Irnbind, 8. 1873, p. o. ad.l. llornellsville. 

Chase, S. C, Marble Dealer, b. New York, s. 1871, p. o. a^ld. Hornellaville. 

Cridler, D. F., Phyaician and Surgeon, b. New York, s. 18:IB, p. o. add. liornella- 
ville. 

Chapman, J. K., Engineer, b. New York, s. 1855, p. o. add. Hornellaville. 

Cadogan, Abrani, Builder, b. New York, a. 18.3C, p. o.add. HornelUville. 

Crotty, Michael, Grocer, b. Ireland, s. 1849, !>. o. add. Ilornollsvdie. 

Chapman, J. W., Engineer Di8|»>tcher, b. New Hampshire, s. 1808, p. o. add. Hor- 
nellsville. 

Collins, B. F., Conductor N. Y., L. E. and W. R. R., b. New York, «. 1870, p. o. 
.■uld. Hornellsville. 

Caaterline, D. C, Liveryman, b. New York, a. 1872, p. o. a<ld. Hornellsville. 

Collins, Wm. L.. Conductor, b. Pennsylvania, a. 185:1, p. o. adil. Hornellaville. 

Cameron, Ronabl, Engineer, b. Scotland, s. 18G3, p. o.add. Hornellaville. 

Curry, Michael, Farmer, b. Ireland, a. 1846, p. o. add. Hornellaville. 

Dennis, Rodney, Lawyer, b. New York, 8. 1834, p. o. add. Hornellaville. 

Di.\son, James O., p. o. add. Hornellaville. 

Dows, Harry, Miller, b. England, a. 1863, p. o. add . Homellsville. 

Daniels, F. E., Fireman, b. Massachuaetle, a. 1870, p. o. add. Hornellsville. 

Davison, Wm., Engineer, b. Engbind, a. 1861, p. o. add. Hornellaville. 

Depuo, A., Conduct^tr, b. New York, a. 1861, p. o. add. Hornellsville. 

Davenport, George, Farmer, a. 1851, p. o. add. Arkport, N. Y. 

Daveupolt, Stephen A., Farmer, a. 1852, p. o. add. Arkport, N. Y. 

Davis, .\nson, Butcher, b. Now York, s. 18.35, p. o. add. HornellBVille. 

Ellis, Wells E„ Produce Dealer, b. New York, 8. 18.')4, p. o. add. Ark|K.rt, N. Y. 

Finch, John M., Attorney, b. New York, a. 1841, p. o. add. IlornellsviUe. 

Faulkner, R. K., Grocer, b. New York, s. 1842, p. o. add. Hornellsville. 

Farrand, Peter, Brakemtin, b. New York, a. Iil5, p. o. add. HornelUville. 

Fitz Gibbon, Thoe. (Retired), b. Ireland, s. 1869, p. o. add. Hornellaville. 

Grecnhow, J., Editor Tribune, b. England, a. 1870, p. o. adil. Ilornelbville. 

Glazier, James T.. Merchant Tailor, b. .New York, e. l.S.'j.'i, ji. o. add, Hornellaville. 

Griswold, G. W., Merchant, b. New York, a. 1838, p. o. add. Hornellaville. 

Gartside, Frank, Engineer, b. England, s. 1863, p. o. add. Hornellaville. 

Grief, F. J., Manufacturer, b. Now York, s. IKJ.'*, p. o. add. Him nellsvillo. 

Goff, Job, Farmer, b. New York, 8. 1812, p. o. add. noriullsville. 

Hartshorn, Charles, Real Estate, b. New York, a. 18.10, p. o. aild. Hornellsrille. 

Hollands, George, Flour and Feed, b. England, s 1865, p. o. add. HornelUville. 

Hongh, E. II., Editor Heratil, b. New York. 6. 1851, p.o. add. Hornellaville. 

Hart, H. C, Favniei , b. New York, a. 1836, p. o. add. Hornellsville. 

Hubbaril, C. G., Pliys. and Surg., b. New York, s. 1872, p. o. add. Hornellsville. 

Humphrey, G. S., Contractor and Builder, b. Connecticut, a. 186«, p. o. add. 
HornelUville. 

Ilirl. Reuben F., Farmer and Lumbcnnan, b. New York, s. 1847, p. o. add. 
Ilornellsvillc. 

Hor.in, JI. J.. Engineer, b. New York, a. 1851, p. o. add. Honiollaville. 

Hawley, Slibs J. II., Clerk, N. Y., L. E. and W. B. B., b. New York, a. 1854, p. o. 
.add. Ilftrnollsville. 

Haskell, N. B., Farmer and Lumberman, b. Maine, a. 1857, p. o. add. HornellsTlIle. 

Hurlbut, Chrialopber, Sr., Farmer and Surveyor, b. Connecticut, s. 1797, dleO 
in 1R31. 

Hurlbut, John, Farmer, s. 1797, died in 18:11. 

Hurlbnt, Wm. S., Farmer, b. New York. s. 1820, p, o. ad.l. Ark|«>rl, N. Y. 

Hurlbut, John, Farmer, b. New York, a. 18il, i>. o.add. Arkport, N. Y. 

Hurlbnt, Christo|>her, Farmer, a. 1797, died in 1875. 

Hurlbut, Kduiiind, Farmer, b. New York, a. 1826, p. o. add. Arkp.i t, N. Y. 

II.H«kell. Lucina 0., Farmer, b. Maine, s. 1859, p.o. add. llorio'lUvllle. 

Hunt, Horace, Farmer, b. New York, a. 1856, p. o. add. Hornellaville. 

Ingham, A. L., Conductor, b. New York, a. 1870, p. o. add Hornellaville. 

Johnson, R.L., Dry Goods Merchant, b. England, a. 1867. p.o. add. Hornellaville. 

Jamlaon, John S., Phys. and Surg , b. New York, a. 1822, p. o. add. Hornellaville. 

Jonea, A., Farmer and Broker, b. New York, a. 1825, p. o. add. Hornellsville. 

Kimball, Wm. A., Conductor N. Y., I.. E. and W. R. K., b. Maasachnaetta, a. 18SI, 
p. o. adil. Honiellavillc. 

Lockwood, J. A., Carriage Manfr , b. Connecticut, a. IS-M, p. o. add. Hornellstllle. 

Loftue, A. J.. Conductor, N. V., L. E. and W. R. R., b. Ireland, s. 1868. p. o. add. 
Hornellaville. 

Loveland, II. B., Sr, Farmer, b. Pennaylvania, «. I860, p. o. »<ld. Arkl"irt, N. Y. 

McDougall, J., Prop'rofGns-Worka, b. Sc..Cl«nd,a. I860, p. o.add. Hornellsville. 

Mitchell, Samuel, Pliya. and 8nrg., b. New York, a. 1847, p. o. add. HornellaTlllc. 

McConnell. Asa (Retired), b. New York, s. 18()1, p. o. add. H..rnell»ville. 

Blaxson, M. B., Manufacturer, b. New York, a. 18«1, p. o. add. Uornellavllle. 



458 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YOKK. 



Mills, John, Kngineer, b. New York, 8. 1874, p. o. aild. Hornellsville. 

Miller, Iiicrfase, Farmer, t. New York, ». 1S20, p. o. mhl. IIoniellMville. 

Miller, LennarJ, Farmer, h. New York, s. 1841, p. o.adil. Ilortittllsville. 

Near. 1. W., Lawyer, b. Npw York, 8. 1859, p. o. adil. Ilornellsvillo. 

Nicholson, J. W., lirocer, b. New Yoik, f. 1842, p. o. add. Ilnrnellsville. 

Nicbolifon, IlariMun, Farmer, b. PeniiH^lvaiiia, 1811, p. o. add. IIorneII>«vilIe. 

Nichol8(tti, Ediji\iiid, Fanner, Ii. IVmisylvuiiia, 1808, p. o. add. Hornellsville. 

Nichols, Fred. S., Prop'r of Nichols House, U. New York, s. 1870, p. o, add. Hor- 
nellsville. 

Osx, W. W., Lawyer, b. New York.s. 1847, p. o. add. Hornellsville. 

Ordway, G. M.. Farmer, h. New York, s. 18^2, p. o. add. IluniclUville. 

Orcutt, H. (_'. 

O'Connor, Geo. W., Tanner, b. New York, s. 18G4, p. o. add. Hornellsville. 

Plimpton, A. J., Florist and Gardener, b. New York, 8.1838, p.o. add. Hornellsville. 

Prindle, A. T., Farmer, b. Connecticut, s. 1848, p. o. add. Hornellsville. 

Pryor, Frank, Sliueniaker, b. Pennsylvania, 1857, p. o. add. Aikport, N. Y. 

Payne ii. K., .Siiilion Ag't K. U. R., h. Now York, s. 1872, p. o. add. Arkport, N. Y. 

Koldnaon, J. W., Phys. and Surg., b. New York, s. 1876, p. o. add. Hornellsville. 

Richardson, Csiss, Manufacturer, b. New York, s. 1872, p. o. add. Hornellsville. 

Rose, W. G , Hardware Merchant, b. Connecticut, s. 1845, p.o. add. Hornellsville. 

Richardson, "Wm., Boot Manfr., b. New York, s. 1870, p. o. add. Hornellsville. 

Roger.*, ('liavles. Engineer, b. New Y'ork, s. 1851, p. o. add. Hornellsville. 

Rockwell, H. H., Telegrapher, b. New York, s. 1860, p. o. add. Hornellsville. 

Rezuor, Lot, Postmaster and Merchant, b. New York, s. 1808, p. o. add. Arkportj 
NY. 

Rork, Rev. R. R., Merchant, b. New York, s. 1851, p. o, add. Arkport, N. Y. 

Ranger, fL K., Farmed, b. New York, s. 18;i4, p. o. add. Hornellsville. 

ijhattnck, S. E., Phys. and Surg., b. New York, s. 1851, p. o. add. Hornellsville. 

Sutton, W. L., Pliotugraphcr, b. New York, s. 1828, p. o. add. Hornellsville. 

Santee, J. E. R., Attorney, b. New York, s. 1850, p. o. add. Hurnellsville. 

Smith, A. S., Merchant, b. New York, s. 1820. p. o. add. Hornellsville. 

Simmons, W. H., Prop'r of Hotel, b. England, s. 1806, p. o. add. Hornellsville. 

SweetliUUl, Amanda, b. New York, s. 1852, p. o. add. Hornellsville. 

Steven>*, A., Farmer, b. Now York, s. 1820, p. o. add. Hornellsville. 

Stone, C. 0., Switchman, b. New York, s. 1844, Hurnellsville. 

Smith, Cha,-*. H., Farmer, b. New York, a. 1848, p. o. add. Arkport, N. Y. 

Sharp, John J.. Fanner, b. Staten Island, N. Y., s. 18U0, died Pec. 9, 1875. 

Sharp, Henry \V., Farmer, b. New York, s. 1850, p. o. add. Arkport, N. Y. 

Swarlz, lioss H., Farmer, b. New York, a. 1848, p. o. add. Hornellsville. 

Tiiatcher, Mowiy, Farmer, b. Rhode Island, s. ISlu, p. o. add. Hornellsville. 

Tuttle it Brigham, Puhlishers Times, p. o. add. HurneUaville. 

Tschachtli, R., Furniture Dt-aler. Ii. Switzerland, s. 1866, p. o. add. HornelUville. 

Terry, G. D., Miller, b. New York, s. 185(1, p. o. add. Hornellsville. 

Terry, Geo. W., Farmer and Miller, b. New York, s. 1824, p. o. add. Hornellsville. 

Thatcher, S.M., Farmer, b. Now York,8. 18"J4,p. o. add. Hornellsville. 

Thatcher, Scott, Jlanfr. of Reapers and Mowei-s, b. New York, s. 1833, p. o. add. 
Horneitsville. 

Tracy, G. H., Engineer, b. New York, s. 1802, p. o. add. Hornellsville. 

Taggart, Geo., Farmer, b. New York, s. 1857, p. o. add. Arkport. 

Van Dusen, W. II., Chief Clerk in H. Shops, b. New York, s. 18G5, p. o. add. 
Hurnellsville. 

Vau A nlwerp.T., Store-keeper E. R.,b. New York, 8. 18G1, p.o. add. Hornellsville. 

Wetmure, J. F., Attorney, b. New York, s. 1855, p. u. add. Hornellsville. 

Whitikar, D., Butcher and Farmer, b. New York, 8. 1«72, p.o. add. Hornellsville. 

Williams, G. W., Veterinary Surg., b. New York, s. 1832, p. o. add. Hornellsville. 

Wright, G. M., Conductor, N. Y., L. E. and W. K. K., b. New York, s. 1867, p. o. 
add. Hornellsville. 

Wallace, A. R., Engineer, b. New York, s, 1839, p. o. add. Hornellsville. 

Ward, Mre. L. A., b. New York, s. 184U, p. o. add. Hornellsville, 

Wiles, A. J., Engineer, b. New York, s. 1861, p. o. add. Hornellsville. 

W'akem.in, Bennett, Engineer, b. New York, s. 1865, p. o. add. Hornellsville. 

Walker, J. E., Phys. and Surg., b. New York, s. 1876, p. o. add. Arkport, N. Y. 

Woolever, William, Farmer, b.Now York, s. 1823, p. o. add. Arkport, N. Y. 



HOWARD. 

Bennett, George, Farmer, b. Nuw Vork, s. 1836, p. o. atld. Howard. 
Brasted, Nicholas, Farmer, b. New York, s. 1826, p. o. add. Howard. 
Brasted, John C, Farmer, 1.. New Jersey, s. 1819, p. o. add. Howard. 
Bullard, Joel, Farmer, b. Massachusetts, s. 1810, p. o. luld. Howard. 
Bartholomew, Eber, Farmer, b. New York, a. 1819, j). o. add. Big Creek. 
Case, A. B., Physician and Surgeon, b. Vermont, s. 1833, p. o. add. Howard. 
McC<.iunell, John, Farmer, li. New York, s. 1818, p. <». add. Goff's Mills. 
Russel, Joel, Farmer, li. New York, a. 1836, p. o. add. Howard. 
Rathbun, Isaac, Physician and Farmer, b. New York, s. 1817, p. o.add. Howard. 
Rice, Mrs. Gratia, p. o. add. Kanona. 



JASPER. 

Andrews, H. B. 

Button, G. F. 

Craig, L. 

Catlin, John R., Clergyman, p. o. add. Locki>orr, N. Y. 

Craig, A. B., Farmer and Manufacturer, b. New York, s. 1835, p. o. add. Jasper. 



Cbatfield, Ezra, Farmer, b. New York, s. 1843, p. o. add. Jasper. 

Coimtrynntn, W., Farmer, b. New York, e. 1839, p. o. add. Jasper. 

Cushman, Sirs. D., b. New York, 8. 1842, p. o. add. Jasper. 

Drake, Allen, Farmer, b. New York, s. 1824, p. o. add. Jasper. 

Du Bois. G. J., Clergyman, b. New York, a. 1827, p. o. add. Jasper. 

Deck, S., Pbysifiao, b. New York, s. 1828, p. o. add. Jasper. 

Dennis, Ger.rge, Farmer, b. New York, a. 1843, p. o. add. Jasper. 

Dennis, F., Farmer, b. New Hampshire, s. 1824, p. o. add. Jasper. 

Drake, Ayers, Proprietor of Hotel and Farmer, h. New York, s. 1828, p. o. add. 

Josper. 
France, Jas. II., Farmer, b. New York, s. 1861, p.o. add. Jasper. 
Hunter, W'. W^, Merchant, b. New York, s. 1835, p. o. add. Ja.sp<-r, 
June, Elias C, Farmer, b. New York, s. 1826, p. o. add. Jasper. 
Lamson, Mrs. Sarah, Farmer, b. New Hampshire, s. 1825, p.o. add. Jasper. 
Marlatt, A., Farmer, b. New York, s. 1822, p. o. add. Jasper. 
Pierce, John, Farmer, b. Pennsylvania, s. 1861, p. o. add. Jasper. 
Swan, Orrin, Farmer, b. New York, s. 1832, p. o. add. Jasper. 
Savage, A. N., Merchant, b. New York, s. 1838, p. o. add. Jasper. 
Shefield, T. J.. Farmer, b. New York, 8. 1832, p.o. add. Jasper. 
Sterns, Henry, Dealer in Furniture and Undertaker, b. Ma>isachusett>:, s. 1836, 

p. o. add. Jasper. 
Talbot, Ebenezer, Farmer, b. New York, s. 1836, p. o. add. North Jasper. 
Taft, Nelson R., Farmer, b. Rhode Island, 8. 1830. p. o. add. Ja8|>er. 
Towsley, J. R., Farmer, b. New York, s. 1818, p. o. ad<l. Jiisper. 
Yroman, Hulda, Farmer, b. New York, s. 1826, p. o. add. Jasper. 
Whiting, Oliver, Farmer, b. New York, i>. o. add. Jasper. 
Winship, D. C, Physician, b. New Yoi k, p. o. add. Jasper. 
Wentworth, G. B., Farmer, b. New York, s. 1818, p. o. add. Jasper. 
Whitman, W. J., p. o. add. Jasper. 



LINDLEY. 

Cook, James, Farmer, b. New York, s. 1843, p. o. add. Erwin Centre. 

Colder, Hiram W., Farmer, b. New York, s. 1839, p. o. udil. Llndley. 

Clineburg, I., Tanner, b. Bohemia, s. 1876, p. o. add Lindley. 

Camp, 0., p. o. add. Lindley. 

Hill, William II., Lumberman, b. Now York, a. I860, p. o. add Lindley. 

Harrison, Thomas, Farmer, b. 1822, New Jersey, s. I860, p. o. add. Lindley. 

Harrison, Mi's. Jane, b. 1827, New Jei-aey, 8. 1860, p.o, add, Lindley. 

Kuhl, Mrs. R. H., b. New Jersey, s. 1864, p. o. add. Lawreneeville, Pa. 

Lindsley, E. B., Farmer, b. New York, 8. 1817, p. o. add. Lawreneeville, Pa. 

Lindsley, A. B., Farmer, b. New York, s. 1812, p. o. add. Lawreneeville, Pa. 

More, William, Farmer, b. New York, s. 1847, p. o. add. Lindley, N. Y. 

Mersereau, Theodore L., Fanner, b. New York, a. 1831, p o. add. Lindley, N. Y. 

Morgan, S. M., p. o. add. Lindley, N. Y. 

Orr, James C, Farmer and Lumberman, b. New Vork, s. 1832, p. o. luhl. Erwin 

Centre. 
Patterson, Samuel, Farmer, b. New York, s. 1835, p. o. add. Lindley. 
Presho, T. J., Merchant and Station Agent, b. New York, s. 1865, p, o. add. 

Erwin Centre. 
Rogers, James A., Farmer and Supervisor (1878), b. Pennsylvania, s. 1870, p. o. 

add. Lindley. 
Seelye, Mrs. Catherine, b. Ni,-w York, s. 1829. p. o. add. Lawienceville, Pa. 
Stowell, R. S., p. o. add. Lindley. 



PRATTSBURGH. 

Ainsworth, Addison, Farmer, b. New York, s. 1813, p. o.add. Prattbburgb. 

Ainsworth, G. R. R., Merchant and Hanker, p. o. add, Prattsbnrgh. 

Armstrong, George, Farmer, b. New York, s. 1825, p. o. add. Avoca. 

AUiss, Henry E., Farmer, b. New York, s. 1826, p. o. add, Prattsbnrgh. 

Bennett, Jas. A., Physician and Surgeon, b. New York, p. o. add. Prattsbnrgh. 

Babcock, Walter H., Farmer, b. New York, ». 1861, p. o. add, Prattsbnrgh. 

Blodgett, William D,, Farmer, b. New York, a. 1845, p. o. add. Riker Hollow. 

Birdseye, J. R., Farmer, b. New York, s. 1858, p. o. add. Prattsburgh. 

Cook, Benjamin, Farmer, b. New York, s. 1833, p. o. add, Prattsbnrgh. 

Chapell, 0. N., Farmer, b. New York, s. 1839, p. o, add. Praltabnrgh. 

Chapin, Addison, Ret. Merchant, b. New York, a. 1818, p. o. add. Prattsbnrgh. 

Curtis, William B., Farmer, b. New York, s. 1806, p. o. add. Praltsburgh. 

Clark, Thomas J., Farmer and Miller, b. Miissachnsetts, s. 1836, p. o. add. Riker 
Hollow. 

Daboll, Aaron, Mechanic, b. Connecticut, s. 1822, p. o. add. Prattsburgh. 

Foster, W. S., Undertaker and Furniture Dealer, b. Vermont, s. 1847, p. o. add. 
Prattsburgh. 

6illett, Chauncey B., Farmer, b. New York, s. ISlo, p. o. add. Praltsbingh. 

Godfrey, Harry, Private Bi'oker and Real Estate Dealer, p. o. add. Pnitlsburgh. 

Graves, Luther, Ret. Farmer, b. Massachusetts, s. 1815, p. o. add. Praltsburgh. 

Graves. Charles D , Fa>-mer, b. New York, s. 1832, p. o. add. Prattsburgh. 

Hine, P. C, Editor of Prattsburgh yews, b. New York, s. 1824, p. o. add. Pratts- 
burgh. 

Uotchkin, James H., Hardware Merchant, b. Now York, s. 1809, p o. add- 
Prattsb:irgh. 

Hurd, G. L., Prop, of Moat-Market, b. New York, s. 1869, p. o. aiiil. Piatts- 
burgh. 



STATISTICAL DIRECTOR Y. 



459 



Hoes, Jojin, Fiiriner, b. Kew York, a. 1S24, p. o. adil. Pmttslmrgh. 
lliihlmrd, E. A., Retired Farnicr, b. New York, 8. 1821, p. o. add. l*rtittsbnrgh. . 
Hopkins, Henry A., ) Props, of Siiw- niid Grist-Mills, b. N'cw York. a. Henry 
Hopkins, Iljdph \V., j" 1817, Rjilph 1822. p. o. add. Pnittsburgh. 
Higby, Cbiiri«!S (I,, Fiirnior, b. New York, s. 1818, p. o. add. Prattabiirph. 
Hamlin, James M., Fiirnicr, b. New York, «. 1838, p. o. add. Prattsburgli. 
Higby, Joliii C, Fiirmer, b. Now York, «. 1S:19, p. o. add. Prattsbnrgh. 
Horton, Junie*, Farmer, b. New York, s. 184:J, p, o. add. Prattsburgh. 
Hopkii]s, Juspph i^I., Farmer, b. New York, s. 1815, p. o. mid. Prattsburgh. 
Hubbard, Htnry N., Farmer, b. New York, s. 1840, p. o. add. I'raltfiburgh. 
Look, William G., Phys. and Surg., b. New York, 8. 1831, p. o. add. Prattaburgh. 
Lewis, Richard, Farmer, b. Now York, ». 1824, p. o. add. Pnittsburgh. 
Miner, Martin, Retired Fanner, b. Connecticut, a. 1857, p. o. add. Prattaburgh. 
Pratt, William B., Farmer, b. New York, s. 18i2, p. o. add. Prattaburgh. , 
Pinney, Martin, Slorchant, b. New York, i>. o. add. Prattobm gh. 
Pinneo, H. .1., Wagon IMnlr.. b. New York, 8. 1850, p. o. add. Prattaburgh. 
Putnam, .\aruti H.. Farmer, b. New York, 8. 1838, p. o. add. Prattaburgh. 
Paliiiaiiteer, Ij. C, Faiin. and Clergyman, b. New York, s. 1820, p. o. add. Biker 

Hollow. 
Rose, Smith K., Farmer, b, Nftw York, 8. 1847, p. o. add. Prattsburgh. 
Sturdevant, Rebecca, p. o. add. Pmttsbnrgh. 

Smith, Jay K., Lawyer, b. New York, s. 1848, p.o. add. Prattsburgh. 
Stoddard, P. K., Phys. and Surg., b. Now York, s. 1840, p. o. add. Pmttsburgh. 
Strong, Triinum, Farmer, b. Massachusetts, s. 1S09, \i. o. add. Prattsburgh. 
Sbnlte, Charles, Fainici-, b. New York, s. 18;J9, p. o. add. Avoca. 
Terry, Nathan, Farmer, b. New Jersey, s. 1823, p. o. add. Prattsburgh. 
Van Aukon, D. IJ., Prop, of Park Hote!, b. New York, s. 1870, p. o. add. Pratts- 

hnrgli. 
Van Uousen, John. Farmer, b. New York, 8. 1834, p. o. add. Prattaburgh. 
Waldo, Wilhiim W., Lawyer, b. New York, 8. 1825, p. o. add. Manitowoc, Wis. 
Waldo, Lucius, Farmer, b. New York, s. 1805, p. o. add. Prattaburgh. 
Waldii, Charles, Farmer, b. New York, 8. 1806, p. o. add. Prattsburgh. 
Wald».>, James A., Farmer, b. New York, 8. 1836, p. o. add. Pratistmrgh. 
Williamson, II. F., Physician and Surgeon, b. Now York, s. 1851, p. o. add. 

Prattsburgh. 
Wheeler, Luther, Farmer, b. New Hami>shire, 8. 181G, p. o. add. Prattaburgh. 
Wliei'ler, Elijah. Farmer, b. New York, s. 1S43, p. o. add. Prattsburgh. 
WcM, William E , Farmer, b. Ni^w York, a. 1838, p. o. add. Prattaburgh. 
Weld, W. W., Farmer, b. New Y<.rk, s. 1830, p. o. add. Riker Hollow. 
Williama, Josiah, Farmer, b. Pennsylvania, a. 1838, p. o. add. Prattj*burgh, 
Williams, Ira C. 



PULTENEY. 

Bi-ii»li, E. C, FarnuT, b. Steuben Co., N. Y., p. o. add. Suiitli I'ulteney. 

Brink, Francis, Farmer, b. Broome Co., N. Y., 9. 18G0, p.o. add. South I'ulteney. 

Bonrey, 1*. F., Farmer, b. Steuben Co., N. Y., 8. 1854, p. o. add. rultcney. 

Bennett, Sarah K., Farmer, b. Steuben Co., N. Y., p. o. add. South Pulleney. 

Coryell, Jolin, Farmer, b. New Jersey, s. 1810, p. o. add. Pulteney. 

Cross, O. C, Farmei' and Grape-Grower, b. West Chester Co., N. Y., s. 1830, p. o. 

add. Pulteiiey. 
Dennistou, A. H., Farmer, li. Steuben Co., N. Y., 9. 184C, p. o. add. Pulteney. 
Dean, G. li., Farmer, 1). Steuben Co., N. Y., s. 18.12, p. o. add. Soutli Pultoncv. 
Egolston, Benjamin, Farmer, b. Steuben Co., S. Y., ». 1832, [i. o. add. Pulteney. 
Foskelt, U. II., Farm<r, b. Ontario Co.,N. Y., p. o. add. Pulleney. 
Gay, John, Farmer, b. Ontario Co., N. Y., 8. 18:)!, p. o. add. Pulteney. 
Hulse, Mrs. 0. T., Farmer, b. Steuben Co., N. Y'., s. 1817, p. o. add. Pulteney. 
Holden, Franklin, Farmer, b. Montgomery Co., S. Y.,8. 1834, p. o. add. Pulteney. 
Ilorton, Mrs. Sarah J., Farmer, b. Steuben Co., N. Y.,s. 1837, p.o. add. Pulteney. 
McConnclI, Smith, Farmer, b. Steuben Co., N. Y., s. 1834, p. o. add. Pulteney. 
Miller, Robert, Farmer, b. Pennsylvania, s. 1833, p. o. add. Pulteney. 
Prentiss, J. W., Prop, of Vineyard, b. Massachusetts, s. 1812, p.o. add. Pulteney. 
Pickett, Eli, Farmer, b. Massachusetts, s. IgOO, p. o. add. South Pulteney. 

Reynolds, James J., Far r, b. Steuben Co., N. Y., s. 1834, p. o. add. Pulteney. 

Rice. Mrs. h. A., Farmer, b. Westchester Co., N. Y.,b. 1820, p. o.aild. Pulleney. 
Riley, Owen, Farmer, b. Stouben Co., N. Y., s. 1824, p. o. add. Prattsburgh. 
Wagslafr, Henry, Farmer and Fruil-Grower, b. Englaml, s. 1837, p. o. add. 

Pulteney. 
Wagencr, Jacob, Farmer and Fruit-Grower. b. Steuben Co., N. Y., s. 1818, p. o. 

add. Pulteney. 



Dickinson, David H., Lumberman, b. New imiU, h. i.^;-.;, p. ,,, ,i<i,i. itmh. 
llalliday, llerney. Farmer, b. New York, 8. 182.'., p. o. aild. Bath. 
Helm, II. M., Farmer, b. New York, s. 1840, p.o. add. Siivona. 
Jack, William, Farmer, b. Maryland, s. 1823, p.o. add. Merchiintville. 
Look, J. B., Farmer, b. New York, 8. 1830, p. o. add. Bath. 
Mercbaut, Edwin (Retire di. b. New York, 8. 18;I2, p. o. add. Merchanlville. 
Phillips, L. H., Farmoi*. b. New York, s. 1841, p. o. ad«l. Mercli>iiitville. 
Peters, Joseph K., Fanner, b. New York, s. 1843, p.o. add. Merciouitvllle. 
Koyce, David, Faiuier, b. New York, s. \t>ij:i, p. o. add. Ris ngville. 
Seanions, Alvin, Farmer, b. New York, s. ISOU, p. <i, add. Mercbantville. 
Vos&, Robert C, Slerclnint, b. Rlnale Island, s. 182^1, p. o. add. Merchantville. 
Wilbur, J. Murray, Farmer, b. New York. «. 187.1. p. o. add. Uiitli. 



TROUPSBURGH. 

Atwood, IJrial, Merchant, b. New York, s. 1828, p. o. add. Tnjup«l«iirgh. 
Blowers, George, Farmer, b. Ponnaylvania, a. 1848, p. o. add. TruuiMlairgh. 
Carpenter, Henry B., Farmer, b. New York, a. 18:Jl, p. o. add. Trtiu|«bur)(h. 
I Griggs, Wm. N., Merchant, b. New York, a. 182:i, p. o. add. Troui«burgh. 
Griggs, Samuel W., Fanner, b. New York, !*. 1827, p. o. add. Troupsbnrgh. 
Griggs, Wilson S., Carriage-Maker, b. New York, s. 1833, p. o. add. Truupa- 
I burgh. 

I GriDolds, Levi W., Farmer and CattU-Dcaler, b. Now York, a. 1827, p. o. add. 

South Troupsburgh. 
Grinolds, Mrs. Almirn, b. New York, a. 1836, p. o. odd. South Trouiwliurgh. 
Murdock, James B., Merchant and Real Eatatc Dealer, b. New York, h. 1632, 

p. o. add. South Troupsburgh. 
Murdock, Edward P., Farmer and Cattle Dealer, b. PennNylratda. h. 1844, p. o. 

add. South Troupsburgh. 
Olmateil, Hiram, Farmer, b. New York, a. 1^, p. o. add. Eaat Truuiwburgh. 
Perry, Nathaniel M., Pbyaician and Surgeon, b. New York, k. 1817, |>. o. add. 

Troupaburgh. 
Perry, Wm. H., Merchant, b. New York, a. 1850, p. o. add. Trouimbiirgh. 
Reynolds, George, Farmer, b. New York, a. 18:10, p. o. add. Trouiiaburjrh. 
Willcox, Philander, Farmer, b. Now York, a. 18^18, p. o. add. Trouiimburgh. 
Wilcox, Frederick D., Farmer, b. New York, a. 1838, p. o. add. Trou|«l)urgh. 



TUSCARORA. 

Benedict, Washington, Fanner, b. New York, .s IKII. p. o. a-ld. AddUon Hill. 
Beers, D., Farmer, b. New York, s. 1S3<I, p. o. add. Addi-^.n Hill. 
Batt-a, !>., Farmer, b. New York, a. 1832, p. o. adtl. Addison Hill. 
Casaon, Mordecai, Blacksmith, b. New Yi>rk, a. 185-1, p. o. add. Addlaon. 
Coon, Stephen, Farmer, a. 1828, p. o. ailil. Soutli Addison. 
Craul, W. H., Blacksmith, b. New York, a. 1845, p. o. add. Addison Hill. 
Deninny, Phebe, and Son, Farmeia, p. o. add. Addison Hill. 
Freeman, George H.. Farmer, b. New York, a. lf)3I. 
Hamilton, (.'. G., Farmer, 8. 1830, p. o. add. South Addison. 
Kellogg, L- S., Clergyman, b. Connecticut, p. o. add. Addiaun. 
Mack, E. A., Farmer, b. New York, a. 1852. p. o. add. Addiaou Hill. 
Nichols, Alfred, Farmer, b. Rhode Island, a, ls:;.5, p. o. add. Nelson, Pa. 
Rowley, J. W., Farmer, b. New York, s. islo, p. o. add. South Addison. 
Straight, L., Farmer, b. New York, a. 1830, p. o. add. .\ddifon. 
Thompson, G., Farmer, b. New York, a. 18:U, p. o. add. Addison. 
Wambough, W., Farmer, b. New York. a. 1811, p. o. add. Addiaon. 
Young, John, Farmer, b. New York, a. 1831, p. i». add. Addiaon Hill. 



RATHBONE. 

Chte.inian, Warner, Slioouiaker, h. New York, s. 1838, p. o.aild. RatliboneTille. 
McWil'ianis. John, Farniei-, h. New York, s. 18G9, [>. o. add. Rathbonevillo. 
Norlhrup, Mosos (Retired), b. New Jersey, s. 18fi8, p. o. add. Cameron Mills. 
Bichmyer, John II., Fanner, b. New York, s. 1842, p. o. add. Cameron Mills. 
Sly, John M., Lumber Dealer, b. New York, s. 1858, p. o. add. Cameron Mills. 



THURSTON. 

Brundage, C. M., Farmir, b. New York, s. 1841, p. o. add. Bath. 

Buck, Seymour A., Farmer, b. New York, 8. 18.VI, p. o. add. Mercbantville. 

Canter, Peter A., Farmer, b. .New York, s. 1870, p. o. add. Biitli. 



URBANA. 

Agor, Nicholas, Farmer, b. Putnam Co., N. Y., 8. 1832, p. o. adil. llamnioniUport. 
Bailey, Adslt, Farmer and Grape-Grower, b. St«nb«n Co., N. Y., s. 1842, p. o. 

add. Ilammondsport. 
Bailey, Charles L., Fanner and Grape-Grower, l>. Steulwn Co., N. Y., s. 1830, 

p. o. add. Hammondsport. 
Bailey, Mrs. Sabrina (BctirMi), b. Steuben Co., N. Y., ». 1808, p. o. add. Ham- 
mond. port. 
Babcock, 91. .t 0., Physicians and Sargeons. b. Washington Co., N. Y., «. 1830, 

p. o. a<ld. Hamniondsiiort. 
Bennett, B., Lawyer, b. Steuben Co., N. Y., b. 1827, p. o. add. llammonds|wrt. 
Bennett, William, Farmer, b. Connecticut, 8. 1818, p. o. add. Hammond«iiort. 
Brown, Lewis H., Eilitor. 
Brundage, 11. W , Farmer and Snpl. of Poor of Steuben Co., N. Y.. b. Url«na, 

s. 1843, p ... aild. Nortll Uriiana. 
Brundage, Lewis, Farmer, b. Stouben Co , N. Y., 8. IftlO, p. o. «.hl. North Urban*. 
Bnindage, .lames M., Farmer, b. Steuben Co., N. Y., 8. 1813, p. o. add. Honi- 

mondrtjK>rt. 
Brundage, James W., Farmer, b. Steuben Co., N. Y., 8. 1841. p. o. ad.l. Balh. 
Brundage, John, Farmer, b. Steuben Co., N. Y., 8. 1634, p. o. add. Balh. 
Brundage, Mrs. Kdward, Farmer, b. Steuben Co., N. Y., s. ISMl, p. o. add. lUm- 

mondsporr. 
Drew, H. F., Lawyer, b. Steuben Co , N. Y.. «. Wil, p. o. add. Ilunmondsport 



4 GO 



HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Dumoth, George, V unier, b. Dolawiire Co., N. Y., 8. 184*2, p. o. n»lil. nmnmuiids- 

poi t. 
Fiiulkner, .Tosopli, Farmer, h. Indiana, a. 1826, p. o. add. Diitli. 
Gleason, Ezra, Farmer, I>. Warren Co., N. Y., s. 1K4S, p. o. add. North Urbnim. 
Giitnnip, G. H., :?cliool Coniuiissiouer, b. Stoiibon Co., N. Y., s. 1847, p. o. add. 

Uanimondsport. 
Laytun, Isaac, FarnuT, h. New Jtreey, 8. 1831, p. o. add. Ilammondsport. 
Laylon, Thomas (Rclirud), b. New Jei'jiP.v, a. 1^12, ji. o. add. Ilammondsport. 
Larrowt-, E. B.. Wine Staiiufiicturcr, b. Slciibon Co., N. Y., s. 1835, p. p. add. 

Haminoiuisport. 
Longwell, Randall, Farmer and Stock Dealer, b. New Jersey, 8. 1842, p. o. add. 

IluriinioiulBport. 
Lake, Thomas W., Fariiit-r, b. Stfluben Co., N. Y., s. 1829, p. o. add. Hamnionds- 

IKjrt. 
Huore, H. J., Druggist, b. Otsego Co., N. Y., e. 18KJ, p. o. add. IIanimund»j>ort. 
Myrtk', Benjamin, Grape-Grower, b. Stenberi Co., N. Y., a. 1814, p. o. add. ilam- 
mondsport. 
Myrtle, Cbirence, Famu-r, b. Steuben Co., X. Y., s. 1853, p. o. Bath. 
Nichols, G. W. 
Bosenkninz, G. E., Carnage and Wagon Maimfactuier, b. Steuben Co., N. Y., 

s. 1844, p. o. add. Ilammondsport. 
Tasgnrt, .1. W., Farmer and Lumberman, b. SelioharieCo., N. Y.,8. 1833, p. o.add. 

Hanirnondsport. 
Watkins, James, Farmer, b. KnKl»nd, .s. 184G, p. o. aiM. Bradford. 
Wheeler, J. W., Carriage inid Wagon Manufacturer, b. Steuben Co., N. Y., s. 

18:i8, p. o. add. Norlli Urbaiia. 
Yoimplove, T. M., Farmer and Surveyor, b. Steuben Co., N. Y., a. 1814, p. o.add. 

Hainuioridsport. 



WAYLAND. 

Bennett, .lames G., Blacksmith and Farmer, b. Steuben Co., N. Y., s. 1825, p. o. 
add. Wayhmd, 

Bu!<h, Mrs. Jane (Retired), b. Sleuben Co., N. Y., s. 182G. p. o. add. Waylaud. 

Breitiing, F. J., Teacher, h. Gerniauy, s. 1S59, p. o. add. Porkinsville. 

Bill tz, Peter, Dealer in Furniture, b. Germany, s. 18(;7, p. o. add. Waylaiul. 

Bill, Mary Ann, Farmer, b. Steuben Co., N. Y., s. 1837, p. o. add. PerkinsvHle. 

Bicker, Frank, Farmer, b. Germany, s, 1863, p. o. add. Wayland, 

Br.iunshweig, P., Farmer, b. Germany, s. 1846, p. o. add. Wayland. 

Bill. Louis:», Farmer, b. Germany, s. 1836, p. o. add. Wayland. 

Clays'ju, Jerome, Farmer, b. Sreuben Co., N. Y., a. 1823, p. o. add. Wayland. 

Conrad, Henry, Farmer, b. Germany, s. 1H3G, p. o. add. Perkinsville. 

Day, O. W., Farmer and Lumberman, b. Steuben Co., N. Y., s. I8:J8, p. o. add. 
Wayland. 

Doiightz, Wesley, Retired Farmer, b. Essex Co., N. Y.,8. 1812, p. o. add. Wayland. 

Dranier, D., Farmer, b. Steuben Co., N. Y., a. 1838, p. o. add. Wayland. 

Dnnne, Jacob, Farmer, b. Germany, s. 1830, p. o. add. Perkinsville. 

Folts.John M. 

Faulkner. Mrs. Samh, Fainier, b. Steuben Co., N. Y., 8.1822, p. o. add. Perkins- 
ville. 

Foot, Joseph, Farmer, b. Steuben Co., N. Y., s. 1848, p. o. add. J'erkinsville. 

Folts, George, Grocer. 

Gessiier, Peter, Hotel-Keeper, b. Germany, s. 1852, p. o. add. Perkinsville. 

Gross, W. E., Farmer, b. Steuben Co., N. Y., s. 1843, p. o. add. Perkinstille. 

Haitz. J. C, Farmer, b. Gerinnny, s. 1S3G, p. o. add. Wayland. 

noniiner, I'eter, Farmer, b. Germany, s, 1S47, p. o. add. Wayland. 

Huffman, Jacob, Farmer, b. Germany, s. 1830, p. o. add, Perkinsville. 

Kimmot, Martin, Farmer and Lumberman, b. Germany, s. 184G, p. o. add. Way- 
land. 

Keelor, Cyrus, Farmer and Luinberman, b. Steuben Co., N. Y., s. 1840, p. o.add. 
Wayland. 

Kausch, William T., Cigar Manufacturer, b. Steuben Co., N. Y., e. 1853, p. o.add. 
Wayland. 

ICornbau, J. G., Farmer, b. Germany, s. 185:'-, ^ o. add. Perkinsville. 

Kester, G. T., Blacksmith, Onundaga Co., N. Y., a. 1826, p. o. add. Perkinsville. 

Kuhn, Jacob, Farmer, b. Orniauy, e. 1851, p. o. add. Wayland. 

Lander, Jacob, Farmer, b. Germany, s. 1834, p. o. add. Perkinsville. 

Morris, B. M., Lumberman, b. Allegany Co., N. Y., s. 1827, p. o. add. Wayland. 

Marks, Nicholas, Farmer, b. Germany, s. 1852, p. o.add. Wayland. 

Mecblenbacher, Lewis, Farmer, b. Germany, s. 1846, p. o. add. Wayland. 

Marvin, A. C , Farmer, b. Delaware Co., N. Y., s. 183U, p. o. add. Wayland. 

Moon, Reynolds, Farmer, b. AUeg-any Co., N. Y., s 1820, p. o. add. Wuyland. 

Mecblenbacher, Louis, Farmer, b. Germany, s. ISliG, p. add. Perkinsville. 

Miller, Conrad, Farmer, b. Germany, s. 1836, p. o. add, Perkinsville. 

Preston, Adrian G., Physician and Surger)n, b. Yates Co., N. Y.,s. 1847, p. o. add. 
Wayland. 

R'-x. Charles N., Farmer, b. Steuben Co., N. Y., s. I84o, p. o. add. Wayland. 

Baubui-, Steplien, Farmer, b. Steuben Co., N. Y., s. 18—, p. o. add. Wayland. 

St. John, N. N., Physician, b. Monroe Co., N. Y., s. 1874, p. o. add. Wayland. 

Schly, Henry, Postmaster and Merchant, b. Steuben Co.,N. Y.,s.lS42, p. o.add. 
Wayland. 

Soemur, Rev. John, Catholic Priest, b. Gerniauy, s. 1846, p. o. add. Perkinsville. 

Smith, Jacob, Farmei'. 

Towusond, J., Proprietor of Hotel, b. Steuben Co., N. Y., s. 1811, p. o. add. 
Wavlaud. 



Wilson, Mary, fiHlliner, b. llbnois, s. 1859, p. o. add. Wayland. 

Whitemun, Edwai-d, Farmer and laimberman, b. Pennsylvania, s. 1815, p. o. 

add. Wayland. 
Wbitoman, George E., Farmer, b. Steuben Co.,N. Y., a. 1848, p.o.adil. Wuyland. 
W'erkly. Margaret, Farmer, b. Livingston. Co., N. Y., s. 18—, 
Yolion, Casper, Farmer, b. Germany, b. 183D. p. o. add. Wayland. 
Yochem, Caroline, Farmer, b. Germany, s. 1855, p. o.add. Porkin^iville. 
Yobon, Peter, Farmer, b. Steuben Co., N. Y., s. 1856, p. o. add. Perkinsville. 



WAYNE. 

Cranz, William, p. o. add. Wjivne. 

Earnest, Jtdiu J., Cariiage Mnfr. and Farmer, b. New York, s. 181K, p. a. add. 

Waytie. 
Earnest, Cassius M., Farmer, b. New York, s. 1852, p. o. add. Wayne. 
Gleason, James R., b. New York, p. o. add Wayne. 
Holly, Almira, p. o. add. Urbana, 
Honck, Prudence E., Fai-mor and Grape Grower, b. New York, s. IS.'JS, p. o. add. 

Wayne. 
Hallet, Ann E , Fai^ner, b. New York, s. 1828, p. o. add. Wayne. 
Knapj>, M. V., Fann. and Stock Gn>wcr. b. New York, a. 1854, p. o. add. Wayne, 
McDowell, George W., Farmer, b. New York, s. 1836, p. o. add. Wayne, 
McDowell, V. M., Farmer, b. New York, 8. 1831, p. o. mid. Wayne. 
McDowell, Eva Sherwood, b. New York, s. 1851, p. o. add. Wayne. 
Rarrick, Hiram S., ]>. o. add. Wayne. 

Sanford, Russell, Farmer, b. New York, s. 1822, p. o. add. Wayne. 
Sanford, David, Farmer, b. New .Torsey,8. 1818, p. o. add. Wayne. 
W'ixson, Joel, Farmer and Fiiiit Grower, b. New York, s. 1814, p. o. add. Wayne. 
Wixson, Norman, Farmer and Fruit Gruwer, b. New York, a. 1819, p. o. add. 

Wayne. 
Wixson, S. R., Farmer and Supervisor, b. New York, s. 183.5, p. o. add. Wayne. 



WEST UNION. 

Barney, Levant A., Fanner, b. New York, s. 18.''il, p. o. add. West Union. 

Connery, M. P., Clergyman, b. Ireland, s. 1874, p. o. add. llexviUe. 

Coffin, Harvey, Farmer, b. New York, p. o. add. West Union. 

King, Harrison, Farmer, b. New York, s. 1845, p. o. add. Wliite's Cornel's, Pa. 

Sheiman, David, Farmer, b. New York, s. 1841, p. o. add. West Union. 



WHEELER. 

Aulls, E.. Farm, and Postmaster (eight years), b. New York, s. 1809, p. o. add. 

Wbeeler. 
Bliven, Rev. E. T., Merchant, Postniastci-, and Bajitist Clergyman, b. New York, 

8. 1S55, p. o. add. MitcheHvilte. 
Mai-shal, Gen. Otto F., Farmer, b. Prussia, s. 1810, p.-o. add, Wheeler. 
Ut*iichen,Geo. A Son, Farmei-s and Lumbermen, b. New York, 8. 1814, p. o. add. 

Wheeler. 
Wheeler, D. D., Farmer, b. New Y'ork, s. 1845, p. o. add. Wheeler. 



WOODHULL. 

Bnid.v, W. H., Ilarilwiuv Slerchant, b. New YurU, ». 18G7, p. o. arUI. Wooilbull. 

lloUis, E. T. 

Husmi, W. II., I'loji. of Hotel, li. Now York, s. 1878, p. o. aiW. Wooilhull. 

Iluid, K., M reliant, b. New York, 8. 1851, p. o. srtii. Wooiihull. 

Loolllis, V. H., Druggist, b. N'cw York, 5.1849, p. o. atU. WooilUull. 

Miiston, Fotor, Lawyer, b. New York, d. 1845, p. o. add. Woodhnll. 

JIarlalt, W., Artist, b. New York, s. 1S:17, p. o, add. Woodhnll. 

M;isoii, R. II., Mei-cbant and Insurance Agent, b. New York, s. 1864, p. o. add. 

\Voodliull. 
.Miirlalt, H., Dairy Farmer, b. New York, s. 1811, p. o. add. Woodlmll. 
S>ullivan, John, b. Pennsylvania, s. 1858, p. o. add. Woodhnll. 
Smith, Edwin F., Postal Clerk, b. New York, s. 1835, p. o. add. Woodhnll. 
Slierwoocl, William IM.. Farmer, b. New York, s. 1819, p. o. add. Woodlmll. 
Smith. .loffery. Farmer, b. New York, s. 18(iG, p. ". add. Woodhnll. 
Stone, Joel, Dairy Far^lor, b. New York, s. 1809, ]>. o. add. Woodhnll. 
Smith, K. II., Wool Grower and Deputy Sheriff', b. Pennivlvania, ». 1835, p. o. 

add. Woodlmll. 
Tubhs, W. W., Merchant, b. New York, 8. 1826, p. o. add. Wooilhnll. 
Wright, Williaiu W., Lawyer, b. Ireland, s. 1851, p. o. add. Woodhnll. 
Wilcox, A. W,, Merchant, b. New York, 3. 18:iS, p. o. add. Woodhnll. 
Williams, H. S,, Loan Agent, b. New York, s. 1840, p. o. add. Woodhnll. 
Warner, S., Druggist, b. New Y'ork, s. 1843, p. o. add. Woodhnll. 
Warner, J. S., K<jnnder, b. New York, 9. 1843, p. o. add. Woodlmll. 
Wilson, M. 1'., Blackeniith and Carriage Maker, b. New York, 8. 1838, p. o. add. 

Woodhnll. 



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